Cambodia Investment Review
The ASEAN Foundation, supported by Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, recently hosted the ASEAN Digital Literacy Programme (DLP) Impact Forum in Bali, Indonesia, coinciding with the Global Media and Information Literacy Week. This event marked a significant milestone in the realm of digital literacy within the ASEAN region, with a special focus on the profound impact it has had in Cambodia.
The ASEAN DLP, under the theme “Navigating Digital Resilience: Empowering ASEAN Communities through Digital Literacy,” celebrates its two years of successful implementation across ten ASEAN Member States. The program’s mission, aligning seamlessly with UNESCO’s theme for this year’s Global Media and Information Literacy Week, is centered on combating misinformation and disinformation by providing comprehensive digital literacy training.
In Cambodia, the ASEAN DLP, in collaboration with Kampuchea Action to Promote Education (KAPE), has achieved commendable success. The program has seen the training of 89 Master Trainers and has reached over 7,165 participants, significantly contributing to the regional tally of 193,955 individuals benefiting from 2,647 digital literacy workshops. This figure surpasses the initial target of impacting 100,000 people within a two-year period, highlighting the program’s extensive reach and effectiveness.
Commitment To Empowering the Youth with Essential Cybersecurity Knowledge
The ASEAN Youth Advisory Group (YAG) has been instrumental in furthering the program’s objectives, conducting 12 impactful online and on-site digital literacy campaigns across the ASEAN countries. These campaigns have directly benefited 3,881 individuals and achieved a combined social media reach of over 930,000. A notable campaign within Cambodia is ‘PUTHI,’ initiated by Cambodian ASEAN YAG member Raksa Ma, aimed at raising awareness about cybercrimes among university students. The campaign, supported by significant entities such as the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications and the American University of Phnom Penh, underscores the program’s commitment to empowering the youth with essential cybersecurity knowledge.
Read more: Cambodia Prioritizes Women’s Digital Literacy: A Key Strategy for Future Economic Success
The ASEAN DLP Impact Forum in Bali served as a grand assembly of local implementing partners, Master Trainers, mentors, ASEAN YAG members, representatives of Google.org, the ASEAN Secretariat, and members of the Board of Trustees of the ASEAN Foundation. The forum facilitated insightful panel discussions and engaging workshops, focusing on various aspects of digital literacy. This congregation of diverse stakeholders underscored the collaborative spirit and shared purpose that drives the ASEAN DLP – creating a safer digital space and developing a digitally inclusive Southeast Asia.
Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, emphasized the collective achievement of the ASEAN DLP, attributing its success to the active participation and dedication of all stakeholders involved. Marija Ralic, Lead for Google.org APAC, also expressed pride in supporting this initiative, acknowledging the transformative impact it has had across Southeast Asia.
Sophanak SAR, EdTech Coordinator at KAPE, highlighted the organization’s role in Cambodia, proudly noting the education of more than 7,200 people across 15 provinces. These individuals, equipped with digital literacy knowledge, are now agents of change, amplifying the awareness in their communities.
Aiming To Enhance Digital Literacy in Cambodia & Across The Region
Furthering its commitment, the ASEAN DLP launched DigitalClassASEAN.org, an e-learning platform aiming to enhance digital literacy across the region. The platform targets a broad audience, including youth, educators, community leaders, government officials, the elderly, and people with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility. With modules covering various aspects of digital literacy, available in eight ASEAN languages, the platform symbolizes a significant step towards making digital literacy education widely accessible.
The ASEAN Foundation, established in 1997, has been a cornerstone in fostering awareness and development among the ASEAN people. The ASEAN DLP, with the backing of Google.org, represents a pivotal initiative in realizing the vision of a cohesive and prosperous ASEAN Community, one that is digitally inclusive and resilient. The program’s achievements in Cambodia serve as a beacon of success, demonstrating the potential of collaborative efforts in tackling the challenges of the digital age and empowering communities with the tools and knowledge to navigate the digital world safely and effectively.
