Cambodia Investment Review
For the first time ever, ItaCham (Italian Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia) organized the Italian Space Day (Giornata Nazionale dello Spazio) in Cambodia. The event, spanning three days, was held at CamEd Business School, bringing attention to Italy’s contributions to space exploration and its potential for future collaborations with Cambodia. The Italian Space Day was designed to raise awareness of the growing importance of space technology and its applications for the region, with a particular focus on how Cambodia can engage with the space sector.
The event featured a wide-ranging exhibition at CamEd, showcasing Khmer craftsmanship with a special emphasis on Khmer Apsaras alongside Space Apsara paintings, blending traditional Khmer culture with the modernity of space technology. The exhibition was complemented by videos provided by the Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (Italian Space Agency), offering insights into Italy’s space missions and technological advancements.
Panel Discussions Cover Key Themes in Cambodia’s Space Industry
Day two of the event included a panel discussion structured around four main themes, starting with a presentation on Cambodia’s investment ecosystem and current developments in the space sector. The session aimed to set the stage for future space activities in Cambodia. Officials such as H.E. Lor Tith Chansopheak from the Council for the Development of Cambodia and Mrs. Cheat Morokot from the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications’ Satellite Department shared insights into the government’s current initiatives and plans for the space sector, emphasizing Cambodia’s readiness to engage more deeply in space-related activities.
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The second theme of the panel focused on space applications and their potential for Cambodia. Key speakers included Stefano Natali from MEEO S.r.l., Fabio A. Cardani from Nplus S.r.l., and Seanglideet Yean from the Singapore-ETH Centre, who discussed various space technologies and applications that have been successfully implemented in Italy and Singapore. The speakers highlighted how these innovations could be adapted to the Cambodian context to improve areas such as agriculture, telecommunications, and disaster management.
The third theme addressed the importance of research, academia, and international collaboration. Professors Stefano Seriani and Anna Gregorio from the University of Trieste, along with Professor Sarot Srang from the Institute of Technology of Cambodia, discussed the RISE Project, a collaboration with the European Space Agency. The panelists also reflected on past and ongoing activities in Cambodia’s space sector, with an emphasis on the lessons learned and the potential for further academic and industry partnerships to drive the sector forward.
The final session of the panel addressed the concept of the space economy, with Anilkumar Dave, an expert in the field, sharing his perspectives on how Cambodia, as a developing country, can initiate its own domestic space economy. The discussion emphasized the importance of strategic investments in space infrastructure, workforce development, and fostering international partnerships to establish a sustainable space ecosystem in Cambodia.
Sponsors and Supporters Contribute to Event’s Success
ItaCham expressed its gratitude to all the event’s supporters, including CamEd and its president Casey Barnett, as well as the CamEd team, notably Khemara Bormeychan Ung, for their logistical support. The event also benefited from sponsorship from Nplus S.r.l., and in-kind sponsorship from the Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI), Boncafe Cambodia Ltd., and Angkor Art Gallery. Several prominent figures and organizations attended the event, contributing to the rich discussions and exchange of ideas, including Andrej Kuzin, Kimang Khun, Matthew Alexander Pocock, Rotha Him, H.E. Norn Samnangseymony, and others.
This first-ever Italian Space Day in Cambodia has helped lay the foundation for a broader conversation about Cambodia’s future role in the global space economy. As discussions continue, the event stands as a testament to the growing recognition of space’s potential to drive innovation, economic growth, and international cooperation in Cambodia and beyond.
