Cambodia Investment Review
Cambodia’s Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional collaboration in science and technology under ASEAN’s 2035 Vision, following its 7th national meeting held on October 9, 2025, at the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI).
Presided over by H.E. Dr. Hul Seingheng, Under Secretary of State of MISTI and Chairman of Cambodia’s COSTI, the meeting focused on the nation’s progress in implementing the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) 2026–2035, a 10-year roadmap adopted at the 21st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-21) in Jakarta.
Regional Integration Through Science and Innovation
Dr. Seingheng emphasized Cambodia’s growing role in advancing science, technology, and innovation (STI) as an essential pillar for national and regional development. He said the meeting demonstrated the Kingdom’s “collective commitment and active engagement in advancing science, technology and innovation as an essential foundation for the ASEAN Economic Community.”
Read More: Cambodia and Australia Collaborate to Boost Manufacturing Sector Competitiveness
The APASTI 2026–2035 outlines a shared regional vision of “an integrated ASEAN powered by STI,” highlighting key focus areas including space technology, health, food systems, clean energy, artificial intelligence, and technology transfer. Cambodia’s participation is expected to drive resilience, collaboration, and competitiveness within ASEAN’s innovation ecosystem.
Strengthening Collaboration and Project Implementation
The meeting also reviewed progress updates and proposals from COSTI’s nine sub-committees, covering national initiatives to enhance Cambodia’s STI ecosystem. Presentations from the COSTI Secretariat included summaries of key outcomes from the AMMSTI-21 and COSTI-87 sessions, as well as a technical overview of the ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Fund (ASTIF), which supports collaborative regional research and innovation programs.
Dr. Seingheng urged continued coordination across sub-committees to ensure that Cambodia’s innovation policies remain aligned with ASEAN’s broader development priorities. “We must continue to work cohesively across ministries, institutions, and sectors to ensure Cambodia’s active participation in achieving the ASEAN STI goals,” he said.
Building a Future-Ready Innovation Ecosystem
Through COSTI’s engagement, Cambodia aims to strengthen research networks, promote technology commercialization, and support digital transformation in key industries. The country’s alignment with the APASTI 2026–2035 framework underscores its ambition to harness science and innovation not only for economic growth but also for sustainable development across the region.
COSTI’s next steps include identifying strategic partnerships, scaling ongoing projects, and ensuring effective use of regional funds to support research, innovation, and capacity-building initiatives in Cambodia.
