Cambodia Investment Review
Italian Space Day 2025 returned to Phnom Penh with a full-day program highlighting how space technology, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration can strengthen Italy–Cambodia cooperation. Organized by ItaCham, the Italian Business Chamber Cambodia and Italian Chapter of EuroCham Cambodia, and hosted at CamEd Business School, the event brought together policymakers, academics, industry specialists, and students to explore the growing role of space innovation in Cambodia’s development priorities.
Immersive Exhibition Blends Technology and Culture
A major attraction was the Immersive AR Space Museum curated by the Cambodian Librarians Association. Visitors explored Italy’s space heritage through a curated photographic exhibition enhanced with augmented reality layers activated via smartphone. The experience provided interactive storytelling that combined scientific history with modern digital engagement.
A custom-designed artistic spaceship—commissioned by CamEd President Casey Barnett and created by a Khmer artist—served as the centrepiece. Its buffalo-head inspiration referenced Cambodia’s historical modes of transport and symbolised the bridging of tradition with future technological aspirations. The programme also incorporated a Khmer Royal Ballet performance, reinforcing the link between cultural identity and technological advancement.
Speaker Insights: Policy, Investment, and Practical Applications
A high-level evening panel on space applications and space diplomacy examined opportunities for bilateral cooperation. Moderated by Dr. Riccardo Corrado, Vice Chairman of ItaCham and Associate Professor at CamEd Business School, the session highlighted how cross-sector collaboration can support national development.
Speakers included:
- Nam Dork, Satellite Policy Department, Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MPTC), who outlined Cambodia’s current satellite and space policy priorities, national ambitions, and insights from ASEAN–Italy cooperation.
- Tithchansopheak Lor, Deputy Director, Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), who detailed Cambodia’s investment incentives for high-tech sectors and encouraged European and Italian companies to work with EuroCham and ItaCham to streamline market entry.
- Bormy Chanthong, GIS Expert, who showcased practical projects using satellite and GIS data in Cambodia, while pointing to regulatory gaps in the importation of electronics and space-related equipment, noting the importance of distinguishing imports based on usage—education, telecommunications, or defence.
- Dr. Anna Gregorio, Associate Professor at the University of Trieste, joining online from Italy, who highlighted the role of university research in driving innovation. She presented PICOSATS—her university spin-off specializing in small satellites—and emphasized the importance of research-driven entrepreneurship and international collaboration.
Speakers collectively emphasized that practical applications of space technology—ranging from geospatial mapping to satellite connectivity—can support Cambodia’s future development and open avenues for expanded cooperation with Italy.
Strengthening Italy–Cambodia Collaboration
Organizers noted that the event reflects growing momentum in science, technology, and education partnerships between the two countries. As Cambodia accelerates its digital transformation and Italy deepens its strategic presence in ASEAN, both sides highlighted opportunities for investment, capacity building, and academic collaboration.
Italian Space Day 2025 was supported by CamEd Business School, the Cambodian Librarians Association under the leadership of Roseka Huy, EuroLink Cambodia, iDeal Distribution, Awesomepick, Segafredo Zanetti, Annam Cambodia, Loacker, Mulino Bianco (Barilla Group), and AusKhmer, along with institutional communication support from the Italian Space Agency (ASI). Organizers also recognized Dr. Riccardo Corrado for leading this year’s programme.
