MANILA — Cambodia placed digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and innovation at the forefront of its bilateral engagements with key regional partners during the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference (PMC)+1 Sessions in Manila.
Led by Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, the Cambodian delegation met with representatives from China, India, Japan, and the Republic of Korea to expand strategic cooperation in high-tech sectors, semiconductor manufacturing, cybersecurity, and future-ready talent development.
Expanding Technology Bilateral Cooperation
During the high-level dialogue sessions, Cambodia proposed actionable partnerships tailored to each partner nation’s technological strengths:
- China: Following the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn welcomed joint AI frameworks. Cambodia supported designated initiatives, including the proposal to declare 2027 as the ASEAN-China Year of AI Cooperation.
- India: Minister Sokhonn underscored the importance of leveraging India’s established science and technology ecosystem. Primary focus areas included expanding technical alignment in semiconductors, fintech, e-commerce, digital trade, and cybersecurity.
- Japan: Discussions focused on AI co-creation, upskilling workforce talent, accelerating the digitalization of small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and developing human capital for future tech sectors.
- Republic of Korea: The delegation welcomed South Korea’s $30 million Korea Digital Innovation Flagship Project. Cambodia encouraged broader collaboration in smart agriculture, smart infrastructure, renewable energy, creative industries, and technology transfers.
Strengthening Regional Tech Frameworks
By championing innovation and advanced technologies at the PMC+1 sessions, Cambodia aims to accelerate digital adoption across the region while preparing local industries for global competitiveness. The initiatives establish a framework for tech transfers, infrastructure modernization, and long-term economic growth across ASEAN member states.
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