Nanning, China – Cambodia has urged ASEAN nations and China to strengthen collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI), positioning innovation as a catalyst for inclusive growth and long-term prosperity. The call was made at the 13th Forum on China-ASEAN Technology Transfer and Collaborative Innovation, held under the theme “Shared AI, Shared Future.”
The forum gathered government officials, technology leaders, and industry experts from across Asia to explore pathways for digital transformation and sustainable development.
Delivering a keynote address, Hul Seingheng, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) and Chair of the National Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI), highlighted Cambodia’s commitment to leveraging AI to boost economic growth, narrow digital divides, and improve quality of life.
Expressing appreciation to China and the China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Centre (CATTC), Seingheng said: “This forum reflects not only the shared aspirations of our nations but also the responsibility we collectively bear to ensure that AI becomes a tool for empowerment.”
Building an Innovation-Driven Economy
Seingheng pointed to Cambodia’s national strategies shaping its transition to an innovation-led economy, including the National Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation 2020–2030, the STI Roadmap 2030, and the Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework 2021–2035. These frameworks are guiding the application of technology in electronics, energy security, and agro-processing, aligning with Cambodia’s ambition to achieve high-income status by 2050.
AI as a Regional Priority
Outlining Cambodia’s approach, Seingheng identified three key priorities for regional AI cooperation:
- AI for sustainability – applying technology to manufacturing, energy efficiency, climate resilience, and agriculture.
- Inclusive access – empowering SMEs, women, and rural communities through AI adoption.
- Ethical governance – promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust in AI systems.
Reaffirming Cambodia’s readiness to work closely with ASEAN and China, he concluded: “With our collective wisdom and shared determination, we can build a future defined by innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity.”
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