The Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) is gearing up for the much-anticipated 2nd National Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI Day 2024), a pivotal event poised to significantly impact Cambodia’s SME development and technological growth. Set against the backdrop of “SMEs Go STI,” the three-day affair from March 24-26 at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Center in Phnom Penh is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Hun Manet.
In a conversation with Khmer Times National Editor Ben Sokhean, Minister Hem Vanndy of MISTI shared insights into the event’s importance and its potential to shape the future of Cambodia’s economic landscape.
Highlighting the event’s central theme, “SMEs Go STI,” Minister Vanndy emphasized the critical role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as engines of socio-economic development. The event aims to integrate Science, Technology, and Innovation into SME operations to boost their efficiency, market competitiveness, and global integration.
Reflecting on the inaugural STI Day, which attracted 30,000 attendees from various sectors, Minister Vanndy expressed aspirations for the upcoming event to further encourage STI adoption among SMEs. The goal is to create a collaborative platform for stakeholders to explore innovative technologies, establish partnerships, and steer towards enhanced production and sustainable economic growth.
To empower SMEs, MISTI intends to showcase an array of technological solutions and machinery through interactive exhibitions, aimed at optimizing SME operations, product quality, and market expansion. This initiative is expected to elevate the growth and competitiveness of SMEs.
Addressing the engagement of the younger generation, Minister Vanndy outlined plans for interactive science exhibitions designed to spark curiosity and interest in STEM among students and children, fostering a future workforce skilled in science and technology.
The event will also feature a Technology Forum and various exhibitions, highlighting technological advancements and innovations tailored to SME needs. This initiative is expected to showcase transformative technologies across diverse sectors, contributing to Cambodia’s progress and prosperity.
The introduction of the Public Sector Innovation Awards aims to recognize and incentivize efficiency-driven innovations within the public sector, focusing on impactful, cost-effective, and scalable solutions.
Minister Vanndy underscored the collaborative nature of the 2nd National STI Day, involving partnerships with government bodies, academia, the private sector, civil society, and development partners, all contributing to a conducive environment for STI growth.
Acknowledging both the challenges and opportunities in becoming an innovative and knowledge-based economy, Minister Vanndy highlighted the pivotal role of human capital, investments in STI, and the need for supportive infrastructure and policies to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly among the youth.
MISTI’s strategies to promote innovation and entrepreneurship include implementing key policies like the Cambodia STI Roadmap 2030 and developing a vibrant startup ecosystem to empower Cambodian innovators.
Finally, Minister Vanndy articulated the integral role of STI in achieving Cambodia’s Sustainable Development Goals and the National Strategic Development Plan, emphasizing the potential of STI to provide solutions to societal challenges, enhance sectoral productivity, and ensure inclusive and sustainable development.
The 2nd National STI Day aligns with Cambodia’s STI Roadmap 2030, aiming to establish a supportive ecosystem for innovation and business growth, marking a significant step towards a prosperous and technologically advanced Cambodia.
