(Tokyo) — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has praised the rising technological capabilities of Cambodian youth, emphasizing their growing expertise in software development, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Addressing members of the Cambodian community in Japan on May 31, the premier highlighted recent digital achievements as a sign of national progress and pride.
Speaking at the gathering, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet underscored Cambodia’s journey from post-conflict recovery to digital innovation. “Khmer people are not inferior. We built Angkor and many other great achievements. What matters is opportunity,” he said, noting that Cambodia’s improving education system has played a vital role in enabling young Cambodians to thrive.
He pointed to the example of accounting software that was once imported from Singapore at a cost of USD 200,000–300,000 for use by major retailers such as Lucky Supermarket. Today, he explained, similar software is developed locally by Cambodian programmers—demonstrating a significant leap in domestic technological capability.
The Prime Minister highlighted Cambodia’s recent strides in robotics and AI integration, with young Cambodians now competing and succeeding in international mathematics and robotics competitions. “Our youth are no longer dependent on foreign programmes. They are building their own applications and platforms, a transformation we should all be proud of,” he said.
One such innovation is the verify.com application, developed by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications. The platform, designed for secure digital verification, has gained traction in multiple countries and earned a gold medal at ASEAN-level competitions, outshining entries from across the region.
Hun Manet acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in terms of capacity and resources. However, he emphasized that Cambodia’s progress—from having virtually no digital infrastructure to earning regional accolades—is a remarkable achievement. “Of course, we still face limitations. But at the very least, we should be proud of how far we’ve come,” he remarked.
Encouraging the younger generation, both in Cambodia and overseas, the premier noted a shift in self-reliance. “In the past, we relied on our parents or guardians for financial support. Today, our youth are capable of earning independently through their skills and innovation,” he said.
Drawing a parallel with Japan’s post-war industrial development, the Prime Minister noted that national pride in incremental achievements is essential for long-term growth. “Japan has been manufacturing cars for decades, but when they first began, they celebrated every breakthrough. We too must celebrate our steps forward.”
Hun Manet’s remarks aimed to inspire confidence among Cambodian youth and reaffirm the government’s commitment to fostering a digital and innovation-driven economy. The visit also underscored the growing role of the Cambodian diaspora in advancing the country’s development goals.
