Cambodia to Organize First-Ever Science, Technology and Innovation Day
- By Paid Content
- March 25, 2023 12:47 PM
Phnom Penh, 25th March 2023 -- The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation is organizing the first-ever “National Science, Technology and Innovation Day” with a mission to promote the widespread adoption of technologies and further encourage home-grown innovation in the Kingdom.
The newly declared national day, on March 26, will have an emphasis on governmental policies and roadmaps related to the Cambodia Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework 2021-2035 and the readiness of Cambodia to become a middle-income country by 2030.
The 1st Cambodia-International Science, Technology & Innovation Expo is set to be held over March 26-28 at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Center to mark the occasion, and it will feature more than 200 exhibitions from line ministries, higher education and research institutions, national and international development partners, private companies and business associations. The opening ceremony on March 26 will be presided over by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
One of the highlights of the event will be the unveiling of the Science Caravan, the first-ever mobile science laboratory designed to pique children's interest in science, technology and innovation and instill a positive attitude towards STEM education. The event is expected to draw many young Cambodians and caregivers interested in introducing their children to science and technology.
The expo will also see many keynote presentations from various experts and researchers in the fields of science and technology with an emphasis on making STEM more accessible to children and, in particular, girls. The event’s Talk Show, meanwhile, will serve as a platform to bring together academics, entrepreneurs and government experts for discussions on challenges, solutions and future collaborations. This is a great opportunity to create unity and embrace different ideas as organizations look to enhance how they operate in the digital era.
Dr Heng Sokkung, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, said that "The Cambodian government has highlighted the importance of science, technology, innovation, and education by showcasing the path of STEM, research, and development towards a brighter future for Cambodia 2030, with the goal of addressing the challenges in the field and promoting the growth of science, technology, and innovation in Cambodia."
"The fields of science, technology, and innovation are the backbone of a thriving nation. The Cambodian government has made significant strides in elevating the importance of STEM education and research, with the aim of propelling the country towards a new era of progress and prosperity,” he added.
Chea Ratha, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, also further elaborated that, “Despite the global underrepresentation of women in STEM, Cambodia's women entrepreneurs have shown us that progress is possible. With 30% of women enrolled in STEM, and with only 8-10% women in the top leadership position, our aim is to ensure that by 2030, 40% of women in Cambodia are working in this field, driving innovation and shaping the future of our nation."
It is anticipated that the three-day event will attract as many as 50,000 visitors, with additional fun and interactive learning activities expected to pique the interest of young Cambodians.
The first Science, Technology, and Innovation Day will significantly encourage further egngagement and suppot for youth, entrepreneurs, and professionals with a vision to create new and innovative opportunities. The participation and contribution to the high-tech industry, science, technology, and innovation is an essential means of promoting national development, and it is expected that Cambodia's economy will grow exponentially to become a higher-middle income country by 2030 and high-income country by 2050.
