Tech expo shows ASEAN’s devotion to digital future
CAMBODIA successfully launched the first Cambodia Tech Expo 2022, with the participation of many local and international technology companies. Tech related products and services are on display at 190 stalls.
The expo, which will run from November 11-13, is the first event of its kind to be hosted in Cambodia on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summits.
The event offers ASEAN member states, the private sector, researchers, partners and civil society organisations the chance to share new trends, challenges and opportunities related to technology. This includes the economy, digital society, Industry Revolution 4.0, policy progress and legal frameworks, as well as products and services, said a press statement.
It also aims to drive investment in technology and innovation in several sectors.
Along with the exhibition are dialogues on the ASEAN Public-Private Sector, a FinTech Stage, a Tech Startup Stage and the launch of an Innovation Investment Index. The expo was organised by nine ministries, with support from the Ministry of Economy and Finance and other partners.
Minister of Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth spoke at the launch, saying that technology has made communication among people more efficient, with the public receiving wider information on public services. He said the improvement was also an opportunity to gain from the hardships posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He offered his appreciation to the technology sector in Cambodia which he said had promoted science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and Technical and Vocational Education and Training ( TVET ), both of which contribute to the growth of the national economy.
He urged more attention to be paid to environmentally friendly construction via more green buildings, to ensure that development and environmental protection go hand in hand.
Cham Prasidh, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, said at the opening ceremony that science, technology and innovation has strong potential for increasing efficiency, and it will have a massive impact on the government’s efforts to achieve its Agenda 2030.
Mila Jivkova Kusheva, representative of telecommunications service provider Smart
Axiata, said that during the past 14 years, her company had worked closely with various regulators to improve innovation – through her company’s products and services – and improve connectivity and coverage, both of which were foundations for accelerating economic growth.
Andy Chee, CEO of Kepstar Data Centre Management, said his company was ready to work with the government to drive prosperity in digital socio-economic terms.
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina also attended the opening of the expo, and shared his views on improvements to food security spurred by new technology.
“Our population increases from one year to another, while the size of our arable land remains the same.
Therefore, the agriculture sector requires modern and efficient methods to provide adequate produce,” he said.
He continued that his vision was to increase agriculture productivity, a quality food security infrastructure for export, contribute to global food chains, strengthen business, and promote Cambodia’s profile on the international stage.
He tweeted after the launch, saying he supports the Cambodia Tech Expo 2022 and welcomed science, technology and innovation in the agriculture sector.
“Science, technology and innovation will be the key solutions for world food security and also in balancing the environmental impact of human activities. I support inclusive STI for the benefit of humankind,” he said.