AKP Phnom Penh, May 13, 2025 --

The Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Board convened on Monday at the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) to review national progress and provide strategic direction for Cambodia’s science, technology and innovation (STI) development.

The high-level meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Minister Hem Vanndy and H.E. Prof. Chhem Kieth Rithy, Senior Minister and Chair of the NCSTI Advisory Board. The session brought together around 30 national experts, including Advisory Board members and STI specialists, to assess achievements and shape future priorities.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Hem Vanndy highlighted the importance of inclusive expert engagement. “As a country, we need more science experts, and today, we have gathered experts from various fields to join us in fostering progress in science, technology and innovation for our nation,” he said.

The Advisory Board, composed of 23 expert members with advanced degrees across disciplines such as medicine, education, economics, and informatics, plays a vital role in advising the National Council of Science, Technology and Innovation (NCSTI), steering STI policy and institutional development.

Prof. Chhem Kieth Rithy emphasised human capital as a cornerstone of STI growth. “To shape Cambodia’s scientific landscape, it is important to develop human resources. Education should play a central role, with higher education institutions aligning their programs to meet the nation’s industrial aspirations,” he stated.

He also proposed the establishment of a national technology transfer centre to facilitate collaboration between academia and industry.

According to MISTI, the meeting reviewed key achievements, including the approval and implementation of the Cambodia STI Roadmap 2030, a strategic document guiding the country's innovation journey.

Updates were also provided on major initiatives such as the National Research Agenda 2025, the GO-SPIN project, and the development of sector-specific technology roadmaps in education, health, agriculture, tourism, digital, and energy sectors.

Additionally, the meeting announced an upcoming seminar series titled "The Scientists in Policy", aimed at equipping scientists with the skills to contribute effectively to the policymaking process.

Recommendations and insights from the Advisory Board will inform the agenda of the upcoming 5th NCSTI meeting, reinforcing Cambodia’s ambition to use STI as a driver of sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

AKP