AKP Phnom Penh, August 5, 2026 --

The 23rd ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM) and the 8th ACCSM Plus Three Cooperation on Civil Service Matters officially opened this morning in Siem Reap province, home to the world-renowned Angkor temples, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet.

Held under the theme "Innovation for Better Service Delivery," the regional meetings underscore the important role of innovation and digital transformation in making public services more efficient, accessible, and responsive, in support of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, said H.E. Hun Many, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Service.

According to H.E. Hun Many, civil services are recognised as the backbone of development and good governance across all ASEAN Member States.

"Since its inception, ACCSM has served as a platform for fostering closer regional ties, promoting collaboration, and facilitating the exchange of information, innovations, and best practices in civil service management and development," he underlined.

Since its establishment in 1981, ACCSM has played a vital role in promoting regional cooperation on civil service development and reform.

In his keynote address, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet expressed confidence that ACCSM would help build more professional, accountable, and citizen-centred public sectors across ASEAN member states, while strengthening solidarity and knowledge-sharing among civil servants.

Cambodia joined ACCSM in 2001 in Vietnam and first assumed its chairmanship in 2005-2006.

The Prime Minister said the meetings would contribute to strengthening governance and integrity in public institutions; enhancing workforce competencies and leadership capabilities; leveraging digital transformation and innovation for more responsive public service delivery; promoting inclusivity, gender equality, and ASEAN identity; and deepening cooperation with the Plus Three countries and other dialogue partners.

By Heng Panha