The National Council of Science, Technology and Innovation (NCSTI) convened here on Aug. 21 its 4th meeting to review progress and set strategic direction for Cambodia’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) sector.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI), was chaired by H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation and Chair of the NCSTI, alongside Vice-Chairs H.E. Chea Vandeth, Minister of Post and Telecommunications, and H.E. Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, with the participation of representatives from ministries-institutions, universities, research institutions and the private sector.

According to MISTI, H.E. Hem Vanndy said that strengthening the role of STI is key in driving Cambodia’s socio-economic development. He shared that the Royal Decree on the Organisation and Functioning of the NCSTI is being updated, with the Royal Government now allowing to include Research and Development
(R and D) into the Council’s mandate. Additionally, the composition of the Advisory Board is being revised to better align with the Council’s needs and missions.

The meeting reviewed the Council’s achievements, including the progress on STI park initiative, R and D management, development of human resources in science and technology, and updates on various ASEAN initiatives on STI. It also acknowledged the outcomes from the 2nd National STI Day, the 20th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology, and Innovation (AMMSTI-20), the 85th ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI-85) meeting, the 2023 STI Report and a study on the National R and D Information System.

H.E. Chea Vandeth stressed the Council’s operational framework and provided an intervention on the progress of the digital government efforts. Meanwhile, Minister Dith Tina called for careful management of these digital platforms, emphasising consistency, interoperability, and security when developing e-government technolog
ies.

During the meeting, sectoral updates were presented, with the Ministry of Health reporting on plans for the development a digital health platform to enhance the efficiency, quality, and accessibility of healthcare services, while the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport outlining programmes for human resource development in the field of science and technology.

The Council endorsed the Ministry of Environment’s initiatives but emphasised that the Green Hydrogen Technology Roadmap could have cross-sectoral implications, requiring strong collaboration with relevant ministries and institutions.

The NCSTI also adopted three documents, including the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the National Research Agenda 2025, the Cambodian Enterprise Innovation Index (CEII) Guidelines that reinforce Cambodia’s commitment to creating a robust innovation ecosystem, and the Internal Rules of NCSTI that ensure coherent operations within the Council.

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to Cambodia’s STI Roadma
p 2030, proposing a mid-term review in 2025 to ensure ongoing progress. In its strategic direction, in line with the Pentagonal Strategy Phase I, The Council prioritised key areas including enhancing STI governance, strengthening human capital, fostering collaboration within the innovation ecosystem, advancing artificial intelligence (AI), and accelerating research and development.

H.E. Hem Vanndy added that insights gathered from the 4th Council Meeting will guide future STI development in Cambodia. He urged Council members to provide updates on their respective sectors to enhance Cambodia’s standing in the Global Innovation Index and to prepare reports for the Royal Government of Cambodia. Additionally, he called on the private sector to strengthen and adopt a more proactive role in advancing STI development initiatives.

Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse