Sean Borat, secretary of state at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, reiterated the important core role that digital technology is playing in almost all socio-economic activities. He encouraged Cambodian youth to establish e-commerce businesses to develop the digital economy.
Bora offered the encouragement as he addressed the May 24 closing of a digital trade innovation course. Themed “Digital trade innovation entrepreneurship in the third season”, the course was held at the Cambodian National Youth Centre in Siem Reap province.
He noted that the digital sector is an important driver of economic growth, hence the government’s efforts to promote it through the introduction of the Cambodia Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework 2021-2035.
“Belief in a digital system means we are focused on building legal systems and increasing our understanding of digital safety. E-commerce makes an important contribution to digital economic development. The numbers of internet users among youth and the knowledge of infrastructure in the technological sector are steadily increasing,” he said.
He added that digital technology plays a core role in efficient, productive socio-economic activities.
“To respond to the fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0 – and a rapidly changing society – youth need to be equipped with 21st century skills,” he said.
He also recommended that they acquire soft kills like critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making, along with excellent communication and the ability to work as a team.
Mil Phorn Seiha, director of the Youth Department at the education ministry, described the nature of the innovation workshop.
“The 21st Century Youth Business Innovation Programme lasted for seven days, and was attended by 80 young people, who heard from 13 different speakers. The programme focused mainly on 17 lessons that will enable the youth to create business ideas, write business plans and prepare to establish their own businesses,” he said.
He added that the lessons included data analysis and collection, goal setting and business initiatives, business management and setup, digital business plans, video production and media, internal battles, strategies to become a great entrepreneur, public speaking, digital business ideas, setting marketing strategies, digital marketing and financial analyses, cost analysis and profitable products, business and risk management.
He told the trainees that they should believe in themselves, and in their future roles as business leaders and entrepreneurs who will participate in the development of the economy and help Cambodian society to thrive in the future.
Kin Phea, director of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, supported the programme, noting that Cambodian youth should seek to strength their understanding of digital systems and technologies, as these skills are in demand in a sector that offers excellent career advancement potential and good salaries.
“Building human resources is the most important task for Cambodia, as we move towards developing our digital society. We need specific skills to make this happen,” he said.
