Members of the public enjoy the display during the second National Day of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) which kicked off at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh on March 24. Yousos Apdoulrashim
Prime Minister Hun Manet has called for all relevant stakeholders to advance the implementation of cutting-edge science, technology and innovation (STI), in particular in the agriculture, education and health sectors.
He also urged small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to “turn challenges into opportunities” in order to contribute to the efficient, resilient and long-term development of the national economy.
Manet made the appeal while presiding over the March 24 opening of the second National Day of Science, Technology and Innovation event at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh, held under the theme of Small and Medium Enterprises towards STI.
The premier lauded the event, describing it as a testament to the potential of the sector, as well as the close attention the government is paying to pushing SMEs to embrace STI as the foundation for an innovative national ecology.
He added that the fair promoted the spirit of a love for science as it encourages all stakeholders to embrace the benefits of technology and innovation, whether in policy making, research or the private sector.
“Adopting technology in production chains increases productivity and adds value for SMEs in all countries around the world, especially at a time when we are all surrounded by uncertainty,” he said.
Manet also highlighted that strengthening the technological capacity and innovations of SMEs is key to building successful regional and global production chains, especially as the Kingdom has entered into free trade agreements (FTAs) with many countries.
The national STI event will run for three days, until March 26. It will gather many key figures, including policy makers, innovators, and those involved in promoting science and technology in Cambodia.
Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Hem Vanndy also addressed the opening event, saying that STI are the catalysts for the Kingdom’s goal of becoming an upper-middle-income nation by 2030 and high-income status by 2050.
“This event will showcase science and other tools. It will serve as a forum to showcase the progress of industry and SMEs in Cambodia, which creates jobs and supports economic growth,” he said.
“We are focused on SMEs to make them embrace technology to increase their production, productivity and quality,” Vanndy added.
The event was also attended by Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, as well as the Korea Institute for Robot Industry Advancement (KIRIA).
According to Vanndy, his ministry is currently preparing legislation which will extend the development of this sector.
The ministry has also laid out several policy papers, including Cambodia STI 2030, the National Research Agenda 2025 (NRA), technology roadmaps for the education, health, agriculture, tourism, energy, and digital sectors, among other relevant documents.
