Minister of Environment Say Sam Al on February 18 called on the younger generation to learn how to capitalise on technological innovations and key developments for their personal gain and in the interests of the Kingdom.

The minister made the call while presiding over the inauguration ceremony of the Science and Technology Experiment Centre at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC), known locally as “Sala Techno”.

Sam Al stressed that Cambodia has the opportunity and ability to take advantage of scientific, technological and engineering advancements, and other Industry 4.0 trends.

Cambodian players have just as wide an opening to enter the Industry 4.0 ecosystem as their international peers, he said, adding that this process is consistent with the visions of "Cambodia Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework 2021-2035".

Chief among these are the diversification of the economy and active Cambodian participation in the regional and global integration of science, technology and engineering, he added.

The minister urged local youth, especially students, to work hard and seize on opportunities arising from scientific and technological progress, for the sake of Cambodian society and to catalyse an economic shift away from traditional industries to modern ones.

Sam Al, who is also the head of the NGO Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia-Phnom Penh Branch (UYFC-PP), also signed a memorandum of understanding on Education 4.0.

The deal was signed by UYFC-PP, STEAMING Cambodia, Preah Sisowath High School, New Generation School, Prek Leap National Institute of Agriculture, E2STEM Education Cambodia, Preah Yukunthor High School, and The Liger Charitable Foundation (TLCF).