Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Cham Prasidh wants to create a national brain trust by forming a team of scholars dedicated to sharing knowledge.

The initiative aims to register human resources in science, technology and innovation to work in the ministry, universities and the private sector.

Ministry spokesperson Um Sotha told The Post on Wednesday that it is having a meeting with ministries and related institutions to study the matter and propose names.

“Human resources are separated into various institutions, ministries, and private sector organisations like NGOs. Those human resources are the big target that the government and related ministries need in helping with various research studies,” Sotha said.

Prasidh led a meeting on Monday with Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron. He mostly focused on human resources education at all levels for the process of assembling the team, he said.

“Through discussion and exchange of opinions, the two ministers demonstrated the importance of paying attention when creating the inventory list for this team. Right now these resources are separated,” Sotha said.

Both ministries took to Facebook to mention that they and related institutions have to collaborate and cooperate with state and private sectors, including universities and NGOs to understand the demands and match them with work.

“The state must create forums or workshops to exchange experiences and new knowledge between those who have them and those who have just graduated from schools,” the ministries said.

Education ministry spokesman Ros Soveacha said on Wednesday that the meeting between the ministries was a response to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) policy to enhance digital education and take part in developing Cambodia’s economy.

“The ministries and related institutions are following the plan decided in the meeting to create the inventory list of experts in science, technology and innovation. It is the source of our national knowledge,” he said.