Open data, digital security, and data journalism are among the main topics slated to take centre stage at Cambodia ICT Camp 2022. The workshop, organized by Open Development Cambodia (ODC), will feature international and local technology and data experts to speak and facilitate sessions.

Media professionals, tech and data enthusiasts and civil society groups interested in gaining new digital data and technology skills are encouraged to participate in the Cambodia ICT Camp 2022.

The Cambodia ICT Camp 2022, financially supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands, will take place from June 23 to 25 at Sokhalay Angkor Villa Resort in Siem Reap. It is a three-day workshop focussed on open data, digital security, and data journalism. Organized by ODC and local partners, the workshop is built on the successful Cambodian ICT Camp 2018 and Mekong ICT Camp 2017.

Mr. Thy Try, executive director of ODC, said this is the second time ODC and its local partners have hosted the Cambodia ICT camp. He added that this year's themes are selected to align with the current digital trends in Cambodia.

“As the Cambodian government and society are moving toward the digital space, including digital government and digital economy, it is crucial for the Cambodian citizens as a whole to understand the concept and best practice of how the technology works. It is also important for the people to know how to protect their personal data, and build a community out of a safe and secure digital environment.”

According to Thy Try, speakers will feature from Cambodia, the lower Mekong Region - including Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar - as well as other regions.

The 120 participants will have the opportunity to learn about topics such as the principles and usability of data, the digital tools for grassroots reporting, online security threats, open data and technologies for social change, fact-checking tools, as well as data science 101.

Thy Try, executive director of Open Development Cambodia

“We encourage local journalists, CSOs, environmental defenders, digital rights groups, the private sector, and university students to apply for this Camp as we believe their works have a direct impact on the community as well as the implementation of the digital government in Cambodia,” added Thy.

The camp will be an engaging opportunity for participants to not only have in-depth learning but to also build networks, explore the real-life application of open data and digital technologies, and become active members of a community of alike professionals.

The lead event organizer ODC calls for media practitioners, civil society organizations, community groups, local government, and the private sectors to apply for their participation.

Mr. Nop Vy, chief executive director of Cambodian Journalist Alliance ( CamboJA), is encouraging people in related fields to apply to join the camp to learn as well as to make engagement:

“It is an important event that is rarely organized in Cambodia. I think participants can learn about the topics related to ICT and digital safety and security. I hope journalists will take this opportunity to engage with their sources and share their expertise.”

Drawing on the inspirational success of Thailand-based Mekong ICT Camp, this is the second of the series of the ICT camp in Siem Reap. The first camp focused on cyber security, open sources, social innovation, and open data for sustainable development goals.

As at previous ICT Camps, diverse groups of participants usually result in strong networks with Cambodia and Lower Mekong countries.

ODC is a non-profit organization specializing in bringing open data to communities in developing Southeast Asia. Launched in 2011, its independent, online open data publication leads the open data movement for the public interest. ODC’s mission is to make data and objective, politically-neutral information accessible to all people, in both English and the Khmer language.

For more information: https://cambodiaict.net/

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