Cambodia is gearing up to host its first National Science, Technology and Innovation Day as part of its roadmap to digitalization, with an expo slated to take place to promote the widespread adoption of technologies and further encourage home-grown innovation.

The newly-declared national day on March 26, organized by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI), will highlight governmental policies and roadmaps related to the Cambodia Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework 2021-2035 and the readiness of Cambodia to become a middle-income country by 2030.

The first Cambodia-International Science, Technology and Innovation Expo is set to be held from March 26 to 28 at Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Center and will feature more than 200 exhibitions from various ministries, higher education and research institutions, national and international development partners, private companies and business associations. The opening ceremony on March 26 will be presided over by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

National Science, Technology and Innovation Day March 26-28, 2023. Poster supplied.

An event highlight will be the unveiling of the Science Caravan, the first-ever mobile science laboratory designed to pique children's interest in science, technology and innovation and instill a positive attitude towards STEM education.

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The expo will also feature keynote presentations from various experts and researchers in the fields of science and technology, with an emphasis on making STEM more accessible to children, in particular females.

Heng Sokkung, MISTI Secretary of State, said, "The Cambodian government has highlighted the importance of science, technology, innovation, and education by showcasing the path of STEM, research, and development towards a brighter future for Cambodia 2030, with the goal of addressing the challenges in the field and promoting the growth of science, technology, and innovation in Cambodia."

"The fields of science, technology, and innovation are the backbone of a thriving nation. The Cambodian government has made significant strides in elevating the importance of STEM education and research, with the aim of propelling the country towards a new era of progress and prosperity,” he added.

The event will also feature a ‘Talk Show’ that aims to serve as a platform to unite academics, entrepreneurs and government experts for discussions on challenges, solutions and future collaborations. This is a great opportunity to create unity and embrace different ideas as organizations look to enhance how they operate in the digital era.

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Chea Ratha, MISTI Undersecretary of State, said, “Despite the global underrepresentation of women in STEM, Cambodia's women entrepreneurs have shown us that progress is possible. With 30 percent of women enrolled in STEM, and only eight to 10 percent of women in the top leadership position, our aim is to ensure that by 2030, 40 percent of women in Cambodia are working in this field, driving innovation and shaping the future of our nation."

It is anticipated that the three-day event will attract 50,000 visitors, with additional interactive learning activities on the agenda. [Partnered Content]