Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has underscored innovation as a critical engine for Cambodia’s long-term development, calling for stronger efforts to advance science, technology, and innovation nationwide.
In a message marking the 4th National Science, Technology and Innovation Day, held from Mar. 26 to 28 under the theme “Innovation for National Advancement,” the Prime Minister reaffirmed the Royal Government’s commitment to transforming Cambodia into a high-income country by 2050.
He highlighted that over the past two decades, Cambodia has been transitioning from a labour-intensive and agriculture-based economy toward a diversified, knowledge-based economy driven by innovation, higher value-added production, and increased competitiveness.
Samdech Thipadei stressed that science, technology, and innovation are no longer optional but essential tools to strengthen national resilience and competitiveness, particularly amid growing global uncertainties and risks.
The Prime Minister noted that the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, along with the National Council of Science, Technology and Innovation, plays a key role in coordinating efforts to build a robust national innovation ecosystem involving government institutions, development partners, private sector actors, and citizens.
He emphasised the importance of research and development (R&D), stating that sustained investment in R&D generates new knowledge, technologies, products, and services that drive economic growth, improve national welfare, and enhance long-term national security.
To support this effort, the Royal Government has established a National Research Fund to promote innovation across public and private research institutions, marking a significant step toward shifting Cambodia from a technology adopter to a technology creator in the region.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative opportunity for Cambodia to accelerate its digital economy and boost productivity and quality across both public and private sectors.
He further noted that the National Science, Technology and Innovation Day serves as a platform bringing together students, researchers, innovators, businesses, and stakeholders to showcase Cambodia’s talent and innovations through exhibitions, competitions, and forums.
Samdech Thipadei outlined five key priorities, including ensuring peace and good governance as foundations for innovation, strengthening human capital—particularly in STEM fields—and promoting inclusive and sustainable innovation that benefits all sectors of society.
He also called for enhanced R&D capacity, greater technology adoption and transfer, and the use of innovation to support national defence, sovereignty, and socio-economic development.
The Prime Minister urged all ministries, institutions, universities, research centres, development partners, and the private sector to actively contribute to fostering a culture of innovation across all aspects of society.
He expressed confidence that continued collective efforts would help build an effective, inclusive, and sustainable national innovation system, in line with Cambodia’s long-term development vision.
