Cambodia has taken a step toward establishing a responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem, with the official launch of the “Country Report on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment in Cambodia” and the presentation of the draft “National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence” during a two-day national workshop held in Phnom Penh.
Presided over by Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Chea Vandeth, who serves as chairman of the Digital Government Committee, the workshop gathered approximately 450 participants, including representatives from UNESCO, international organisations, government institutions, educational and research institutions, the private sector and civil society.
The event served as a platform to disseminate the results of the AI ethics assessment and a consultation forum to collect final feedback on the draft national strategy.
Discussions were organised around three core themes: AI for economic development, social development and digital government.
Speaking at the July 1 opening ceremony, Vandeth described the AI readiness assessment, co-organised by UNESCO and the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT), as “timely and comprehensive”.
“This assessment has become a clear foundation for preparing and refining Cambodia’s National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence so it responds better to current realities,” he said.
He further emphasised the importance of sector-specific risk evaluations.
“I urge all ministries and institutions to assess the level of risk in each use case of AI within their respective sectors, so that they can adopt appropriate responses without stifling innovation,” he noted.
In his remarks, the Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing technical support based on national capabilities and priorities.
“Stakeholders in all sectors do not need to work with the telecommunications ministry on AI, but if you need help and access to AI experts, do not forget that the ministry is here for you,” he added.
The ethical AI readiness assessment was initiated in November 2024, using a UNESCO methodology that has been applied in over 60 countries.
The joint effort by CADT, UNESCO and the telecommunications ministry aimed to evaluate Cambodia’s preparedness to develop and adopt AI responsibly.
The main findings from this assessment were integrated into the draft national strategy, first released in February 2025.
“Since its initial draft, the strategy has undergone extensive review, including feedback from the Asia-Pacific expert network through two online consultations supported by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP),” explained a ministry release.
Further input was collected during a two-day workshop in April and through 10 bilateral and multilateral consultations with relevant ministries and institutions.
By the end of May this year, the fourth revision of the draft strategy had been completed, incorporating feedback from across sectors.
“The initiative reflects the Royal Government’s broader vision under the Five-Point Strategy of the seventh-mandate government, which has identified ‘technology’ as a core driver of economic and social development,” said the ministry.
Artificial intelligence is among the most prominent digital technologies under consideration, offering both vast opportunities and significant risks.
Policymakers have also identified AI-related priorities in frameworks such as the Cambodia Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework 2021–2035 and the Cambodia Government Policy 2022–2035.
However, the rapid advancement of AI, particularly generative AI, has prompted a renewed urgency to assess national readiness and governance.
On the second day of the workshop, discussions continued in breakout groups, with active engagement from all sectors.
The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the government’s intent to finalise and launch the National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence in the near future.
Keo Sothie, secretary of state at the telecommunication ministry, closed the event on July 2, 2025 by reaffirming the government’s strong commitment.
“We are determined to launch the national strategy on artificial intelligence to foster a digital economy, society, and government, while safeguarding against unethical uses of AI that could harm people’s livelihoods and national security,” he said.
The strategy is expected to guide Cambodia in building a balanced AI ecosystem that encourages innovation while upholding ethical standards and public trust.
