Phnom Penh, 11-13 November 2022: The spirit of collaboration and a multi-stakeholder approach towards Industry 4.0 marked the Cambodia Tech Expo (CTX) 2022, a side event of the ASEAN Summit 2022 and the first big technology and start-up event in the Kingdom of Cambodia. Hosted by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation of Cambodia, CTX 2022 was held on 11–13 November at the Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Center, Phnom Penh. Exhibitors from several tech industries and a wide range of institutions participated in the event. Panel discussions and pitching business ideas by start-ups were featured at the expo.

H.E. Akka Pundit Sopheacha Aun Pornmoniroth, Deputy Prime Minister,  Minister of Economy and Finance, and Permanent Deputy Chairman of the National Council for Digital Economy and Society, delivered the welcoming remarks. He discussed the massive impact of science, technology, and innovation in shaping the landscape of industries, nurturing digital talents, and promoting inclusive economic development. Others who spoke were H.E. Kitti Settha Pandita Cham Prasidh, Senior Minister of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation, and H.E Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, representing the government, and Mrs Mila Jivkova Kusheva, Chief Marketing Officer of Smart Axiata Co., Ltd., Mr William Kim, Chairman of Publox Co., Ltd., and Mr Andhy Chee, Chairman of Kepstar Data Centre Management Co., Ltd., who represented the private sector.

The panel discussions covered eight topics: Unleashing the Potential of Science, Technology, and Innovation: Pathways for Cambodia 2030 and 2050; Electronics and Automotive; Energy and Water; Recovery and Resilience: Agricultural Technology and Health Technology; Tech Talent Strategic Development Framework; Digital Business and Taxation; Digital Government Forum; Cybersecurity in Digital Economy and Society. Ms Lina Maulidina Sabrina, Senior Programme Officer of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia and representing the Entrepreneurship, Start-ups, and Innovation (E-S-I) Knowledge Lab team, talked about the key trends that emerged throughout the E-S-I Knowledge Lab programme on the changing and dynamic education landscape across the ASEAN Member States. She said it was important to combine digital-related skills with soft skills to thrive and succeed in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

On the last day, some Cambodia-based start-ups from the financial, health, educational, and agricultural sectors participated in the pitching session. H.E. Dr. Kan Channmeta, Secretary of State, Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, and H.E. Kitti Settha Pandita Cham Prasidh, Senior Minister  of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, closed the event.