Siem Reap, 5 June 2024: The Kingdom of Cambodia's Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MISTI) hosted the 20th ASEAN Meeting on Science, Technology, and Innovation (AMMSTI-20), the 85th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI-85), and other related meetings from 3–7 June 2024 in Siem Reap. The events gathered regional leaders to discuss advancements and collaborations in the fields of science, technology, and innovation (STI).

During the COSTI-85 Meeting on 5 June 2024, Koji Hachiyama, ERIA Chief Operating Officer, was invited as a presenter to discuss the ongoing collaborative efforts in STI between ERIA and ASEAN COSTI. Hachiyama highlighted several key initiatives of the ERIA Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy Centre (E-DISC) and ERIA’s potential support for COSTI through E-DISC and various centres and specialised units.

Hachiyama showcased E-DISC’s contributions, including the ASEAN Technology University Network, support for the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) negotiations, and the One ASEAN Startup Award.

‘Through E-DISC and ERIA specialised units, we can promote closer and more harmonious collaboration that enables us to effectively leverage our collective strengths. By joining forces, I hope that we can drive forward innovation and sustainable development in the ASEAN region,’ stated Hachiyama. The meeting elaborated on platforms like the Technology Management Hub, the ASEAN Regional Infrastructure Forum, and the ASEAN Startup Initiative, which aim to foster information sharing and capacity-building in STI. Additionally, E-DISC can collaborate with COSTI's sub-committees to drive targeted technological advancements.

ERIA's broader initiatives include health technology sharing, promoting carbon neutrality, advancing sustainable energy practices, and developing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. The focus also extends to enhancing science and technology applications in food and agriculture and addressing technology-related marine debris issues.

The presentation was well-received by ASEAN COSTI representatives, who expressed interest in future collaborations. The Malaysia National COSTI extended an interest in partnering with ERIA, while the Philippines National COSTI appreciated ERIA's concrete actions in supporting the ASEAN startup ecosystem and encouraged continued efforts. The Indonesia National COSTI expressed a desire to collaborate with ERIA on talent mobility event support.

On the same day, ERIA and MISTI held a bilateral meeting to discuss the potential for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The discussions highlighted the importance of technology management and capacity building, with both parties expressing a willingness to prioritise specific areas for collaboration to be covered within the MoU.

The COSTI-85 Meeting served as a significant platform for ERIA and MISTI to explore future partnerships and showed the importance of collaborative efforts in supporting the development of STI in ASEAN. The positive reception and expressed interest from multiple ASEAN COSTI representatives highlight the potential for impactful regional advancements. As discussions for an MoU with Cambodia's MISTI progress, the prospects for strengthened cooperation in these areas look promising.