Syopsis
Cambodia and Japan have launched a new training program to strengthen science, technology, and innovation (STI) skills. The initiative aims to enhance workforce capabilities, improve innovation management, and support Cambodia’s long-term development goals.
Cambodia and Japan have launched a new training initiative focused on science, technology, and innovation (STI), reinforcing their long-standing partnership in education, skills development, and research capacity building.
The two-day program, titled 'Foundations of STI Coordination and Management Training', was held at the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) and brought together around 120 participants from government agencies, universities, technical education institutions, and the private sector.
The training is part of broader efforts to support the implementation of Cambodia’s STI Roadmap 2030, a national strategy aimed at strengthening innovation, improving workforce skills, and enhancing the country's competitiveness in a technology-driven economy.
The program focuses on developing practical skills in STI coordination and management, helping participants better understand how science and innovation can contribute to economic growth, job creation, and social development.
Opening the event, Sat Samy emphasized the importance of effective coordination in turning scientific knowledge into tangible benefits for society. “Effective coordination in Science, Technology and Innovation is the essential bridge that will harness Cambodia’s scientific potential to achieve its economic objectives”, he said.
The training is jointly organized by Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, the Embassy of Japan in Cambodia, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and Kyoto University. It marks the third training program delivered under this collaborative partnership.
Participants are receiving instruction on a wide range of topics, including STI policy development, funding mechanisms, project management, communication strategies, and practical approaches to solving challenges faced by businesses and innovation ecosystems.
The curriculum is designed to equip professionals with skills that can improve collaboration between government agencies, educational institutions, researchers, and industry leaders. Stronger coordination is expected to support innovation-driven growth and help create new opportunities in emerging sectors.
Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Cambodia’s science and technology development through continued cooperation in education, research, and human resource development.
Matsuda Junsaku highlighted Japan’s ongoing support for Cambodia’s STI ambitions, particularly through initiatives that strengthen technical skills and research capabilities.
The partnership between the two countries has already produced significant results. Since 2003, the ASEAN University Network Southeast Asia Engineering Education Development Network program has enabled nearly 300 faculty members from the Institute of Technology of Cambodia to pursue master's and doctoral degrees at leading universities across Southeast Asia and Japan.
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In addition, JICA has supported the Institute of Technology of Cambodia since 2011 by enhancing engineering education, expanding research activities, and promoting stronger collaboration between academic institutions and industry.
According to Nawata Eiji, the long-standing cooperation between Cambodia and Japan has helped improve STI management capabilities and foster stronger partnerships among government agencies, universities, and businesses.
As countries across Asia invest more heavily in innovation and digital transformation, workforce skills and research capacity have become critical drivers of economic growth. Programs like this training initiative are expected to help Cambodia build a stronger innovation ecosystem while preparing students, researchers, and professionals for future opportunities in science, technology, and engineering fields.
The latest initiative highlights how international collaboration can support education, skill development, and innovation, helping Cambodia advance its long-term development goals through 2030.
