In the ever-evolving global landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), Cambodia is actively engaging in international discussions on the responsible development and application of this transformative technology, seeking collaboration to ensure its benefits are fully realised.

At two major events held this month, Cambodian ministers highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering AI innovation while ensuring its integration into education and governance.

On February 10-11, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Chea Vandeth attended the prestigious Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in Paris, France, a global gathering of over 1,500 delegates from 100 countries, major tech companies and academic institutions. 

“The summit, held at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, aimed to bring together all stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence, focusing on five key themes: Innovation and Culture, the Future of Work, Trusted Artificial Intelligence, AI for the Public Good and Global Governance of AI,” said the telecommunications ministry.

At the summit, stakeholders discussed key issues, including: AI regulation and governance to prevent negative outcomes; ensuring AI benefits all sectors; fostering innovation for open and standardised systems; promoting sustainable energy use; and encouraging collaboration among all parties.

Cambodia joined other nations in endorsing the Declaration on Sustainable and Adaptive Artificial Intelligence for People and Planet, a landmark document that emphasises the need for adaptive governance to balance technological growth with societal benefits.

However, not all participants shared the same view. The US and the UK notably disagreed with certain aspects of the declaration, arguing that excessive regulation could stifle innovation. 

Despite these differing perspectives, the summit's discussions set the stage for continued collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society in shaping the future of AI technology.

Meanwhile, a parallel effort is underway to integrate AI into the country's educational reforms. 

On February 11, Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron met with Olivier Brandouy, director-general of France Éducation International (FEI), at the Cambodian Embassy in Paris. 

Their discussions focused on strengthening educational ties between Cambodia and France, with a specific emphasis on AI and digital education.

“Digital education in the education sector reform can be achieved through cooperation with Expertise France and France Education Internationale,” Naron shared, via social media.

“I proposed that we work together to study training programmes in the field of artificial intelligence in higher education to establish a multilateral cooperation programme to promote this sector more effectively,” he added.

FEI, a French organisation that supports educational development globally, aims to provide training, support and innovation in areas like curriculum design and teacher training. 

With Cambodia preparing to host the Francophonie Summit in 2026, the partnership promises to bolster both the quality of French-language education and AI training within Cambodian institutions.

Notably, the discussions also included plans for establishing Double Diplôme degree programmes, recognized both in Cambodia and France, which could help bridge the gap between the two nations’ educational systems. 

Naron also stressed the urgent need to integrate AI training for teachers, which could improve the quality of learning across the country. 

“These advancements are part of Cambodia’s broader goal to modernise its educational sector and prepare its workforce for the challenges of the digital age,” he said. 

Naron noted that Brandouy highlighted the importance of science and technology. In this regard, strengthening cooperation in artificial intelligence is a priority that will be considered for collaboration between Cambodia and France.

Cambodia needs to strengthen its inspectorate, as school inspection is crucial to achieving the country's educational goals. 

“Training education inspectors, integrating artificial intelligence into teaching and training teachers to effectively use AI are urgent tasks that must be addressed to ensure the quality of education, in line with socio-economic development,” said Naron.