Cambodia Hosts AI Fair as the Use of Technology Expands
In partnership with the Institute of Digital Governance, the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT) and with support from various public and private institutions, MTCE’s first edition was held on Dec. 9-10 at Olympia Mall. Photo provided
- By Rin Ousa
- December 11, 2023 2:05 PM
PHNOM PENH – Artificial intelligence (AI) can be an intimidating subject, difficult for many to understand. To combat the idea of AI being too complicated to use, the Mekong Tech Conference and Expo showed real-life examples of its use in everyday life.
In partnership with the Institute of Digital Governance, the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT) and with support from various public and private institutions, MTCE’s first edition was held on Dec. 9-10 at Olympia Mall.
The exhibition aimed to raise awareness, particularly among the youth, of tech and digital opportunities in the country, as the use of AI is gaining momentum.
Experts from different fields and industries shared their experiences of using AI in their daily work. They came from digital governance, the public sector, smart home, smart automation, architecture, digital content creation, agro-technologies, bio-technologies, blockchain, and telecoms.
MTCE consisted of several panel discussions and seminars, and put on display many products and services using AI so that participants could see concrete examples of its use in their everyday lives.
Institute of Digital Governance (CADT) Director General Nguon Somaly recalled that the development of new technologies was one of the priorities set for phase 1 of the government’s Pentagonal Strategy, which aims to make Cambodia a high-income country by 2050.
“As a national flagship research and educational institution, CADT works closely with the government to promote digital technology efficiency among young individuals,” Somaly said.
“In addition, we are also one of the partners of the Digital Skill Development Program, which was initiated by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications to provide no-interest loans for digital tech students.
“With the development of AI, the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports jointly developed a QR code via “verify.gov.kh” so that students can download their temporary baccalaureate certificates online,” she added.
Khouch Koeun, deputy director of the Department of Technology and Public Relations of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport also spoke of the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system on the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, as an example of AI already being implemented in the country. With the use of cameras that scan their car’s license plate, drivers can automatically pay tolls on the expressway without having to stop.
AI now finds applications in many fields of expertise and research. Talking from an architect's perspective, Nou Moniroth, co-founder of AO Architects, said deep learning and automated tools help him a lot in generating more creative ideas and save a lot of time.
“However, the technology is not always accurate. Khmer houses drawn by AI are not always exact. Thus, all users should have some ideas and understanding before using AI,” Moniroth said.
Speakers at the conference advised young people to use AI wisely and be aware of its limits, warning them not to rely too heavily on it while keeping some critical thinking about anything generated with AI.
The Mekong Tech Conference and Expo is set to be held annually for the coming five years, with the participation of regional experts.
