STI Day 2026 Opens Underscoring Innovation As Catalyst for National Advancement

The 4th National Day of Science, Technology & Innovation (STI Day 2026) officially opened on March 26, 2026, under the theme “Innovation for National Advancement”, bringing together government leaders, researchers, private sector representatives, and development partners to strengthen Cambodia’s national innovation ecosystem.

Presiding over the opening ceremony on behalf of Prime Minister Hun Manet, H.E. Vongsey Vissoth, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, said:

Science, technology, and innovation are not a standalone sector, but a strategic enabler that supports all sectors. Public and private institutions, including micro, small, and medium enterprises, all have the opportunity to harness the strong potential of STI to drive growth and develop their organisations.

The three-day event features science exhibitions, STI forums, innovation activities, and national science awards aimed at enhancing science, technology, and innovation (STI) capacity to support socio-economic development.

The event includes the Government Pavilion and more than 200 exhibition booths from ministries-institutions, the private sector, and academic and research institutions to collectively showcase Cambodia’s growing innovation capacity across industry, agriculture, trade and services sectors. 

Advanced technologies—including modern machinery, smart manufacturing, automation systems, and digital solutions—are being showcased to demonstrate real-world adoption and the upgrading of Cambodia’s production capabilities in response to Industry 4.0 and evolving global market demands.

The event also serves as a platform for businesses, especially SMEs, to discover new technologies, build partnerships, and upgrade their products and processes to meet international standards.

The Deputy Prime Minister called for strengthening national capabilities in critical technologies, especially digital infrastructure, energy, food systems, health, and defense, adding that, “In a context where the global order is under threat, technological sovereignty is national sovereignty.”

He underscored the need to increase investment in research and development (R&D), noting that many advanced economies allocate around 2–3 per cent of GDP to R&D, while outlining key priorities, including aligning research with national needs, accelerating implementation of the Cambodia STI Roadmap 2030, and advancing people-centred innovation.

The Cambodian government has established the National Research Foundation and is strengthening collaboration between government, research institutions, and the private sector to translate research into commercial applications and promote higher value-added production.

In his welcome remarks, H.E. Nhim Khemara, Permanent Secretary of State of the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI), said, “Investment in science, technology, and innovation is key to building national capacity and enhancing Cambodia’s competitiveness in the region and globally.”

The Cambodian government has been promoting the adoption of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance productivity and public service delivery, with a focus on ethical, inclusive, and responsible use, he added. 

The National Day of Science, Technology & Innovation is an annual event that supports Cambodia’s transition toward a more diversified, innovation-driven economy as it prepares for LDC graduation and advances toward its Vision 2050.

This press release was supplied.