Phnom Penh, April 22, 2026 — H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, received H.E. Steven Pang Chee Wee, Ambassador of Singapore to Cambodia, to advance cooperation in food safety, science, technology, and innovation (STI), with both sides emphasizing practical collaboration and private sector linkages.

The Minister highlighted Cambodia’s growing capacity to meet international standards, pointing to existing exports to advanced markets. He noted that, “More of Cambodia’s food products have already reached the EU, U.S., and other markets, and could also enter the Singapore market, not just fresh produce.”

He stressed that strengthening food safety systems would further unlock trade potential between the two countries.

The Singapore Ambassador welcomed the initiative and confirmed plans to facilitate engagement with the Singapore Food Agency, including a potential visit and public seminars for Cambodian exporters.

He emphasized the strategic importance of diversification in today’s global context, stating that, “We are now moving beyond just traditional security threats. Everything can be weaponized—not just trade, supply chains, and energy. For small countries, diversification is key, and areas like food security become very important.”

Beyond food security, discussions focused on expanding STI collaboration, including artificial intelligence, innovation ecosystems, and youth engagement. The Ambassador highlighted Singapore’s efforts in developing Southeast Asia-focused AI models and expressed interest in joint innovation activities with Cambodia.

Minister Vanndy emphasized the importance of translating cooperation into practical implementation, particularly through researcher-to-researcher and youth-to-youth exchanges. He noted that, “When it comes to science and technology, we all speak one language and Cambodia is calling for deeper institutional partnerships and more results-oriented collaboration.”

Both sides also discussed emerging areas such as green growth and support for carbon credit mechanisms.