On 30 April 2025, the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) hosted the 6th Meeting of the National Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI), coinciding with Cambodia’s 26th anniversary of ASEAN accession.

The meeting was presided over by Minister Hem Vanndy, ASEAN Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for Cambodia, with the participation of approximately 100 representatives from the National Committee, its nine Sub-Committees, the Board of Advisory Council, the National COSTI Secretariat, and relevant ministries-institutions.

The discussion focused on strengthening Cambodia’s role in advancing the STI agenda by deepening understanding of ASEAN’s goals and funding mechanisms, fostering national and regional networking among STI stakeholders, and building capacity in proposal writing and project management.

Participants also reviewed the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) 2016–2025 and contributed to the drafting of APASTI 2026–2035.

Minister Vanndy emphasized the vital role of COSTI in aligning national STI policies and strategies with ASEAN member countries, monitoring the implementation of sub-committee projects, and supporting the ASEAN Economic Community through fostering innovation that enhances regional competitiveness and connectivity.

Highlighting the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI), he added, “According to projections, AI will contribute approximately USD 1 trillion to the ASEAN economy by 2030, equivalent to 10 to 18 percent of the region’s combined GDP. This clearly demonstrates the need for long-term policies, strategies, and visions to promote research and development of this technology for the benefit of all ASEAN members.”

Since joining ASEAN in 1999, Cambodia has actively participated in STI initiatives under the COSTI and APASTI frameworks.