PM Hun Manet: Public Service Innovation Must Be 'People-Centric'

Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia stated that innovation in public services must adhere to a 'people-centric approach,' emphasizing that it should not solely focus on digital transformation but must genuinely respond to the actual needs of the people. He made these remarks during the opening of the 23rd ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Public Administration and the 8th ASEAN Plus Three Meeting on Public Administration, held on July 5, 2026. The Prime Minister highlighted that public services must be based on concrete results that are accessible, equitable, and inclusive for all, at both national and regional levels. He stressed the importance of prioritizing long-term vision over short-term convenience and building public trust through accurate and responsible decision-making that places the people's interests first. Furthermore, Prime Minister Hun Manet noted that innovation must be built upon a strong foundation of institutional capacity and human resources, as each ASEAN member state has different starting points and levels of implementation for their goals. This is crucial to reduce disparities and ensure that each country can adopt and utilize new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in an appropriate and sustainable manner. He underscored that true innovation in governance relies on strengthening institutions and human capital, rather than solely depending on digital tools, as this endeavor demands precision. Source: AKP Khmer