ASEAN-India Women Scientists Conclave in Cambodia Aims to Boost Female Participation in STEM

Leading women scientists, researchers and innovators from India and ASEAN Member States gathered in Phnom Penh today for the 2nd ASEAN-India Women Scientists Conclave, launching a three-day forum aimed at advancing women’s leadership and addressing persistent barriers in science, technology and innovation (STI). This year’s event, attended by more than 135 people, is themed “Building Inclusive STI Communities”. Discussions focus on four priority areas: food security, sustainable energy, equitable education and emerging technologies. It is co-organised by Cambodia’s Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation and the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, with support from the ASEAN-India Science & Technology Development Fund (AISTDF), according to a press release. Umesh Waghmare, secretary of India’s Department of Science and Technology, highlighted the longstanding science and technology partnership between India and ASEAN and underscored the importance of building inclusive innovation ecosystems. “Women scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs are making extraordinary contributions across every field of science and technology. Yet, they continue to encounter challenges that require greater institutional support, stronger professional networks and more opportunities for collaboration,” he noted. Day one saw ten multinational roundtable discussions and innovation pitching sessions held, with women researchers presenting scalable scientific and technological solutions. The sessions aim to accelerate the commercialisation of research while strengthening collaboration among universities, industry, and small and medium-sized enterprises. Souksavath Sihapanya, chair of the ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology and Innovation (COSTI), noted that the event complements the implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) 2026–2030, by promoting greater participation of women in the region’s innovation ecosystem. “This conclave provides a unique opportunity to amplify the voices of women scientists and innovators. Their leadership is essential to ensuring that our STI communities are inclusive, diverse and impactful,” he said. Nhim Khemara, science ministry permanent secretary of state, noted that STI is transforming the world at an unprecedented pace and is central to Cambodia’s long-term development strategy. He said the Kingdom is committed to building a knowledge-based economy under phase one of the government’s Pentagonal Strategy, as well as the STI Roadmap 2030, which aims for at least 50 per cent of university STEM graduates to be women. “A nation cannot innovate effectively while leaving its talent behind, particularly the women. We must empower women to be active driving forces in scientific advancement, fully positioning them as leaders, innovators and primary decision-makers,” he noted. According to the release, women scientists bring unique perspectives, creativity and expertise that strengthen research and innovation, but they remain underrepresented in advanced scientific disciplines and leadership roles. The event will see numerous discussions on the best course of action to resolve these challenges.