Cambodia Environment Ministry Urges Private Sector to Modernize with AI, Satellite Tech

The Ministry of Environment has strongly encouraged the private sector to modernize its technological capabilities to support the enhancement of environmental management in Cambodia. During a meeting held on July 20, 2026, at the Ministry's headquarters with a delegation of seven companies from the People's Republic of China, San Vannthy, Secretary of State, urged Chinese companies to adopt advanced technologies such as AI and satellite technology. The delegation was led by Ms. Huang Zhiru, General Manager of Guangxi Spacetime Information Co., Ltd. Secretary of State San Vannthy briefed the Chinese companies on the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both parties in March 2026, concerning technical cooperation and the modernization of Cambodia's environmental sector, with a particular focus on human resource development and cooperation on AI systems for natural resource and environmental management. The Secretary of State agreed to the use of satellite, drone, and smartphone technologies from the People's Republic of China, supplemented by Artificial Intelligence (AI), for monitoring changes in natural resources, water pollution, solid waste management, and coastal resource management. Furthermore, Secretary of State Vannthy proposed two points to his Chinese counterparts. Firstly, to plan a pilot project starting with Koh Kong province as the initial model, which will include a roadmap to update several ongoing activities currently being implemented by the Ministry of Environment. Secondly, to sign a separate MoU specifically for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in combating natural resource offenses.