EU, France, and Ministry of Post Launch VR Tech Competition for Students to Boost Digital Skills and Green Innovation

Cambodia, France, and the European Union (EU) have jointly launched a regional Virtual Reality (VR) technology competition for students, aimed at fostering digital skills and green innovation. The initiative seeks to empower students to leverage VR technology for addressing pressing sustainability challenges. The official launch ceremony, held on September 3, 2026, in Phnom Penh, was attended by H.E. Igor Driesmans, EU Ambassador to Cambodia; H.E. Olivier Richard, French Ambassador to Cambodia; H.E. Chea Vandeth, Minister of Post and Telecommunications; and H.E. Dr. Seng Sopheap, President of the Cambodian Academy for Digital Technology (CADT). Organized under the "SIMPLE (Sustainability in Multilateral Partnerships for Learning Environments)" project, the competition is co-funded by the EU and implemented in collaboration with the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) and CADT. It encourages university students across Cambodia and the ASEAN region to harness technological tools to find solutions for climate change issues. Beyond viewing VR as a mere visual aid, the competition links advanced digital skills training with environmental protection activities. It enables students to transform complex environmental data into interactive scientific scenarios within a virtual world, thereby fostering critical thinking about real-world sustainability challenges in the region. This initiative directly supports the EU's Global Gateway strategy in Cambodia, prioritizing higher education, digital transformation, and the green transition. In his remarks, Minister Chea Vandeth stated Cambodia's commitment to utilizing digital technology to improve citizens' livelihoods. He expressed confidence that with the support of European partners, Cambodian youth will lead in applying these technologies to solve practical problems, contributing to the national digital transformation agenda. H.E. Igor Driesmans emphasized the EU's dedication to strengthening education and training through the Global Gateway strategy. He highlighted the competition's role in paving the way for students to use innovative technologies to tackle global issues like climate change. H.E. Olivier Richard added that the French team and IRD are proud to support CADT students in enhancing their advanced digital technology skills. He noted that nurturing local talent in VR technology creates long-term value for Cambodia's innovation ecosystem. Following the VR technology exhibition and campus tour, the organizing team officially launched the competition, providing students with detailed guidelines and outlining the next steps. Source: AKP Khmer