Cambodia Faces AI Talent Gap: Only Around 500 Students Pursuing Specialized Skills

Researchers in artificial intelligence (AI) have highlighted the current state of AI technology development in Cambodia, emphasizing that acquiring AI capabilities is a necessary task for all countries to adapt to global trends. Dr. Ly Rotana, a researcher in artificial intelligence and head of the Center for Research and Development of Digital Technology at the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology, observes that most Cambodian students are not particularly drawn to studying technology or STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Only less than 20% of students pursue STEM fields, with the majority opting for social sciences or business. Interest in digital technology fields is even lower, accounting for less than 10%, he added. Human resources are the most crucial factor in developing AI technology. Dr. Ly Rotana, who holds a PhD in artificial intelligence from France, stated that currently, only about 500 students are directly acquiring AI specialization. This is because it is a new field that requires additional time. While many schools have not yet fully integrated AI curricula, Dr. Ly Rotana has noticed that some universities in Cambodia have begun to offer AI courses gradually. He anticipates that the numbers will increase as it is a necessary skill for all sectors. A study in China indicates that individuals with higher academic degrees are changing careers due to the evolution of AI, which is causing many job opportunities to disappear and creating new roles instead. Mr. Puy Kea, President of the Club of Cambodian Journalists, stated that the evolution of AI is impacting the job market crisis, including jobs in the journalism sector. "The journalism sector has also been affected by the progress of this new generation of technology, leading to a crisis and the elimination of some jobs," Mr. Puy Kea asserted. Nevertheless, Mr. Puy Kea acknowledges that AI technology helps increase the efficiency of journalists' work. Journalists can benefit from using AI technology to enhance their speed and effectiveness, while he also reminds that its use must be accompanied by high responsibility. The Royal Government of Cambodia has assigned the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications as the core institution to lead work related to AI governance and policy. Cambodia is currently preparing a draft National Policy on Artificial Intelligence, which is in the stage of review and decision by the Prime Minister, according to Mr. Hak Sokheng, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications. This policy demonstrates the government's high attention to AI technology. According to officials from the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, several sectors have been included as priority sectors in the National Strategy on AI, including: information, education, health, agriculture, industry, tourism, finance, transportation, and commerce.