Cambodia, EU, France Launch Regional VR Contest for Digital Skills and Climate Innovation

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 4, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia, the European Union, and France have launched a regional Virtual Reality (VR) Student Contest aimed at strengthening digital skills among university students and fostering innovative responses to climate and sustainability challenges, officials said Thursday. The contest was launched at the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT) by EU Ambassador Igor Driesmans, French Ambassador Olivier Richard and CADT President Dr. Seng Sopheap. Organized under the EU co‑funded Sustainability Issues Multiverse for Building Participatory Learning Environments (SIMPLE) initiative, the competition invites students from Cambodia and ASEAN to use immersive digital technologies to address environmental challenges. Implemented by the French Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) and CADT, the initiative links advanced digital training with environmental action. Students are encouraged to transform complex environmental data and scientific scenarios into interactive virtual worlds that simulate real‑world sustainability challenges. Officials said the initiative supports the EU’s Global Gateway strategy in Cambodia, focusing on higher education, digital transformation and green transitions. Post and Telecommunications Minister Chea Vandeth said the contest gives Cambodian youth an opportunity to apply technology to real‑world problems while contributing to the country’s digital transformation agenda. EU Ambassador Driesmans said the initiative would strengthen education and skills while enabling students to use innovative technology to address global issues such as climate change. French Ambassador Richard added that France and IRD were supporting CADT students in acquiring advanced digital capabilities, with the development of local VR talent expected to create long‑term value for Cambodia’s innovation ecosystem. Following a VR demonstration and campus tour, organizers officially opened the contest and provided students with guidelines and next steps. The SIMPLE initiative combines virtual reality, serious games and scientific modelling to create immersive learning experiences focused on sustainability issues across the Mekong region. Officials said the contest positions VR not only as an emerging digital technology but also as a practical learning and innovation tool to equip students with future‑oriented skills while engaging them in environmental problem‑solving.