Technology: H.E. Vongsey Vissoth highlights potential of AI for innovation, inclusion, and sustainability

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to drive innovation and inclusion, while also supporting sustainability, according to Permanent Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, H.E. Vongsey Vissoth.

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, H.E. Vongsey Vissoth

At the symposium on "China-ASEAN Cooperation on AI Development and Governance" held this morning, H.E. Vongsey Vissoth stated that AI is crucial for humanity, but emphasized the need for robust governance and ethical standards.

"AI is a catalyst for growth and prosperity, and has even saved lives in ways we have never seen before. However, we have also seen how AI has been used to produce fake news, which has caused instability in some parts of society. Furthermore, AI has the potential to infringe upon individuals' privacy and intellectual property rights, disrupt the labour market and raise ethical concerns. It is therefore essential to develop strategies and reinforce our commitment to cooperation as we navigate the complexities of AI development and governance.”

The Royal Government of Cambodia has identified "Digital Technology" as a key priority, integrating technology as a cornerstone of the country's development strategy. The government is committed to ensuring that technological innovation, including AI, is used to uplift all segments of society, with the goal of leaving no one behind.

"Artificial intelligence is not just a technological tool; it is a testament to human ingenuity and our capacity to shape the future."

The future of AI lies not just in the algorithms we design, but in the values and vision we embed within them. By working together, we can shape an AI-powered future that uplifts societies, strengthens economies, and fosters mutual understanding, especially by reflecting our shared aspirations: a future of fairness, resilience, and prosperity.

The Deputy Prime Minister stated:

“AI governance is a critical and evolving field, and that it is essential to ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI technologies. It is therefore essential that we work together to guarantee the safe future of AI by tackling a number of challenges, including the ethical development and governance of AI, the creation of regulatory frameworks for AI governance, the assurance of trust and inclusiveness in AI applications, the bridging of knowledge gaps in AI development and the provision of a safe and secure environment for the use of AI and other related technologies.”

For Cambodia and ASEAN as a growing and emerging region, it is essential to address these challenges and conduct comprehensive analysis to ensure a safe and secure future shaped by AI. This requires ongoing collaboration between governments, the private sector and international organisations to develop effective policies that protect social values while promoting technological innovation.

H.E. Vongsey Vissoth highlighted that the Royal Government of Cambodia is implementing the Cambodia Digital Economy and Society Policy Frameworks 2021-2035 with the objective of developing a thriving digital economy and society. This will be achieved by establishing the foundations for digital adoption and transformation across all social actors, including the state, citizens, and businesses. This will facilitate accelerated economic growth and the promotion of social welfare in the new normal.

AKP