AI landscape in Cambodia: Current Status and Future Trends

The ‘AI landscape in Cambodia: Current Status and Future Trends’ document from the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation in Cambodia explores the current and potential applications of AI across various sectors. It provides a detailed analysis of how AI has evolved over the past six decades, noting significant advancements in technologies like neural networks, multi-level text analytics, deep learning, image analytics, and neuromorphic technology. AI is recognised for its profound implications in business sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, retail, banking, and public services, highlighting its role in enhancing efficiency and productivity.

Current trends indicate rapid development in AI, demanding updates in policy and regulation to address emerging issues related to privacy, security, and ethics. The document underscores the necessity for a robust infrastructure to support AI development, including specialised hardware for AI operations and extensive datasets for AI training and testing. It also points out the challenges in accumulating high-quality, unbiased data and the high costs associated with AI hardware.

Looking forward, AI is poised to continue its transformative impact on the global economy and society. The document stresses the importance of aligning AI development with broader socioeconomic goals and ethical standards, suggesting that future trends will likely focus on the democratization of AI technologies and enhancing human-machine collaboration. Strategic investments in AI education and training are considered crucial for maximising the benefits of AI while minimising societal risks. The document predicts a shift towards more sustainable and socially responsible AI applications, which could redefine productivity and innovation across all sectors of society.

The report identifies key sectors where AI can significantly impact:

1. Healthcare: AI can enhance medical diagnosis accuracy and efficiency, identifying potential health risks and preventive measures. AI technologies can analyse medical images to detect abnormalities such as tumours, which improves the quality of healthcare and reduces misdiagnosis risks.
2. Education: AI can be used to personalise learning experiences, allowing students to learn at their own pace and according to their individual needs. This adaptation aims to improve educational outcomes and the overall efficiency of the education system in Cambodia.
3. Finance: In the financial sector, AI can improve the accuracy and efficiency of financial transactions and help identify potential fraud and money laundering activities. This application is crucial for enhancing the security and reliability of Cambodia’s financial systems.
4. Public services and governance: AI has potential applications in smart city initiatives, including resource optimisation and improving public service delivery. AI could also aid in managing traffic congestion and improving the accessibility and effectiveness of public health and safety measures.
5. Agriculture: The use of drones and image recognition technology in agriculture can help monitor crop health, optimise pesticide and fertiliser application, and manage post-harvest processes to prevent crop diseases.