Siem Reap (FN), Oct. 9 – The Official Launching Event of the i-Stories Project took place successfully, addressing the vital role of social innovation in helping SMEs in Cambodia adapt and thrive in the new normal. The project, supported by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Asian Vision Institute, was implemented by the Angkor Social Innovation Park, with sponsorship from GIZ Cambodia, ICONE Cambodia, Khmer Enterprise, and Partner with Khmer Times and National university of Battambang.
Bringing together 15 enterprises from Battambang, Siem Reap, and Banteay Meanchey provinces, along with 40 distinguished guests, i-Stories aims to create a platform for potential entrepreneurs interested in innovation, digital transformation, and creative tools for their businesses. Participants will have the opportunity to enhance their design thinking skills in areas such as Business Innovation, Digital Technology, and Innovative Team Building. Notably, the project will award grand prizes to the three winners to further drive innovation and growth in their enterprises.
The event commenced with a high-level segment featuring keynote addresses from senior Cambodian leaders and change makers. They emphasized the importance and necessity of social innovation in strengthening productivity and competitiveness, achieving sustainability goals, and promoting resilience and growth through fostering innovation. They also called for increased collaboration among stakeholders based on trust, shared vision, and common interest, guided by a people-centric, action-oriented approach.
Chheang Vannarith, president of AVI and founder and chairman of ASIP, expressed his gratitude to the partners and sponsors, highlighting the collective efforts that have made it possible to support SMEs in Cambodia and expand the i-Stories Project. "With the cooperation of all our partners, we aim to provide valuable assistance to SMEs in Cambodia and propel the i-Stories Project to new heights," he stated.
Stefan Hanselmann, head of Improve Competitiveness of National Enterprises (GIZ), underscored the pivotal role of innovation in business, particularly for SMEs in Cambodia. He emphasized that all small and medium enterprises have the potential to innovate, bringing new customer experiences and thriving in the new normal. The i-Stories Project aims to foster social innovation and empower the growth of Cambodian SMEs through collaboration, capacity building and caoacity buidling. Innovation is a life insurance- helping SMEs to survive, thrive and grow in a new normal.
Hul Siengheng, undersecretary of state of the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, highlighted the 5 pillars essential for SME innovation and development, including government, education, research and development, cooperation, and enabling ecosystem - as essential strategies for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in driving innovation.
One of the critical initiatives discussed during the event was the "i-Stories" project, which is directly linked to the ministry's 2030 roadmap. Mr. Chhorravuth Chhort, the project leader, provided insights into the two-year project's objectives and its significance for the business community in North-western Cambodia.
The "i-Stories" project aims to identify innovative processes and products that companies employ to enhance their competitiveness. By raising awareness among relevant actors, the project aims to create an enabling environment that promotes an innovative culture within the business community. Additionally, the project seeks to enhance the visibility and uniqueness of SMEs in Cambodia, both locally and internationally, through capacity building, research, and publication.
=FRESH NEWS
