(Phnom Penh): On 10 June 2025, the American University of Phnom Penh (AUPP) officially launched the Emerging Technology Lab, a forward-looking initiative aimed at fostering innovation and strengthening Cambodia’s digital capacity.

The launch ceremony was held under the presidency of Liv Sophanarith, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, accompanied by senior ministry officials. AUPP faculty, students and industry guests were also in attendance.

In his opening remarks, AUPP President Malcolm McIver underscored the Lab’s pivotal role in bridging academia and industry. He stated, “The new Emerging Technology Lab will give students, and our industry partner, the opportunity to gain real-world skills – skills that are relevant and in demand in today’s digital economy. It will enable hands-on learning and research in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and blockchain applications”.

He added that the Lab will foster collaboration between students, faculty, and industry – to solve real problems and explore new possibilities, and it will help ensure that Cambodia not only keeps pace with the digital age but actively contributes to it.

Addressing the event, AUPP President Malcolm McIver also envisioned the Lab to be a bridge between education and industry, between research and practical application, and between Cambodia and the wider global technology community. He also called on all stakeholders to help prepare the next generation to lead, to innovate, and to help shape Cambodia’s digital future.

Representing the Royal Government of Cambodia, Secretary of State Liv Sophanarith reiterated the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications’ recognition of Cambodia’s digital transformation. He stated that “The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has long recognized that digital transformation is not merely a trend – it is a necessity.”

“The Emerging Technology Lab is more than a space – it is a launchpad for creativity, a sandbox for experimentation, and a hub for collaboration. It reflects the values that the Ministry upholds: innovation, resilience, and the harnessing of technology to improve the lives of all Cambodians,” he added.

In his remarks, Liv Sophanarith affirmed the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications’ readiness to support the vision and mission of the Emerging Technology Lab, and its commitment to enabling digital infrastructure, enhancing education, and creating regulatory clarity for responsible innovation. He called on all stakeholders including academics, researchers, entrepreneurs, and students to make this Lab a living, breathing engine of experimentation.

The event concluded with a networking reception, followed by a guided tour of the new Lab facilities.

The Emerging Technology Lab is seen as a bold step forward for Cambodia’s journey to becoming a digitally advanced, and innovation-driven society. The Lab will explore and foster the core technologies, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics and internet of things, and blockchain technology. It will also act as a catalyst for collaboration between universities and government, between students and Technology, and most importantly, between Cambodia and the world.
=FRESH NEWS