Cambodia

ASEAN 4.0: How Cambodia uses technology for good

Posted on 12.05.2021 by SEA-VET Admin SEAVET ADMIN, World Economic Forum

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Expert Insight | Ravindra Ngo | The ASIAN Network; ASEAN 4.0 Expert

World Economic Forum (03 May, 2021) - The Fourth Industrial Revolution has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been a catalyst for digital, biological and physical innovation.

Over the past year, new trends have developed – such as "phygital marketing," using technology to bridge the digital and physical world with the purpose of providing a unique interactive experience to the user, and "digital transformation" of educational programs from renowned schools and best-selling authors. In the ASEAN region, Singapore is the technological trendsetter. From next month, they will accept the COVID-19 travel pass, and Sanofi recently announced they will invest $600 million in a vaccine production centre in the country.

The idea of "ASEAN 4.0" emerged before the pandemic, introduced by the World Economic Forum in September 2016. As one example, pre-pandemic, Thailand led and initiated a plan to develop a digital hub in the South East Asian Region, transforming urban centres into smart cities under the Thailand 4.0 initiative.

What does "ASEAN 4.0" really mean for the region during this unprecedented time – and especially for developing countries such as Cambodia? Will the implementation of the key priorities of the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 – to connect businesses and facilitate cross-border trade – encourage digital inclusion and equality?

LET US LOOK AT CAMBODIA TO EXPLORE HOW TECHNOLOGY MAY BENEFIT THE PEOPLE AND THE NATION

1. Reconnecting with the past with virtual reality and a mobile app

Through a virtual reality and 3D experience, the Virtual Angkor project aims to recreate the Cambodian metropolis of Angkor at the height of the Khmer empire’s power and influence. This project has been awarded the Digital Humanities and Multimedia Studies Prize from the Medieval Academy of America in 2021.

Technology can also help us to not forget the tragic and traumatic genocide under the Khmer Rouge Regime of Pol Pot from 1975 to 1979. With around 70% of the total population under age 30, many Cambodians are unaware of the history. An app about Khmer Rouge history supported by the Bophana Audiovisual Resource Centre aims to educate the youth by using innovative multimedia.

2. Eradicating landmines with robots

Landmines are the legacy of three decades of war, which has taken a severe toll on the Cambodians causing one of the highest amputee rates in the world with 40,000 amputees across the country.

Currently, removal is done by hand, and requires deminers to be extremely careful and slow in the removal process. Demine Robotics is helping to remove landmines, especially in rural areas, safely and efficiently. Their technology is remote controlled through camera feeds, allowing deminers to efficiently complete their work from a safe distance.

3. Promoting financial inclusion with blockchain technology

In Cambodia, 78% of the population does not have access to banking services. Technology is helping the country overcome the challenge of insufficient financial inclusion. Serey Chea, Assistant Governor at the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), leads Project Bakong, a blockchain-based payment system that was launched in late 2020.

HOW CAMBODIA IS USING TECH FOR GOOD, DURING COVID-19 AND BEYOND

Cambodia currently has a spike in COVID-19 cases, with wedding halls being used for COVID patients. The government has taken immediate action including implementing a lockdown and new restrictions.

Technology can ease and support medical procedures, such as mobile solutions for patients and doctors to manage medical records and make appointments automatically through mobile phones.

Another app, KhmerVacc, helps people register to get vaccinated against COVID-19, providing them with a QR code for contact tracing.

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Source : https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/05/3-ways-cambodia-is-using-tech-for-good-asean-4-0-southeast-asia-technology-fourth-industrial-revolution/