Prime Minister Hun Manet presided over the inauguration of a new branch of the National University of Management (NUM) in Veal Sbov commune of Phnom Penh’s Chbar Ampov district on February 15.
Prime Minister Hun Manet urged ministries and state institutions to establish themselves as centres of digital transformation, emphasising this as a step towards creating a computerised society and enhancing public service provision.
During his address of the graduation ceremony for over 5,000 students from the National University of Management (NUM) and the inauguration of a new branch of the institution in Veal Sbov commune of Phnom Penh’s Chbar Ampov district, he highlighted the importance of modernisation in government operations.
“State ministries under this government’s mandate will continue to enhance their digital transformation efforts to ensure the entire government becomes [modernised]. We cannot claim to be fully transitioned if there exists a gap in digital capacity within our ministries. Therefore, it’s essential to develop mechanisms and human resources for the endeavour and create a competitive environment,” he stated.
Manet emphasised the necessity for people to adapt to advancements such as 4G and 5G technologies.
“We cannot hinder digitalisation’s progress; we must embrace and utilise it effectively. Thus, the government must set an example. If our ministries do not embrace [this] transformation, how can we expect our citizens to do so?” he asked rhetorically.
The premier outlined his government’s Pentagonal Strategy, prioritising the development of a digital society by innovating state administration and encouraging citizens to embrace technology.
“The second phase of our Pentagonal Strategy focuses on developing a digital economy, business, trade and innovation. The third phase concerns physical infrastructure development, the fourth is building trust in online systems and the last is developing financial technology [fintech],” he explained.
Manet advised the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport to focus more on developing human resources in both quantity and quality to meet labour demands.
“The education ministry must enhance internet-based education to help build a digital citizenry and increase students’ technological capacities. This will improve the effectiveness of online teaching and learning and promote self-study,” he said.
He also encouraged the education ministry to collaborate with the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications on digitalisation efforts in both urban and rural schools to enhance computer-based learning.
Kim Sethany, permanent secretary of state at the education ministry, confirmed the ministry’s commitment to the sector.
“The ministry is focusing on the internationalisation of higher education, enhancing the effectiveness of teaching, learning and research and increasing student numbers and inclusiveness,” she said.
Sethany noted that the ministry is investing in potential schools and improving infrastructure such as buildings, student dormitories, laboratories, farms, digital centres and more, to transform them into leading institutions.
