Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the education sector worldwide, and Cambodia is no exception. With the rapid growth of technology, the Cambodian government and educational institutions are taking steps to integrate AI into the national curriculum, ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary digital skills for the future job market.
AI Integration in Cambodia’s Education System
At the inaugural EdTech Summit Cambodia 2025, education experts gathered to discuss how AI and digital technology can be leveraged to enhance learning experiences. The Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS) has launched the Digital Education Strategy for Schools (DESS) to promote AI-driven education, aligning with global trends.
Hang Chuon Narong, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, said he strongly believes that AI tools, such as ChatGPT, can help students improve their learning experience while broadening their general knowledge. However, he also acknowledged that AI technology has limitations if students are not digitally literate.
“Technology and AI are revolutionising rapidly, so if we cannot adapt to it, we cannot keep up-to-date. Our goal is to ensure the next generation is able to obtain new digital skills, especially AI, in response to the job market,” Chuon Narong stated at the EdTech Summit Cambodia, on February 17, 2025 at the Institute of Technology Cambodia.
According to the World Economic Forum, investments in EdTech have skyrocketed from $9.56 billion in 2017 to $25 billion in 2022, with projections estimating a $10 trillion market over the next decade. Recognizing this shift, Cambodia is expanding its digital infrastructure and policy framework to incorporate AI into education.
To adapt with the rapid advancements of AI and technology in education, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS) is increasingly integrating AI into Cambodia’s education system. This shift is aimed at preparing both students and teachers for the digital future, ensuring they can benefit from AI-driven tools for more effective teaching and learning. The goal is to equip the next generation with the necessary digital skills, especially in AI, to thrive in a job market where these skills will be in high demand. Hang Chuon Narong, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, emphasized the importance of AI tools like ChatGPT, which can enhance students’ learning experiences and expand their knowledge. However, he also pointed out that without digital literacy, AI’s full potential may not be realized.
Minister Chuon Narong highlighted the global trend toward AI in the workforce, with a study predicting that by 2030, 30% of jobs in Europe and the US will involve AI. While this may lead to job displacement, the minister noted that these roles would be replaced by new opportunities created by AI technologies. He stressed that if Cambodian youth fail to master these emerging technologies, they could fall behind in future job markets. To address this, MoEYS is working to expand AI integration into Cambodia’s secondary and higher education systems, as well as tackle the country’s teacher shortage through AI-powered solutions. Currently, more than 300 schools are utilizing AI-based management systems to streamline educational resources and support teachers and students, with plans to extend this technology through collaborations, such as one with Cellcard.
Despite the promising outlook, challenges remain. A 2022 report by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation revealed that only 22% of schools in Cambodia have functional computers, and many teachers lack the necessary technological skills. Additionally, students in rural areas face difficulties with connectivity and data affordability, which hampers their ability to engage in online learning. At the EdTech Summit Cambodia 2025, Kim Chanthany, MoEYS Secretary of State, emphasized the need for innovation and collaboration to address these issues. The summit brought together educators, tech companies, and NGOs to discuss solutions for enhancing digital education. As UNICEF’s Anirban Chatterjee pointed out, AI-powered digital learning can particularly benefit students with disabilities, providing access to educational content anytime and anywhere, even in remote areas. Despite the challenges, he believes digital learning can be expanded across Cambodia, ensuring no student is left behind.
On February 17, 2025, Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports Announces the Integration of AI in Secondary and Higher Education
Digital systems and artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming increasingly prevalent across various sectors, including business, employment, and education. In particular, the integration of digital technologies into educational institutions is gaining momentum. Recognizing this global shift, Cambodia is also prioritizing digital and AI advancements. The Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports has officially announced the incorporation of digital systems and AI into teaching at all levels of secondary and higher education.
On the morning of February 17, 2025, His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, and Sports, represented by His Excellency Samdech Maha Bovorathei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, presided over the opening ceremony of the First Cambodia EdTech Summit under the theme “Cambodia’s Path to Digital Education.” The event was held at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (Techno).
According to His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, the summit aims to advance digital education in Cambodia by promoting digital education strategies for schools, fostering discussions among stakeholders, facilitating knowledge-sharing on educational technology, and gathering input for the development of the EdTech Framework and Cambodia’s Digital School.
The First Cambodia Educational Technology Conference and Exhibition will take place over two days, from February 17 to 18, 2025. The event will feature exhibitions showcasing students’ digital technology projects, robots and robotic systems, digital and technology textbooks, a competition for teachers with innovative ideas in educational technology, hands-on robotics testing, and various other digital advancements.
Furthermore, it is important to note that, in alignment with the recommendations of His Majesty the King, Prime Minister Hun Sen has launched the first phase of the Pentagon Strategy. This initiative places a strong emphasis on human capital development (first pillar) and digital education promotion (fifth pillar) as key steps toward building a digital economy and achieving Cambodia’s Vision 2030.
AI’s Role in Education
AI is being integrated into Cambodia’s education system to improve both teaching and learning experiences. Key AI applications include:
AI-Powered Learning Platforms – AI tools like ChatGPT and Khan Academy enhance student engagement through personalized learning experiences.
Smart Classroom Technologies – AI helps teachers manage classrooms more effectively with attendance tracking, automated grading, and intelligent tutoring.
Digital Educational Content – AI-driven platforms provide interactive learning materials, including videos, quizzes, and simulations.
Adaptive Learning Systems – AI customizes learning pathways for students based on their strengths and weaknesses.
AI-Powered Research Assistance – AI aids students in conducting research, summarizing information, and generating ideas.
Enhanced Teacher Support – AI provides teachers with insights into student performance and helps develop better lesson plans.
Language Translation Tools – AI assists students in overcoming language barriers, making education more accessible.
AI for Special Education – AI-powered tools support students with disabilities by providing accessibility features like text-to-speech and sign language translation.
Top 10 Best AI Tools for Education in Cambodia
To help students and teachers adapt to the digital revolution, here are some of the best AI tools currently available for education in Cambodia:
- ChatGPT – A powerful AI chatbot for instant answers, essay writing, and personalized learning.
- Google Classroom AI – Uses AI to streamline assignments, automate grading, and provide student feedback.
- Khan Academy AI – Offers AI-driven tutoring in subjects like mathematics and science.
- Duolingo AI – An excellent AI-powered tool for learning new languages.
- Coursera AI Courses – Provides AI-driven personalized recommendations and career development.
- Grammarly – AI-based writing assistance tool for improving grammar and writing skills.
- Quillionz – AI tool that generates quizzes and questions from any text.
- EditGPT – is an AI tool that allows you to proofread, edit, and track changes to your content using ChatGPT.
- Socrative – AI-powered formative assessment tool that provides instant feedback to students.
- Zoom AI Companion – AI-enhanced video conferencing for remote learning with features like live transcriptions and summaries.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the promising advancements, Cambodia faces several challenges in AI adoption:
- Limited Digital Literacy – Only 29% of the population has basic digital skills, and just 1% has advanced skills.
- Infrastructure Issues – Many rural schools lack computers and stable internet access.
- Teacher Training – Many educators need more training to effectively implement AI-driven teaching methods.
However, initiatives such as the collaboration between MoEYS and Cellcard aim to extend digital learning technologies to more schools across the country. Furthermore, partnerships with the private sector and international organizations can help bridge the digital divide, ensuring equal access to AI education for all students.
Conclusion
AI is transforming education in Cambodia, preparing students for an increasingly digital world. While challenges remain, government policies, private-sector support, and technological innovations can drive AI adoption in schools, benefiting both students and teachers.
What do you think about AI in education? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know if you have any AI tools to recommend for Cambodian schools!
