Top 10 Reasons Why Cambodia Needs Manpower to Tap AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is often perceived as a technology that could eventually reduce the need for human intervention in various tasks. However, the current landscape in Cambodia presents a different picture. As AI continues to evolve, the country needs to harness its potential by cultivating a robust talent pool. At a recent business forum in Phnom Penh on July 31 2024, on ‘Beyond Buzzwords: Leveraging AI/Machine Learning for Tangible Business Outcomes,’ experts emphasized the pressing need for manpower to effectively integrate AI into Cambodia’s growth strategy. Here are the top 10 reasons why Cambodia urgently needs manpower to tap into AI.
1. Limited Current AI Talent Pool
One of the most pressing challenges highlighted at the forum is Cambodia’s limited AI talent pool. Rottana Ly, R&D Director at the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT), revealed that only 300 students are currently admitted into AI courses across the country. This small number is insufficient to meet the growing demands of businesses that are increasingly relying on AI for various functions. As businesses in Cambodia begin to explore AI, the need for more qualified professionals becomes critical. “Cambodia needs to produce more AI talent to meet the emerging demand in businesses and to make the country grow faster,” Ly stated.
2. Rapid Digital Transformation
Cambodia is undergoing a rapid digital transformation, with more businesses adopting digital technologies to improve efficiency and competitiveness. AI and Machine Learning (ML) are at the forefront of this transformation, offering new opportunities for growth and innovation. However, to fully capitalize on these technologies, the country needs a workforce skilled in AI. Without adequate manpower, the digital transformation could stall, leaving Cambodia behind in the regional tech race.
3. Economic Leapfrogging Opportunities
AI presents a unique opportunity for Cambodia to leapfrog in economic development. Fee Vu, Chief Strategy Officer at IITC.ai, pointed out that although Cambodia may have missed some initial steps in AI, the country can still leapfrog to the next level with the right talent. By investing in manpower and training, Cambodia can bypass certain stages of development that other countries have gone through, quickly advancing to become a leader in AI applications, particularly in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing.
4. Agricultural Efficiency and Innovation
Agriculture remains a backbone of Cambodia’s economy, and AI can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency in this sector. For instance, AI-powered Internet of Things (IoT) systems can monitor soil moisture and weather conditions to optimize water usage in rice fields. This not only conserves water but also increases crop yields. However, implementing such advanced technology requires skilled professionals who can design, manage, and maintain these AI systems. The current shortage of manpower in this area could hinder the adoption of AI in agriculture, affecting the livelihoods of many Cambodians.
5. Addressing Socio-Economic Challenges
While AI is expected to take over certain mundane tasks, there are concerns about the long-term socio-economic impact. Tomas Pokorny, Digital & Technology Committee Chairman at EuroCham, warned that the loss of jobs due to AI could lead to socio-economic problems 40 to 50 years from now unless proactive measures are taken. By investing in AI manpower now, Cambodia can mitigate these risks by creating new job opportunities in AI development, implementation, and maintenance. This proactive approach can ensure that the benefits of AI are shared broadly across society.
6. Enhancing Quality Data Management
The success of AI and ML in any business relies heavily on the availability of high-quality data. Cambodia, like many other countries, faces challenges in ensuring the quality and accessibility of data. During the forum, Fee Vu emphasized the importance of developing a master database that all businesses and stakeholders can access. To achieve this, skilled data scientists and AI experts are needed to create, manage, and maintain such databases. Without adequate manpower, Cambodia risks falling short in its data management capabilities, which are crucial for AI to deliver meaningful outcomes.
7. Youth as Catalysts for AI Adoption
Cambodia’s youthful population is a significant asset in the country’s AI journey. Adrienne Ravez-Men, a Senior Consultant and Advisor in Digital Innovation & Strategic Communications, highlighted that the young, tech-savvy generation in Cambodia is well-positioned to take AI forward. “The culture of innovation is here,” she said, underscoring the potential of young Cambodians to embrace and drive AI initiatives. However, to unlock this potential, there needs to be substantial investment in education and training programs that equip the youth with the necessary AI skills.
8. Expanding AI in Healthcare
AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in Cambodia by providing better diagnostic tools, personalized treatment plans, and efficient management of healthcare resources. Fee Vu demonstrated the capabilities of an AI-powered SmartChat developed for the health sector, which can answer specific queries and provide empathetic advice. However, to integrate such AI technologies into the healthcare system, Cambodia needs a workforce that understands both healthcare and AI. This cross-disciplinary expertise is currently lacking and must be developed to ensure that AI can be fully utilized in improving the country’s healthcare system.
9. Driving Innovation in Urban Development
As Cambodia’s cities grow, AI can play a crucial role in urban planning and management. AI can be used to optimize traffic flow, manage waste more efficiently, and reduce energy consumption, thereby improving the quality of life in urban areas. However, realizing these benefits requires a skilled workforce that can develop and implement AI-driven solutions tailored to Cambodia’s unique urban challenges. Without sufficient manpower, the potential for AI to drive innovation in urban development could remain untapped.
10. Building a Sustainable AI Ecosystem
Finally, for Cambodia to fully harness the potential of AI, it needs to build a sustainable AI ecosystem. This involves not only developing AI talent but also fostering a culture of innovation, encouraging collaboration between businesses and academia, and ensuring that AI applications are aligned with the country’s development goals. A sustainable AI ecosystem requires continuous investment in human capital, research and development, and the creation of supportive policies and infrastructure. By focusing on manpower development, Cambodia can lay the foundation for a thriving AI ecosystem that drives long-term economic growth and development.
Conclusion
The future of AI in Cambodia is full of promise, but the journey towards fully tapping into its potential is just beginning. As highlighted by experts at the recent forum in Phnom Penh, the country’s immediate priority must be to develop a strong AI talent pool. This will not only meet the growing demands of businesses but also position Cambodia as a competitive player in the global AI landscape. By investing in manpower now, Cambodia can ensure that it is well-prepared to harness the power of AI for sustainable development and prosperity. As Rottana Ly aptly put it, “Cambodia needs to produce more AI talent to meet the emerging demand in businesses and to make the country grow faster.” The time to act is now.