Community of Practice on Artificial Intelligence
 

Hub 10: Human Capital Development for AI — Empowering Cambodia’s Workforce for the AI Future

1. Background and Rationale

Developing a skilled, future-ready workforce is critical for Cambodia to successfully harness AI for national development. Beyond technical proficiency, cultivating comprehensive understanding of AI—including ethical implications and practical applications—is essential. Cambodia currently experiences significant human capital gaps, particularly shortages of specialized AI talent, low researcher density, and challenges within educational systems that require adaptation to meet AI-driven needs.

This session of ESCAP's Community of Practice on AI (COPAI) will explore strategies for developing Cambodia’s local AI talent. Key areas of discussion include identifying essential AI skills (foundational digital literacy, critical thinking, advanced technical skills, collaborative soft skills), integrating AI literacy into education curricula, establishing effective reskilling and upskilling programs for the existing workforce, and ensuring inclusive talent development across gender, geographical, and socio-economic contexts. The session emphasizes strengthening partnerships among educational institutions, private sector stakeholders, and government bodies to overcome current challenges such as faculty qualifications and curriculum relevance.

2. Objectives

• Define essential skills (technical, ethical, critical thinking) necessary for Cambodia's AI workforce.
• Explore successful international practices in integrating AI into education and workforce training.
• Discuss practical strategies for reskilling and upskilling Cambodia’s existing workforce.
• Highlight the importance of inclusivity in AI talent initiatives.
• Foster collaboration among academia, industry, and government to build a sustainable AI talent pipeline.

3. Audience

Approximately 30-40 participants, including government officials, academics from leading universities, private-sector representatives, international development partners, training providers, and civil society organizations engaged in education and skills development, primarily from Cambodia and the ASEAN region.