Blogs
The imperative of gender inclusivity in AI: bridging the digital divide
Delivered by Mr. Dixon Siu, our first presentation focused on the foundational concepts of AI and the paramount importance of gender inclusivity in its development and deployment. The presentation served as both a technical primer on modern AI capabilities and a stark warning about the risks of an exclusionary digital future, concluding with actionable strategies for fostering ethical and equitable technology.Mr. Siu began by meticulously establishing the foundational technical concepts, starting with clear definitions of AI, machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL). He explained that DL, a sophisticated subset of ML, is the primary technology enabling modern AI to possess complex cognitive skills, effectively mimicking the sophisticated learning and processing capabilities of a human brain. From this technical base, he introduced Large Language Models (LLMs), such as the ones powering widely recognized tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, as one of the most visible and widely adopted manifestations of these advanced capabilities.Understanding these technical underpinnings was essential for discussing their ...
AI ethics: the imperative for data inclusion and human-centric design
Delivered by Mr. Dixon Siu, the presentation on the importance of AI governance commenced by highlighting the immense potential of AI, demonstrating its innovative applications across multiple critical domains, including health care, education, and agriculture. However, he immediately tempered this optimism with a critical warning: ...
Panel discussion on empowering futures: driving women’s participation in AI development and policy in Cambodia through education
The National AI Strategy (2025-2030) and Readiness Report prioritize educational reform to close the gender gap by mandating the creation of targeted AI courses and specific institutional protocols. Crucially, they emphasize building a supportive environment through mentorship programs and increasing the visibility of female lecturers ...
Panel discussion on AI and gender-based violence: protecting dignity in digital spaces
Cambodia’s National AI Strategy (2025-2030) addresses Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) indirectly but fundamentally by setting Ethical and Responsible AI as a core priority. This commitment, informed by the UNESCO AI Readiness Assessment, requires the Strategy to focus on data protection, digital literacy, and inclusive development. ...
Panel discussion on impact of AI on the future of work for women: breaking cultural barriers
UNESCO Cambodia’s AI Readiness Assessment demonstrated that the deeply ingrained societal beliefs are a major driver of a significant gender gap in the STEM industry in the country. As STEM fields are widely seen as male-dominated, many girls internalise these expectations, which lowers their confidence ...
Panel Discussion on ethical AI governance: it’s more than just code
Cambodia’s AI Readiness Assessment Report, finalized in July 2025, directly addresses gender inclusion by identifying a significant gender gap in STEM fields and the AI workforce as a major national challenge, with only 16.68% of women graduating from STEM, compared to 83.32% of men. Closing ...
Technical mapping meet-up: strengthening forest mapping through geospatial technology
Open Development Cambodia (ODC), with support from Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), hosted a half-day “Technical Mapping Meet-Up” on 17 November 2025. The event created an open space for technical experts and local stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore how geospatial tools can advance forest conservation ...
Strengthening community fisheries through data literacy
On September 3rd and 4th, 2025, Open Development Cambodia (ODC) conducted a two-day training on data literacy for community fisheries members in Kampot province. The training brought together 20 participants, including 10 women from community fisheries groups in Kampot and Kep. The main goal was ...
Empowering community fisheries with digital mapping skills in Kampot and Kep
On September 1 and 2, 2025, Open Development Cambodia (ODC) organized a two-day training in the Tropang Sangke Community Fisheries, Kampot Province. The training focused on community-based digital mapping and was attended by 19 members from community fisheries (CFis) in Kampot and Kep provinces.This activity ...
Empowering communities through digital mapping: Highlights from our community-based mapping training
From July 7–8, 2025, Open Development Cambodia (ODC) hosted a two-day Community-Based Mapping Training Workshop at the ODC office. Supported by the European Union under the Strengthening CSOs to Take Action on Economic Governance (SCAEG) 2023–2026 program, this training brought together 21 passionate community members ...
Inception workshop on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) phase II: ODC shares experiences on SEA
On 17 June 2025, Open Development Cambodia (ODC) participated and served as speakers at the Inception Workshop on Phase II of Strengthening the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Process through Capacity Development, a collaboration between the Ministry of Environment (MoE) and The Asia Foundation (TAF). The ...
Empowering coastal communities through digital skills
On 2 May 2025, Open Development Cambodia (ODC) organized a training workshop aimed at equipping coastal community representatives and youth leaders with essential social media skills. This training empowered participants to harness digital platforms to amplify their voices and promote sustainable development efforts within their ...
Media Information and Digital Literacy (MIDL) Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop to strengthen transparency and accountability in local governance through civic engagement
UNDP Cambodia has supported the Open Development Cambodia Organization (ODC) to provide the Media Information and Digital Literacy (MIDL) Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop for 24 representatives (5 females) from Sub-National Democratic Development Secretariat (NCDD-S), municipality administrations, the National School of Local Administration (NASLA), and ...
Exploring AI regulation: Insights from a panel discussion at Cambodia ICT Camp 2024
The growing influence of AI on industries and societies raises critical questions about its regulation. This was one of the key points discussed during the Cambodia ICT Camp 2024 in Siem Reap province. The camp aimed to raise awareness about the opportunities and challenges of ...
Chin Sivmoy: Internship at Open Development Cambodia Organization is an incredible learning experience
As I approach the end of my internship with Open Development Cambodia Organization (ODC), I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and accomplishment. This opportunity has been an incredible learning experience, not just professionally but personally as well. Over the past months, I ...
Climate Change Art Exhibition 2024 at Lifelong Learning Center Pal Hal
On 09th December 2024, Open Development Cambodia (ODC) hosted the Annual Climate Change Art Exhibition at the Lifelong Learning Center in Pal Hal, Preah Vihear province. With over 200 participants, including local authorities, teachers, and students, this event was a platform for raising awareness of ...
Building climate resilience with indigenous peoples: Highlights from the Cambodia Climate Change Forum 2024
Cambodia Climate Change Forum 2024 (CCCF24) commenced on 24 October 2024, in Preah Sihanouk province, Cambodia. The event brought together a diverse audience with more than 300 students, community members, indigenous community representatives, environmental activists, civil society organizations and governmental agency representatives, and international representatives ...
ODC strengthens coastal CSOs through QGIS mapping and geospatial training
Open Development Cambodia (ODC) recently conducted a successful two-day training workshop on Fundamental QGIS for civil society organizations (CSOs) in Phnom Penh on October 21-22, 2024. The workshop was organized as part of the “Strengthening CSOs to Take Action on Economic Governance (SCAEG)” project, co-funded ...
Supporting journalists through data visualization training
In today’s media landscape, where data and information overflows and attention lengths are short, journalists should use more than just words to make an impact. Data visualization is a powerful tool that enables journalists to tell compelling stories by converting raw data into meaningful, engaging ...
The 7th Cambodia ICT and Digital Forum: Fostering knowledge and collaboration
The 7th Cambodia ICT and Digital Forum, aka the 7th CamIDF, held on 27 June 2024, brought together experts, enthusiasts, and stakeholders to discuss crucial aspects of information and communication technology (ICT) in Cambodia. The Forum was part of a larger event, the Cambodia ICT ...
The 6th Cambodia ICT and Digital Forum: A convergence of minds and innovation
Open Development Cambodia Organization (ODC) hosted their 6th Cambodia ICT and Digital Forum (CamIDF) on March 26-27, 2024, at Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT). This prestigious event brought together a diverse group of experts, enthusiasts, and visionaries to discuss pressing issues and explore the ...
Experts shared diverse perspectives and insights on ESG evolving in Cambodia
In recent years, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices have gained significant traction globally, and Cambodia is no exception to this trend. As global markets, particularly those based in the European Union, set increasingly stringent environmental regulatory standards, Cambodian businesses face both challenges and opportunities ...
ODC initiated the first multi-stakeholder dialogue on ESG in Cambodia
On 8 August 2024, the Open Development Cambodia Organization (ODC) hosted a full-day multi-stakeholder dialogue on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting in Cambodia at the Himawari Hotel in Phnom Penh. The event attracted 75 participants, including 29 women, from diverse backgrounds and institutions. Attendees ...
Raise awareness of the communities on environmental impact assessment process
On 25 July 2025, Open Development Cambodia Organization (ODC) in collaboration with My Village Cambodia (MVi), under the project “Enhancing Natural Resource Management Governance through Data-Driven Approaches,” conducted an important training workshop on environmental impact assessment (EIA) in Mondulkiri province. This event aimed to raise ...
Civil society’s participation in the draft Land Law dialogue for land rights protection
The Cambodian government has drafted an entirely new Land Law (the draft law), more than 20 years after the promulgation of the 2001 Land Law. Acknowledging the importance of participation from civil society, local communities, and indigenous peoples (IPs), Open Development Cambodia (ODC) formally sought ...
