Kampong Cham​ Town: The AI Ready ASEAN Project (AI RAP) has successfully organized a transformative two-day training workshop on "AI Literacy" from September 17 to 18, 2025, held at the state-of-the-art meeting hall of the New Generation School at Hun Sen Kampong Cham High School. This pivotal event was presided over by Mr. Hin Simhuon, Vice Executive Director of Kampuchea Action to Promote Education (KAPE). The workshop attracted a total of 85 participants, comprising master trainers and KAPE staff, who gathered to acquire foundational skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The primary objective was to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to responsibly harness AI, safeguard privacy, combat misinformation, and leverage cutting-edge technology to streamline daily tasks, ultimately fostering a digitally empowered future for Cambodia.

 

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Hin Simhuon delivered an inspiring address, emphasizing the critical role of the AI RAP initiative:

"The AI RAP project is a cornerstone in advancing digital education and AI literacy in Cambodia. It aligns seamlessly with the nation’s digital economy policies and vision, serving as a catalyst for sustainable development in the modern era. To keep pace with the rapid evolution of technology, we must all embrace AI, learning to coexist with it while prioritizing ethical and responsible use. This training empowers master trainers and stakeholders to impart AI knowledge to students and communities, enabling them to effectively utilize this transformative technology."

 

The workshop delivered comprehensive insights through 25 carefully designed modules that covered the multifaceted dimensions of AI. Key areas of focus included:

1.Foundational Understanding of AI: Participants explored the definition, types, and practical applications of AI in everyday life, gaining a clear understanding of its mechanisms and potential across various sectors.

2.AI Tools in Education: Master trainers were introduced to AI tools that enhance productivity, create educational content, manage social media platforms, and support student learning. For instance, AI can be used to develop interactive learning materials or automate administrative tasks.

3.Safety, Ethics, and Privacy: The training emphasized the importance of using AI safely and responsibly. Participants learned to identify and address challenges related to privacy and ethics, ensuring AI’s secure integration into classroom settings.

4.Preparing for the AI Era: The program provided a forward-looking perspective on how AI will reshape the job market and society. Trainers were encouraged to prepare students for these changes by fostering analytical and creative thinking skills.

5.Training Others in AI Literacy: Participants were equipped with flexible methodologies to transfer AI knowledge to students and communities, tailored to specific contexts and needs.

 

The two-day workshop went beyond imparting technical knowledge, effectively dispelling fears and misconceptions about AI among participants. Master trainers gained a deeper appreciation of AI’s potential to simplify daily tasks, such as lesson planning, student assessments, and creating engaging, interactive learning activities. AI tools were shown to reduce teachers’ workloads by automating repetitive tasks, such as generating quizzes or analyzing student performance data.

 

Moreover, the training instilled confidence in educators to integrate AI into their teaching practices, enhancing student learning outcomes. For example, AI can enable personalized lesson plans tailored to individual student needs, making education more engaging and effective. The training also provided an optimistic vision of how AI can protect students from the dangers of misinformation and irresponsible technology use, fostering a safer digital environment.

 

The AI RAP project is proudly supported by the ASEAN Foundation, which is committed to empowering individuals and communities to not only adopt but also innovate with technology. This initiative transcends mere technology use, aiming to cultivate a new generation of analytical and innovative thinkers who can drive the digital economy across the ASEAN region. By investing in programs like AI RAP, the ASEAN Foundation is fostering a culture of creativity and critical thinking, ensuring that communities are equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

 

The AI literacy training in Kampong Cham has left an indelible mark on the educational landscape, contributing to a bold new vision for Cambodia’s education system. By equipping master trainers with AI literacy skills, the AI RAP project has laid a robust foundation for a digitally driven education system that aligns with the demands of a future digital economy. This vision extends beyond technology adoption, emphasizing the development of a skilled and innovative workforce capable of navigating the complexities of the modern era.

 

The AI RAP initiative has transformed educators’ perspectives, encouraging them to view AI as a powerful tool for creating dynamic, personalized learning environments. For instance, teachers can leverage AI to design lessons that cater to individual student abilities and interests, fostering greater engagement and academic success. The training also empowered educators to guide students in using AI responsibly, with a focus on protecting privacy and critically evaluating information.

 

This vision for education prioritizes 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. By integrating AI into curricula, educators can prepare students for an evolving job market where digital competencies are indispensable. For example, students can use AI tools to develop skills in data analysis or creative project development, enhancing their competitiveness in a global economy.

 

Furthermore, the training fostered a collaborative network among master trainers, educators, and stakeholders, enabling them to share best practices and innovative approaches to incorporating AI into education. This network will amplify the dissemination of AI literacy across schools and communities nationwide, creating a broader movement toward digital education. By promoting widespread awareness and adoption of AI, this initiative strengthens Cambodia’s capacity to compete on the global stage, empowering communities to contribute meaningfully to the digital economy.

 

The AI literacy training workshop in Kampong Cham represents a monumental step toward building a digitally empowered Cambodia, ready to meet the challenges of a technology-driven future. By equipping master trainers and stakeholders with critical AI skills, the AI RAP has established a strong foundation for digital education and economic growth. Beyond technical expertise, the training has inspired participants, instilling confidence to embrace AI as a tool for advancing education and community development. With the support of the ASEAN Foundation, this initiative is paving the way for a brighter, more innovative future, where Cambodia’s educators and students are at the forefront of the global digital revolution.