AI Landscape in Cambodia: Current Status and Future Trends
- 1st ed.
- Phnom Penh Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation 2023
- 60 pages 23 cm
Over six decades, the evolutionary development of AI has been astonishing and proves its capability through simple neural networks, multi-level text analytics, deep learning, image analytics, self-adaptive and natural language processing breakthroughs, neuromorphic technology, and the edge of human consciousness system development. AI has been implemented and adopted in business sectors for a variety of purposes in manufacturing, health care, retail, banking, and public services. The rapid development of AI calls out key areas that need to be addressed in any future policy or law governing the use of AI, such as privacy, accountability, safety, and security; transparency and explainability; fairness and non- discrimination; human control of technology; professional responsibility; and promotion of human values. Firms and organizations across all sectors strive to maximize the potential of their data to make better decisions for commercial and social purposes. From a technical perspective, there are several types of AI applications, such as machine learning, deep learning, hybrid learning, and digital twins. Some of the industries seen as benefiting from AI in Cambodia are healthcare, education, and finance. For healthcare, AI can be used to improve the accuracy and efficiency of medical diagnoses and identify potential health risks and preventative measures. For example, AI can analyze medical images and identify abnormalities such as tumors or other potential health issues. In addition, AI can be used in education in Cambodia to improve the quality and accessibility of education. Another area where AI is beginning to have an impact in Cambodia is finance. AI is being used to improve the accuracy and efficiency of financial transactions and identify potential fraud and money laundering. Overall, the development and adoption of AI in Cambodia is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to transform many aspects of society. The key challenges and opportunities in this area include the need for specialized skills and expertise, as well as the need to address ethical and privacy concerns. With continued investment and development, AI has the potential to greatly benefit Cambodia in the coming years. Strategically, R&D is essential to cope with the AI-enabled advancements in the world. With billions of dollars expected to be generated from AI globally, Cambodia sees the need and urgency to invest, adapt, and prepare for this AI global force in line with the industry 4.0 trend as the economy increasingly becomes knowledge- and digital-based. There are many challenges and concerns that come with the use of AI. Certainly, machine learning requires massive amounts of data and computing time. Researchers are generally challenged when it comes to finding high-quality, unbiased training sets to teach AI. In many cases, hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of records, are required to properly implement deep learning algorithms. And data sets containing biased information can lead to undesirable results. There are other cultural challenges to consider that branch out into new issues for leadership. vii when it comes to incorporating AI. Also, there has been much written about how AI will take jobs away from unskilled or easily automated workers. In Cambodia, this technology is not just about AI. It is about creating a digital framework within the existing infrastructure to implement its learning capability alongside the work of information and communication technology. A relevant legal framework on data and cybersecurity is also needed to be in force to combat cybercrimes and provide assurance to relevant businesses, practitioners, and consumers in the field. Infrastructure is the key, and there is already a basic technological foundation that Cambodia has been building for years that will be leveraged to maximize the impact of AI. Last but not least, AI is one of the essential technologies in the world that is game-changing in every sector to improve productivity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. In order to foster trustworthy AI ecosystems, it is essential for countries to develop human-centered policies that promote socio-economic and responsible AI research and development. This includes policies that encourage investment in such initiatives. These policies for AI development should take into account its national development vision as well as regional and global trends. The country's objectives, preferences, and overarching strategy for AI advancement in the immediate and distant future should be clarified. Initially, the main objective is to cultivate skilled personnel and employ AI solutions to deal with critical national focus areas that will have a swift impact on Cambodia's socio-economic status. Over time, the priority should shift to developing fundamental and advanced research, promoting high-level AI research and innovation, and establishing Cambodia's standing in advanced technology on a global.