While mentions of robots, nuclear reactors and artificial intelligence appeared in presentations during a technology conference in Phnom Penh on Thursday, speakers agreed that the Kingdom has been slow to adopt these technologies due to a lack of education.

The 2018 Cambodia Outlook Conference, which was jointly hosted by the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) and ANZ Royal Bank, opened with remarks from Prime Minister Hun Sen, who admitted that Cambodia has been lagging behind its regional partners and reasserted his commitment to increasing investment in the tech sector.

According to the premier, Cambodia allocated just 0.12 per cent of its GDP to science and technology research in 2015, compared to the 0.63 percent and 1.3 percent of GDP invested by Thailand and Malaysia, respectively. He went on to promise Cambodia would increase its level to 0.2 per cent by 2020, and accelerate investment to reach 1 per cent by 2025 and 1.5 per cent by 2030.

Following the prime minister’s remarks, discussions between technology experts from Malaysia, South Korea and Singapore – some of the most technologically advanced nations in the region-focused on a singular theme: Cambodia’s need for a better education system. According to Sok Siphana, the outgoing chairman of the CDRI board of directors, government policy is already struggling to keep up with recent advancements in tech due to a lack of education among legislators. – The Phnom Penh Post

Singapore exports see surprise drop in February

Singapore’s exports defied economist expectations to post an unexpected decline last month.

Non-oil domestic exports (NODX) shrank 5.9 per cent in February from the same month a year earlier. This was the first decline since September last year and was likely due in part to the Chinese New Year, which started on February 16.

The latest number disappointed economists who were expecting a 4.8 per cent expansion, and was also much weaker than January’s 12.9 per cent rise.

Both electronics and non-electronics shipments declined in February.

Electronic NODX declined by 12.3 per cent in February, following a 3.9 per cent decrease in the previous month.

Meanwhile, non-electronic NODX slid 3.4 per cent in after a 20.7 per cent surge in the previous month. NODX to majority of Singapore’s top markets decreased in February, except the United States, Japan and South Korea. The decline was led by China, the European Union and Taiwan. – The Straits Times