Phnom Penh: AI Ready ASEAN project, funded by ASEAN Foundation, and implemented by KAPE in collaboration with the Department of Digital Transformation (DDT), hosted training of trainers on "Artificial Intelligence Literacy." This training was officially presided over by Mr. Sok Tha, Director of the Department of Digital Transformation; Mr. Sao Vanna, Executive Director of KAPE; and Mr. Tiaro Paska Rivo, Representative from the ASEAN Foundation. The training aims to encourage people to get ready to embrace AI by equipping them with fundamental knowledge and making decisions critically. The participants learn how to safeguard their personal privacy, as well as against misinformation, and especially get prepared for future careers in today’s digital world.

Mr. Sao Vanna, KAPE’s executive director, said, “The AI Ready ASEAN Project has been implemented nationwide across Cambodia, consisting of 400 target schools. The project is expected to positively impact 166,750 end beneficiaries, including youths, teachers, parents, and guardians. Additionally, utilizing ICT and digital, particularly AI, is crucial for fostering and contributing to educational reform in order to achieve digital education and upgrading for future-ready AI skills.”

“AI is rapidly transforming our world and becoming an essential part of daily life. As educators, we must prepare ourselves to absorb the necessary knowledge and skills—not only for our students, but also for the communities around them. Providing this training fosters responsible use of AI and cultivates automated learning. This initiative is not just an opportunity to learn about AI; it’s a step toward a brighter future for education in Cambodia. It aligns with the government’s Interval 1 strategies, including enhancing education, developing human resources, improving digital literacy, and reforming the educational system.” — Mr. Sok Tha, Director of the Department of Digital Technology (DDT)

“AI Ready ASEAN is equipping citizens across the region with essential AI literacy. Our goal is to reach 5.5 million people, and at least 2,000 master trainers are already trained to deliver AI training to more than 800,000 beneficiaries in their communities. This initiative ensures that AI contributes meaningfully to sustainable development, aligning with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. The ambition of the project is to build an ASEAN community to strengthen resilience, foster innovation, and empower citizens.” — Mr. Tiaro Paska Rivo, Representative of the ASEAN Foundation.

The master trainers will gain AI insightful knowledge as follows:

1. Understanding AI fundamentals—concepts, types, and everyday applications.
2. Implement AI tools in education—for productivity, content creation, social media, and student learning.
3. Address ethical, privacy, and security issues, ensuring responsible and safe AI use in classrooms.
4. Prepare learners for the AI era—linking AI trends to careers, business, and social good.
5. Train others in AI literacy—adapting methods to different audiences while keeping sessions engaging.

The training was held at Prek Leap High School’s Hall, with a total of 99 participants, including the Director of the Department of Digital Transformation, representatives from NGPRC and UNICEF, master trainers, and KAPE’s staff.