Cambodia has taken a major step in reshaping its education system by organising the country’s first National AI for Education Conference. The event brought together policymakers, educators, researchers and international partners to discuss how artificial intelligence can be used responsibly and effectively in classrooms. What makes this conference especially significant is that Cambodia is now moving from the stage of receiving recommendations through UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) to actually transforming those recommendations into nationwide action.
Cambodia’s approach is noteworthy for its focus on responsible AI, capacity building and the inclusion of teachers in decision-making. Many nations struggle to bridge policy ideas with real implementation, but Cambodia’s move shows a structured shift from planning to action. Highlighting this progress helps readers understand how AI in education is evolving globally, how developing countries are participating in that evolution and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for both students and teachers.
What Led to the National AI for Education Conference
The conference was organised after Cambodia completed UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM), a structured study that helps governments evaluate their preparedness for adopting AI in education. RAM looks at:
- Digital and policy infrastructure
- Data governance and privacy protection
- Teacher training and professional development
- Curriculum readiness
- Equity, inclusion and gender considerations
Based on these findings, UNESCO provided country-specific recommendations. Cambodia’s conference marks the beginning of implementing those recommendations at a national scale.
Key Goals of the Conference
The event focused on bringing clarity and direction to Cambodia’s AI integration plan. Some of the primary goals included:
- Understanding how AI tools can support personalised learning
- Identifying risks such as misinformation, bias and data privacy concerns
- Strengthening teacher training programmes
- Creating guidelines for ethical AI usage in schools
- Encouraging collaboration between government bodies and global experts
- Building student awareness and digital literacy
This was also a platform for educators to share real classroom challenges and learn how AI can be introduced in a safe, practical and inclusive way.
Major Highlights from the Conference
1. Turning Recommendations into National Plans
Cambodia’s Ministry of Education announced that several RAM recommendations would now be incorporated into:
- National policy frameworks
- Teacher training modules
- Digital curriculum updates
- School-level pilot programmes
For a developing country with diverse learning environments, this demonstrates strong commitment.
2. Building the Foundation for Responsible AI
Instead of prioritising rapid adoption, Cambodia is focusing on responsible and ethical integration. This includes:
- Transparent data usage
- Protecting students’ privacy
- Avoiding algorithmic bias
- Strengthening cybersecurity in schools
Such discussions are crucial as AI becomes more common in educational platforms.
3. Support for Teachers
The conference placed significant emphasis on teachers, acknowledging that:
- AI will not replace teachers
- Teachers must be trained to use AI tools confidently
- Classroom methodologies must adapt gradually
Many educators expressed interest in using AI for tasks like grading assistance, personalised feedback, and resource planning.
4. Collaboration with International Experts
UNESCO, development partners and regional AI specialists participated in the conference, offering:
- Case studies from other countries
- Best practices for digital governance
- Tools for monitoring the impact of AI in classrooms
This guidance will help Cambodia avoid common implementation pitfalls.
Why Cambodia’s Initiative Matters for the Global Education Community
Cambodia is not alone in exploring AI for education, but its structured, cautious and inclusive approach sets an example. This conference signals:
- A shift away from technology-first strategies to learner-centred strategies
- The growing global expectation that AI must be deployed ethically
- A recognition that capacity building is as important as infrastructure
- A reminder that digital transformation must not widen the equity gap
Countries in similar stages of development may draw lessons from Cambodia’s roadmap.
Expected Impact on Students and Teachers
Once the national plan begins rolling out, the immediate beneficiaries will be:
Students
- Access to personalised learning resources
- Improved support for diverse learning needs
- Greater digital literacy and future readiness
Teachers
- Better planning tools
- Reduced administrative workload
- Opportunities for professional upskilling
Schools
- Clear guidelines for digital and AI integration
- Stronger infrastructure for long-term innovation
While implementation will take time, the foundation being laid is strong.
