Phnom Penh, 10 June 2026: The Trade Policy Advisory Board (TPAB) and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), with the support of the Australian Government, co-hosted a workshop titled 'Advancing Cambodia's Semiconductor Ecosystem'. Serving as the second capacity-building programme building on the foundations laid during the inaugural workshop in May 2025, the event aimed to support Cambodia's integration into regional ASEAN supply chains, explore public–private partnerships, and advance the development of a national semiconductor roadmap.

The workshop was presided over by H.E. Prof. Bundit Sapheacha Dr Sok Siphana, Senior Minister in charge of Special Missions and Chairman of TPAB, alongside H.E. Prof. Chhem Kieth Rethy, Senior Minister in charge of Special Missions and Chairman of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC); H.E. Derek Yip, Ambassador of Australia to the Kingdom of Cambodia; H.E. Chheang Vannarith, Secretary of State of the Office of the Council of Ministers; Mr Jeremy Gross, Director of Mekong Affairs and Capacity Building at ERIA; H.E. Dr Soeng Reth, Member of the Supreme National Economic Council; H.E. Reth Phuong Pangna, Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications; and H.E. Dr Se Sokhorn, Deputy Director General of the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia.

During the opening session, Mr Jeremy Gross commended the Royal Government of Cambodia for including semiconductors in its industrial policy and urged Cambodia to address foundational gaps as ASEAN competitors advance. H.E. Derek Yip noted that emerging electronics industries signal a shift towards higher-value manufacturing, supported by Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 and the CAPRED programme, which funds technical and vocational education and training (TVET), scholarships, and STEM pathways to develop human capital. H.E. Prof. Chhem Kieth Rethy emphasised in his keynote address that semiconductors underpin national development strategies, advising Cambodia to leverage its young workforce and neutrality to take pragmatic steps into the ecosystem through global partnerships and special economic zones.

Concluding the opening session, Dr Sok expressed optimism that semiconductors could become Cambodia's next major economic breakthrough. He described the government's pursuit of Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) accession as a catalyst for expanding access to advanced markets, creating new trade opportunities, and supporting the country's long-term progress in high-technology industries.

The workshop then moved to experience-sharing sessions and panel discussions, with regional experts providing insights to help shape Cambodia's semiconductor roadmap.

During the first experience-sharing session, Prof. Andrew Chan, former Executive Director of the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association, advised Cambodia to build long-term investor confidence by focusing on institutional and workforce readiness. He outlined five priorities for integrating the country into the regional semiconductor ecosystem.

In Session I, Dr Han Phoumin, Senior Energy Economist at ERIA, presented key takeaways from the first workshop in 2025 and introduced the ASEAN Semiconductor Roadmap 2026–2030. He emphasised that Cambodia's strategy should place particular emphasis on human capital development and technological infrastructure, drawing practical lessons from Malaysia and other regional experiences.

Session II shifted focus to the foundations of a semiconductor ecosystem, including talent development, policy and investment lessons from the region, infrastructure and logistics readiness, and the need for a skilled workforce. Presentations were delivered by Ms Nanya Burki, Director of Nuffic Southeast Asia, and H.E. Sim Vireak, Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Following these presentations, Dr Han moderated a panel discussion exploring practical implementation strategies with H.E. Dr Seng Sopheap, President of the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology; H.E. Bron Sopheana, Secretary-General of the National Council for Minimum Wage; and Mr Sorm Karaney, Director of Information Technology at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port.

Session III focused on industry financing and partnership models. Mr Avinash Ranjan, Investment Officer at the International Finance Corporation, presented a financing toolkit for emerging markets, whilst Mr Imran Hafiz, Director of Investment at Gobi Partners, outlined a 15–20 year strategic roadmap for Cambodia. Following these presentations, H.E. Dr Sar Senera, Deputy Secretary-General of the Cambodian Investment Board/Council for the Development of Cambodia, moderated a panel discussion on aligning public policy with investment realities. Panellists included Dr Mon Sreyleak, Deputy Director of the Monetary Policy and Research Department at the National Bank of Cambodia, and Mr Keo Vichet, Deputy Director of Energy Development at the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

In Session IV, which focused on Cambodia's position within the regional semiconductor landscape, Dr Wong Shaw Fong, IEEE EPS Region 10 Programme Director from Malaysia, provided a technical and commercial overview of the industry. Drawing on Malaysia's experience, he recommended that Cambodia initially focus on cost competitiveness and talent development before progressing to front-end semiconductor processes. The subsequent panel, moderated by Dr Chhem Siriwat, Co-founder and President of AI Forum, discussed regional integration and technology infrastructure with H.E. Dr Sam Sethserey, Director General of the General Department of Information and Communication Technology at the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications; H.E. Dr Ros Sayumphu, Chief of Cabinet to H.E. Prof. Chhem Kieth Rethy; and Mr Chan Visal, Deputy Director of the Department of STI Cooperation at the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation.

The workshop concluded with interactive group activities aimed at identifying pathways towards a national semiconductor roadmap. During the final wrap-up session, Dr Sok and Dr Han Phoumin summarised the day's key findings and highlighted immediate priorities for strengthening Cambodia's technology infrastructure. Mr Jeremy Gross then delivered closing remarks, reaffirming ERIA's commitment to supporting Cambodia's strategic industrial development and long-term economic transformation.