Siem Reap, 6-10 June 2024: ERIA organised the third and final instalment of the 4IR Professionals’ Development series in Siem Reap, Cambodia. This event was held alongside the 107th ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Services (CCS) Meetings and was a collaborative effort involving the ASEAN Secretariat and the ASEAN CCS Chair under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. The workshop aimed to equip professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of the services sector in the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

Building on the successes of previous editions in 2022 and 2023, the 5-day workshop series was meticulously designed to explore and analyse various dimensions of 4IR technology and its practical applications within the services sector. Each day focused on specific themes, starting with an introductory overview of the fundamentals and applications of 4IR. Subsequent sessions delved deeper into critical enablers such as Big Data Analytics (BDA), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, Augmented Reality, Cybersecurity, and Systems Integration.

Khemdeth Sihavong, Chairman of the ASEAN CCS and Deputy Director-General of Trade Negotiation and Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Industry & Commerce of Lao PDR, inaugurated the event with insightful remarks, emphasising the strategic importance of leveraging 4IR technologies to strengthen ASEAN's service sectors.

Throughout the workshop, participants benefited from lectures by 14 experts from across the ASEAN region. Interactive sessions were complemented by practical group work aimed at formulating effective implementation strategies tailored to diverse organisational needs. Discussions also underscored the regional context, exploring collaborative efforts to enhance ASEAN's readiness in adopting and integrating 4IR technologies.

Jeremy Gross, Director of Mekong Affairs and Capacity Building at ERIA, highlighted the workshop's role in equipping ASEAN professionals with essential skills to navigate and excel in the dynamic landscape of 4IR in his concluding remarks. He expressed optimism that the insights gained and networks established during the event would significantly enhance regional competitiveness.

As ASEAN navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, initiatives such as the 4IR Professionals’ Development series are crucial in fostering innovation, collaboration, and resilience. The profound impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution is evident in the accelerating pace of change globally. It is the collective responsibility of ASEAN to ensure that professionals across the region navigate this transformative landscape with a structured, value-driven approach. This approach will empower ASEAN professionals to thrive in the digital era, contributing significantly to both regional and global advancement.