On January 25, 2025, Sisters of Code and IT Academy STEP Cambodia Institute hosted Cambodia's first-ever Day of AI in Education 2025. This event was organized with support from the General Department of Teacher Education and Development and the National Committee for Lifelong Learning, which aimed to foster AI's ethical and responsible use in the Cambodian education system. As technological development is one of the key national strategies for the Cambodian economy, this event brought together experts, government officials, and teachers to discuss the best practices and risks while embracing AI opportunities.
A Gathering of Minds
The event brought together over 400 students, teachers, and educators to explore the potential of AI in education. Distinguished guests, including H.E. Mr. Dominic William, British Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia, and Dr. Chhouk Chanchhayya, Deputy Director of the Directorate General of Teacher Education and Development, shared their commitment to integrating AI responsibly into education. They both highlighted that the professional development of the teachers and the integration of technology in pedagogy is essential. However, it is even more important to grow pedagogical competencies and human connections between teachers and students; the technologies cannot substitute that.
Building on the Generative AI for Gen Z Initiative
The Day of AI in Education 2025 is part of the unique educational program developed by IT Academy STEP Cambodia and Sisters of Code, “Generative AI for Gen Z” under the support of British Aid, which has been engaging students and educators since mid-December 2024 and beginning of January 2025, by delivering six workshops for students and three training sessions for educators at various levels. Those workshops not only improved knowledge about AI and Generative AI but also engaged in feedback sessions and surveys, thus collecting important insights about AI adoption in Cambodia.
Key Insights from the AI Workshops and Trainings
Through these workshops and trainings, we gathered valuable insights from students and teachers. Here are some learnings collected in Phnom Penh, Battambang, and Siem Reap:
• Strong Interest but Limited Advanced Usage: While most participants have used generative AI, primarily for basic tasks, many are unaware of its full potential and other available tools.
• Need for Localization and Training: Participants expressed a strong need for Khmer-language AI tools and more localized training to use these technologies effectively.
• Positive Perception of AI's Usefulness: There is a general recognition of AI's potential to enhance education, but clarity on the most efficient practices is lacking.
Introducing the AI Guidebook for Educators
A significant outcome of these efforts is the launch of the AI Guidebook for Educators, a collaborative project between IT Academy STEP Cambodia and the National Committee for Lifelong Learning. This guidebook provides educators with foundational knowledge and practical tools to integrate AI into their teaching practices. Available in both Khmer and English, it aims to increase accessibility for all educators. (Please note that the guidebook is still in draft form and may be subject to revisions based on feedback.)
Experts Sharing
The event also featured a panel discussion with four distinguished experts from various sectors, including government, academia, and industry. This discussion provided valuable insights into the future of AI in education and its potential impact on Cambodia's development. A UNESCO representative confirmed the commitment of international organizations to support the ethical adoption of AI in Cambodia, while a representative of the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Technology shared that currently, the government of Cambodia is working on an AI policy.
During the event, we also had an opportunity to consider how ethical AI adoption can be approached through Buddhist values through a presentation by Mr. Noem Chhunny. Participants could also learn about Generic AI tools designed for teachers to create lesson plans and educational materials, as well as key strategies for successful prompt writing while communicating with AI chatbots.
Moving Forward
The Day of AI in Education 2025 was a significant step towards driving ethical AI adoption in the Cambodian education system. Through continued collaboration, training, and resource development, we can ensure that AI is used responsibly and effectively to enhance student learning outcomes. We hope that the launched guidebook for teachers will help teachers grow their professional skills in ethical AI usage in education in Cambodia and provide an opportunity for more localized tool development.
