Mapping Cambodia
UNDP Cambodia launched the "Big Data and AI for Mapping Vulnerability in Cambodia" tool today, revealing that the most disadvantaged people in the Kingdom are in the rural north and northeast regions.
UNDP Cambodia launches AI driven vulnerability mapping tool
UNDP Cambodia’s new AI mapping tool shows that the most vulnerable areas of the country are in the rural north and northeast regions. UNDP
UNDP Cambodia launched the "Big Data and AI for Mapping Vulnerability in Cambodia" tool today, revealing that the most disadvantaged people in the Kingdom are in the rural north and northeast regions.
The mapping highlights levels of vulnerability, with "Red" indicating a high probability of deprivation and "Green" signifying a low probability across all aspects of education, health, living standards and monetary status, as well as categories within each area.
According to the report, the tool combines traditional and big data sources to analyse socio-economic vulnerabilities from a multidimensional perspective, using AI, machine learning and deep learning. The project kicked off in 2021 during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“By integrating different datasets, policymakers can identify patterns and interactions of overlapping deprivations that are often overlooked when studying vulnerability separately. The tool allows users to explore vulnerabilities alongside specific indicators such as education, health and living standards at various geographic levels,” the report stated.
The mapping shows specific levels of vulnerability in each dimension and category, from the provincial down to the commune level.
“The tool provides accurate estimates of at-risk households based on factors such as limited access to education, clean water and electricity. The user interface is also exceptionally easy to navigate. As a result, the tool will benefit all users, including community leaders and government agencies,” the document added.
The report concluded that the innovative tool, which provides small-scale, geographically specific information, can promote humanitarian efforts and government projects that meet many of the aims set out in the country’s sustainable development goals (SDGs).
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/undp-cambodia-launches-ai-driven-vulnerability-mapping-tool
Funan Techo Canal project evokes sense of pride nationwide
By Khmer Times
The official ground-breaking ceremony for the Funan Techo Canal has sparked a variety of reactions from across Cambodian society. While many see it as a testament to national pride and progress, some remain sceptical about the ultimate level of impact it will have.
On Monday, Prime Minister Hun Manet officially launched the Funan Techo Canal project at 9:09 am. The occasion was marked by fireworks, drums and the release of 81 balloons.
The event saw the participation of numerous dignitaries, famous singers and institutions nationwide, all celebrating what they view as a significant and positive development.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Service Hun Many took to Facebook to describe the inauguration as a historic moment for Cambodia.
“Khmer can do it for Khmer,” he proudly stated, emphasising the project’s importance not just economically and socially but also as a symbol of the Kingdom’s growing economic sovereignty.
“We must not compare what we do with others who are more fortunate than we were before, but we must compare what we have achieved today with a situation we have never been in previously,” Prime Minister Hun Manet was quoted as saying, highlighting the project’s role in reviving Cambodia’s historic reliance on waterways.
Kep Provincial Governor Som Piseth praised the project’s initiation by former Prime Minister Hun Sen, citing it as a source of national pride and a significant boost to the national economy.
Kep province, one of the project’s target areas, celebrated with drum events and various festivities.
“The Funan Techo Canal project was carried out in the spirit of nationalism by the united forces of Cambodians throughout the country,” said Piseth, who also acknowledged that some opposition to the project exists.
“A small group of people with contrarian views tried to block it, but they could not because the national conscience and patriotism of the people across the country supported the historic project,” he said.
Piseth added that any concerns regarding land, homes and farms being affected by the project’s construction would be addressed appropriately by the government.
Kratie Provincial Governor Va Thorn expressed his support and congratulations for the ground-breaking ceremony by celebrating the occasion with jubilant activities such as shouting, drumming and beating gongs throughout the province.
He highlighted the joy and pride that this achievement will bring to Cambodia, which was only made possible by the current era of enduring peace.
Thorn added that the groundbreaking ceremony for the Funan Techo Canal marks a significant historical milestone for modern Cambodia.
Far Saly, president of the National Trade Union Confederation, noted that while the government declared a holiday for the opening day, not all companies complied.
He expressed optimism about the canal’s potential benefits for sectors like agriculture, tourism and culture, emphasising the increased employment opportunities it would bring.
“This project is not a joke,” Saly added. “The leadership has thought deeply about this project and it is a profitable one. We do not rely on external countries like Vietnam for its success.”
The Funan Techo Canal will be a 180-kilometre waterway connecting the Mekong River to the Cambodian coast and the sea. It spans Kandal, Takeo, Kampot and Kep provinces.
The construction is estimated to cost approximately $1.7 billion and is expected to take about 48 months to complete, with a projected finish date of 2028.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony for nearly 600 students of the University of Puthisastra yesterday, Mr Hun Manet emphasised the symbolic importance of the Funan Techo Canal as a testament to national unity as was proven by the Cambodian citizenry participating in the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday.
“It may be just another infrastructure project, but thanks to the spirit shared by the entire nation, we see it not as an ordinary infrastructure project but a symbol of the unity of our Cambodian nation, which is what our hopes and our resilience indicate about building the potential to strengthen independence,” he said.
He highlighted the broader significance of the Funan Techo Canal beyond its immediate practical benefits, portraying it as a beacon of hope and a testament to the nation’s collective strength and independence.
The project, according to Mr Hun Manet, symbolises the shared aspirations and resilience of the Cambodian people and will contribute to the nation’s sovereignty and prestige.
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501536507/funan-techo-canal-project-evokes-sense-of-pride-nationwide/#google_vignette
Cambodia’s first ‘off-shore’ University Campus
By Heng Panha AKP Phnom Penh, August 08, 2024 --
De Montfort, a leading British university, has opened its first-ever campus in Cambodia to contribute to enhancing the Kingdom’s human resources.
The grand opening ceremony of De Montfort University Cambodia was held here this morning under the presidency of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, who had his education background in the UK, expressed his warm welcome to the presence of this university in Cambodia.
“I am so proud that De Montfort has decided to choose Cambodia as its first campus in South East Asia,” he underlined.
The Premier also shared some of his experience during his study in the UK, and highlighted the progress of the education sector in Cambodia.
Moreover, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet expressed the Royal Government’s commitment for the education development.
“I think that De Montfort’s decision to open its campus in Cambodia reflects the strong trust on investment in Cambodia and the purchase power of the education sector in the country,” he said.
The presence of De Montfort will be a catalyst for the higher education competition in Cambodia. This will add high value on the higher education in Cambodia.
According to Samdech Thipadei, when De Montfort University chose Cambodia as the place for its next branch campus, it did so recognising the value that Cambodia places on education and higher education. De Montfort University saw the impact education is making to the Kingdom’s development and the Royal Government’s continued focus on improving quality, increasing access, and promoting internationalisation. It also saw that we have a dynamic and engaged youth population. A youth population that is actively focused on their own development and importantly engaged with the communities they live in and broader society.
H.E. Dominic Williams, UK Ambassador to Cambodia said this university will play a role in providing skills that will power next stage of Cambodia’s development and build ties between UK Higher Education sector and be part of the world driving global growth and which will increasingly be at cutting edge of innovation – mutual benefit.