Tokyo— On May 30–31, 2025, His Excellency Chea Vandeth, Minister of Post and Telecommunications (MPTC), led a delegation to participate in the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity Ministerial Meeting (APTMM) in Tokyo, Japan. The meeting brought together 216 participants, including ministers and representatives from the ministries in charge of telecommunications and information and communication technology (ICT) from 33 Asia-Pacific countries, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), international organizations, development partners, and the private sector.

The APT Ministerial Meeting 2025, held under the theme “Harnessing Emerging Technologies for a Sustainable, Inclusive, and Equitable Digital Transformation in the Asia-Pacific,” reviewed and adopted the “Tokyo Declaration”—a strategic roadmap for the next five years. The declaration outlines key priorities in digital connectivity, entrepreneurship and digital innovation, cybersecurity and trust, capacity building and digital inclusiveness, sustainability, and regional cooperation and partnership.

In his keynote address, H.E. the Minister highlighted Cambodia’s efforts to fostering an inclusive digital transformation through six key initiatives. These include (1) promoting the development of a digital innovation ecosystem; (2) building human resources in digital skills, ranging from basic digital literacy to advanced competencies, supported by scholarships and the establishment of community tech centers; (3) enhancing digital competencies based on Cambodia’s Digital Skill Development Roadmap; (4) formulating a national artificial intelligence strategy; (5) launching the official document verification platform VERIFY.GOV.KH; and (6) creating the DG SuperApp to improve public service delivery.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Minister Chea Vandeth held a meeting with representatives of the ITU to strengthen the ongoing collaboration. The ITU representatives congratulated Cambodia’s recent progress in digital achievements and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Cambodia’s digital transformation journey. They also expressed interest in promoting and fostering the use of VERIFY.GOV.KH and the establishment of community technology centers through regional cooperation.

Furthermore, Minister Chea Vandeth conducted bilateral meetings with the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan. The meeting focused on (1) cooperation in the establishment of the National Data Center, (2) exploring the development of Open and Secure Communication Networks (Open RAN), and (3) encouraging Japanese digital technology companies to invest in Cambodia, particularly in Cambodia’s Digital Park. On top of that, H.E. the Minister also met with the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology of the Maldives, where discussions centered around (1) the progress of digital transformation, (2) experience sharing, and (3) introducing and promoting the use of VERIFY.GOV.KH in the Maldives.

It is worth noting that the APT Ministerial Meeting is held every five years by gathering ministers in charge of telecommunications and ICT from the 38 member countries in the Asia-Pacific region, alongside international organizations, development partners, and the private sector.