The American University of Phnom Penh (AUPP) has announced it will launch a new Technology Centre that will start operations in January 2021, according to  a statement released yesterday on their website. The statement said the centre will be an entrepreneurial ‘incubator’ for tech start up’s, who will get the chance to work with a multitude of agencies, organisations and companies.

AUPP board of trustee’s member and president of the centre for professional leadership and development (CPLD) Guido Gianasso said: “This new Centre will put entrepreneurs, expert mentors and investors under one roof with the aim to develop commercially viable ideas.”

“The idea behind the technology centre is cutting edge, and the facilities available for users will be state of the art”.

It will be the first of its kind in Cambodia, with the idea originating during a trip to Israel with Minister of Posts and Telecommunications,  Chea Vandeth, and Nanyang Technological University Alumni from Singapore in May 2019.

“It will be open to anyone who has a bright idea in the technology field and an entrepreneurial spirit, not just students at AUPP,” he said.

“There is lots of talent in Cambodia that doesn’t currently have access to mentors and investors to nurture and develop their ideas. This centre will facilitate that process, maximising the opportunity to harness potential in the Kingdom,” he said.

“Despite not opening yet, the project has already agreed partnerships with a number of private investors, technological universities and tech companies which will join a team of expert mentors at the Centre,” he added.

Vice president of academic and student affairs at AUPP Dan Kulmala agrees, stating that the project will be a big asset to the university and offer students the opportunity to develop their tech capacity.

“The centre will encourage students to flex their entrepreneurial ideas whilst developing their technological capacity. Building the digital skillset of Cambodians is becoming increasingly important as the Kingdom embraces the fourth, or digital, revolution. This centre will offer the chance to boost those skills, developing human resources in the digital sector within the country,” he said.

Ministry of Education spokesman Ros Soveacha said: “The ministry welcomes all projects within the Kingdom which help implementat STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) policies in line with the Education Strategic Plan 2019-2023, which encompasses a focus on promoting digital education”.

A junior student majoring in business admin, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s definitely good news. Not only just for AUPP community, but for our country as a whole since we are currently looking towards technological innovation to help business grow”.

“I’m sure the CPLD and AUPP community are proud to contribute to the new digital transformation. As a business student, I’m interested in start-ups and I believe that technology is essential in helping businesses survive in a crowded market. I think the new center will bring new networks and opportunities and will be of great benefit to everyone, especially young entrepreneurs”.

Soun Chanveasna, a fourth year student who majors in architecture, said: “When I heard the announcement, I immediately wanted to know more”.

“I have ideas and would like to participate and use the experience and connection the centre will provide. I’m looking forward to seeing how the centre can help me with my start up ideas. I will go when it is officially open and see how it can benefit me,” Veasna added.