On 27 March 2026, the Cambodian Development Resource and Institute (CDRI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, kicked off a Technical Regional Workshop on National and Regional Funding Mechanisms for Research and Development in Phnom Penh. 

The workshop was featured as a side event to the 4th National Science, Technology and Innovation Day to showcase Cambodia’s participation in strengthening the research ecosystem following the establishment of the National Research Foundation (NRF) by the end of 2025. 

We are honoured to have HE Hem Vandy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, deliver the opening remarks at the workshop this morning, as well as welcoming remarks from HE Christian DesRoches, Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr Naser Faruqui, Director of Education and Science from IDRCC, and Dr Eng Netra, Executive Director of CDRI.

The one and a half day workshop aims to review the research funding context in Cambodia, facilitate learning from ASEAN countries’ research fund management experiences and financial models, and jointly develop an implementation plan to operationalise the NRF and explore opportunities for regional collaboration. By promoting regional dialogue and partnerships, the workshop is an important step in building a strong, open, and sustainable research funding system that will support long-term and inclusive development.