Phnom penh: The Embassy of India in Phnom Penh organised an official Pre-Summit Event of the AI Impact Summit 2026 under the theme 'AI Impact Summit 2026: Shaping AI for Humanities, Ethics and Global Impact'.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the event aimed to inform stakeholders in Cambodia about the global AI Impact Summit being hosted by India in February 2026 and encourage dialogue on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in building an inclusive, ethical, and sustainable future.
The event was opened by the Ambassador of India to Cambodia, H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, who spoke about the focus of the AI Impact Summit 2026 to amplify the voice of the Global South. He highlighted that the Pre-Summit event centred on the theme of People, Planet and Progress, aiming to support inclusive growth, sustainable development, and innovation through AI.
The event also saw the participation of H.E. Hul Seingheng, Under Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation of Cambodia. Influential Cambodian speakers included Oknha Dr. CHHIN Ken, President, Cambodia Digital Tech Association and Dr. En Sovann, Director of the Digital Government Transformation Department, who discussed the current AI landscape in Cambodia and potential areas for cooperation with India.
Distinguished speakers from India included Mr. Ankit Bose, Head of NASSCOM AI, who shared insights on the AI scenario in India, and Mr. Anirban Sarma, Director of the Digital Societies Initiative, Observer Research Foundation, who discussed AI policy and academia in India.
Dr. Tanu Priya from the Embassy of India, Phnom Penh, presented on the AI Impact Summit 2026 and its vision for shaping AI for humanity, ethics, and global impact. The presentation detailed India's efforts to make the AI Summit impactful, focusing on the principles of people, planet, and progress.
The discussions revealed that the AI Impact Summit will revolve around seven interconnected Chakras, representing areas of international collaboration aimed at societal transformation. These Chakras include Human Capital, Inclusion for Social Empowerment; Safe and Trusted AI; Resilience, Innovation, and Efficiency; Science; Democratising AI Resources; AI for Economic Growth and Social Good.
The event attracted more than 60 participants, including representatives from the Royal Government of Cambodia, universities, technology associations, AI-based companies, and Indian Chambers of Commerce in Cambodia. It underscored India's commitment to AI that promotes human-centered development, environmental sustainability, and equitable technological advancement.
The Pre-Summit Event aimed to highlight the goals and agenda of the AI Impact Summit 2026, foster collaboration between India and Cambodia in AI research and innovation, and explore opportunities for leveraging AI for inclusive growth and digital transformation.