From 6–8 October 2025, I had the honor of representing Cambodia and my company Jobify (Cambodia) at the UK–ASEAN Artificial Intelligence Innovation Summit 2025, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

This three-day summit—organized by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in collaboration with ASEAN Secretariat, MOSTI Malaysia, and partners from the UK Science & Technology Network (STN)—brought together over 120 policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across the UK and ASEAN member states.

It was an eye-opening and deeply inspiring journey, not only as a founder but as someone passionate about the future of AI, innovation, and regional collaboration.

1️⃣ Representing Cambodia: Showcasing Jobify’s AI-Driven Platform

I was invited to join Session 11: Innovation Case Showcase, where I presented Jobify Cambodia as one of the AI-based startups representing ASEAN.

Our platform—an AI-powered career and job-matching system—is designed to make recruitment smarter, faster, and more inclusive. With over 12,000 job seekers, 170+ partner companies, and 5+ years of operation, Jobify is helping transform how employers connect with tech talent in Cambodia.

During my 7-minute showcase, I shared how AI can streamline recruitment, improve talent visibility, and create opportunities across borders. What made it special was how fellow participants—from universities, startups, and ministries—connected our experience to their own country challenges. It reminded me that while each ASEAN nation is unique, we all face the same mission: building responsible AI ecosystems that truly empower people.

2️⃣ Learning from ASEAN and UK Leaders

Throughout the summit, sessions covered a range of topics—

• AI in Government: transforming public services and citizen engagement,
• Building Sustainable AI Infrastructure,
• Responsible Data Sharing and AI Regulation,
• AI for Climate Resilience, and
• Inclusive AI Talent Development.

Speakers from the UK Government Digital Service (DSIT), The Alan Turing Institute, Responsible AI UK, and various ASEAN ministries shared practical insights into policymaking, governance, and cross-border cooperation.

One of my biggest takeaways was that AI implementation across ASEAN is still at an early stage, with Singapore leading the way. For many others, including Cambodia, AI adoption faces structural challenges—limited infrastructure, fragmented policies, and insufficient funding for research and skills.

This reinforced my belief that AI development must be driven from the top down, starting with visionary leadership from both government and private sectors. When leaders are inspired, they create momentum that motivates talent and mobilizes collaboration.

3️⃣ Key Insights and Reflections

🔹 Policy before product — Governments play a crucial role in setting standards, enabling access to data, and fostering a trusted environment for innovation.
🔹 Talent is the backbone — Without proper education, training, and upskilling, technology cannot deliver impact.
🔹 Public-private partnership matters — True AI adoption happens when policymakers, academia, and startups co-design solutions.
🔹 Sustainability and ethics — Every innovation must consider fairness, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility.

The summit highlighted that ASEAN’s journey toward AI transformation is not just about tools or algorithms—it’s about people, policy, and partnership.

4️⃣ Strengthening Cambodia’s AI Ecosystem

Cambodia has growing potential in AI innovation, but to unlock it we need:

1. Government funding and incentives to support startups and research programs.
2. Education reform and AI-focused training to develop a new generation of engineers, data scientists, and ethical leaders.
3. International collaboration to attract investors, knowledge transfer, and pilot projects.

As a founder, I believe Jobify, along with communities like Khmer Coders and initiatives like BNovaTec, can play a key role in bridging local talent with global opportunities.

5️⃣ Gratitude and Next Steps

I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Cambodian government representatives, academic delegates, and fellow ASEAN colleagues who joined this summit for their incredible coordination and teamwork.

Special appreciation also goes to the UK FCDO, ASEAN Secretariat, and MOSTI Malaysia for creating such a platform that enables real collaboration between policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs.

Returning to Cambodia, I’m more motivated than ever to contribute to our country’s digital and AI transformation journey—through partnerships, policy dialogue, and real implementation projects that make a difference.

Together, I believe we can inspire leadership, empower talent, and shape Cambodia’s future in the AI-driven ASEAN economy.

✳️ “Innovation starts with collaboration, and collaboration begins with connection.”
— Sum Sopha