PHNOM PENH, 22 November 2023 – Over 50 experts from the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gathered at the 3rd Eu-ASEAN Technology Management Hub (TMH) workshop, to brainstorm on how technology solutions could address global challenges. The workshop, which kicked off on 21 November, also reinforced the collaborative spirit of the ongoing ASEAN TMH initiatives.
The highlight of the one-day workshop was the exchange of knowledge and best practices on the most recent advancements in establishing equivalent platforms and managing cross-border technology transfer. The workshop also linked national technology transfer systems in ASEAN and translating inventive concepts into technically viable solutions, capable of addressing global challenges such as the climate crisis, food and health security, pandemic and economic inequality.
Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation of Cambodia emphasised the significance and benefits of the ASEAN TMH for the region, in his opening remarks. “The Royal Government of Cambodia stands ready to work hand in hand with ASEAN Member States and dialogue partners to address our common issues by harnessing the potential of science, technology, and innovation (STI). These initiatives are wisely aligned with the ASEAN Action Plan on STI 2015-2025,” he said.
In his remarks, Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Economic Community said, “the Technology Management Hub aims to address the distinct needs of ASEAN. This initiative is tailored specifically to benefit the diverse population of over 600 million in our region, recognising unique requirements and challenges that may differ from established hubs worldwide.”
Igor Driesmans, EU Ambassador to Cambodia congratulated ASEAN on developing its regional TMH. He believed that both ASEAN and the EU could benefit enormously from joining forces in the development of the ASEAN TMH which has the potential to accelerate knowledge sharing and research cooperation between the two regions and jointly develop innovative solutions to the global challenges we are all facing.
The EU has invested in building effective innovation ecosystems, technology management platforms and digital innovation hubs. These platforms are designed to support the scaling of companies, encourage innovation, and stimulate cooperation among national, regional, and local innovation actors including universities, public research agencies, governments, and companies.
COSTI Cambodia Chairperson, Dr. Hul Siengheng, presented the concept of the Technology Management Hub for ASEAN and encouraged attendees to contribute their experiences for a concise concept note, outlining an ideal cross-border technology transfer model.
Dr Ir. Boediastoeti Ontowirjo, Chairperson of COSTI (Committee of Science, Technology, and Innovation) Indonesia, added in her remarks, “we prioritise technology transfer, especially in energy transition and digital transformation. These efforts require significant investment and collaboration, highlighting the need for partnerships. Hence, this Technology Management Hub is a pivotal platform enabling efficient interactions among stakeholders in a research and innovation ecosystem.”
The organisation of EU-ASEAN workshops received support from Enhanced Regional EU-ASEAN Dialogue Instrument (EREADI) in coordination with the European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD), and the ASEAN COSTI, facilitated by the Science and Technology Division of the ASEAN Secretariat. The 3rd ASEAN TMH workshop signifies the continuation of these collaborative efforts to develop a comprehensive online platform that matches commercially viable
university research with an innovation-driven private sector to accelerate research, catalyse innovation, foster knowledge sharing and promote technology transfers in ASEAN. The 1st EU-ASEAN Workshop on ASEAN TMH was held in Jakarta, Indonesia on February 2023, followed by the 2nd workshop in Siem Reap, Cambodia on March 2023.
In addition to the ASEAN TMH, the EU, through E-READI, has been supporting the EU-ASEAN Dialogue on High-Performance Computing, the development of an ASEAN Regional Research Infrastructure strategy, as well as the EU-ASEAN Dialogue on Talent Mobility. These dialogues, which are mutually reinforcing activities, constitute a holistic approach in the EU-ASEAN cooperation in science and research.
