AI is Transforming Public Health in Cambodia, What Does It Mean for Developers?

On August 27, 2025, the Innovation Center at the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT) buzzed with curiosity and energy as over 100 professionals, researchers, public officers, and students gathered for a seminar on “AI in Public Health”. The event, co-hosted by CADT and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), was more than a discussion, it was a spark for collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for the future of healthcare in Cambodia.

The seminar revealed a simple truth that Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept, it’s a tool that can save lives, streamline workflows, and empower healthcare workers. From faster diagnostics and predictive analytics to seamless patient data management, AI has the potential to revolutionize Cambodia’s public health landscape, but it needs responsible, ethical, and localized implementation.

Fostering Collaboration Across Disciplines

The Ministry of Health representative highlighted how AI can support, not replace the healthcare workforce. With over 135 fragmented systems across different health department, integrating technology into healthcare is a monumental challenge. Seamless data flow, electronic medical records, and telemedicine infrastructure are critical. AI can accelerate this transformation, but it requires collaboration between government, hospitals, researchers, and tech innovators.

Dr. Ly Rottana, Director of R&D at CADT, reminded attendees that data privacy, security, bias, and transparency are not just technical issues, they are ethical imperatives. Meanwhile, Dr. Giorgio Gonnella from Institut Pasteur du Cambodge showcased AI applications in biomedical research, emphasizing that AI is a productivity multiplier. Whether analyzing EKGs or predicting disease patterns, AI can empower doctors, but only when models are trained with local data.

A perfect example is the AI for Health application Antimicrobial Resistance Detection System (AMR) recently developed through collaboration between CADT, the University of Health Sciences, and Calmette Hospital, with support from Aix Marseille University and the French Government. This AI tool helps doctors detect antimicrobial resistance in patients, illustrating the power of interdisciplinary partnerships. The system, though inspired by international examples, was localized and trained on Cambodian patient data, highlighting a key lesson that technology must meet the context of its users.

Why This Matters for Developers

It might be wondering, “Why should this matter to me as a developer?” The answer is simple, AI in healthcare isn’t just about doctors and hospitals, it’s about software engineers, data scientists, and tech innovators designing solutions that have real-world impact. From creating secure, interoperable systems to building AI models that are fair, explainable, and effective, developers are at the heart of this transformation.

Events like the AI in Public Health seminar are a call to action for the tech community. They highlight the need for cross-sector collaboration, problem-solving, innovative thinking and the exact skills that developers bring to the table.

The Next Step: Join Cambodia’s Biggest Developer Conference

Building on this momentum, CADT is excited to announce the upcoming Developer Conference on October 10–11, 2025 where it is the Cambodia’s largest gathering of developers, tech innovators, researchers, and startup founders. CODE-C is where ideas meet action, from AI and machine learning to IoT, robotics, cybersecurity, fintech, and app development, you’ll gain insights, hands-on skills, and a chance to network with like-minded professionals.

The conference isn’t just about learning; it’s about creating the future of tech in Cambodia. You’ll see advanced AI tools in action, explore real-world applications like the AMR system, and discover how software development can address pressing challenges in healthcare, finance, and beyond.

Why You Can’t Miss This

• Learn from renowned tech leaders, researchers, and innovators
• Participate in hands-on workshops that turn ideas into working solutions
• Explore cutting-edge technologies shaping Cambodia’s digital future
• Connect with peers, mentors, and potential collaborators from across the country

Developers, the stage is set. The AI in Public Health seminar showed what’s possible when technology and real-world problems collide. Now, CODE-C gives you the tools, the platform, and the network to build the next wave of transformative solutions.

Don’t just watch innovation, be part of it. Register today and join Cambodia’s vibrant tech community in shaping the future.

Register now at: https://www.idri.edu.kh/events/code-c-2025/