Events

Asia Centre’s 9th Annual International Conference will revolve around stories of resistance and pushback in defense of civic space in Asia. This topic is pressing and timely given the widespread contraction of civic spaces in the region, which poses a threat to the future of democratic societies. Registration is open to all presenters and participants from academic institutions, media outlets and journalist associations, businesses, national and regional civil society organizations, international NGOs, political parties, parliaments, government agencies, and intergovernmental organizations to facilitate knowledge sharing and networking. Researchers and practitioners wishing to present papers or share their experiences are invited to submit a title and abstract of 300–340 words in English, together with a biographical paragraph of 100 words, here. For those submitting papers, full papers should be 5,000 words (Please refer to the Style Sheet Guidelines). Following the international conference, the Asia Centre will publish the Conference Proceedings. Guidelines for the Conference Proceedings can be found here. Please contact us at contact@asiacentre.org Register here

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Tech Salon #15 will discuss AI-powered efficiency with Gemini and ChatGPT. The monthly Tech Salon invites speakers from civil society organizations and experts to share experiences related to the use of institutional technology to learn from each other and enhance the use of ICT for social work. Pre-register: https://forms.gle/iG3WHEb33YMWk8ym7

• Tech Salon

Background According to the Cambodia Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework 2021–2035, data plays an increasingly important role in Cambodian public governance for several reasons. Commitment to the reforms (and continued economic growth) is expected to make Cambodia a middle-income nation by 2030 and a high-income country by 2050.  The process of digital government administration begins with the formulation and adoption of necessary policies and the creation and updating of relevant legislative frameworks and regulations by the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC). It continues with the development of digital government standards and architecture through principles, norms, models, technological evolution, and national and international best practices. These are the foundations for establishing digital government effectively, efficiently, and securely to support the construction and growth of a robust and dynamic digital economy and society. The Open Data Policy is one of several that the government is working on and gathering input for. In accordance with existing laws and regulations, the new Open Data Policy would define principles, standards, licenses, and procedures for opening, storing, and sharing government data with public institutions, the business sector, and individuals. The ultimate objective of open data is to increase transparency, fairness, and accountability, as well as the quality of services, hence increasing public trust in government and promoting research and innovation with sustainability and inclusion [1]. Open data will permit non-state actors to participate, offer comments, and hold the government responsible, in addition to aiding in the promotion of openness inside the government. However, non-state actors in Cambodia have only achieved sluggish advancements [2] in terms of data access and data usage for policy objectives [3]. To accomplish our shared goal of bridging the gap between government and non-state actors on open data dialogue, the Open Development Cambodia Organization (ODC), in partnership with The Asia Foundation, will host a two-day National Open Data Conference in Cambodia from March 26 to 27. In addition to promoting national and regional collaboration and open data efforts, we expect that the open and inclusive involvement in this event will increase public knowledge of open data and awareness of the challenges facing Cambodia’s open data adoption. The outputs from the group discussion during this two-day event will be an additional complement to the government’s efforts to develop a meaningful and effective open data policy. This National Open Data Conference 2024 is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through The Asia Foundation’s Ponlok Chomnes: Data and Dialogue for Development in Cambodia Program. Purposes  To increase public awareness of the progress and obstacles to open data adoption in Cambodia and the region, To gather inputs and suggestions to contribute to the draft open data policy and data governance legislation, To encourage data transparency and accountability initiatives in diverse sectors, To strengthen the open data network in Cambodia and the region. Participants The National Open Data Conference will gather at least 75 participants from a variety of backgrounds, including international and local NGOs, the private sector, researchers and policymakers, indigenous youth groups, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQI+. Organizers Open Development Cambodia Organization (ODC) is the leading open data platform in Cambodia, which makes up-to-date and reliable data and information on socioeconomic and environmental issues publicly available as a “one-stop shop”. ODC promotes the use of accurate data for evidence-based and transparent decision-making processes towards the sustainable development of the country. For the past ten years, ODC has actively worked to enhance the amount of public data, raise public awareness, and build the capacity of relevant stakeholders. ODC uses its expertise in data and ICT, mapping and GIS, digital security, and research to compile, analyze, and disseminate information in user-friendly and accessible digital formats. Material available on ODC’s online platform includes datasets, information topic pages, interactive maps, news, and legal documents, among others. ODC does not promote any particular perspective, agenda, or bias other than to provide objective information about Cambodia and its development. The Asia Foundation is implementing the Ponlok Chomnes: Data and Dialogue for Development in Cambodia Program between July 2023 and June 2027 with support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The goal of Ponlok Chomnes II is that public policy decisions, based on evidence and informed by inclusive dialogue, are operationalised and become the norm in Cambodia.

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Open Development Cambodia Organization (ODC), in partnership with The Asia Foundation (TAF) will host the Open Data Day (ODD) on 2 March 2024, focusing on “Open Data for Sustainable and Inclusive Development for All.” The ODD 2024 will provide a safe space for marginalized and vulnerable groups to express their concerns, share their experiences, and be exposed to talk on open data and digital development in Cambodia. Various activities, including keynote speeches, presentations from open data experts, and hackathons, can enlighten marginalized and vulnerable groups\' knowledge of open data and sustainable development in Cambodia. The event is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Asia Foundation\'s Ponlok Chomnes: Data and Dialogue for Development in Cambodia Program.    Don’t miss this chance to network with other open data enthusiasts, learn new skills, and contribute to a more open and inclusive world.​​ People with disabilities are encouraged to participate. Program: English and Khmer Register now: http://tinyurl.com/m78knss7

• Hackathon

The event provides an opportunity for 25 participants from media institutions, universities, indigenous groups, and civil societies to meet with scientists in the field of environment to obtain scientific data for use in their work. This event is co-organized by CamboJA and Open Development Cambodia (ODC) under funding support from USAID through fhi360. Register: https://forms.office.com/r/PeAxg2vSs5

• Science Talk

Faith For Our Planet, in partnership with Duke University’s prestigious Divinity School, has launched an exciting new program for climate conscious youth leaders from around the world. Whether you are a religious leader, a climate activist, an early career professional in a faith-based organization or a recent graduate who’s just starting out – as long as you’re eager to learn how to mobilize faith communities to combat climate change, we’ve got you covered. For more information: http://faithforourplanet.org/youth-fellowship/ For registration: https://rb.gy/40ezv

• Fellowship Program