Cambodian Officials Learn to Use AI and Big Data in Public Administration in Korea

Silla University-KOICA Training Focuses on Development Cooperation Data Analysis

Visits Busan Development Institute and Busan City Hall's Big Data Division to Examine Case Studies

Cambodian government officials responsible for development cooperation are building their administrative capacity in Korea by learning to use AI and big data. The training is designed to teach them how to systematically manage data on development aid projects and use data analysis in policymaking and project evaluation.

The Graduate School of Education at Silla University, led by President Heo Nam-sik, announced on October 23 that it is conducting a training program from October 18 to 31 titled “Strengthening Capacity in Data Management Technology and Analytical Skills for Cambodia’s Development Cooperation Projects.” The program is part of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Global Training Program.

Sixteen officials are participating, including senior officials from the Development Cooperation Committee under Cambodia’s Council for the Development of Cambodia, as well as officials responsible for development cooperation policy, international organizations and bilateral cooperation, project monitoring, and information management. This is the first training session in a three-year program running from 2026 to 2028.

The training focuses on three areas: official development assistance (ODA) data management, the use of AI and digital tools, and project monitoring and evaluation. Lectures and hands-on exercises cover everything from organizing, analyzing, and visualizing data to designing performance indicators and planning projects. The program aims to build participants’ capacity to assess the results of development cooperation projects and design policies based on data.

Cambodian officials participating in a development cooperation training program posed for a photo after touring the Global Knowledge Exchange and Development Center.

The trainees will also visit sites in Korea where data is used in public administration. They will visit the Busan Development Institute, the Big Data Division at Busan City Hall, and the Busan Big Data Innovation Center to learn about policy research, the use of public data, and the application of big data and AI analysis in public administration. At the Global Knowledge Exchange and Development Center, they will learn about Korea’s economic development experience. They will also take part in activities at Silla University’s makerspace and cultural experiences in Seoul and Busan.

The program also includes opportunities to apply what they learn to their work in Cambodia. The trainees will share information on the current state of data management in Cambodia and areas for improvement, and explore ways to incorporate AI analysis and visualization functions into existing ODA databases. At a project concept paper (PCP) workshop, they will develop the training content into practical projects to improve their work.

The program connects the educational and research capabilities of Silla University’s Graduate School of Education, which has operated a major in Global Education and Development Cooperation, with the field of international development cooperation.

Lee Eunhwa, head of Silla University’s Graduate School of Education and the training program’s director, said, “We are pursuing international cooperation that responds to the actual needs of partner countries.” She added, “We will help ensure that what participants learn in this training leads to actionable projects and improvements in their organizations’ work.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.