Phnom Penh: On September 3, 2026, the European Union Delegation to Cambodia, the Embassy of France in Cambodia and the Cambodian Academy of Digital Technology (CADT) jointly launched a regional Virtual Reality (VR) Student Contest on Thursday, bringing together university students to explore how immersive digital technologies can contribute to climate and environmental solutions.
The launch was presided over by H.E. Igor Driesmans, Ambassador of the European Union to Cambodia; H.E. Olivier Richard, Ambassador of France to Cambodia; and H.E. Dr Seng Sopheap, President of CADT, at the CADT campus in Phnom Penh.
The competition is organised under the EU co-funded “Sustainability Issues Multiverse for Building Participatory Learning Environments” (SIMPLE) initiative. Implemented by the French Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) and CADT, the initiative invites university students from Cambodia and across ASEAN to use immersive digital technologies to address real-world sustainability challenges.
Rather than using VR solely as a visual experience, the contest encourages students to transform complex environmental data, scientific information and sustainability scenarios into interactive virtual environments. Through these digital worlds, participants can simulate and explore environmental challenges facing Cambodia and the wider region.
The initiative also contributes to the EU’s Global Gateway strategy in Cambodia, which places a strong focus on higher education, digital transformation and green transitions.
H.E. Dr Chea Vandeth, Minister of Post and Telecommunications, said Cambodia is committed to using digital technologies to improve people’s lives and sees young people as important contributors to the country’s digital transformation.
“Cambodia is committed to using digital technologies to uplift our citizens’ lives. With our European partners’ support, our youth take the front stage in applying these technologies to solving real-world problems, thus contributing to the national digital transformation agenda.”
H.E. Igor Driesmans, Ambassador of the European Union to Cambodia, highlighted the role of education, skills and technology in tackling global challenges.
“Through our Global Gateway strategy, the EU is committed to strengthening education and skills. Today’s launch paves the way for students to use innovative technology in addressing pressing global issues like climate change.”
H.E. Olivier Richard, Ambassador of France to Cambodia, said the initiative would help strengthen Cambodia’s emerging digital talent and innovation ecosystem.
“Team France and IRD are proud to support CADT students in acquiring cutting-edge digital capabilities. Fostering local talent in virtual reality technology creates long-term value for Cambodia’s innovation ecosystem.”
Following the official launch, participants took part in an immersive VR showcase and a tour of the CADT campus. Organisers then presented participating students with the full competition guidelines and information on the next stages of the contest.
The regional competition aims to connect digital innovation, higher education and environmental action, while giving young people an opportunity to develop practical skills and creative solutions to sustainability challenges through emerging technologies.
Photo by: Supplied
