Université Grenoble Alpes supports the development of skills in artificial intelligence and data science in Cambodia

International
July 13, 2026
Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on July 10, 2026
Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on July 10, 2026
, Dr. Chea Vandeth (Cambodian Minister of Posts and Telecommunications), Hak Sok Heng (Secretary of State), Yassine Lakhnech (President of UGA), Dr. Seng Sopheap (President of the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology), Dominique Vaufreydaz (Professor of Computer Science at UGA)
By hosting a delegation led by the Cambodian Minister of Posts and Telecommunications on July 10, theUniversité Grenoble Alpes has taken a new step forward in its long-standing cooperation with Cambodia. The signing of a memorandum of understanding now paves the way for the development of training programs, research projects, and capacity-building initiatives in the fields of artificial intelligence, data science, and digital technologies.
On July 10, Cambodia’s Minister of Posts and Telecommunications was welcomed at theUniversité Grenoble Alpes by President Yassine Lakhnech and the institution’s staff. This official visit concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that establishes a new framework for the already well-established cooperation between the two partners.
Beyond the agreement itself, this meeting reflects a shared ambition: to support the development of Cambodia’s scientific and technological capabilities in sectors that are strategic to its digital transformation.
This initiative builds on the dialogue that has been ongoing for several years between UGA and Cambodian institutions, which was recently strengthened by the UGA president’s visit to Cambodia. The goal now is to structure and expand this cooperation through training, research, and innovation projects that address the country’s needs in digital technologies.

Cooperation Based on Concrete Achievements

The signing of the MoU does not mark the beginning of a relationship, but rather a new phase in a partnership that has been built over the years.
Since 2018, the UGA has been collaborating with the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT). This cooperation has gradually expanded to include several initiatives: hosting Cambodian students through scholarship programs, collaborations in cybersecurity, and academic and scientific exchanges.
The university is also participating in a three-year training program on electrical systems conducted in collaboration with the Cambodia Institute of Technology and Electricity of Cambodia, with the support of the French Development Agency and the European Union.
This trend is already resulting in concrete exchanges. During the 2025–2026 academic year, seven Cambodian students were hosted at UGA for master’s programs or research internships.

Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on July 10, 2026

Change the scale

The memorandum of understanding signed on July 10 will now make it possible to expand this cooperation.
The initial initiatives will focus primarily on artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity, before expanding to other strategic fields such as microelectronics, quantum technologies, and space.
The goal is to develop joint degree programs, strengthen student and faculty exchanges, carry out new collaborative research projects, and offer expert consultations to benefit Cambodian institutions.
Beyond these projects, the goal is to provide long-term support for the professional development of Cambodian students, teachers, researchers, and engineers in the field of digital technologies.

Contribute to the Future National AI and Data Science Research Center

This cooperation is also part of a landmark project for Cambodia: the creation of the future National AI and Data Science Research Center.
TheUniversité Grenoble Alpes will contribute its expertise to this project through training, the awarding of grants, joint research, and the development of skills in artificial intelligence and data science.

By strengthening an already active partnership and opening up new avenues for cooperation, the UGA reaffirms its commitment to sharing its scientific and academic expertise in support of education, research, and innovation, while fostering exchanges between the French and Cambodian scientific communities.
Published on July 16, 2026
Updated on September 10, 2026