Seminar on Cambodia-Japan Co-Creation: From Longstanding Partnership to Shared Future

In Collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Cambodia, CCRS will organize seminar on Cambodia-Japan Co-Creation: From Longstanding Partnership to Shared Future.

This event will be held on:
– Date: Friday, 23 October 2026 | 9-11am
– Venue: Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh

Japan and Cambodia have developed a longstanding partnership based on mutual trust and cooperation. Since the early stages of Cambodia’s reconstruction and development, Japan has provided substantial support through Official Development Assistance (ODA), contributing to Cambodia’s peace and stability, institutional development, economic growth, and human resource development. Japan’s long-standing cooperation has extended across a wide range of areas, including infrastructure development, potable water, legal and judicial reform, education and human resource development, and capacity building of public institutions. Importantly, many of these efforts have sought not simply to provide financial or technical assistance, but to strengthen Cambodia’s own institutions, expertise, and human resources as the foundation for sustainable development. As Cambodia continues to develop and faces increasingly complex challenges, including economic transformation, climate change, technological change, regional integration, and an evolving international environment, there is an opportunity to build upon this longstanding foundation and explore a new phase of Japan-Cambodia cooperation.

In this context, Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae, in announcing “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) 3.0” in May 2026, highlighted the concept of “co-creation” as an important approach to Japan’s international cooperation. Rather than viewing cooperation simply as assistance provided by one side to the other, co-creation emphasizes identifying challenges together, combining the respective knowledge, experience, technologies, and strengths of Japan and Cambodia, and developing solutions that can generate value for both countries and contribute to the wider region.

Against this background, the seminar will explore how the achievements and lessons of Japan’s longstanding cooperation with Cambodia can serve as a foundation for a new phase of Japan-Cambodia co-creation, moving from cooperation that has supported Cambodia’s development toward partnerships that jointly address emerging challenges and create opportunities for the future.

About Role Players

H.E. ISHIZUKI Hideo

Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia

Ambassador Ishizuki joined Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1991. His previous roles include Director-General of the International Cooperation Bureau and Ambassador in charge of International Security and Cyber Policy. He has served in diplomatic postings in France, the United Kingdom and China, bringing extensive experience in diplomacy and international cooperation.

Ambassador Pou Sothirak

Distinguished Senior Advisor, CCRS

Ambassador Pou Sothirak is Distinguished Senior Advisor to the Cambodian Center for Regional Studies and a former Cambodian Ambassador to Japan. He has served as Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy and in senior foreign affairs roles. His work focuses on Cambodian diplomacy, ASEAN affairs and regional security.

Ms. MIURA Yoshiko

Senior Representative, JICA Cambodia Office

Ms. Miura has served as Senior Representative of the JICA Cambodia Office since 2024. Since joining JICA in 2000, she has worked across development cooperation, financial cooperation implementation and human development, including higher and technical education. She previously served at JICA’s Malaysia Office.

H.E. Ek Sonn Chan

Minister Delegate Attached to the Prime Minister; Chairman, PPWSA Board of Directors

H.E. Ek Sonn Chan is widely recognized for his leadership in transforming Phnom Penh’s water supply system. He served as General Director of the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority from 1997 to 2012 and subsequently held senior government positions, including Secretary of State and Minister Delegate Attached to the Prime Minister.

Prof. Dr. Po Kimtho

Director General, Institute of Technology of Cambodia

Prof. Dr. Po Kimtho has served as Director General of the Institute of Technology of Cambodia since 2022. He earned a doctorate in engineering from Tokyo Institute of Technology in 2012. An educator at ITC since 2000, his expertise includes telecommunications engineering, technical education and higher education management.

Mr. Him Raksmey

Executive Director, CCRS | Moderator

Mr. Him Raksmey is Executive Director of the Cambodian Center for Regional Studies. His work focuses on Cambodia’s foreign affairs, ASEAN and regional security. He has research and teaching experience in Cambodian and Southeast Asian political and strategic affairs.

*This event is by-invitation only.