Joint Press Release The European Union, France, and Ministry of Post and Telecommunications Launch a Student Virtual Reality Contest to Drive Digital Skills and Green Innovation

Phnom Penh, 03 September 2026 - 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 the Cambodian Academy of Digital Technology (CADT), jointly launched a regional Virtual Reality (VR) Student Contest at CADT.

Organised under the EU co-funded "Sustainability Issues Multiverse for Building Participatory Learning Environments" (SIMPLE) initiative, the competition invites university students across Cambodia and ASEAN to harness immersive digital tools for climate solutions. Implemented by the French Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) and CADT, the contest bridges advanced digital training with environmental action. Rather than viewing VR solely as a visual tool, the competition empowers students to translate complex environmental data and scientific scenarios into interactive virtual worlds-simulating real-world sustainability challenges across the region.

The initiative directly supports the EU's Global Gateway strategy in Cambodia, prioritising higher education, digital transformation, and green transitions.

H.E. Dr. Chea Vandeth, Minister of Post and Telecommunications, stated:

"Cambodia is committed to using digital technologies to uplift our citizens' lives. With our European partners' support, our youth will 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, stated:

"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, stated:

"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 an immersive VR showcase and campus tour, organizers officially opened the contest by presenting participating students with full competition guidelines and details on next steps.

Scan the QR code to access contest details, eligibility criteria, and registration.

About SIMPLE Initiative & Global Gateway

The "Sustainability Issues Multiverse for Building Participatory Learning Environments" (SIMPLE) project is an EU co-funded initiative implemented by IRD and CADT. The initiative is running from 2023-2027 combining virtual reality, serious games, and scientific modeling to teach sustainability across the Mekong River Basin countries, including Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

The initiative is part of Team Europe's Global Gateway strategy-a major investment program driving sustainable connections, education, and digital innovation. Global Gateway equips youth in Cambodia with future-focused skills to support the country's transition into a digital and eco-friendly society.