Phnom penh: Cambodia has reiterated its commitment to strengthening regional STI cooperation, emphasising the role of science and technology as essential contributors to socio-economic progress within the ASEAN community. The commitment was underscored by the Cambodian delegation at the 89th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (ASEAN COSTI) held in Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic, on June 23. The Cambodian delegation was led by H.E. Dr. Hul Seingheng, Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) and National Chairperson of the ASEAN COSTI. According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the meeting convened representatives from ASEAN member states to review the progress of ongoing Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) projects. Delegates also discussed strategic directions for the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI 2026-2035), which aims to strengthen innovation, enhance research, develo p human capital, and accelerate the adoption of new technologies. Additionally, the meeting highlighted cooperation with international partners to support regional research initiatives and capacity-building programmes.