Italian Space Day 2025 returned to Phnom Penh with a full-day programme celebrating space, innovation, culture, and international cooperation. Hosted at CamEd Business School and organized by ItaCham, the event highlighted growing Italy–Cambodia collaboration in science and technology, with institutional communication support from the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and support from the Cambodian Librarians Association (CLA).
A key highlight was the Immersive AR Space Museum curated by the Cambodian Librarians Association under the leadership of Ms. Huy Roseka, Chair of the Academic Libraries Division. Visitors explored Italy’s space heritage through a photographic exhibition enhanced by smartphone-activated augmented reality. The experience was hosted within a custom artistic “spaceship” installation created by a Khmer artist and enriched by a Khmer Royal Ballet performance, seamlessly blending cultural identity with modern innovation.
Walk through the stars and explore galaxies in augmented reality at Italian National Space Day Expo 2025.
The programme also featured an evening panel on space applications and space diplomacy, moderated by Dr. Riccardo Corrado, Associate Professor at CamEd Business School. Speakers shared insights into Cambodia’s space policy direction, investment opportunities in high-tech sectors, and practical applications of satellite and GIS data, as well as the role of university research and start-ups in advancing space innovation.
In the evening, a High-Level Panel Discussion on Space Applications and Space Diplomacy provided an opportunity to highlight the potential of space cooperation between Cambodia and Italy. The discussion explored these opportunities through multiple perspectives, including space policy, investment, and real-world applications. The panel was moderated by Dr. Riccardo Corrado, Vice Chairman of ItaCham and Associate Professor at CamEd Business School.
The panel opened with a traditional Blessing Dance, followed by opening remarks from Mr. Nam Dork of the Satellite Policy Department at the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications. He shared insights into Cambodia’s current satellite and space policy landscape, national priorities, and lessons learned from ASEAN–Italy cooperation initiatives. Mr. Tithchansopheak Lor, Deputy Director at the Council for the Development of Cambodia, then outlined Cambodia’s investment framework and incentives for foreign companies, particularly in high-tech sectors such as space technology. He emphasized the importance for European companies and investors entering Cambodia to engage with EuroCham for European businesses and ItaCham for Italian businesses, which work closely with the Royal Government and relevant institutions. He noted that coordination with these chambers, alongside engagement with competent ministries and the Council for the Development of Cambodia, can significantly facilitate a well-informed and incentivized market entry.
Mr. Bormy Chanthong, a GIS expert, presented examples of projects in Cambodia that use satellite and GIS data, while also highlighting challenges, including regulatory gaps related to the import of electronics and space-related technologies. He suggested adapting import regulations based on the intended use of such devices, whether for education, telecommunications, or defense. Dr. Anna Gregorio, Associate Professor at the University of Trieste in Italy, joined the panel online and discussed the role of university research in advancing the space economy. She shared experiences from PICOSATS, a University of Trieste spin-off specializing in small satellites, and highlighted how academic research can support innovation, start-ups, and international collaboration.
The discussion underscored the importance of practical applications of space technologies and demonstrated how Italy–Cambodia collaboration can accelerate capacity building, innovation, and sustainable development.
Italian Space Day 2025 was made possible through the support of its sponsors and partners. The organizers extend their sincere appreciation to CamEd Business School, the Cambodian Librarians Association under the leadership of Ms. Roseka Huy, EuroLink Cambodia, iDeal Distribution, Awesomepick, Segafredo Zanetti through Boncafe Cambodia, Annam Cambodia, Loacker, Mulino Bianco of the Barilla Group, AusKhmer, and all institutions and collaborators who contributed to the success of the event. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Riccardo Corrado, Vice Chairman of ItaCham and Associate Professor at CamEd Business School, for his leadership in this project.
