Asean is promoting a “Smart City Network” of tech-focused solutions to the region’s urban problems. But there are simpler, cheaper and more sound urban policies without falling for the notion that technology is the answer to everything, writes Future Forum’s Ses Aronsakda.
If governments and regional actors do not step up to the law enforcement challenge of cyber scams, and increase their ability to meet these criminal operations where they are — that is, online — then this problem will only grow in scale, writes Future Forum fellow Sokvy Rim.
Phnom Penh is planning a colossal flyover on St. 271 that would cost $36.8 million and take three years to build. For half the cost, the whole 13 km of the ring road can be transformed with bus lanes, cycleways and pleasant sidewalks — and actually reduce congestion, writes Future Forum’s Sek Aronsakda.
A face-to-face, one-size-fits-all school system where education is contained within classroom walls keeps learning out of reach for many students in rural underserved areas. A wall-less classroom would level the playing field, writes Future Forum’s Dara Chea.
Achieving a “digital transformation” in Cambodia in an equitable way will require the country to address the lack of inclusiveness in the design and development of digital products, especially for public services, writes Future Forum’s Nay Darlin.
Abortions have been legal in Cambodia since 1997, but social, cultural and religious stigmas are preventing women from accessing them in safe settings. Cambodia needs information campaigns that tackle the stigmas keeping women silent, writes Future Forum’s Heng Molika.
For Cambodians at present, fully equitable mobility is not the reality, as cities are built for cars and motorbikes. Designing for visual impairments, pregnancies, all age groups and financial situations will create vibrant cities and a more cohesive society, writes Future Forum’s Ses Aronsakda.
In the recent election, it was women candidates who promoted empathy in policy. Empathy is stereotypically seen as feminine, and men who cultivate it can face ridicule. But empathetic leadership, beyond populist messaging, is needed and effective, Future Forum’s Theang Soriya says.
Cultural barriers to greater women’s equality in Cambodia require a major shake-up to dislodge, and quotas — whether mandatory or voluntary — have been necessary globally to make even gradual progress, writes Future Forum’s Heng Molika.
Designing and building spaces with disabilities in mind will end up benefiting almost everyone at some point in their lives. But work is needed to overturn apathy, including formulating Cambodia-appropriate design standards, writes Future Forum’s Sek Aronsakda.
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