Philippine Delegation Advances Blockchain Knowledge at e-Government Training in Cambodia

4 Sep 2024 1:04 PM

Phnom Penh, Cambodia A significant milestone in advancing e-government technology was marked by the completion of the Training Course on Blockchain Technology Applications in e-Government held from 5 to 9 August 2024, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Organized by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) and the National Productivity Organization Centre of Cambodia (NPCC), this intensive program brought together delegates from Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Turkey, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

The training featured distinguished resource speakers, including Dr. Anndy Lian, Director of ANCL Pte. Ltd., Singapore; Dr. Ramanathan Somasundaram, Managing Director of GUGA IT Services Private Limited, India; and Mr. Tum Serey Vathana, Blockchain Developer at the Techno Startup Center, Ministry of Economy and Finance in Cambodia. Dr. Jose Elvinia, APO Tokyo Program Directorate and Head of Multi-Country Programs Division 2, provided the opening remarks, setting the stage for an enriching week of learning and collaboration. 

The opening ceremony was presided over by H.E. Phork Sovanrith, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MISTI) and APO Director for Cambodia, along with Mr. Um Serivuth, Acting Director of NPCC and APO Head for Cambodia. Their leadership underscored the importance of this training in strengthening e-government initiatives across the participating countries. 

Figure 1. Participants of the Training Course on Blockchain Technology Applications in e-Government pose for a photo with H.E. Phork Sovanrith, MISTI's Secretary of State, resource speakers, and APO Secretariat members. 

Key Takeaways and Highlights 

The training covered a wide array of topics essential for harnessing blockchain technology in public sector applications. Key sessions included: 

  • Introduction to Blockchain by Dr. Anndy Lian, which provided an overview of blockchain’s transformative potential in various industries. 
  • Blockchain Architecture and Platforms, also by Dr. Lian, which delved into the technical underpinnings of blockchain systems. 
  • Data Security and Privacy in e-Government by Dr. Ramanathan Somasundaram, focuses on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and its role in securing government communications. 
  • Integration of Blockchain in e-Government Procurement and Use of Blockchain for IT System Integrations, which illustrated how blockchain can enhance transparency and efficiency in procurement and IT systems. 
  • Legal and Regulatory Frameworks of Blockchain in e-Government by Mr. Tum Serey Vathana, guiding participants through the complexities of implementing blockchain in e-government.  

Figure 2. Training participants listen attentively as Dr. Anndy Lian explains the technical aspects of blockchain architecture and platforms. 

 Figure 3. Mr. Tum Serey Vathana sheds light on the legal and regulatory frameworks surrounding blockchain technology in e-government. 

Figure 4. Dr. Ramanathan Somasundaram leads a discussion on data security and privacy in e-government, highlighting the importance of PKI. 

The participants also engaged in basic hands-on exercises, including the implementation of smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps), and explored real-world applications through site visits to the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MPTC) and the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC). At MPTC, Mr. Cheang Vutha showcased Cambodia's secure verification platform, verify.gov.kh, while NBC presented the Bakong app, a blockchain-based payment system. 

Figure 5. Training participants gather in front of Cambodia's Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MPTC) for a group photo after learning about the innovative "verify.gov.kh" platform that utilizes blockchain technology for secure document authentication. 

Figure 6. Participants pose for a photo with representatives from the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) after exploring the Bakong app, a pioneering central bank digital currency (CBDC) powered by blockchain technology. 

Philippine Delegation's Contributions 

The Philippine delegates, comprising Ms. Roxanne S. Aviñante from the Department of Science and Technology, Ms. Murffy P. Gopez from the Department of Transportation, and Mr. Anfernee Jose G. Trinidad and Ms. Ma. Victoria B. Lucero from the Philippine Statistics Authority presented the Philippines’ action plan focused on potentially integrating blockchain technology in securing the current implementation of the National ID system in the country. The proposal aimed to address critical issues such as fragmented identity management, unsecured personal data, and the need for improved data integration and security. 

     
Figure 7. The Philippine delegation presents their country's action plan on potentially integrating blockchain technology into the National ID system, aiming to enhance security, efficiency, and data privacy. 

Figure 8. Ms. Roxanne S. Aviñante from the Philippines and Mr. Toung Chansittya from Cambodia, representing the diverse group of attendees, delivered a Vote of Thanks at the conclusion of the training course. 

Closing and Acknowledgments 

The training concluded with closing remarks from H.E. Yea Bunna, APO Alternate Director for Cambodia, and MISTI’s Undersecretary of State, who emphasized the importance of continued innovation in e-governance. Certificates were awarded to all participants, and the Vote of Thanks was delivered by Ms. Roxanne S. Aviñante and Mr. Toung Chansittya, representing the diverse group of attendees. 

This training has provided valuable insights and practical skills for implementing blockchain solutions in e-government, promising enhanced efficiency, security, and transparency in public sector services across the participating countries. 

       

Figure 9. Participants, resource speakers, APO, and NPCC pose for a photo with H.E. Yea Bunna, APO Alternate Director for Cambodia, and MISTI’s Undersecretary of State, as the training concludes.