In brief
On October 30 the Cambodian capital hosted a multinational conference titled “New World Order,” co‑organized by CamTech University, Sun Yat‑sen University and the China‑ASEAN Studies Center. The event explored the role of China in global governance, the fragility of the multilateral system, and how ASEAN can remain a neutral, inclusive platform amid rising geopolitical tensions. Cambodian Minister Sok Siphana warned that indiscriminate economic decoupling would hurt developing nations, underscoring the civic stakes for regional governments, businesses and ordinary citizens.
The Cambodian capital Phnom Penh opened its doors on Friday to a global gathering that scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders said would shape the future of geopolitics, technology, trade and regional cooperation in Southeast Asia. The one‑day forum, titled "New World Order," was co‑organized by CamTech University, Sun Yat‑sen University and the China‑ASEAN Studies Center, and drew participants from across the region and beyond.
At the opening, Cambodian senior minister Sok Siphana, in charge of special missions for multilateral trade and economic affairs, spoke to the assembled crowd about the interdependence of nations in a rapidly changing world. He said the forum could "serve as a strategic platform to exchange insights and navigate the emerging challenges and opportunities defining an increasingly interconnected world." He also stressed that entities must uphold the United Nations Charter as the bedrock of international society while resisting the fragmentation of the global economy.
Speaking on economic policy, Siphana warned that "indiscriminate decoupling" could impoverish developing nations and solidify adversarial political blocs. His remarks underscored a civic stake for domestic voters, small‑state governments and businesses that rely on stable trade relations. He further urged ASEAN member states to strengthen unity and maintain neutrality, insisting the bloc should "remain a neutral, inclusive platform where competing global powers can engage without forcing Southeast Asia to align with a single patron."
Panelists explored two sets of themes: the strategic dynamics for ASEAN and the broader international community, and the dynamics of multipolarity, multilateralism, and small‑state agency. The discussions revealed concerns about the shift towards bilateral agreements and the risk of isolation among developing economies that would have allies in only one major power system.
In a highlight, Sun Yat‑sen University representatives noted how rising digital technology can reshape trade and how a robust regulatory framework could protect consumers and businesses alike. The encounter raised the question of whether new trade norms could be created that prioritize technological resilience while mitigating the social costs of rapid digitalization.
Besides speeches, the event offered a unique opportunity for students to engage with global actors. CamTech University first‑year student Him Gek Houn shared her experience. "I learned that to truly come together and improve our world, we need to understand our neighbors' perspectives and cultures," she told reporters. She added, "While we have different backgrounds, we still share the same planet. Therefore, we should come together on the basis of equality." Houn’s reflections highlighted the civic stakes for future leaders and the role of education in fostering concord among diverse cultures.
Throughout the sessions, several panelists highlighted China’s role in maintaining global security, stability and development, and its commitment to promoting multilateralism and inclusive global governance. While the conference was safe and cordial, the emphasis on China’s strengths was a reminder of the growing influence of the People's Republic of China on the global stage.
Some analysts at the venue urged the practicalities of carrying out forums that could convert academic ideas into policy. One participant stressed that citizens, politicians and businesses must coordinate when forming a resilient trade ecosystem. The conversation tied into the everyday lives of the Cambodian public, as the country’s government recently announced new policy measures that are intended to strengthen its trade links with ASEAN.
One outcome of the forum is a report produced by academia, industry, and government cooperation. The concrete recommendations will provide future guidance to public officials in decision making that impacts the community. The organizers announced that they intend to publish the report online, allowing citizens throughout the region to view the findings and decide how best to participate.
As the calls for cooperation and unity reverberated across the room, the event’s reach extended beyond Earth’s borders, reminding the international community of the civic stakes involved for governments, citizens, and businesses. The conference in Phnom Penh that began on Friday 30 October signals that deliberations on the future of governance, trade and technology will continue and that public accountability will be a cornerstone of policy moving forward.
