March 22, 2024
phnom penh – A new report from the ASEAN Foundation found that 30 percent of Cambodia’s population has basic media and digital literacy skills and 67.5 percent of the population has access to the internet.
The report, released on March 20, found that despite rapid adoption of digital technology, Saudi Arabia faces significant gaps in digital literacy.
“Although the penetration rate of the Internet and mobile phones is high, [67.5 per cent have internet access]“Only 30 percent of Cambodians have basic media and digital literacy skills,” the foundation said in a March 20 press release.
The report highlighted that the digital divide is worsening, with ethnic minorities in particular facing challenges due to limited digital skills and reliable sources of information.
It showed that education plays an important role in determining Cambodian individuals’ ability to effectively handle information, although 62.2 percent of the population exhibits high critical thinking skills. .
The findings highlight the need for tailored digital literacy efforts to address the diverse needs of Cambodian communities, thereby combating misinformation in an effective manner. It explains how you can get the most out of the digital economy.
The report highlighted that levels of critical thinking and privacy protection capabilities vary widely across ASEAN member states. Notably, Thailand had the lowest proportion of individuals with strong critical thinking skills at 25%, compared to 62.2% in neighboring Cambodia.
The report added that the Philippines lags behind in privacy protection capabilities, with only 17.42 percent of individuals having high competency, while Singapore outperforms with 54.37 percent.
The ASEAN Foundation, with support from Google.org, the philanthropic arm of tech giant Google, held the “ASEAN Regional Symposium: Uncovering Insights into the Region’s Digital Literacy” on March 20 in Bangkok, Thailand. revealed the results of this investigation.
Titled “One divide or many divides?” “Meaningful digital literacy and countering disinformation in disadvantaged ASEAN communities”, this study examines the digital engagement of disadvantaged ASEAN communities. Masu.
We explored their experiences, knowledge, skills, and responses to disinformation to establish a baseline understanding of the role of digital literacy in recognizing and responding to disinformation within these communities.
ASEAN Foundation Executive Director Piti Srisannam explained that the Foundation had invited several strategic stakeholders to discuss the report and its findings, adding that the report includes quantitative input from all 10 ASEAN member countries. It added that it included research and qualitative data collection.
“We are presenting it at this symposium so that participants can hear insights and recommendations from each member country and have a thorough discussion with our researchers,” he said.
“We hope this research will help bridge the digital divide in the ASEAN region and build a more inclusive and secure digital space,” he added.
Google.org Asia Pacific Regional Director Marija Ralic noted Google’s support of the Foundation’s efforts to equip people across the region with critical media literacy skills.
“Our commitment to promoting digital safety is fully aligned with the ASEAN Foundation’s mission to empower the ASEAN community through digital literacy. This will contribute to a digitally resilient ASEAN,” he said. said.
