Cambodia
Education
Implementing Organisation
Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology
Cambodia, Cambodia, Phnom Penh
Implementing Point of Contact
Mat Nab
Researcher
Contributor of the Impact Story
Cambodia
Year of implementation
2026
Problem statement
Visually impaired people in Cambodia face significant challenges in accessing written content in the Khmer language due to the lack of automated Braille translation tools. Currently, the production of Khmer Braille materials is limited by reliance on expensive licensed software, frequent display errors, and the high cost of printing. Existing solutions are manual, limited, or unavailable for Khmer script, making literacy and access to information difficult. The Khmer Braille Machine Translation Project was established to address these challenges by developing an automation translation system that can accurately and efficiently translate Khmer text into Braille, promoting education, accessibility, and inclusion.
Impact story details
Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT) is leading research organization in Cambodia comprising three specialized institutes, including the Institute of Digital Research and Innovation (IDRI), which is dedicated to enhancing digital technologies, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and contributing to Cambodia’s digital economy and society. We aim to empower researchers, lectures, students, startups, and public and private sectors with the tools and skills required to thrive in the digital age. Moreover, CADT drives innovation across sectors such as healthcare, education, and smart technologies, combining research, development, and applied solutions to create impactful AI applications that benefit society.
AI Technology Used
Key Outcomes
Inclusion
Equity, Access
Reach, Knowledge
Skills Impact
Narrative Outcome
This system automates the translation of Khmer text into Braille, addressing a significant accessibility gap for visually impaired people in Cambodia. Previously, Khmer Braille translation relied on expensive licensed software prone to display errors. The automated translation tool reduces costs, eliminates manual bottlenecks, and makes written content more accessible to those who have historically been excluded from information access.
Impact Metrics
Implementation Context
Cambodia
Visually impaired, special education teachers, braille instructors, and disability support organizations
Key Partnerships
National Institute for Special Education (NISE)
Replicability & Adaptation
1. Computers and servers for running AI models 2. Braille printers and related materials 3. Software development tools and libraries 4. Website hosting and Cloud storage 5. AI/ML developers for system improvement 6. Software engineers for website and tool development 7. Language experts (Khmer Braille specialists) 8. Project manager/coordinator 9. Costs for hardware (computers, Braille printers) 10. Hosting, maintenance, printing materials 11. Training and outreach expenses
Supporting Materials
* The data presented is self-reported by the respective organisations. Readers should consult the original sources for further details.