The SEACEN Centre opened its annual Directors of Human Capital and Training Meeting (DOHCT) with the 8th SEACEN Human Capital Conference, held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, under the theme “Building Human Capital for the AI-Enabled Age: Embedding Digital DNA in Central Banking HR Leadership.”
The conference brought together 41 delegates from 13 SEACEN member central banks to discuss how HR leaders can help central banks navigate AI-enabled transformation while preserving human judgement, institutional legitimacy, and public trust. Discussions focused on embedding Digital DNA through talent and succession, performance and culture, and HR governance, ethics, and trust.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Cyn-Young Park, Executive Director of The SEACEN Centre, emphasized that sound policy and effective institutions still depend on people even in the era of AI, noting: “Data can inform decisions. Technology can improve efficiency. But accountability must remain human.”
Delivering the keynote address, H.E. Sannisith Sum, Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, highlighted HR’s evolving role, observing that “HR leadership is shifting from an administrative function to a strategic partner.” Reflecting on Cambodia’s digital journey, he added that building an AI-ready central bank “does not mean becoming a technology company. It means equipping our people to lead the technology, rather than be led by it.”
The DOHCT Meeting has long served as a platform for open and honest dialogue among peers, reflecting SEACEN’s commitment to strengthening human capital and deepening institutional cooperation.
This year’s meeting featured the presentation of the SEACEN Strategic Plan 2026-2030 and High-Impact Initiatives for 2026, which helped frame shared priorities and future development initiatives. It also provided an opportunity for member banks to express their interest in hosting SEACEN programmes in the coming year, further reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the SEACEN community. The discussions reaffirmed SEACEN’s commitment to remain responsive, practical and forward-looking in meeting the evolving needs of its members.
The SEACEN Centre extends its appreciation to the National Bank of Cambodia for its generous hospitality, and to all speakers, delegates, and member institutions for their active participation and continued commitment to building future-ready central banking institutions.
