Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today received a courtesy call from Mr. Phoeurn Phally, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of VP.Start Technology Co., Ltd., a homegrown technology company, on the sidelines of the 2nd  ASEAN–India Women Scientists Conclave, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The discussion centred on innovation through technology and the journey from technology adoption to creation, highlighting the company’s experience in developing homegrown solutions made in Cambodia for the wider ASEAN region. Dr. Kao commended VP.Start as an example of ASEAN’s emerging technology enterprises, and underscored the importance of nurturing local innovation, deep-tech entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment in advancing the ASEAN Plan of Action on STI (APASTI) 2026–2035. SG Dr. Kao also encouraged closer collaboration among technology companies, research institutions, and governments across the region to translate innovation into inclusive and sustainable growth.