This article contains insights from H.E. VANDETH CHEA MINISTER from the MINISTRY OF POST AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS OF THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA
This Mekong nation is rapidly standing out among its neighbors in Southeast Asia in digital transformation and the adoption of innovative digital tools aimed at boosting efficiency across various sectors, including government, education, and finance.
Thinking about Cambodia today is becoming synonymous with envisioning digitalization. While acknowledging its turbulent past, Cambodia is forging a path toward international recognition as a global leader in digital transformation. A striking example visible to any visitor is the widespread use of QR code payments, utilized by both street vendors and large businesses alike. Dr. Chea Vandeth, Minister of Post and Telecommunications, emphasizes, “Digital platforms and ecommerce are driving business innovation, supported by digital payment systems like Bakong, which has fostered financial inclusion with over 8.5 million accounts created by 2023.”
Dr. Vandeth explains that Cambodia’s digital future is guided by two key frameworks. The first, The Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework (2021–2035), lays out an ambitious roadmap to establish a thriving digital ecosystem. Its goal is to drive innovation, enhance economic competitiveness, and build an inclusive digital society where technology serves as a powerful equalizer. The second, The Cambodian Digital Government Policy (2022–2035), focuses on modernizing public administration through digital transformation. This framework aims to ensure efficient, transparent, and accessible services for all citizens, fostering trust and efficiency in governance.
Infrastructure and Education: Pillars of Digital Development
The successful implementation of these ambitious roadmaps relies heavily on the efforts of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, which has been crucial in designing and executing strategies to make digitalization a cornerstone of Cambodia’s development. Key advancements include the construction of a $30 million National Data Center and an 80% increase in fiber-optic networks since 2020, with the ultimate goal of achieving universal connectivity by 2027.
Infrastructure has also been a crucial enabler in addressing the digital skills gap—a critical challenge for governments worldwide—. To date, the Ministry has built 20 community technology centers and plans to expand this initiative to more than 560 high schools nationwide. The impact extends beyond preparing students for the labor market’s increasing demand for digital skills; it also addresses urban-rural education disparities. “These centers bridge gaps in education quality by providing access to lessons from top educators, improving student outcomes and enabling teachers to enhance their methodologies by observing best practices,” Dr. Vandeth explains.
Another significant initiative is the government’s scholarship program. “We provide 1,000 scholarships annually, including full scholarships for the best-performing students. For others, we offer financial aid during their studies, with repayment at 20% of their salary postgraduation,” he says.
The Ministry has also introduced a university management system to improve teaching quality. This system integrates learning management, student management, and e-library platforms. More than 40 universities have already applied to the Ministry to use this system.
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Efficiency and Transparency: Cambodia’s Digital Governance Stands Out
Globally, e-government has become a critical tool for enhancing transparency and efficiency, but its implementation poses challenges such as cybersecurity risks, mistrust, and digital illiteracy. Dr. Vandeth highlights that Cambodia has been successfully tackling these hurdles through digital public service platforms that leverage innovations like blockchain technology to digitize document verification, reducing fraud and improving efficiency. Additionally, “Education initiatives, such as digital community technology centers and scholarships, are fostering a culture of digital literacy among citizens and civil servants,” he highlights.
Cambodia is setting an example in digital governance. A notable achievement is the Gold Medal recognition in the ASEAN Digital Awards (Public Sector category) for the document verification platform VERIFY.GOV.KH. “Previously, users had to make multiple visits to obtain and legalize certificates for universities or employers. Now, they can apply for and receive digital certificates online, significantly reducing time and effort,” Dr. Vandeth proudly states.
This platform exemplifies Cambodia’s potential to emerge as a regional innovation hub and exporter of digital solutions. “We’ve signed an agreement with Laos and East Timor, and by February, we plan to deploy the platform in the Philippines,” he adds enthusiastically.
Opportunities for Investors in Cambodia’s IT Sector
The government’s strides in digitalization through infrastructure and human capital development create significant opportunities for investors. Emerging sectors such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and cloud computing offer immense potential, driven by Cambodia’s youthful, dynamic population eager to embrace the digital era.
The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications is also promoting publicprivate partnerships to address challenges like cybersecurity, blockchain infrastructure, and accessibility. Major players such as Amazon AWS, Microsoft, and Alibaba are already contributing to Cambodia’s digital ecosystem. In the startup space, the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has partnered with initiatives like Block71 in Singapore and Plug and Play in Silicon Valley. However, more investment and knowledge transfer are needed. “We lack successful role models in the digital industry, which we are working to address. These success stories will inspire the next generation to pursue similar achievements,” says Dr. Vandeth.
The resilience of the Cambodian people is reflected in their swift and enthusiastic embrace of digitalization. Not only is the country adopting global trends and tools, but it is also innovating and exporting solutions for regional challenges. “Twenty years ago, Cambodia was often associated with its tragic history. Today, we are showcasing technological innovations to the world. Our platform has been recognized by international organizations. Our team has been invited to share insights globally, and we continue to develop new applications. By 2025, we plan to introduce additional innovations,” concludes Dr. Vandeth.
At the Global Indian Network, we believe in open and honest conversations. Follow us for more detailed insights on Cambodia on our soon to be released "INSIDE CAMBODIA" destination page.
