Cambodia’s National AI Strategy: Charting a Smart and Inclusive Future
Cambodia is stepping into the era of artificial intelligence with a well-calibrated and forward-thinking approach. As part of its broader digital transformation agenda, the country is crafting a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, a landmark initiative led by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MPTC) with the guidance and support of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP). This blog explores the goals, process, and future outlook of this strategy and how it aligns with Cambodia’s national digital development framework, including the recently launched Strategy on the Development of Electronic Services for Business 2025–2028.
Developing the National AI Strategy: A Strategic Vision for Cambodia
Collaborative Foundations
The journey to draft Cambodia’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy began over a year ago, marked by a series of 12 internal meetings within the MPTC. The culmination of these efforts was recently showcased during a pivotal workshop attended by key national and international figures. The workshop was presided over by Keo Sothie, Secretary of State of the MPTC, and graced by Tiziana Bonapace, Director of the ICT and Disaster Risk Reduction Division at UN-ESCAP.
This event was more than a meeting of minds—it represented the backbone of Cambodia’s policy formulation process in AI. The collaborative workshop included not only MPTC officials and UN-ESCAP experts but also international consultants and policymakers. This diversity ensured that the draft strategy was not only informed by local priorities but also aligned with regional and global trends.
Purpose and Methodology
The MPTC described the purpose of the strategy development as follows:
“This process aimed to ensure the strategy is well-refined, consistent with the national policy agenda, and aligned with the regional and international trends.”
Through deep discussions, the participants explored various elements of the draft strategy, such as its vision, AI ecosystem, strategic priorities, and implementation mechanisms. The holistic approach underscores Cambodia’s ambition to become not just a user of AI technology, but a thoughtful and ethical leader in its regional AI landscape.
Aligning AI with National Development
Integrating AI into the National Policy Agenda
The core objective of Cambodia’s AI strategy is to maximize the benefits of AI while minimizing its potential risks, thus supporting both economic and social advancement. As Cambodia gears up for an increasingly digitized future, AI is seen as a critical enabler for everything from education and healthcare to governance and business.
According to the ministry’s press release,
“The overarching goal is to maximize the benefits and minimize the negative impacts of AI, thereby contributing to Cambodia’s economic and social development.”
This reflects a deep understanding that AI, if deployed inclusively and responsibly, can serve as a powerful lever for national transformation.
Support from the United Nations and Global Experts
UN-ESCAP’s Role and Endorsement
UN-ESCAP has been an instrumental partner in shaping Cambodia’s AI future. During her visit, Tiziana Bonapace reaffirmed the commitment of the international body, stating her appreciation for the ongoing collaboration.
She emphasized:
“The strong support from UN-ESCAP’s leadership for the development of the draft National AI Strategy, with MPTC serving as the lead ministry in this effort.”
Her remarks reflect the international recognition of Cambodia’s initiative, further legitimizing the strategy as a model of inclusive and participatory policy-making.
Nationwide Consultation and Refinement
The draft AI strategy has already undergone two rounds of technical consultation with UN-ESCAP experts and has been refined into a second version. The next critical stage includes further consultations with ministries, institutions, higher education sectors, and all relevant stakeholders in May. A national-level workshop scheduled for June will provide the final platform for consensus and endorsement.
The ministry has issued a call to action for broader participation:
“Experts, private sector, academic and research institutions, or development partners who are interested in participating in the development process of this national strategy” are invited to contribute.
This inclusivity ensures the strategy will be resilient, equitable, and practical in its application.
AI as Part of a Bigger Digital Puzzle
Synergy with the Strategy on the Development of Electronic Services for Business 2025–2028
Cambodia’s focus on artificial intelligence doesn’t exist in isolation. It’s part of a broader effort to transform the country into a digital economy powerhouse. On this front, the Ministry of Economy and Finance recently launched the Strategy on the Development of Electronic Services for Business 2025–2028—a digital leap forward for Cambodia’s business environment.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Prime Minister Aun Pornmoniroth emphasized:
“Digital technology—particularly recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI)—has become an essential part of everyday life, education, business, and public service delivery.”
He noted that the digital revolution is no longer optional; it is a fundamental catalyst for economic growth, innovation, and public service transformation.
Goals and Framework
This new business strategy aims to streamline the delivery of public services by digitizing up to 80 percent of high-demand, low-complexity services by 2028. The initiative is governed by three major coordinating bodies:
- The Digital Economy and Business Committee
- The Digital Government Committee
- The Public Administration Reform Committee
This approach ensures a unified digital ecosystem aligned with Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy – Phase 1, Cambodia Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework 2021–2035, and Cambodia Digital Government Policy 2022–2035.
The Role of AI in Transforming Governance and Business
Enhancing Efficiency and Competitiveness
In the private sector, AI and digital technologies are already raising the bar for operational efficiency and market competitiveness. Companies are leveraging AI to reduce costs, streamline operations, and improve customer engagement.
Meanwhile, in the public sector, AI-driven systems promise to reduce bureaucracy, enhance regulatory compliance, and improve service delivery. These developments not only benefit citizens and investors but also build trust in digital governance.
Aun Pornmoniroth highlighted:
“This strategy represents a deep reform of public service delivery for businesses. It focuses on reviewing and adjusting service fees and eliminating or consolidating low-value or overlapping procedures.”
This digital-first approach makes it clear that Cambodia is committed to leveraging AI and technology to build a robust, transparent, and responsive governance system.
National Unity and Political Willpower Behind AI Strategy
Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many captured the significance of these digital reforms by stating:
“The launch of the Strategy on the Development of Electronic Services for Business 2025–2028 represents an important step toward modernizing Cambodia’s public administration.”
He emphasized that this modernization is not just about efficiency, but also about intelligence and transparency—a foundation for building a smart nation. It reflects the political will at the highest levels to push AI and digital technology into the mainstream of Cambodia’s development trajectory.
A Data Point of Progress: Online Business Registration
One of the more tangible indicators of Cambodia’s digital progress is the success of the Online Business Registration (OBR) system. As of December 2024,
- Over 42,000 enterprises had registered,
- With a total investment of $15.6 billion.
This signals a growing trust and adoption of digital platforms by Cambodian entrepreneurs and foreign investors alike. AI, integrated into such systems, can further improve accuracy, speed, and user experience.
Looking Ahead: Cambodia’s Smart and Inclusive AI Future
Cambodia’s journey toward becoming an AI-empowered nation is well underway. With strategic leadership from MPTC, strong international partnerships, and a comprehensive digital agenda, the country is positioning itself to harness AI responsibly and inclusively.
The development of the National AI Strategy is not just a policy document—it’s a commitment to the future, a roadmap that ensures Cambodia doesn’t get left behind in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The approach is bold but balanced—blending technological ambition with ethical oversight, and national sovereignty with international collaboration.
A National Strategy Rooted in Inclusivity, Innovation, and Impact
Cambodia’s AI strategy reflects a nation preparing not only for economic transformation but for a more inclusive, intelligent, and resilient society. With AI expected to redefine education, healthcare, agriculture, and governance, this strategy lays a vital foundation for future prosperity.
As Tiziana Bonapace aptly recognized,
“The strong support from UN-ESCAP’s leadership for the development of the draft National AI Strategy” is a vote of confidence in Cambodia’s potential to lead responsibly in the AI space.
This is a defining moment for Cambodia—a time to innovate, to collaborate, and to inspire. Stakeholders from all sectors—government, academia, business, and civil society—are encouraged to join this exciting journey and help shape an AI strategy that reflects the hopes and needs of the Cambodian people.
Are you ready to be part of Cambodia’s AI-powered future? Share your thoughts and ideas about how AI can transform Cambodia in the comments below!
