Siem Reap is strengthening its vision for the future by reaching out to regional partners across Southeast Asia to support its smart city ambitions. During the ASEAN City Leaders Conference held in Hanoi, Vietnam, from June 7 to 10, 2026, the province explored new opportunities to attract investment, deepen tourism cooperation, and accelerate digital transformation. The event brought together city leaders and policymakers under the theme of building smart, sustainable, and connected cities, creating a platform for collaboration on the challenges and opportunities facing urban development.
The conference, supported by the ASEAN Secretariat and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, gave Siem Reap a chance to learn from some of the region’s most advanced cities. Provincial leaders believe that stronger partnerships across ASEAN will help improve public services, encourage sustainable economic growth, and create a more competitive destination for investors, businesses, and tourists alike.
Learning from ASEAN’s Leading Smart Cities
Ngov Sengkak, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap, represented Provincial Governor Prak Sophorn at the conference and led the provincial delegation during the discussions. The event focused on major issues shaping the future of cities, including digital era urban planning, the use of artificial intelligence to improve governance, and the development of environmentally sustainable communities that can withstand climate related challenges.
Speaking to Việt Nam News, Sengkak said that Siem Reap is already moving forward with smart city projects but sees tremendous value in learning from Ho Chi Minh City’s experience. The Vietnamese economic hub has become one of ASEAN’s leading centers for investment, innovation, and modern urban management, making it an ideal partner for future cooperation.
“Therefore, we will use this conference as an opportunity to strengthen practical and effective cooperation with Ho Chi Minh City. Siem Reap is actively improving public services to attract investment, promote sustainable urban growth, and accelerate digital transformation in public administration,” he said.
Sengkak also stressed that Ho Chi Minh City’s practical experience could play an important role in supporting Siem Reap’s long term development goals as the province modernizes its public administration and urban infrastructure.
Building Stronger Tourism and Investment Connections
Beyond discussions about smart city management, the conference provided an opportunity for ASEAN cities to strengthen economic and cultural ties. According to the Siem Reap Provincial Information Department, the gathering also supported the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 by encouraging greater regional connectivity in trade, tourism, and investment.
During the visit, the Siem Reap delegation held a working meeting with Nguyen Loc Ha, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee. The meeting focused on expanding cooperation across several priority sectors that could benefit both cities.
Tourism was one of the central topics, with both sides discussing joint promotional campaigns and stronger travel connections between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap. Closer cooperation could encourage more regional visitors while creating new opportunities for tourism businesses and service providers.
Investment and trade were also key priorities. Officials explored ways to encourage businesses and investors from Ho Chi Minh City to consider opportunities in Siem Reap, particularly in modern agriculture, agro processing, commerce, manufacturing, services, and infrastructure development. These sectors are seen as important drivers of sustainable economic growth for the province.
Human Resource Development and Digital Transformation
The discussions extended beyond business and tourism to include human capital development. Both sides recognized that skilled workers and capable public institutions are essential for successful smart city initiatives.
The delegation discussed cooperation in training civil servants, strengthening vocational education, and promoting exchanges in technology and innovation. Particular attention was given to digital governance and the expansion of digital public services that can improve efficiency and provide better services for citizens and businesses.
By investing in technology and workforce development at the same time, Siem Reap hopes to create a strong foundation for long term urban growth while making government services more accessible and responsive.
ASEAN’s Vision for Smart and Sustainable Cities
The importance of people focused urban development was also highlighted during the conference by ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn, who delivered pre recorded opening remarks.
He emphasized that successful smart cities should place people at the center of every decision and that technology should serve as a tool to solve real world challenges rather than becoming an end in itself.
“What does a smart city actually mean? Fundamentally, it is people centred. It uses technology and innovation not as ends in themselves, but as tools to tackle congestion, pollution, inequality, and climate vulnerability,” Kao said.
“It drives economic and social progress while protecting the environment, and it ensures that no one is left behind.”
Kao also noted that smart and sustainable urban development is now a key part of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. Through the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan, the region has established clear goals and long term actions to guide urban development over the next two decades.
Readers who would like to explore more about the regional initiative can visit the official ASEAN website at https://asean.org.
Conclusion
Siem Reap’s participation in the ASEAN City Leaders Conference reflects the province’s growing ambition to become a modern, sustainable, and digitally connected city. By learning from successful regional partners, strengthening tourism and investment cooperation, and investing in technology and human resources, the province is laying the groundwork for future growth. As ASEAN moves toward its Vision 2045, Siem Reap aims to position itself as a smart city that balances innovation, economic opportunity, and quality of life for its people.