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Asked: November 27, 2025In:

New Requirements Set for Journalists and Digital Content Producers in Cambodia. Government Issues Proclamation on Professional Standards On November 27, 2025, the Ministry of Information released a new proclamation outlining the qualification and professional requirements for individuals working in ...Read more

New Requirements Set for Journalists and Digital Content Producers in Cambodia.

Government Issues Proclamation on Professional Standards

On November 27, 2025, the Ministry of Information released a new proclamation outlining the qualification and professional requirements for individuals working in the fields of information and audiovisual communication. This announcement marks a significant step toward formalizing and improving professional standards within Cambodia’s media landscape. According to the proclamation, independent journalists, online content producers, and public personalities must now obtain a certificate of professional education in journalism and audiovisual studies. This certificate must be issued either by the Ministry of Information or by a training institution officially recognized by the Ministry. The move aims to ensure that all individuals producing public information meet a minimum standard of professional competence.

New Requirements Set for Journalists and Digital Content Producers in Cambodia.
Photo: CC-Times

Elevating Media Quality and Public Information Safety

The Ministry emphasized that these measures are intended to build a more responsible and professional press environment. By establishing clear qualifications for practitioners, the government aims to strengthen journalistic discipline, enhance the credibility of information, and ensure greater public safety in the digital age. The proclamation stresses that the rapid growth of online media and social platforms makes it increasingly important to protect the public from misinformation, unethical reporting, and harmful content. In essence, the new regulations are designed to reinforce journalism as a respected profession and to promote higher-quality information for citizens.

Educational and Professional Criteria for Journalists

According to the Ministry of Information, individuals seeking to work professionally as journalists must meet several conditions. They must be at least 20 years old, hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification, and possess a certificate of professional education in journalism and audiovisual studies granted or recognized by the Ministry. Beyond academic requirements, applicants must have completed at least one full year of experience as a reporter, evidenced by a recognition letter from the media organization where they previously worked or a valid employment contract. These criteria ensure that new journalists not only understand the theory of journalism but also demonstrate practical experience in the field.

Additional Requirements for Ethical and Professional Compliance

The proclamation adds further criteria to strengthen ethical standards within the profession. Applicants must have produced news articles for at least three recognized media organizations, proving a consistent track record of journalistic activity. They are also required to provide a residence and conduct letter from their local commune-sangkat along with an official health certificate. Importantly, applicants must have no prior record of publishing articles, videos, images, or content that violate the professional code of ethics, particularly regarding Cambodian culture, social standards, literature, or the Khmer language. This requirement underscores the Ministry’s intention to encourage responsible reporting and uphold national values.

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Angkor Times
Angkor TimesExperienced
Asked: November 27, 2025In:

How Long Before Traveling to Cambodia Should You Apply for an e-Visa? Planning a trip to Cambodia has become increasingly convenient thanks to the country’s streamlined electronic visa system. Yet many travelers still wonder about the ideal timing for ...Read more

How Long Before Traveling to Cambodia Should You Apply for an e-Visa?

Planning a trip to Cambodia has become increasingly convenient thanks to the country’s streamlined electronic visa system. Yet many travelers still wonder about the ideal timing for submitting their e-visa application. While Cambodia remains one of the easiest destinations in Asia for online visa processing, there are key timelines to understand, especially because requirements differ depending on your nationality, travel preferences, and whether you opt for the standard e-visa or the newer e-arrival system. By understanding these options well in advance, visitors can enjoy a smooth, stress-free arrival without delays or unexpected paperwork at the airport.

Visa on Arrival vs. e-Visa: Understanding the Easiest Path

For many travelers, the simplest option continues to be the Visa on Arrival, which remains efficient and tourist-friendly at major Cambodian airports. As one traveler shared, “Best option is to do visa on arrival, it’s pretty simple – there’s a iPad area where you apply for the visa, pay 30usd and enter.” This direct approach appeals especially to visitors who prefer minimal pre-trip administration. Although Cambodia also offers an official e-visa website, some travelers report a smoother overall experience when completing the process upon arrival rather than online in advance. The Visa on Arrival requires no advance submission, making it a suitable choice for last-minute planners or spontaneous travelers.

Applying Online: The 30-Day Window You Must Know

Cambodia’s e-visa is recognized as one of the easiest online visas in Asia, especially for those who like to prepare before boarding their flight.

As one traveler emphasized of a Cambodian Facebook group that, “It’s the easiest visa to do online in Asia to do in advance. Even I could do it. Just be sure you’re on the official site. you can only apply within 30 days before travelling. I did mine a week in advance.”

The official application site restricts submissions to within 30 days of your intended arrival date, ensuring that visas remain valid and up-to-date. Many travelers successfully secure approval within a few days, but applying at least one week ahead, ideally two, provides extra comfort in case of system delays or document issues.

The e-Arrival System: A Faster Option Before Boarding

In addition to the e-visa, Cambodia now offers an e-arrival option that allows approved travelers to bypass the iPad kiosks at the airport. This process acts as a digital arrival card, helping speed up immigration clearance. Certain nationalities are required to complete both the e-visa and e-arrival forms.

One Canadian traveler explained, “There is visa and e arrival. As a Canadian I had to do both. E visa 2 to 3 weeks before. Approval 5 days or less. E arrival 7 days or less before. Approval in minutes.” Travelers who complete both in advance avoid extra waiting time at the airport, passing directly to the customs officer after landing.

Best Practices: When to Apply for Maximum Convenience

Frequent travelers to Cambodia often choose to submit their e-visa around 2–3 weeks before traveling, early enough to avoid stress, yet still within the official 30-day application window.

One visitor confirmed, “I do mine online about 2-3 weeks ahead of time and do my e-arrival online before I board my flight into Cambodia. No waiting in line at the little iPads just straight to the customs officer.”

For travelers seeking the smoothest possible arrival, this timeline offers the right balance. Whether you choose Visa on Arrival or e-visa plus e-arrival, always ensure you submit through the official government portal: https://www.evisa.gov.kh/application.

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Angkor Times
Angkor TimesExperienced
Asked: November 26, 2025In:

FacePass Secure: ABA Bank Strengthens Biometric Protection as User Adoption Surges. Biometric Security Becomes Central to ABA Mobile’s Strategy ABA Bank is rapidly advancing its digital security ecosystem with the expansion of FacePass Secure, a facial recognition technology integrated ...Read more

FacePass Secure: ABA Bank Strengthens Biometric Protection as User Adoption Surges.

Biometric Security Becomes Central to ABA Mobile’s Strategy

ABA Bank is rapidly advancing its digital security ecosystem with the expansion of FacePass Secure, a facial recognition technology integrated into ABA Mobile. First introduced in 2024, FacePass has quickly become a defining feature of the bank’s protection framework, with over 90% of all users activating the feature. The upgrade arrives as Cambodia embraces mobile banking and QR-based transactions at unprecedented speed, pushing financial institutions to meet rising expectations for both convenience and digital safety.

ABA’s New FacePass: The Security Upgrade Everyone’s Talking About

As the first bank in Cambodia to embed live facial recognition directly within its mobile banking app, ABA has set a new competitive benchmark, prompting wider sectoral shifts toward layered authentication and more sophisticated fraud prevention tools.

Read more: How Will Cambodia Benefit From ADB’s Investment in Digital Finance?

Enhanced Protection for High-Value and Sensitive Transactions

Initially designed as an optional login security layer, FacePass Secure has evolved into a mandatory identity verification tool for key activities. The bank now requires live facial recognition for:

  • High-value money transfers
  • Personal data updates
  • eKYC steps during Instant Account Opening
  • Reactivating ABA Mobile on a new device

This expansion ensures that only the true account owner can approve these actions—even if someone gains access to their smartphone or PIN. The verification process, designed to be almost instantaneous, adds robust security without burdening users.

Zokhir Rasulov, Chief Digital Officer of ABA Bank, emphasized the importance of balancing convenience with protection, stating:

“FacePass Secure represents a significant leap forward in mobile banking security and user experience. It demonstrates ABA Bank’s commitment to safeguarding customers’ financial information while prioritizing convenience. For example, if you transfer an amount larger than your preset limit, FacePass will require live facial verification, meaning no one, not even someone who knows your PIN, can complete the transaction without your presence.”

Designed for All Modern Smartphones, Not Just High-End Devices

ABA highlights that FacePass Secure is not the same as Apple’s Face ID, which functions at the device level. Instead, FacePass is fully app-based and compatible with both iOS and Android devices that include a front-facing camera with live recognition capability. This ensures broad accessibility across Cambodia, where many users rely on a wide variety of smartphone brands.

Read more: How Are AI-Generated Images Tricking You Into Fake Charity Donations?

To address growing privacy concerns, ABA confirms that all biometric data is encrypted, stored only on secure servers inside Cambodia, and never shared or transferred abroad. These measures align with international information security standards.

As cyber fraud and account takeovers rise across Southeast Asia, ABA positions FacePass Secure as a necessary safeguard in a rapidly digitalizing financial environment.

Rising User Confidence and Momentum in Cambodia’s Digital Payments Landscape

Feedback from early adopters, particularly small business owners and young professionals, shows high confidence in FacePass Secure. Many view the feature as an added layer of protection that enhances trust, especially when conducting large transactions or time-sensitive payments.

This widespread adoption also reflects Cambodia’s broader shift toward digital finance. KHQR payments, mobile banking apps, and digital wallets have become integral to daily commerce, creating a natural pathway for biometric solutions to become an industry standard.

Read more: Can Cambodia Become Southeast Asia’s Next Startup Powerhouse?

As more banks across the region explore similar technologies, ABA’s early leadership may catalyze sector-wide upgrades in the near future.

ABA continues to encourage all customers to activate FacePass Secure through their app settings to ensure stronger account protection and a smoother, more secure banking experience.

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Angkor Times
Angkor TimesExperienced
Asked: November 24, 2025In:

ADB Approves $50 Million Program to Strengthen Cambodia’s Financial Stability and Digital Finance Infrastructure. A Major Step Toward a More Resilient Financial System Cambodia has taken another significant stride toward financial modernization as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approves ...Read more

ADB Approves $50 Million Program to Strengthen Cambodia’s Financial Stability and Digital Finance Infrastructure.

A Major Step Toward a More Resilient Financial System

Cambodia has taken another significant stride toward financial modernization as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approves a $50 million policy-based loan designed to reinforce sector stability and drive digital finance innovation. This new initiative, a milestone for the country’s economic development, aims to strengthen financial governance, expand financial inclusion, and future-proof Cambodia’s financial landscape.

cambodian riel currency

Strengthening Banking, Nonbanking, and Digital Finance Institutions

The funding falls under ADB’s Inclusive and Sustainable Finance Development Program, a long-term, programmatic approach that supports banking and nonbanking institutions. The focus is clear: improve sector performance, enhance resilience, and expand access to quality financial services for both consumers and businesses. Regulatory reforms, market efficiency upgrades, and digital finance development will be central to the program’s implementation.

As ADB Acting Country Director for Cambodia Anthony Gill stated, the initiative aligns perfectly with Cambodia’s long-term ambitions, noting that the investment aims to reinforce financial inclusion, stimulate private sector participation, and ensure economic growth benefits communities nationwide.

Tackling Structural Challenges and Closing Financial Gaps

While Cambodia’s financial sector has expanded rapidly in recent years, structural challenges persist. Limited market depth, insufficient investor protection, unequal financial service access, weak financial literacy, and gaps in digital infrastructure continue to hinder progress.

The program’s first phase directly addresses these issues. ADB plans to strengthen the regulatory environment for financial institutions, improve overall sector stability, and boost consumer protection. Additionally, strategic development efforts will support emerging financial technologies such as digital assets, cryptocurrencies, and peer-to-peer lending, ensuring Cambodia remains competitive in the evolving fintech landscape.

Driving Sustainable Finance and Green Investment

A major component of the program includes advancing sustainable finance—a critical step as Cambodia aims to attract climate-conscious investment and transition toward green growth. The initiative will help shape a unified national framework for sustainability-linked finance. Key measures include establishing a green finance working group, issuing corporate sustainability disclosure guidelines, and creating pathways for sovereign sustainable bond issuance.

These reforms support Cambodia’s broader vision of achieving upper middle-income status by 2030 and high-income status by 2050, with digital connectivity, capital market development, and robust financial governance as essential building blocks.

ADB’s Continued Commitment to Regional Development

Founded in 1966 and jointly owned by 69 members, ADB remains a driving force behind economic progress across Asia and the Pacific. Its long-standing commitment to supporting essential infrastructure, institutional reform, and inclusive development continues to play a vital role in Cambodia’s transformation.

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Angkor Times
Angkor TimesExperienced
Asked: November 24, 2025In:

A tourism super app is an all-in-one digital platform that brings every essential travel service together in a single, seamless mobile experience from discovering destinations and booking hotels to navigating transportation, finding local experiences, and accessing real-time updates. Instead ...Read more

A tourism super app is an all-in-one digital platform that brings every essential travel service together in a single, seamless mobile experience from discovering destinations and booking hotels to navigating transportation, finding local experiences, and accessing real-time updates. Instead of switching between multiple apps or websites, travelers can plan, book, explore, and enjoy their trip through one unified system. Tourists need this type of super app because it saves time, reduces confusion, and enhances convenience, especially when visiting a new country where language, navigation, and service access can be challenging. By simplifying every step of the travel journey and offering trusted, verified information, a tourism super app creates a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable experience for both tourists and investors. This is exactly the vision behind Cambodia’s upcoming tourism super app, a major digital step designed to elevate the nation’s tourism sector and attract global visitors through smarter technology.

Cambodia to launch tourism super app

A Strategic Digital Leap for Cambodia’s Tourism Sector

Cambodia is moving forward with the launch of an ambitious tourism super app designed to elevate the nation’s appeal for both international tourists and global investors. Built to integrate essential travel services into a single digital ecosystem, the initiative is expected to streamline visitor experiences while strengthening Cambodia’s broader digital transformation strategy. This major step aligns with the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize its tourism infrastructure and position itself competitively in the global tourism market.

A Powerful Partnership Behind the Innovation

The super app is the result of a collaborative partnership between the Ministry of Tourism, Samadhi Property and Hospitality Co. Ltd., and Atmosphere Core Pte. Ltd. Together, the parties aim to harness technology-driven solutions that not only simplify tourism services but also promote Cambodian destinations to a wider international audience. The partnership reflects strong private, public cooperation, an essential driver behind many of Cambodia’s successful development milestones.

High-Level Discussions to Advance Tourism Investment

Tourism Minister Huot Hak recently welcomed Meas Sophearoth, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Samadhi Property and Hospitality and Atmosphere Core, along with her delegation, to explore the company’s long-term investment plans in Cambodia. Their discussion centered on a major investment project in the hotel and hospitality sector and the development of a comprehensive super app offering a seamless, all-in-one digital experience for travelers. These initiatives are expected to significantly uplift service quality and further solidify Cambodia’s reputation as a welcoming destination for travel, business, and leisure.

A Seamless All-in-One Platform for Tourists and Investors

The proposed super app is envisioned to integrate a wide range of digital tourism services, destination listings, travel planning tools, accommodation options, transportation solutions, and promotional features aimed at boosting Cambodia’s visibility on the world tourism map. By offering a unified experience, the platform is expected to support the government’s push to attract long-haul visitors, repeat travelers, and new foreign investors interested in Cambodia’s thriving tourism and hospitality sector.

Government Support for Expanding Tourism Innovation

During the meeting, Minister Hak expressed appreciation for the companies’ contributions to Cambodia’s tourism, hotel, and hospitality development. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s willingness to collaborate closely with the private sector to advance innovation, expand market outreach, and spotlight Cambodia’s tourism potential. Hak also encouraged the companies to promote Cambodian destinations on international platforms and emphasized the Ministry’s readiness to support joint initiatives such as global tourism events, promotional campaigns, and familiarisation trips aimed at boosting international awareness.

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