Can artificial intelligence truly shape Cambodia’s economic future over the next two decades? According to senior government leaders and industry experts, the answer is clear: yes, but only if the country acts decisively now.
AI as a Strategic Growth Engine
Vongsey Vissoth recently described artificial intelligence as a central driver of economic growth for the next 10 to 20 years, calling on Cambodia to invest boldly in this transformative technology. Speaking after attending an AI training programme, he urged civil servants not only to use AI tools but to truly understand and master them to improve efficiency, institutional performance, and service delivery. He expressed appreciation to trainers from the Council of Ministers, the Council for Economic, Social and Cultural Affairs, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, and CamTech University for sharing practical expertise. His participation, he explained, reflects a firm belief in the power of technology to strengthen both daily administrative functions and long term national development.
National Vision and Global Competition
Highlighting the forward looking agenda of Hun Manet, Vissoth stressed that AI adoption is critical to advancing socio economic development and improving citizens’ livelihoods. In an era defined by digital transformation, countries that hesitate risk falling further behind. He emphasized that Cambodia must strengthen its competitive edge not only economically, but also technologically, socially, and even in areas tied to national security.
“For Cambodia, although we have not yet reached the stage of independently creating new technologies, we must dare to invest so that we can adopt existing technologies and use them to their full potential to meet real needs,” he said. He warned that failing to act could widen the development gap with more advanced economies.
Human Judgment in the Age of AI
While advocating for AI adoption, Vissoth made it clear that technology should enhance, not replace, human decision making. Officials, he advised, must learn to “master AI” rather than rely on it blindly. AI can function as a powerful assistant, but final decisions must always rest on human intelligence, experience, intuition, and sound judgment. As part of broader institutional reform, he proposed establishing an “AI Application Steering Group” within the Council of Ministers. This body would identify gaps, develop implementation plans, and integrate AI into daily government operations to boost productivity, quality, and efficiency. He also underscored that investing in civil servant training should be viewed as a long term commitment to institutional strength and national progress. Embracing AI, he concluded, is no longer optional but essential for Cambodia’s competitiveness.
Private Sector Perspective on AI Readiness
From the private sector, Tarun Dhawan, Managing Director of Moblaze, echoed similar optimism. He believes AI can deliver innovative solutions that not only accelerate economic growth but also significantly raise living standards. “If Cambodia has an ambition to transition towards a digital and innovation-driven economy, and catch up with more developed countries, then AI development will be highly critical for it,” he said. “AI can provide innovative solutions that can bring prosperity and improve the quality of life for the population. It can solve big problems and drive economic growth for the country.”
Education, Regulation, and Workforce Development
Dhawan cautioned, however, that unlocking AI’s full potential requires serious investment in education and digital skills, along with clear and responsible regulatory frameworks. “To fully leverage the potential of AI, Cambodia will also need to prioritise education and digital skill-building. Policymakers will play a crucial role in setting regulations that promote ethical AI use and data protection,” he noted. Emerging economies like Cambodia face structural constraints, including limited awareness of AI technologies, shortages of skilled professionals, digital infrastructure gaps, and weak technical support systems. Overcoming these barriers demands coordinated public and private collaboration.
Sector Opportunities in Agriculture, Logistics, and Education
Dhawan highlighted that AI development should align closely with Cambodia’s socio economic priorities. In agriculture, precision farming tools could improve crop yields and optimize the use of soil, water, and fertilizers, while helping farmers monitor soil health, predict weather patterns, and detect crop diseases. In logistics, AI systems could streamline supply chains, particularly in rural areas, by optimizing transport routes, managing inventory, and forecasting demand. In education, adaptive tutoring platforms and intelligent remote learning tools could expand access and better match skills training with labor market needs. He emphasized that AI solutions must remain locally relevant, affordable, accessible at the grassroots level, and governed by safeguards to prevent misuse or bias.
Conclusion
Artificial intelligence presents Cambodia with a defining opportunity. If supported by strategic investment, strong governance, skilled human capital, and effective public private partnerships, AI can become a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s transformation into a digital and innovation driven economy. The message from both government and industry is consistent: the time to invest in AI is now, or risk being left behind in an increasingly competitive global landscape.