A Digital Push from the Senate President
In Cambodia’s fast-changing digital world, where millions are connected through social media and mobile data, Senate President Hun Sen has once again made headlines not for politics, but for technology. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the extraordinary congress of the Cambodia Veteran Association (CVA), where he also serves as President, Hun Sen urged members to start embracing Telegram’s live-streaming feature. His message was simple yet powerful: Telegram Live is more efficient than Facebook Live, using less internet data and allowing more people, especially in rural areas, to connect and engage. This call reflects more than a preference for one app over another; it highlights a broader strategy for digital inclusivity, organizational outreach, and even business growth in Cambodia.
Why Telegram and Why Now?
Hun Sen pointed out that while Facebook has been the dominant platform for years, it comes with limitations. Broadcasting on Facebook Live consumes more internet data and requires stronger connections luxuries not always available to ordinary Cambodians. Telegram, on the other hand, offers live streaming with lower data requirements, making it easier for viewers in provinces and rural areas with weaker connectivity to participate.
For Hun Sen, this is not just a matter of convenience; it’s about access. If government institutions, associations like CVA, and even businesses want to reach people in every corner of the country, they must use platforms that are affordable and inclusive. By championing Telegram Live, Hun Sen is signaling that digital communication should be accessible to all citizens, not just those with high-speed internet or expensive data packages.
The Problem with CVA’s Online Presence
Hun Sen’s remarks also carried a dose of frustration. He noted that CVA’s presence online, especially on Facebook, was weak. Activities were rarely posted or promoted, and when they were, they didn’t capture much attention. To address this, Hun Sen created a special working group to collect and distribute updates from Bayon TV, his social media channels, and CVA events so that government activities could reach more people.
More importantly, he highlighted that many Telegram channel operators did not even know how to use the live-streaming function. This lack of digital literacy is a barrier not only for CVA but for countless other organizations across Cambodia. His message was clear: if you don’t know how to go live on Telegram, learn. For Hun Sen, failing to adapt to these tools is no longer acceptable in today’s connected society.
Falling Behind Means Losing Followers
Hun Sen also revealed a telling statistic about his own Telegram channel. Once boasting over one million subscribers, it has now dropped to around 700,000 because of passive performance and limited engagement. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hun Manet’s channel continues to grow, currently with around 470,000 subscribers.
This shift demonstrates a universal truth of the digital age: audiences are not permanent. Whether you are a politician, an association, or a business, if you fail to engage your followers regularly with fresh and interactive content, they will leave. Telegram Live is therefore more than just a new feature it’s a tool to sustain attention, loyalty, and influence in a crowded digital environment.
Telegram Live: Features That Matter
Hun Sen’s recommendation is rooted in the advantages Telegram Live offers over competing platforms. Current features include:
- Low Data Consumption: Telegram requires less internet bandwidth than Facebook Live, making streams smoother even with weaker connections.
- Direct Broadcasting to Channels: Live streams can be broadcast directly to channel subscribers without relying on complex group structures or algorithm-driven feeds.
- Real-Time Audience Interaction: Viewers can send comments and reactions, creating a more interactive experience.
- Replay Options: Those who miss a broadcast can easily rewatch it later, extending the reach of the event.
- Event Scheduling: Channels can schedule live streams ahead of time, giving followers reminders and improving attendance.
- Audience Analytics: Basic data tools allow hosts to measure engagement and refine strategies.
These features make Telegram a practical choice for organizations and businesses that want affordable, reliable, and interactive communication with their audiences.
A New Trend in Data Consumption
Hun Sen’s promotion of Telegram Live also hints at broader economic consequences. If more people begin using Telegram instead of Facebook, data consumption patterns in Cambodia could shift dramatically. Telecom operators and internet service providers may need to adjust pricing models as users no longer require expensive data bundles just to watch live streams.
This change could reshape the digital economy, especially considering Cambodia already has around 11.65 million social media users about 68 percent of the population. If even a fraction of those users switch to Telegram for live streaming, the platform could become a significant player in the Cambodian digital space, creating ripple effects across business, government, and society.
Inclusivity: Reaching Every Corner of Cambodia
Socio-economic researcher Chey Tech described Hun Sen’s call as a “positive initiative” precisely because it benefits people in rural provinces. With Telegram Live, ordinary citizens can join digital conversations without paying high internet costs. For a country where many families must carefully manage mobile data, this is an important step toward inclusivity.
For the government, inclusivity translates into better transparency and public engagement. For businesses, it opens doors to previously unreachable customers. Whether it’s promoting a new product, hosting a customer Q&A, or delivering live tutorials, Telegram Live allows businesses to connect with consumers more effectively while breaking down the barriers linked to high data consumption.
Lessons for Business Owners
Hun Sen’s message should not be seen as relevant only for CVA or government institutions. Business owners in Cambodia can learn several critical lessons from this push toward Telegram:
- Digital Literacy is Essential: Just as CVA operators struggled to use Telegram Live, many businesses risk falling behind if they do not invest in training staff to master digital tools.
- Engagement is Key: Losing subscribers or customers due to inactivity or lack of fresh content is a risk every business faces. Consistency in communication keeps audiences loyal.
- Platform Diversification Protects Reach: Depending solely on Facebook or TikTok is risky. Businesses should explore multiple platforms, including Telegram to avoid overreliance on a single channel.
- Affordability Expands Markets: By using platforms that require less data, businesses can reach more customers, especially in rural areas where affordability is critical.
- Interactive Features Build Trust: Real-time interaction during live streams allows businesses to build stronger relationships with consumers, enhancing brand credibility.
A Broader Vision for Cambodia’s Digital Future
Hun Sen’s call for Telegram Live should also be viewed as part of Cambodia’s broader journey toward digital modernization. The Senate President envisions a future where platforms like Telegram become hubs for government transparency, public engagement, and community building. For organizations like CVA, it’s a way to stay relevant; for businesses, it’s a way to grow; and for citizens, it’s a way to feel included in national conversations without facing digital exclusion.
This vision emphasizes that technology is not just about convenience but about empowerment. By urging Cambodians to embrace Telegram Live, Hun Sen is advocating for a more connected, inclusive, and innovative society.
The Opportunity of Telegram Live
Hun Sen’s advocacy for Telegram Live is more than a preference for one app it is a wake-up call. For CVA, it means modernizing communication to engage members effectively. For government agencies, it means reaching citizens with greater transparency and inclusivity. For business owners, it means recognizing new opportunities to connect with consumers affordably and interactively.
The future of digital engagement in Cambodia will not belong to those who cling to outdated habits but to those who adapt quickly, learn new tools, and diversify their platforms. Telegram Live, with its low data requirements, user-friendly features, and growing influence, represents an opportunity too valuable to ignore. Hun Sen’s words should be heard not just by CVA members but by anyone government, business, or individual who seeks to thrive in Cambodia’s fast-changing digital landscape.