Cambodia is aggressively adopting artificial intelligence across all critical sectors. Backed by strong government initiatives, the country is actively integrating AI technologies to maximise their full potential. But unlike other technologies, AI adoption presents unique challenges. Successful implementation requires advanced digital literacy, robust data protection frameworks, and responsible governance—areas where Cambodia currently faces significant gaps. Investing in human capital will be essential to ensure that AI development benefits society. Technology alone cannot create progress without skilled people who can use it effectively. Needless to say, the future workforce must have a combination of human abilities and technological know-how. While AI can process information and perform specific tasks, human creativity, judgment, and communication skills remain essential to driving the technology forward. Given its current inadequacies, Cambodia’s ambition to fully integrate AI will take decades to realise. Such a huge transformation cannot be achieved in the short-run. Economic and technological powerhouses like China, Japan, India, and South Korea took 40 to 50 years of development to reach their current status. What is important is that Cambodia has started its AI journey. While hurdles are inevitable, the government must proactively prepare to address them and move forward
Cambodia is entering a new stage of digital transformation, with government institutions, businesses and educational organisations showing growing interest in how artificial intelligence (AI) can contribute to the Kingdom’s future development. Discussions around AI have increased as the nation seeks to strengthen its digital economy and prepare for a technology-driven future.
However, the development of AI does not happen overnight. It is built on years of progress in digital infrastructure, internet access, technology adoption and human capacity development.
As Cambodia continues moving towards a more digital society, AI presents both opportunities and challenges. While the technology can support economic growth and improve efficiency, the Kingdom also needs to prepare its workforce, strengthen digital skills and ensure responsible use of AI.
Over the past decade, improvements in technology infrastructure, internet connectivity and digital services have created the foundation for the adoption of new technologies, including AI.
The expansion of internet access and smartphone usage has transformed the way Cambodians communicate, access information and conduct daily activities. Digital platforms have become increasingly common, allowing people and businesses to connect more easily through online services.
The growth of digital payments has also played an important role in Cambodia’s technology development. The increasing use of mobile banking and digital financial services has encouraged businesses and consumers to become more familiar with technology-based solutions.
At the same time, businesses have gradually adopted digital tools to improve their operations. Companies have increasingly used online marketing, e-commerce platforms and digital management systems to reach customers and improve efficiency.
The government has also focused on digital transformation as part of its broader development goals. Digital government services, technology-based solutions and innovation initiatives have become important areas of development as Cambodia seeks to improve efficiency and strengthen competitiveness.
These developments have created important conditions for AI adoption. AI requires strong digital infrastructure, access to data and people with technology skills. Without these foundations, the use of AI would be more difficult to expand.
Therefore, Cambodia’s current interest in AI is connected to the country’s previous digital progress. The growth of technology over recent years has prepared the environment for AI to become a new stage of digital development.
Digital roadmap goals
AI has increasingly become part of discussions about Cambodia’s future development, as government institutions, businesses and organisations explore how this technology can support economic growth and improve services.
Around the world, AI is changing many industries by helping organizations analyses information faster, improve decision-making and create more efficient systems. Cambodia’s growing attention towards AI reflects the global trend of countries preparing for a future where technology plays a larger role in economic activities.
For the public sector, AI has the potential to support more efficient government services through better data management, improved information processing and digital solutions. By using technology effectively, public institutions can explore new ways to improve service delivery and respond to citizens’ needs.
In the business sector, AI is becoming an important tool for companies looking to increase productivity and remain competitive. Businesses can use AI to understand customer behaviour, improve operations and develop new products and services.
Education is another important area where AI can create opportunities. Technology can support students and teachers through personalised learning tools, research assistance and improved access to information. However, developing digital skills will be necessary to ensure people can use AI effectively.
The increasing discussion around AI also reflects Cambodia’s ambition to participate in the digital economy. As technology continues to develop, countries that successfully adopt AI may gain advantages through higher productivity, innovation and improved competitiveness.
However, AI adoption requires cooperation among different stakeholders. Government policies, private sector investment, education programmers and public awareness will all play important roles in determining how Cambodia benefits from AI.
For Cambodia’s economy, AI presents new opportunities to improve productivity, support businesses and create more efficient ways of working. As competition increases in the regional and global markets, the ability to adopt technology may become an important factor for businesses seeking long-term growth.
For large companies, AI can support decision-making by analysing large amounts of data and identifying trends. Businesses can use AI tools to better understand customer needs, improve services and manage operations more effectively.
In manufacturing, AI technology can help improve production processes, monitor quality and increase efficiency. As Cambodia continues developing its industrial sector, technology adoption could help companies become more competitive.
Similarly, in agriculture, AI can provide solutions through data analysis, weather prediction and smart farming methods. These technologies can help farmers improve productivity, manage resources and respond to changing conditions.
The tourism sector can also benefit from AI through improved customer services, digital marketing and personalised travel experiences. AI-powered systems can help businesses understand visitor preferences and provide more efficient services.
Likewise, for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which play an important role in Cambodia’s economy, AI could provide affordable tools to support business growth. Small businesses can use AI for marketing, customer communication, financial management and market research.
For example, AI tools can help SMEs create digital content, analyse customer feedback and improve their online presence. These solutions may allow smaller businesses to compete more effectively in an increasingly digital marketplace.
However, businesses also need preparation before adopting AI. Companies need employees with digital knowledge, appropriate investment and awareness of responsible technology use.
The future impact of AI on Cambodia’s economy will depend on how effectively businesses and organisations can integrate technology while continuing to develop human skills.
AI & future workforce
As AI continues to develop, one of the most important discussions is how it will affect jobs and the future workforce. While some fear AI will eliminate jobs, many experts argue it serves as a supportive tool rather than a total replacement.
AI can help employees’ complete tasks faster, analyses information and improve decision-making. Instead of competing against technology, future workers may need to learn how to work together with AI systems.
Simply put, digital skills will become increasingly important. Young people and workers may need to develop new abilities, including technology knowledge, critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills.
Education institutions will have an important role in preparing students for an AI-driven economy. Universities, training centres and organisations may need to provide more opportunities for learners to understand and apply digital technologies.
For Cambodia, investing in human capital will be essential to ensure that AI development benefits society. Technology alone cannot create progress without skilled people who can use it effectively.
The future workforce will likely require a combination of human abilities and technological knowledge. While AI can process information and perform certain tasks, human creativity, judgement and communication skills remain valuable.
Despite the opportunities created by AI, Cambodia also faces several challenges in adopting and expanding AI technology.
One of the main challenges is the need to improve digital skills among citizens and workers. Without sufficient knowledge and training, many may find it difficult to use AI effectively or benefit from new technology opportunities.
Another challenge is ensuring equal access to technology. While digital development has expanded rapidly, differences in technology access and skills between different communities may affect how widely AI benefits can be shared.
Data protection and cybersecurity are also important concerns. AI systems rely heavily on information and data, making responsible data management necessary to protect privacy and maintain public trust.
In addition, businesses may face challenges related to the cost of adopting AI tools, particularly smaller companies with limited resources. Support, training and awareness will be important to help businesses gradually integrate AI into their operations.
The development of AI also requires responsible use. Stakeholders need to consider ethical issues and ensure that technology is used in ways that support people and society.
As Cambodia moves forward with AI adoption, addressing these challenges will be essential to ensure that the benefits of technology are inclusive and contribute positively to the Kingdom’s future development.
Policy-driven tech catalyst
Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Chea Vandeth has emphasised the growing importance of AI in Cambodia’s digital transformation journey, calling on government officials to actively learn and adopt AI technologies to improve work efficiency and public service delivery.
The minister recently highlighted that society has entered the AI era, emphasising how rapidly advancing technology can boost workplace efficiency.
“Generative AI and Large Language Models are no longer distant scientific concepts or future possibilities. They have already become part of today’s reality and are changing the way people work, think, analyse information and make decisions,” he said.
The minister stressed that AI should be viewed as a supporting tool that can help officials perform their duties more effectively and improve services provided to citizens.
As the government institution responsible for leading digital technology development, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPTC) aims to serve as a model for other ministries and institutions in adopting AI technologies, he added.
The minister also highlighted the importance of balancing the benefits of AI with an understanding of the potential risks associated with its use, including the need for responsible and informed adoption of emerging technologies.
According to the minister, AI has the potential to become an important tool for increasing productivity, supporting digital transformation and improving the efficiency of public services in Cambodia.
Cambodia has also taken important steps to ensure that the development of AI is guided by ethical principles and supported by a long-term national strategy.
On July 1, 2025, the MPTC, in collaboration with UNESCO and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), organised a national workshop in Phnom Penh to officially launch the Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Report and present the draft National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
The event brought together more than 450 representatives from government institutions, academia, the private sector, civil society and development partners to discuss Cambodia’s readiness for AI adoption.
The assessment, conducted under UNESCO’s Ethics of Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Methodology, evaluated Cambodia’s preparedness to develop and govern AI in a responsible and inclusive manner. The process involved consultations with more than 300 stakeholders, including representatives from 26 ministries and public institutions, between November 2024 and June 2025. The findings identified both Cambodia’s progress in digital transformation and the challenges that remain, including strengthening digital infrastructure, improving AI governance, expanding digital skills and establishing clear regulatory frameworks.
The report also highlighted that Cambodia’s future success in AI will depend not only on technological investment but also on cooperation among government agencies, universities, businesses and international partners.
As Cambodia accelerates its digital transformation, the government is placing increasing emphasis on developing AI in a way that not only supports economic growth but also protects public interests and promotes sustainable development.
Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) Hem Vanndy, said Cambodia’s vision is to build a human-centered AI ecosystem that encourages innovation, strengthens industrial competitiveness and supports the country’s digital economy while ensuring ethical governance and public trust.
Speaking at the workshop on “Human-Centered and Ethical Artificial Intelligence for Cambodia,” the minister stressed that AI should be viewed as more than just an advanced technology. It should serve as a tool that improves people’s lives while preserving the Kingdom’s cultural identity and social values.
“AI should not only be a driver of economic growth, but also a tool to protect human dignity, preserve our cultural identity and strengthen social harmony,” he said.
According to the minister, achieving these objectives requires a balanced approach to AI governance. While the Kingdom aims to encourage innovation and private-sector investment, appropriate safeguards are also needed to manage potential risks and ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly.
The minister highlighted that Cambodia has made significant progress in laying the foundation for a national AI ecosystem.
Cambodia’s AI roadmap is taking shape through a series of key milestones under the National Council for Science, Technology and Innovation: the 2023 AI Landscape report, the 2025 AI Readiness Assessment, and the developing National AI Strategy 2026-2030.
He added that these initiatives demonstrate Cambodia’s commitment to integrating AI across industries, improving productivity and strengthening national competitiveness. By aligning its AI development with UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, Cambodia is seeking to ensure that technological innovation supports inclusive, responsible and sustainable economic growth while creating long-term benefits for businesses and society.
Vice-President of the Indian Business Chamber in Cambodia (IBCC) and Director of Macro Solutions and Founder of FinLuy Niraj Gupta told Khmer Times that AI is transforming the way businesses operate by improving customer service, data analysis, and document processing and decision-making, while giving small businesses access to capabilities that were once available only to large companies.
However, he stressed that AI delivers the best results when it is integrated into business processes, supported by reliable data and combined with human oversight.
Gupta believes AI presents a significant opportunity for Cambodia to increase productivity, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and to support key sectors including agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, banking and education.
Rather than competing to develop large global AI models, he said Cambodia should focus on adapting AI to the Khmer language and local business needs.
He also warned that AI adoption must be accompanied by stronger digital skills, data protection and responsible governance. Organisations should establish clear internal policies on AI use, while the government should strengthen cybersecurity, personal data protection and national AI standards.
Educational institutions and businesses should work together to equip students and workers with practical AI skills, enabling them to use AI responsibly and effectively rather than viewing it as a replacement for human talent, Gupta added.
