Cambodia Investment Review
Axiata Group Berhad (“Axiata” or “the Group”) and its subsidiary Smart Axiata, successfully participated in Cambodia’s first Digital Government Forum (DGF) from March 11th to 13th, 2024. This event underscores the Kingdom of Cambodia’s commitment to its digital government aspirations, as laid out in the Digital Government Policy 2022-2035. Organised by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication (MPTC), featuring international digital ministers, technology leaders, and academia, the forum aims to catalyse public-private partnerships for digital advancement.
At the Digital Government Forum, Smart showcased its leadership in digital products through an exhibition that highlighted the wealth of its offerings for SMEs, individual and home customers, as well as its advancements in cybersecurity technologies. These products are crucial at the early stages of Cambodia’s digital adoption journey, marking the beginning of the country’s digital transformation efforts.
Axiata Has Significantly Influenced Cambodia’s Telecom Landscape
For over two decades, Axiata has significantly influenced Cambodia’s telecom landscape, making strides in mobile technology and infrastructure, evidenced by investments exceeding USD2.5 billion. The group’s ventures have encompassed pivotal technology introductions and services via Smart, the leading telecom company in Cambodia. Recently Smart has introduced flexible tariff plans, the robust Fiber+ service for secure and stable internet connection at homes and offices, and the comprehensive “Smart for Business” suite designed specifically for SMEs. Additionally, the company has achieved significant milestones by introducing the Next Generation Signaling Firewall (NGSF) and Intrusion Detection System (IDS) in partnership with a global security partner, SecurityGen. This collaboration underscores Axiata’s commitment to safeguarding its network infrastructure and protecting Cambodian customer data.
CEO of Smart Axiata, Ziad Shatara said, “At Smart, we understand our role in advancing Cambodia’s economy with significant technological innovations. Our commitment lies in enriching the nation’s digital landscape, together with our parent company’s support and in compliance with regulatory standards. This approach not only serves our customers’ growing needs but also drives the digital transformation forward aiming for a future of digital inclusivity and economic growth.”
Group CEO & Managing Director of Axiata Group, Vivek Sood stated, “Axiata continues to leverage upon our collective wealth of experience across Asia to spearhead innovation and digitalization within the digital telecommunications sector via our operating companies, Smart Axiata and Edotco in Cambodia.
Laying The Foundation For Digital Technology In Cambodia
As a committed long-term investor, our focus extends beyond building infrastructure and laying the foundation for digital technology in Cambodia – we also prioritise maintaining a secure and safe digital landscape. We commend the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications of Cambodia for their unwavering dedication to driving this transformative initiative, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s digital journey. Axiata Group, alongside Smart and Edotco, remains dedicated to our partnership with the Royal Government of Cambodia.
Our shared goal is to create a robust digital economy and society, characterised by secure networks and positive experiences for the people of Cambodia, and for the country to reach unprecedented levels of progress. We aim to do our part to elevate Cambodia to a higher middle-income status by 2030 and ultimately achieve high-income levels by 2050.” concluded Vivek.
