Cambodia Investment Review
Speaking at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore, Mr. Jon Watts, CEO of Khalibre Pte. Ltd, delivered a keynote address highlighting the company’s mission in health and education within Cambodia. Addressing an audience of over 100 Singaporean entrepreneurs, businessmen, and investors during the seminar “Cambodia: An Overlooked Destination for Business and Investment,” Jon shared insights into the potential and opportunities that Cambodia offers, particularly in the technological and educational arenas.
The seminar, facilitated by Aquarii BD Cambodia and endorsed by prominent entities such as Khmer Enterprise, Swisscontact, and Phillip Bank, received strong support from the Cambodian Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation, and the Ministry of Commerce. It spotlighted the burgeoning economic relations between Cambodia and Singapore, suggesting that the region presents fertile ground for future trade and investment ventures.
Making A Difference Through Technology & Capacity Building
During the session, Jon elaborated on Khalibre’s pivotal role in aiding organizations, teams, and individuals to utilize technology for beneficial outcomes. “Our platform is currently utilized by a presence in more than 60 countries, indicating the scalable impact technology can have when applied strategically,” he remarked.
Khalibre, recognized as a provider of the Khalibre Platform and engaged by entities through Crosswired for collaboration and capacity-building, has positioned itself as a social enterprise since its inception in 2010. It offers business technology solutions, capacity building, and learning platforms globally.
With over 25 years of IT service management and strategy experience, Jon has led global IT projects across major financial hubs including London and New York, as well as in Singapore and Cambodia. His career trajectory—from investment banking technology to implementing strategies for complex organizations in the nonprofit sector—epitomizes the blend of commercial acumen and social responsibility.
A Business Model Which Includes Community Learning Platforms
“Our mission in Cambodia has always been about making a tangible difference through technology and capacity building,” stated Jon. He emphasized Khalibre’s approach to developing agile solutions that address real-world constraints and deliver socially impactful outcomes.
In discussing Cambodia’s progress, Jon noted the government’s substantial investment in upskilling initiatives, particularly in the health and education sectors. Prime Minister Hun Manet’s commitment to modernizing healthcare through technology was also highlighted as a key indicator of the nation’s forward-looking agenda.
Challenges such as the need for enhanced Continuing Professional Development (CPD), nurse licensure enforcement, and health record digitalization were also addressed. “The road ahead is complex, but through collaborative efforts and government support, we are making headway,” explained Jon. He outlined Khalibre’s comprehensive business model, which includes community learning platforms, a Nursing Skills Portal, and a targeted reach to thousands of health officials and nurses.
Concluding his keynote to investors Jon offered an overview of the social impact Khalibre has had since 2010, with a focus on skill development and capacity building for the Cambodian workforce. He mentioned, “We’re committed to changing lives not only through our services but also by fostering a community of professionals dedicated to growth and innovation.”
An Opportunity For Philanthropic Investment In Khalibre Mission
Speaking to Cambodia Investment Review after the keynote in April 2024, Jon commented that initiative has already garnered the commitment of three universities and two regional centers, all of which are currently being prepared for the upcoming go-live. The project is a testament to the possibility of numerous institutions collaborating efficiently, driven by the dynamism of private enterprise. The next weeks are critical, as Khalibre aims to integrate additional nursing schools into the project, setting a precedent for rapid, cohesive action in the educational sector.
He also conveyed both the excitement surrounding the project’s progress and a candid reflection on its financial underpinnings, “While we are on schedule for this launch and have seen a remarkable confluence of efforts, it is pivotal to note that this project has been entirely privately funded. Khalibre’s vision of being a long-term philanthropic social enterprise cannot be realized on private funding alone.”
“Khalibre is not just planning; we are executing and delivering real results,” Jon said. He seized the opportunity to extend a call to action for philanthropists who are looking to invest in social endeavors that yield substantial impact.
International firms interested in exploring opportunities in Cambodia are encouraged to engage with Aquarii BD Cambodia or the Singapore Business and Investment Forum (SBIF) for insights and support, paving the way for future business endeavors in the Kingdom of Cambodia.
