Cambodia Investment Review
In September 2024, Cambodian Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) embarked on a journey aimed at strengthening Cambodia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Organized under the Enhancing Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Investments (3Ei) initiative, the program featured a study tour to Malaysia from September 2nd to 6th, followed by a three-day boot camp from September 25th to 27th.
These complementing activities were designed to equip Cambodian ESOs with the knowledge, networks, and tools needed to drive business growth and foster collaboration within the local entrepreneurial landscape. Together, the study tour and bootcamp aim to pave the way for lasting impact and innovation in Cambodia’s startup ecosystem.
Exploring Malaysia’s Collaborative Success
The study tour to Malaysia offered 15 ESOs a deep dive into one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems. Over five days, participants engaged with key stakeholders, including government agencies, ESOs, successful startups, and investment bodies. The tour introduced participants to the critical components behind Malaysia’s entrepreneurial success, with visits to innovation hubs such as the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Tech & Innovation (MRANTI), Petronas Seed Lab, Cradle Fund, and others. These organizations provided valuable insights into sustainable accelerator models and collaboration strategies that have fueled Malaysia’s growth.
A recurring theme throughout the tour was the importance of collaboration among ecosystem players. Participants were particularly impressed by the level of coordination between the private sector, government, and academia in Malaysia.
“What stood out to me was how well-connected the ecosystem is, with stakeholders complementing each other’s work rather than duplicating efforts,” noted Sreyoeun Chem, Head of Corporate Affairs at Smart Axiata. This emphasis on collaboration inspired participants to explore similar approaches back home in Cambodia.
Turning Inspiration into Action at Home
Following the study tour, a three-day boot camp was organized to harness the inspiration gained in Malaysia and turn it into actionable strategies for Cambodia. Attended by 29 participants from 15 ESOs, the boot camp, led by Entrepreneur-in-Residence Helena Habdija, focused on co-creating solutions to the unique challenges facing Cambodia’s entrepreneurial landscape. The boot camp emphasized collective problem-solving and innovation, with participants working together to refine problem statements, generate new ideas, and develop prototypes for implementation.
“It’s been an incredible three days. Seeing organizations collaborate across a diverse range of beneficiaries—youth, female founders, and people with disabilities—has been inspiring. What stood out was the openness to discuss real challenges, leading to productive discussions on synergies between entities. This program fosters innovative thinking, helping us develop initiatives with potential nationwide impact. I highly encourage others to join in the future, as it’s a powerful opportunity to empower communities and strengthen the ecosystem,” said Eric Kong Vong, Director of Public-Private Partnerships at Reactor School.
The boot camp also introduced practical tools and techniques, such as design thinking and creative ideation methods, to help ESOs translate their ideas into viable projects. Interactive sessions, including the CARE Café and reflection exercises, encouraged participants to collaborate deeply, drawing on lessons from both the Malaysia study tour and their own experiences. The goal was to foster a culture of cooperation and to create solutions that could drive long-term growth in Cambodia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Seeding New Ideas for Ecosystem Growth
The post-workshop survey from the bootcamp showed that participants were highly satisfied with the bootcamp, with outcomes meeting most expectations. One participant noted, “The sessions were clear and fostered engaging discussions among ESOs, bringing collaboration, friendship, and knowledge.” Another highlighted the use of design thinking tools to inspire new project ideas. Key takeaways included collaborative problem-solving, practical innovation, feedback, goal setting, and networking. Most participants found the learnings applicable to their work and expressed intentions to collaborate with other ESOs on new initiatives to support entrepreneurs.
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One of the key outcomes of the boot camp was the opportunity for participants to win a seed fund of USD 15,000 to launch a collaborative pilot project. The pilot must be based on a novel idea and implemented within a one-year timeframe, with regular progress check-ins. This initiative not only incentivizes collaboration but also encourages innovation by giving ESOs the chance to test new ideas that could significantly impact the local ecosystem.
Together, the study tour and boot camp have set the stage for a more connected and innovative entrepreneurial environment in Cambodia. By combining regional insights with practical strategies, the 3Ei initiative has empowered Cambodian ESOs to strengthen their networks, refine their approaches, and contribute to the growth of a more resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem. The lessons learned and connections made through these activities will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping Cambodia’s entrepreneurial landscape in the years to come.
The 3Ei initiative is co-implemented by Khmer Enterprise (KE) and Swisscontact Cambodia, and funded by Khmer Enterprise (KE), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
