Cambodia Investment Review
Smart Axiata, Cambodia’s telco and integrated ICT solutions provider launched the Smart Startup Space, a cutting-edge hub designed to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs. As the first corporate incubation center in Cambodia, it marks a significant milestone in the nation’s entrepreneurial journey.
Located in the Connexion Building, Smart Startup Space brings together incubation, training, and co-working under one roof: an ambitious platform dedicated to nurturing startups, empowering entrepreneurs across all industries, and catalyzing the local innovation ecosystem. The space offers access to mentorship, capacity building, investment opportunities, strategic partnerships, networking, and a thriving community designed to turn ideas into scalable ventures.
Role Of Corporate Incubation In National Development
The launch event was presided over by His Excellency KEO Sothie, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, representing His Excellency Dr. CHEA Vandeth, Minister of Post and Telecommunications, and His Excellency Shaharuddin Onn, Ambassador of Malaysia to Cambodia, with participation from high-ranking government officials, business leaders, non-profit organizations, and key stakeholders from the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Ziad Shatara, CEO of Smart Axiata, underlined the role of corporate incubation in national development: “With the launch of Smart Startup Space, we are not only opening a physical hub but also a new chapter for Cambodian innovation. Around the world, telecom-led innovation incubation centers such as Telefónica’s Wayra in Latin America and Orange Fab in France have become powerful engines of economic progress by enabling startups to thrive with the backing of corporate expertise. Today, we bring that same model to Cambodia for the first time. Our goal is to build a launchpad where bold ideas are born, nurtured, and scaled—ultimately contributing to long-term economic growth, job creation, and positioning Cambodia as a rising hub for innovation in the region.”
This bold initiative falls under Smart Axiata’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy and reflects the company’s deepening commitment to national development. More than just a workspace, Smart Startup Space aims to become Cambodia’s vibrant entrepreneurial hub—where creativity is celebrated, connections are made, and local innovations are brought to life.
Partnership Between The Public And Private Sectors
His Excellency KEO Sothie also added “Initiatives such as Smart Startup Space reflect the strong partnership between the public and private sectors in advancing Cambodia’s digital economy and nurturing entrepreneurship. Collaboration between the government, private sector, development partners, and stakeholders is the driving force of Cambodia’s digital advancement. From Smart Axiata Digital Innovation Fund (SADIF) to SmartStart and now Smart Startup Space, Smart’s efforts are uplifting youth, strengthening innovation, and contributing to growth.”
His Excellency Shaharuddin Onn remarked “I am proud to see Smart creating meaningful and lasting impact in Cambodia. The launch of the Smart Startup Space is not only a testament to Smart’s commitment to entrepreneurship, but also a reflection of the strong and growing ties between our two countries. I am confident this space will play a pivotal role in nurturing Cambodian startups and boosting the local economy, while further strengthening business collaboration and bilateral trade between Malaysia and Cambodia.”
Smart Axiata has long been a pioneer of entrepreneurship development by nurturing young talent, investing in local startups, and fostering a supportive innovation ecosystem through its SmartStart Unipreneur Learning Platform (ULP), which equips university students with startup skills across 16+ universities, and the Smart Axiata Digital Innovation Fund (SADIF), which has backed prominent local tech ventures like Nham24 and Morakot Technology.
Beyond tech, Smart also supports Cambodia’s broader creative and digital industries through platforms like Pleng, while promoting digital inclusion and knowledge sharing—all contributing to the country’s inclusive economic growth. Entrepreneurs and innovators eager to be part of this dynamic ecosystem can stay updated on upcoming programs, workshops, and networking events by following Smart for Cambodia on Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/smartforcambodia.
