Cambodia Investment Review
Cambodia is stepping up efforts to strengthen its digital framework and secure greater independence in managing its own systems, a central theme of EuroCham Cambodia’s Breakfast Talk on digital sovereignty and data protection held at TRIBE Phnom Penh on September 4.
The forum brought together policymakers, business leaders, and technology experts to explore how the Kingdom can reduce reliance on external infrastructure, bolster cybersecurity resilience, and prepare for new data governance measures, including the upcoming Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL).
Industry voices outline digital priorities
EuroCham Chairperson Gabriele Faja opened the session, followed by remarks from H.E. Keo Sothie, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Post & Telecommunications, who stressed the Royal Government’s ambition to reinforce Cambodia’s digital independence and governance capabilities.
Three expert presentations addressed key dimensions of sovereignty:
- Mike Gaertner, CEO/CTO of Cambodian Network Exchange, unpacked the concept of digital sovereignty in the Cambodian context.
- Thierry Ngon, CEO of Redbridge Group, outlined how sovereignty can enhance cybersecurity resilience.
- Sébastien Ung, Vice-Chairperson of EuroCham’s Digital & Technology Committee and Director of Asia Data Destruction Cambodia, highlighted how PDPL could protect both businesses and users while creating a competitive edge for SMEs.
Fireside chat underscores collaboration
The program concluded with a fireside chat moderated by Kenneth Tang, Vice-Chairperson of EuroCham’s Digital & Technology Committee. Panelists included H.E. Cheang Vutha, Deputy Secretary General of the General Secretariat of the Digital Government Committee; Dr. Chen Sovann, Director of Science, Technology, and Innovation Data Management Department at the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation; and Gaertner.
They emphasized sovereignty as integral to national security, compliance, and trust-building in the digital economy. Tang added that meaningful progress requires collaboration: “Government provides the framework, while the private sector brings the resources, and together we can drive meaningful progress.”
Urgency for data protection grows
A dynamic Q&A session showcased the urgency of the issue, with participants raising questions about enforcement, cybersecurity preparedness, and the timeline for PDPL implementation. The exchanges reflected both opportunity and risk as Cambodia navigates the next stage of digital transformation.
EuroCham Cambodia reiterated its commitment to supporting dialogue between government and the private sector, aiming to build a secure, competitive, and resilient digital economy for the Kingdom.
