Henry Henderson
Junior Communications Officer Henry Henderson spoke with Eric Lou, CEO of OneWorld Technology, a software development company focused on ERP solutions, web development, and mobile app development.
Eric shared how OneWorld was built around the goal of simplifying digital systems for Cambodian businesses, particularly in a market where digital literacy and connected infrastructure remain key challenges. He reflected on the importance of building strong foundations in cybersecurity and system understanding, as well as why OneWorld prioritises quality over quantity by carefully selecting projects within its capacity.
The conversation also explored the growing adoption of emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain in Cambodia, and how OneWorld is already integrating AI to boost productivity for both internal operations and clients. Eric also discussed the company’s vision to support Cambodia’s digital transition through education and practical guidance, while highlighting OneWorld’s new partnership with Odoo, a Belgian ERP system designed to address major inventory and accounting challenges in the Cambodian market.
Henry: To begin, could you please introduce yourself and share a little about OneWorld Technology so our readers can get to know you better?
Eric: My name is Eric. I am the Chief Executive Officer at OneWorld. OneWorld is a software development company fully focused on ERP (enterprise resource planning) solutions, as well as other software services including web development and mobile app development. We have been operating since 2021, and it has been five years already.
Henry: You built OneWorld Technology around the idea of simplifying complex systems. What inspired you to take this approach, and how has it shaped the company’s growth?
Eric: I saw that software is currently very complicated in Cambodia because we are still a developing country, and most of our users have limitations in areas such as digital literacy. The problem I saw is that the tools they are using sometimes are not used to the fullest. For example, they buy these tools and they are only using part of them, and never to their full potential.
This is because there are complexities, and sometimes it is complicated to use something like that. I also see that the systems they mostly use in Cambodia are not connected. I think that is the opportunity for OneWorld to exist, and I saw it as a great pain point that OneWorld could solve.
Henry: OneWorld Technology focuses on making digital solutions more accessible and practical for businesses. In your experience, what are the biggest challenges companies in Cambodia face when transitioning to the digital space?
Eric: For one, it is regarding the choice. Mostly there are too many types of software, and most of the time it is hard for them to choose which one works best for them. Also, regarding the foundation, like I mentioned before, many of our users have not yet thoroughly understood the software or infrastructure they are using, especially cybersecurity and other areas. So, since we are technical people, we need to explain to them clearly and teach them how it works.
Henry: Your philosophy emphasises simplicity and quality over quantity, even limiting the number of projects your team takes on. From a business perspective, how does this approach translate into better outcomes for clients?
Eric: As a technology provider, we focus more on quality rather than quantity. If we get too many projects that are bigger than our capacity, of course we would get good revenue, but I think it will affect our deliverable quality. The reason is that technology is not the same as simply selling a product. We need expertise. And of course, each company has its own limited expertise. That is why at OneWorld, we know our own capacity. We know our own expertise, and then we take only the projects we are capable of.
Henry: As digital transformation accelerates across industries, how do you see emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and automation being adopted in Cambodia?
Eric: To understand AI, blockchain, and all of that, we need to have a strong foundation. What we are focused on most is the foundation, to make sure that everyone understands how digital software works and how technology can solve their day-to-day problems.
Regarding AI, it is emerging right now, and at OneWorld we also utilise AI in our company as well, especially regarding productivity. Before, without AI, we needed to use much more manpower, and with AI we have been able to reduce that to about 50% already. Based on our own experience using it within our company, we apply that to our customers as well.
Regarding blockchain, mostly what I can see is development in inventory management, but I think that needs a few more years to develop fully.
Henry: As a new EuroCham Annual Partner, how do you see collaboration with the business community contributing to your mission, and what opportunities do you hope to explore through this partnership?
Eric: The reason I joined EuroCham is, first, I see that there are many businesses and real businesspeople in the community. It means that EuroCham has a good community network. I believe that I can explore more regarding professionalism and how real businesses work.
What I expect from EuroCham is to build a stronger network there regarding partnerships, especially as right now I am working to provide technology solutions to Cambodia. I can see that EuroCham is full of impactful people, businesses, and opportunities.
Henry: Looking ahead, what is your vision for OneWorld Technology, and how do you hope to support businesses in Cambodia as they continue to evolve in an increasingly digital world?
Eric: Our biggest vision for OneWorld is not to try to be a big tech company. What we want the most is to educate people, Khmer people, to understand more about technology and try to apply technology to solve issues within their daily lives.
It is not just about solving problems; we also want to guide them step by step, to move from a traditional way of doing business into a digital way of doing business.
Henry: Finally, is there anything you would like to highlight, such as an upcoming initiative, partnership, or project that OneWorld is currently working on?
Eric: Currently, what I want to highlight is the Odoo ERP system, for which we just launched a partnership this year. It is an ERP system from Belgium. As a suite of business management applications including CRM, e-commerce, accounting, inventory, and HR designed to streamline operations in one integrated system, it will solve many of the problems that Cambodian SMEs are facing.
