Cambodia Leadership Review
Srey Oeun Chem is the Head of Corporate Affairs at Smart Axiata, where she leads corporate communications, public affairs, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement for one of Cambodia’s leading telecommunications companies. Through her work, she has helped advance digital inclusion, innovation, and community development across the Kingdom.
A strong advocate for empowering women and young people through technology, Srey Oeun believes digital connectivity is creating new opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and economic participation. She is passionate about fostering inclusive leadership and helping more women succeed in Cambodia’s growing digital economy.
In this edition of 50 Khmer Women Voices 2026, Srey Oeun reflects on the evolving role of women in telecommunications, the importance of digital inclusion, and why she believes the next generation of women leaders will help shape Cambodia’s digital future.
Women in Cambodia’s Telecommunications Industry
CLR: Telecommunications has traditionally been a male-dominated industry in many parts of the world. From your perspective, how have opportunities for women within Cambodia’s telecom and technology sectors evolved over the past decade?
Srey Oeun: Over the past decade, I have witnessed remarkable progress in opportunities for women within Cambodia’s telecom and technology sectors. What was once a male-dominated industry is now opening doors for women to step into leadership roles and actively shape strategic decision-making.
At Smart, for example, 40% of our senior leadership team are women, including a Cambodian woman serving at the Chief level as Chief People Officer. These leaders are not only driving innovations but also steering the company’s digital transformation journey.
This evolution has been made possible through greater access to education, mentorship, and a growing recognition that diverse perspectives strengthen both business outcomes and national development. Women are no longer simply participants in the sector—they are now influential voices, decision-makers, and catalysts shaping Cambodia’s digital future.
Connectivity and Opportunity
CLR: As digital connectivity becomes increasingly important for education, business, and daily life, what role do telecommunications companies play in creating more opportunities for Cambodian women and young people?
Srey Oeun: As digital connectivity becomes increasingly essential for education, business, and daily life, telecommunications companies play a transformative role in creating opportunities for Cambodian women and young people.
By expanding affordable and reliable access, they open doors to education, skills training, and online resources that were once out of reach. This connectivity empowers women to pursue remote work, engage in e-commerce and social commerce, and participate fully in the digital economy, while young people gain exposure to global knowledge and innovation.
One example that stands out to me is a woman I met in Battambang province. With a passion for hairstyling, she dreamed of opening a small salon. Through digital connectivity, she was able to study new techniques and trending hairstyles on YouTube.
When customers visited her salon, she could offer the latest styles, elevating her business and proving how access to technology can transform local entrepreneurship.
This is the true power of connectivity.
Beyond infrastructure, telecom companies also serve as ecosystem builders—collaborating with schools, NGOs, and government to deliver digital literacy programs, promote digital resilience and safety, and provide mentorship and entrepreneurship support. These initiatives enable women and youth not only to consume technology but also to create with it, fostering innovation, leadership, and resilience.
In essence, telecommunications companies are far more than service providers; they have become enablers of inclusion, empowerment, and long-term socio-economic growth. By opening pathways to education, entrepreneurship, and digital participation, they ensure that Cambodian women and young people can play a central role in shaping the nation’s future.
Technology and Entrepreneurship
CLR: Technology is helping reduce barriers for entrepreneurs by providing access to information, customers, digital payments, and online marketplaces. How important is digital connectivity in supporting Cambodia’s growing startup ecosystem and women entrepreneurs?
Srey Oeun: Digital connectivity is a critical enabler of Cambodia’s growing startup ecosystem and a powerful driver of women’s entrepreneurship.
It provides the foundation for accessing markets, customers, and investors, while enabling digital payments, e-commerce, and social commerce platforms that allow businesses to scale rapidly. For women in particular, connectivity helps overcome traditional barriers to capital, networks, and mobility—creating a more level playing field for participation and growth.
Beyond market access, connectivity also unlocks knowledge and mentorship. Women entrepreneurs can acquire new skills, explore innovative business models, and connect with peers, mentors, and investors through digital platforms.
This democratization of information ensures that success is increasingly driven by talent and creativity, rather than geography or gender.
Equally important, digital infrastructure enhances resilience. Startups can adapt quickly to changing market conditions, while women entrepreneurs can diversify income streams and build more sustainable businesses.
For example, one entrepreneur supported by Smart Startup Space—a local fried banana chip vendor who previously relied on walk-in customers—can now expand her reach through platforms such as GrabFood, accessing a much broader customer base and increasing her income potential.
With the support of technology, she is also able to evolve her business into a more formal FMCG product, with proper packaging for retail distribution in supermarkets and potential for future export. In this way, connectivity is not merely a technical enabler; it is a catalyst for innovation, inclusion, and long-term economic growth.
By democratizing access to opportunities, digital connectivity ensures that Cambodia’s startup ecosystem remains dynamic, inclusive, and future-ready—empowering women entrepreneurs to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.
ESG and Sustainable Growth
CLR: As businesses place greater emphasis on ESG commitments, how is Smart Axiata approaching areas such as digital inclusion, environmental responsibility, and community development, and why are these priorities important for Cambodia’s future?
Srey Oeun: At Smart Axiata, ESG is not a standalone agenda—it is fully embedded in how we drive long-term business growth and contribute to national development. Our approach is structured around four key pillars: Advancing Digital Society, Advancing Green Economy, Advancing People and Communities, and Driving Governance and Risk—all of which are critical to Cambodia’s sustainable future.
On Advancing Digital Society (digital inclusion), we believe connectivity is a fundamental enabler of opportunity. Through initiatives focused on youth, and in partnership with schools, universities, and communities, we are equipping young people—especially women and underserved groups—with the digital skills needed to participate safely, responsibly, and confidently in the digital economy. This includes a strong emphasis on digital safety, cyber awareness, and online resilience, ensuring individuals can navigate risks and protect themselves in an increasingly connected world.
On the Advancing Green Economy (environmental), we are taking concrete steps to reduce our footprint, from improving energy efficiency across our network to advancing responsible e-waste management practices. As Cambodia continues to grow, balancing digital expansion with environmental stewardship will be key to ensuring long-term, sustainable progress.
Equally important is our commitment to people, communities, and entrepreneurship. Through platforms like Smart Startup Space, we support local innovators and women entrepreneurs by providing access to mentorship, networks, and digital tools. This helps foster a more inclusive and resilient startup ecosystem, where innovation can thrive across all segments of society. In parallel, through our Relief and Recovery Project, we provide timely support to communities and small businesses affected by crises—helping them recover, rebuild, and sustain their livelihoods. This combination of long-term empowerment and responsive support strengthens community resilience and ensures that no one is left behind in Cambodia’s digital and economic progress.
Finally, strong governance and risk management underpin everything we do. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, ethics, and corporate accountability—ensuring responsible decision-making, robust risk management, and compliance across our operations. This builds trust with our stakeholders and reinforces the integrity of our ESG commitments. Ultimately, these priorities matter because Cambodia is at a pivotal stage of its development.
By advancing inclusive digital access, responsible environmental practices, empowered communities, and strong governance, we are helping shape a future that is not only more connected, but also more equitable, resilient, and sustainable for generations to come.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Women Leaders
CLR: What advice would you give to young Cambodian women who are interested in pursuing careers in telecommunications, technology, entrepreneurship, or corporate leadership?
Srey Oeun: I strongly believe that every young Cambodian woman has the potential to lead, innovate, and shape our country’s future—you just need the courage to believe in yourself and take that first step.
Do not let traditional or social expectations define your path. Your ambition, your resilience, and your willingness to learn will take you much further than you imagine. For me, continuous learning is fundamental. The world of technology and business is evolving rapidly, and staying curious—while building strong digital skills—is essential. Those who are open to change and proactively invest in themselves will always create new opportunities.
I also believe deeply in the power of connection and community. No one succeeds alone. Seeking mentors, learning from role models, and surrounding yourself with supportive networks can accelerate your journey and build your confidence. And as you grow, it is equally important to give back and lift others up—because true leadership is about creating impact beyond yourself. At the same time, I encourage young women to embrace challenges and step outside their comfort zone.
Leadership is not about being perfect—it is about having the courage to try, to take calculated risks, and to keep moving forward even when the path is uncertain. Many of my own growth moments came from navigating challenges and learning through experience. Most importantly, always remember that your voice matters. Women have a critical role to play in shaping Cambodia’s digital and economic future. Whether in telecommunications, technology, entrepreneurship, or corporate leadership, you have the ability to drive innovation, create meaningful impact, and inspire others.
Ultimately, I believe growth comes from both personal commitment and the environment around us—requiring the courage to keep learning, supported by opportunities that enable success. That is why I believe in creating ecosystems where young women can thrive, lead, and succeed, and that the future belongs to those bold enough to step forward and shape it—for themselves and for Cambodia.
Explore the complete Cambodia Leadership Review – 50 Khmer Women Voices 2026 featuring exclusive interviews with Cambodia’s Top 50 Khmer Women leaders. Discover their journeys, leadership lessons, and vision for the Kingdom’s future.
