Cambodia Investment Review
On episode 144 of the Rising Giants podcast, co-founder of KDMV Digital, Sovannprina Keit ‘Na’, shares his journey from selling sneakers as a teenager to building one of Cambodia’s top marketing firms. KDMV Digital specializes in creating iconic video content that resonates with the audiences of tomorrow and sustains long-term brand equity.
Speaking with Max Thornton the Rising Giants host, Na reflected on his journey navigating both US and Cambodian markets, the shift in digital marketing trends, and how he’s adapting KDMV Digital to meet the growing demand for high-impact video content.
A Hustler’s Journey: From Sneakers to Digital Strategy
Na’s entrepreneurial spirit began early—at just 15 years old, reselling sneakers in Cambodia with the help of his brother in the US. “I started a page with a friend and posted sneaker content—basketball was a big influence,” he recalled.
His move to California in 2017 for a mechanical engineering degree didn’t change his focus. “Even in the US, I was more interested in side hustles than engineering,” Na said. During the pandemic, he flipped Nintendo Switches, PS5s, and even backyard swimming pools—anything the market demanded.
“The biggest thing I learned was how to hustle—spotting gaps, taking risks, and adapting fast,” he explained. That mindset later became central to KDMV Digital’s business approach.
The Birth of KDMV Digital: Adapting to a Shifting Digital Market
After returning to Cambodia in late 2021, Na saw local businesses struggling with digital marketing, still relying heavily on outdated methods. “It was mostly stock photos, basic posters, and generic Facebook ads. There was no creativity—no one was adapting to where attention was shifting,” he said.
That’s when KDMV Digital was launched, starting as a casual idea inspired by a sneaker design that went viral. “KDMV stood for Khmer Digital Marketing Ventures—simple but memorable.”
Na rented office space, designed packages focused on social media content creation and ads, and started pitching to SMEs. “We began with full-stack offers—monthly posters, videos, and Facebook ads—but quickly realized video was where the market was heading,” he added.
Shifting Focus: From Static Content to Video-First Strategy
One of KDMV’s early lessons was understanding the declining impact of static content. “Posters take too much time, the editing process drags, and clients think changing a color will make it go viral. It doesn’t,” Na said.
Recognizing the trend, KDMV pivoted to video-first marketing. “Videos now dominate social media. Especially in Cambodia, TikTok is changing the game. If you’re starting from zero, TikTok offers the best organic reach.”
Today, KDMV’s core service is producing high-volume, short-form videos optimized for social platforms, including TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Facebook. “We focus on creating snackable content that businesses can push regularly. Consistency beats perfection.”
Na highlighted that businesses now see TikTok not just as a branding tool but a lead generation channel. “People see something on TikTok, message on Facebook or Instagram, and convert there. Facebook Ads don’t perform like they used to—video content is the new funnel.”
Navigating Cambodia’s Social Commerce Reality
Na also addressed the challenge of e-commerce adoption in Cambodia. “Unlike other countries, Cambodia is still very social-commerce driven. People want to message a seller directly before buying,” he explained.
While global e-commerce platforms dominate elsewhere, local consumers still prefer Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram chats. “We tested websites but saw little traction. Unless there’s a strong reason, Cambodians won’t switch from chat-based buying anytime soon.”
This reality has influenced how KDMV structures client campaigns. “Our job is to create content that drives engagement and pushes potential buyers to those chat channels—because that’s where the sales happen.”
Scaling Video Production and Diversifying Revenue Streams
Looking ahead, KDMV Digital is expanding into high-production video content, including commercials and TVCs. “We’re ready to handle complex shoots with professional cameras, scripting, and larger crews. But we’re also balancing that with managing burnout—shoot days can run 12 hours,” Na admitted.
He also shared plans to diversify revenue streams, including launching consumer products. One example is his matcha tea brand, targeting a female demographic. “I saw the demand for matcha, sourced it from Japan, and tested it. Now, we’re wholesaling to cafes and selling direct to consumers.”
For Na, this approach reflects a broader creator economy trend—using a personal brand to drive business, rather than relying on sponsorships. “Creators here rely too much on brand deals. I want to build businesses around my audience instead.”
Advice for Entrepreneurs: Execution is Everything
Asked about his most important lesson, Na kept it simple: “If you have an idea, execute first and figure it out later. Cambodia’s market is still open—there’s room for anyone who can execute creatively.”
He emphasized that while Cambodia’s digital marketing industry is growing, the level of creativity remains low—giving early movers an advantage. “You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—just execute better and faster than the next guy.”
With Cambodia’s digital economy maturing, Na believes video-driven marketing and content-focused businesses will define the next decade. “If you’re not thinking in video, you’re not thinking about where attention is going.”
KDMV’s Mission in 2025 and Beyond
For 2025, KDMV Digital is focused on refining its video production capabilities, experimenting with high-concept commercials, and supporting product launches for both clients and in-house brands.
“Our vision is to build a team that can create iconic content that lasts—not just chase quick trends. We’re here to build brand equity for Cambodia’s next generation of businesses,” Na concluded.
As Cambodia’s digital marketing scene grows, Na and KDMV Digital are positioning themselves at the forefront—blending creativity, adaptability, and a deep understanding of local market dynamics to shape how brands communicate in the Kingdom.
