Cambodia Investment Review
Smart Axiata signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Canadia Group, including Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) and Canadia Investment Holding (CIH), to establish a strategic collaboration aimed at advancing digital transformation, enhancing connectivity, and exploring innovative technology-driven initiatives across Canadia’s diverse business portfolio. The agreement was formalized by Oknha Dr. Pung Carolyne, Vice Chairperson of Canadia Group, and Ritesh Kumar Singh, CEO of Smart Axiata.
The partnership brings together Smart’s expertise in connectivity, digital services, and integrated ICT solutions with Canadia’s Group’s extensive presence across banking, real estate, infrastructure, and commercial developments. Through this collaboration, both parties aim to enhance digital accessibility, improve customer experiences, and support the continued growth of Cambodia’s digital economy.
Emerging hubs for startups, entrepreneurs, and global companies
Building on the growing momentum of Connexion and Koh Pich as emerging hubs for startups, entrepreneurs, and global companies, the partnership aims to elevate user experiences for tenants and residents across OCIC developments through enhanced connectivity, integrated smart solutions, and innovation-driven collaborations.
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Thierry Tea, Vice President of OCIC, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to innovation across its ecosystem.
“This partnership reflects our shared ambition to create more connected and convenient experiences across our developments and communities. By leveraging Smart’s digital capabilities across OCIC’ commercial, industrial and residential developments, we see strong opportunities to support businesses, founders, entrepreneurs, and the broader growth of Cambodia’s digital ecosystem.”
In addition to the core of the partnership there is also a focus to nurturing the next generation of innovators, including support through initiatives such as the Canadia Impact Fund and Smart Startup Space, alongside the continued development of places where ideas and entrepreneurs can scale.
Commitment to advancing digital innovation
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing digital innovation and delivering meaningful, value-driven benefits that enhance our customers’ daily lives,” said Mr. Dominic Notario, CEO of Canadia Bank, a company operating under Canadia Investment Holding (CIH). “By combining the strengths of Canadia Bank and Smart Axiata, we see strong opportunities to collaborate on key areas including digital payment solutions, co-branded offers and loyalty programs, and ecosystem partnerships that will further enhance customer experiences across Cambodia.”
“This partnership represents a meaningful step forward in our commitment to delivering inclusive digital solutions that benefit all Cambodians,” said Ritesh Kumar Singh, CEO of Smart Axiata. “By collaborating with Canadia Investment Holding, we aim to make digital services more accessible, relevant, and impactful in people’s daily lives, unlocking new opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities to participate in and benefit from Cambodia’s growing digital economy.”
Beyond commercial collaboration the partnership aims to foster broader ecosystem development through joint innovation initiatives, knowledge sharing, and cross-industry collaboration; supporting the growth of startups, SMEs, and Cambodia’s wider digital economy.
