Telecommunications minister Chea Vandeth (centre) awards prizes for six exemplary initiatives on November 29. Supplied
The Cambodia Digital Awards 2024 shone a spotlight on the nation’s digital innovators while unveiling ambitious plans to transform Cambodia’s digital landscape.
Hosted by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications under the theme “Supporting Cambodian Citizens in Using Digital Technology for a Better Future”, the event celebrated outstanding achievements in digital innovation across numerous sectors.
Presiding over the ceremony, telecommunications minister Chea Vandeth announced plans to bring broadband internet to 1,600 communes by 2027 as part of the government’s broader push for inclusive digital transformation.
“Connectivity is not just a technical achievement; it’s a lifeline for education, healthcare and economic opportunity,” the minister remarked, emphasising the significance of bridging the urban-rural divide.
In addition to honouring six exemplary initiatives, the event highlighted the role of digital infrastructure, skills development and innovation in building a more connected society.
The ministry also plans to train 100,000 digitally skilled Cambodians by 2030, focusing on advanced fields such as cybersecurity, data science and artificial intelligence (AI).
The Digital Skills Development Roadmap 2024-2035 will serve as a guide to equip citizens with the tools needed to thrive in the digital economy.
A critical part of the strategy is ensuring 100 per cent digital literacy among high school graduates by 2030 and increasing digital literacy among the general population to 50 per cent.
This includes integrating digital education into curriculums and equipping schools with essential technology.
The Cambodian Academy of Digital Technology (CADT) received the “Best Digital Research and Innovation of the Year” award worth $7,500 for its Machine Translation for Khmer Braille application, a pioneering tool empowering visually impaired Cambodians. Supplied
Digital pioneers honoured
The grand ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh buzzed with excitement as the country’s brightest innovators gathered on November 29 for the annual event to honour the nation's digital pioneers.
“The Cambodia Digital Awards programme is held with the aim of promoting digital transformation in a positive way by encouraging the use of digital technology and innovation in Cambodia,” said Vandeth in his keynote address.
“I deeply appreciate the hard work and collaboration of all stakeholders, especially the leadership and subordinate units of the ministry, the programme organising team and our sponsors.”
The minister highlighted the country’s strides in digital innovation, including the development of broadband infrastructure, digital literacy initiatives and efforts to integrate AI.
He also underscored the inclusive nature of the awards, which recognise achievements across government institutions, private companies and startups, while championing women in technology.
This year’s ceremony marked a decade-long journey fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, according to Sam Sethserey, director-general of the ministry’s General Department of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
“This year, we celebrate not only our 10th anniversary but also the strongest support yet. We had 64 outstanding applicants, making it challenging for our judges to choose the winners,” said Sethserey. “Moreover, the prize pool reached $30,000, a 50 per cent increase from last year, thanks to the minister's contribution. Please give a big round of applause for this remarkable milestone.”
At the event, Vandeth announced key initiatives to drive the nation’s digital transformation, enhance digital infrastructure, develop a skilled workforce and boost digital literacy nationwide.
The minister also spotlighted Tenbox, last year’s winner of the awards, as a testament to the programme’s impact on local innovators. The startup received a $10,000 cash prize, which it used to scale operations and gain international recognition.
Since its win, Tenbox has competed at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC, and the Francotech 2024 in Paris. It has also become a finalist for the 2025 ASEAN Digital Awards, further cementing its reputation as a leader in innovation.
“Tenbox shows how talent paired with opportunity can lead to extraordinary success,” said Vandeth, urging this year’s winners to capitalise on their achievements to create lasting impact.
The CADT team presents their Machine Translation for Khmer Braille tool on November 29. Hong Raksmey
Celebrating excellence: 2024 award winners
Out of 64 applicants, six standout initiatives were honoured across various categories, showcasing ingenuity and impact.
Wing Inter Logistics Technologies Co Ltd won “Best Private Sector of the Year” for its Wingagri product, a solution empowering Cambodian farmers. The company received a $2,500 cash prize.
Solar Green Energy (Cambodia) Co Ltd was recognised with “Best Digital Inclusion of the Year” for its Solar Smart Irrigation System, advancing sustainable agriculture with solar-powered solutions.
606 Digital won “Best Digital Content of the Year” for its innovative entertainment platform, Sampi TV.
Jalat Logistics secured a $15,000 prize for “Ministerial Startup of the Year” for its groundbreaking logistics solutions, hailed as a game-changer in the country’s supply chain industry.
The Cambodian Academy of Digital Technology (CADT) received the “Best Digital Research and Innovation of the Year” award worth $7,500 for its Machine Translation for Khmer Braille tool, a pioneering creation empowering visually impaired Cambodians.
Ros Pichhemy from Manulife Cambodia was lauded in the “Women in Tech of the Year” category for her leadership and contributions to digital transformation in the financial sector.
“Your innovations and creativity are the future of Cambodia’s digital transformation. I hope these awards inspire others to dream big and harness the power of technology,” said Vandeth.
