The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has shared several of its achievements of the past five years
The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has shared several of its achievements of the past five years at a special February 5 conference held to summarise Cambodia’s digital transformation journey.
Telecommunications minister Chea Vandet told the assembled dignitaries how the ministry launched several initiatives to accelerate Cambodia's digital transformation, including the development of the “Stop Covid” QR Code system and the Covid-19 vaccination platform.
The ministry’s efforts also included the import and distribution of rapid testing kits and medication to treat the virus.
He described how the ministry’s forward-thinking approach resulted in the creation of four major national strategies aimed at advancing the digital sector during the pivotal years of 2020 to 2024, each of them approved by the Royal Government.
They include Cambodia's Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework 2021-2035, Cambodia Digital Government Policy 2022-2035, Postal Sector Development Policy 2022-2030 and phase one of the seventh mandate government’s Pentagonal Strategy.
The event was also an opportunity for the minister to outline the direction for future developments in the sector.
“These documents serve as a guiding compass for the ministry, driving the effective management and development of the postal, telecommunications and digital sectors,” said Vandet.
“Our goal is to foster a digital government, digital citizens and digital businesses to promote a digital transformation across Cambodia’s economy and society,” he added.
Over the past five years, the ministry has achieved significant milestones, including improvements in administrative workflows through the “Document Work Flow” (DWF) system and enhanced financial management.
The event, held in Phnom Penh on February 5, also outlined the direction for future developments in the sector. Telecommunications ministry
This includes a substantial increase in national budget and fund contributions, which amounted to approximately $804 million from 2020-2024 – more than three times the $216 million collected from 2015-2019.
The National Institute of Posts, Telecommunications, Communication and Information Technology (NIPTICT) has also undergone a transformation, now operating as the Cambodian Academy of Digital Technology (CADT), streamlining responsibilities and avoiding duplicated oversight.
Vandet emphasized that the ministry is continuing to address the five national priorities – people, roads, water, electricity and technology – set by the government, by advancing digital infrastructure and responding to the needs of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The government is focused on key areas such as digital government, digital economy, digital businesses, e-commerce, digital innovation and financial technology.
However, Vandet acknowledged that the transition to a digital economy also comes with challenges, particularly in ensuring the ethical use of digital technology.
A panel discussion, held during the conference, summarised the major achievements of the Kingdom’s digital transformation. Telecommunications ministry
The risk of cybercrime, misinformation and unauthorised data access is growing, he warned, necessitating strong legal frameworks and robust cyber-security measures to safeguard individual privacy and build public trust in digital systems.
To support the digital economy, the ministry has been investing heavily in infrastructure, including new antenna stations in Phnom Penh and across the provinces.
“Despite some challenges – such as cooperation issues for antenna station locations and concerns over health impacts – the ministry continues to prioritise the expansion of digital infrastructure,” said Vandet.
The ministry is also advancing new technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT), to strengthen Cambodia’s digital sector and promote digital government initiatives.
“One of the highlights is the document verification platform, verify.gov.kh, which has been widely recognised by the government and is helping to enhance transparency across ministries, institutions and the educational sector,” he noted.
Looking ahead, the ministry is focused on further developing digital platforms, including the testing and launch of the DG SuperApp, which promises to offer a wide range of services to citizens and businesses alike.
The minister expressed his confidence in the ministry’s crucial role in shaping the country’s future as a digital hub in Southeast Asia.
