Key Highlights:

Regional Leadership: The partnership is a strategic step towards establishing Cambodia as a regional leader in innovation, particularly in blockchain and AI.
Smart City Development: The collaboration will focus on developing smart city infrastructure using blockchain technology, enhancing efficiency and security.
Innovation Ecosystem: The partnership will foster a national innovation ecosystem, promoting research, technological innovation, and entrepreneurial growth.
Data Sovereignty: DFINITY’s commitment to data sovereignty aligns with Cambodia’s goals for digital independence.

PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) has made a strategic move to position Cambodia as a regional leader in innovation through a partnership with the DFINITY Foundation, a Swiss nonprofit specializing in blockchain and AI.

This collaboration, announced in an AKP press release on Sunday, aims to transform Cambodia into a knowledge hub for emerging technologies by leveraging the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP). ICP’s scalability, immutability, transparency, and smart contract capabilities will be instrumental in achieving this goal.

The partnership will focus on developing sovereign cloud technology and exploring practical applications for smart city infrastructure. Cambodian entities will also have the opportunity to collaborate with global and local academic institutions, fostering joint research and innovation projects.

H.E. Dr. Hul Seingheng, Undersecretary of State of MISTI: “This partnership marks a significant step in Cambodia’s technological advancement… By incorporating blockchain technology into national infrastructure projects, we aim to create secure, transparent, and scalable solutions that will advance smart city efforts and enhance the overall digital economy and society.”

H.E. Dr. Try Sophal, Director General of MISTI’s General Department of Science, Technology & Innovation: “We envision not only transformative technological advancements but also the cultivation of a robust technological landscape that will empower our economy and society for years to come.”

Dominic Williams, Founder and Chief Scientist at DFINITY: “We believe that blockchain and AI technology can offer a truly transformative impact on Cambodia’s technological and digital infrastructure… ICP’s scalability and transparency will empower Cambodia to develop smart cities that operate on secure, transparent, and immutable infrastructure.”

The LOI with Cambodia is part of DFINITY’s ongoing efforts to support innovation and knowledge sharing globally. The foundation is also focused on engaging with entrepreneurs and tech-focused organizations in Southeast Asia.