Digital Skills and AI are Now Essential for Survival, Urge Cambodian Business Leaders

July 25, 2025

Phnom Penh, July 25, 2025 – For Cambodian businesses, embracing digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a choice but a critical necessity for survival and growth. This was the urgent message at the “3rd Young Entrepreneurs Gathering 2025,” a landmark event organized by the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Cambodia (YEAC) in collaboration with the Committee for Cooperation for Cambodia (CCC) at the Wyndham Grand Phnom Penh Capital.

A keynote speaker addresses a large audience of entrepreneurs at the 3rd Young Entrepreneurs Gathering 2025 in Phnom Penh, an event by YEAC and CCC focused on digital skills and AI.

The event, themed “Digital Acceleration/Skills and AI for Cambodian Enterprises,” brought together business owners to address the key challenges and opportunities in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. Many Cambodian entrepreneurs report that a lack of digital skills and limited access to finance are major hurdles to growth. The gathering aimed to bridge this gap by sharing practical knowledge from experts on leveraging new technologies to boost local and regional competitiveness.
A significant endorsement of the event’s mission was the close collaboration with the Digital Economy and Business Committee (DEBC), which is tasked with accelerating the development of Cambodia’s digital economy. This partnership highlights a unified commitment to building a robust digital ecosystem, a cornerstone of Cambodia’s vision to become a high-income country by 2050.

Leaders and members of the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Cambodia (YEAC) and the Committee for Cooperation for Cambodia (CCC) at the Digital Skills and AI for Cambodian Enterprises gathering.

Leaders at the forefront of this initiative, including Oknha Pech Bolen, President of YEAC, Ms. Sin Puthery, Executive Director of the CCC, and His Excellency Dr. Taing Nguonly of the DEBC, delivered a unified message: To keep pace with the digital era, both private enterprises and non-governmental organizations must urgently develop their digital literacy and AI capabilities. They stressed that digitalization is key to transforming business models by integrating technology into all facets of operations, from marketing to customer relations.

Attendees and speakers stand in respect during the opening of the 3rd Young Entrepreneurs Gathering 2025, an event by YEAC and CCC in Phnom Penh for Cambodian entrepreneurs.

A roundtable discussion with experts from public and private institutions provided actionable insights. They tackled how businesses can adopt digital tools to improve operational efficiency, expand into new markets, and enhance production. The discussion also offered a clear-eyed view of the latest tech trends, helping entrepreneurs navigate both opportunities and challenges.

Cambodian entrepreneurs networking during a coffee break at the 3rd Young Entrepreneurs Gathering 2025, an event by YEAC and CCC on digital skills and AI.

Recognizing the need for sustained support, YEAC and the CCC have committed to strengthening their cooperation. Future joint projects and training programs will provide entrepreneurs with the essential knowledge, resources, and networks to successfully integrate digital technologies and AI into their businesses, ensuring they are well-equipped for the future.