Why Cambodia Could Be the Next AI Startup Hub in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is one of the fastest-growing digital economies in the world, and Cambodia has all the ingredients to play a meaningful role in the future of AI in the region.
The next big AI hub might not come from the places everyone expects. It could come from Phnom Penh, powered by startups that are bold enough to build.
Veha Editor
Apr 12, 2025
10 min read
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qazafiwalimuhammad
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When people think about Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Southeast Asia, they often point to Singapore’s research hubs, Vietnam’s fast-growing developer ecosystem, or Indonesia’s massive consumer market. But there’s another country quietly building momentum: Cambodia.
A Young, Hungry, and Digital-First Population
Cambodia has one of the youngest populations in the region, with a median age under 26. This youth-driven society is not just tech-savvy — it’s mobile-first and eager to adopt new tools.
Mobile penetration: Over 90% of Cambodians access the internet via smartphones.
Digital culture: Apps like Telegram, TikTok, and digital wallets are part of daily life.
For AI startups, this means a ready-made testing ground for user-friendly, mobile-powered AI products.
Rising Momentum in the Startup Ecosystem
In the past five years, Cambodia’s startup ecosystem has grown rapidly:
Co-working spaces and incubators are providing infrastructure for founders.
Events like BarCamp, Startup Weekends, and UX FEST Cambodia bring communities together.
Local VC and accelerator interest is slowly but steadily growing.
While still early compared to Singapore or Vietnam, this “small but fast-moving” ecosystem is an opportunity for AI-first startups to stand out early.
Opportunities Where AI Can Shine in Cambodia
The most promising areas for AI in Cambodia align with real local needs:
Fintech & Payments 💳
AI can help expand financial inclusion, improve fraud detection, and provide smarter credit scoring in a country where many remain unbanked.
Agriculture 🌾
With most Cambodians still relying on farming, AI-powered crop monitoring, weather prediction, and supply chain optimization could transform livelihoods.
Education 📚
AI tutors and language learning tools can help bridge skill gaps and provide affordable education at scale.
Healthcare 🏥
AI-driven diagnostics and telemedicine tools can extend healthcare access to rural areas where doctors are limited.
SME Empowerment 📊
Cambodia’s economy is powered by SMEs. AI-powered tools for accounting, marketing, and logistics can give them a competitive edge.
Why Cambodia Has an Advantage
Unlike larger ecosystems where competition is intense, Cambodia offers:
Early-mover advantage → AI startups can establish themselves before the market gets crowded.
Agility → Smaller ecosystems can adopt and adapt faster.
Regional gateway potential → Positioned between Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, Cambodian startups can expand outward into bigger markets.
Challenges to Overcome
Of course, Cambodia’s road to becoming an AI startup hub is not without obstacles:
Talent shortage → More AI engineers and product designers are needed.
Funding gaps → Local investors are still cautious about deep-tech.
Infrastructure → Data availability and internet speed can be inconsistent.
But these challenges are also opportunities — for startups, educators, and investors willing to step in early.
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