At a meeting with entrepreneur Jojo Flores on 6 March, Minister H.E. Chea Vandeth outlined Cambodia's progress in digital transformation, including e-government initiatives, digital skills training and support for emerging technology companies.
The Minister emphasised the potential of these initiatives to generate significant economic growth.
“The Ministry's commitment to developing digital talent and supporting new businesses is commendable. These are the key ingredients of a thriving innovation ecosystem,” said Mr Flores.
Plug and Play, headquartered in Silicon Valley, is known for its extensive investment portfolio. The company has backed 1,600 startups and continues to invest in around 250 new companies each year.
The company's global reach and experience in connecting startups with established businesses and government partners offers a significant opportunity for Cambodia's technology sector.
Both parties concluded the meeting by expressing their willingness to strengthen collaboration through a closer relationship with this strategic Silicon Valley player.
This initiative underlines the strategic importance Cambodia places on leveraging international partnerships to accelerate its digital economy.
Startups in Cambodia
Today, Cambodia's startup ecosystem is experiencing strong growth thanks to government support, the development of digital infrastructure and a young, tech-savvy population.
According to StartupBlink, the country ranks seventh in Southeast Asia for its startup ecosystem and is poised to become a major player in the region's digital economy.
Despite this growth, this ecosystem faces obstacles such as international exposure and limited investment in product development. However, government support through initiatives such as Cambodia's Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework 2021-2035 is helping to encourage innovation and attract investment.
In 2025, Cambodia's startup scene is dynamic and full of potential. As these innovative companies continue to grow and develop, they are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the country's digital future and contributing to its economic development. With the right support and investment, Cambodian startups could soon become major players in the Southeast Asian technology landscape.
About Jojo Flores
Mr Flores' entrepreneurial career began in the Philippines, where he launched Wilkins Bottled Water in 1992. The business went on to expand globally, thanks in part to the support of his business partner, Saeed Amidi. The duo then moved into real estate in the United States, culminating in the purchase of an office building in Silicon Valley in 2006. This building was transformed into a co-working space, marking the beginning of Plug and Play.
Mr Flores emphasises the distinction between innovation and invention, stressing that innovation requires a commercial application and customer demand. This approach has guided Plug and Play's investments in start-ups tackling real-world challenges, such as sustainability and technological advances in the automotive sector.
Beyond Silicon Valley, Mr Flores also co-founded Launch Garage in the Philippines, an innovation centre inspired by Plug and Play. This initiative aims to develop the start-up ecosystem in Southeast Asia by providing access to investors and international resources. Flores' participation in the Philippine government's Science and Technology Advisory Council further underlines his commitment to connecting technology entrepreneurs with global opportunities.
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