Cambodia Digital Government Policy 2022-2035

The Cambodia Digital Government Policy 2022-2035 is an extensive strategic document prepared by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications to guide the development and implementation of digital government initiatives. The policy aims to leverage digital technologies to enhance public service provision, improve the quality of life for citizens, and build trust in government processes.

The policy recognises the significant achievements Cambodia has made in maintaining peace, political stability, and socioeconomic growth, which have positioned it as an emerging economic player in Asia. However, it also acknowledges the necessity to continue reforms, particularly in public administration, to enhance service delivery through digital transformation.

The strategy outlined in the policy focuses on establishing a robust digital government framework that includes improving digital connectivity infrastructure, developing digital public services, and ensuring digital security. The policy emphasises the need for a comprehensive approach to digital governance, encouraging cooperation among various government bodies, enhancing digital skills among civil servants, and fostering public-private partnerships.

Key components of the policy include the creation of a Digital Government Committee to coordinate initiatives across different levels of government and sectors. There is a strong focus on infrastructure, including the development of digital connectivity, payment systems for public services, and robust security measures to safeguard digital interactions.

The policy also outlines specific strategic goals and strategies to guide implementation over a 13-year period, reflecting a long-term commitment to digital transformation. This includes steps to modernise and integrate government services, promoting digital inclusivity, and leveraging new technologies to enhance governance and service delivery.

Strategic goals

1. Promote the development of digital government infrastructure
   • Digital infrastructure: Expand and enhance the quality of 4G services as a basis for transitioning to 5G. Develop a national backbone infrastructure to connect all government entities and promote the usage of shared telecommunications infrastructure among service providers.
   • National data centers: Establish a main data center and a disaster recovery center utilising cloud technology to support data storage, processing, and big data analytics critical for government decision-making.
   • Secure and robust digital platforms: Implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect national digital infrastructure and data. This includes the development of a national cybersecurity framework and standards to govern the management and protection of sensitive government and public data.
2. Build digital governance and create digital public services
   • Digital public services platform: Develop a unified digital platform that allows citizens to access various government services online, aimed at improving service delivery, transparency, and reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies.
   • E-Government services: Enhance existing digital services and create new e-government services that are accessible via mobile devices and other digital platforms to ensure that government services are inclusive and reach a wider population.
3. Digital capacity development and innovation
   • Human capital development: Launch comprehensive training programs aimed at increasing digital literacy and skills among government officials and the workforce, focusing on data management, cybersecurity, and digital service delivery.
   • Research and development: Foster a culture of innovation within government through partnerships with academic institutions and the private sector to develop new technologies and innovative solutions for public service challenges.
4. Promote cooperation and public-private partnerships
   • Incentivise private sector engagement: Develop incentives for the private sector to invest in digital infrastructure and innovations that support public services. This could include tax incentives, public-private partnership frameworks, and co-investment opportunities.
   • Stakeholder engagement: Establish regular dialogue mechanisms with technology providers, business leaders, academia, and civil society to ensure that the digital government strategy aligns with the needs of all stakeholders and leverages the best available expertise and technology.