Google Cloud and OCIC Group Support the Growth of Cambodia's Tech Community
09 Mayo 2024 - 11:38PM
Business Wire
Google Cloud and the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation
(“OCIC”) joined forces to support Cambodia’s tech ecosystem through
the launch of the tech event Cambodia Tech Catalyst. The event,
held in Koh Pich, Phnom Penh, attracted over 500 decision-makers,
Chief Technology Officers and students, fostering a vibrant
exchange of ideas on Artificial Intelligence and the Google for
Startups Cloud Program.
Cambodia is one of Asia’s fastest growing economies. With a 17
million people market and an average 6% GDP growth, the country is
attracting more international interest. Its tech ecosystem is also
growing fast and is increasingly looking to join the regional tech
scene, notably through partnerships with Singapore. A leading tech
hub, Singapore is often considered as a gateway and a key city for
startups; it ranks 8th globally for startup ecosystem and 10th by
number of unicorns.
This expansion is supported by a growing number of tech and
education initiatives alongside increased private and public
funding. Existing startup resources, accelerators, VCs, and
initiatives include Khmer Enterprise, Mekong Strategic Partners,
Negocia Capital, and Techo Startup Center. This momentum is
complemented by a young demographic that readily adopts these
innovations.
Startup communities, such as Impact Hub, contribute
significantly to Cambodia's startup growth. Currently, the country
hosts more than 300 startups, with this number projected to double
in the next 2 years.
Google Cloud’s startup team consisting of Esna Ong and Kathleen
Chiu, also shared their experiences with more than 300 students,
from CamTech University and the Canadian International School of
Phnom Penh, during Life at Google sessions. Their insights ignited
a spark of curiosity among the students, encouraging them to
discover and learn further about new technologies. They conducted
an intensive 2-day CTO Connect for top Cambodian companies
including Nham24, Canadia Bank, iCare Benefits, Bill24, Bongloy
Payments, Yugo, Kiripost, and introduced the Google for Startups
Cloud Program which offers credits and business support for
eligible companies.
With Southeast Asia's digital economy reaching $100 billion in
revenue, Cambodia's initiatives underscore an increasing effort to
contribute to a thriving ecosystem. OCIC Group, a Cambodian
diversified real estate group, is starting to venture into the
development of the tech ecosystem, support for startups, and
entrepreneurship, with key investments in Education, and
Innovation. OCIC will soon launch Connexion which will host a
programming school, based on the French Ecole 42, as well as an
innovation centre.
"Embracing A.I. and new tech is crucial for Cambodia's digital
growth," said Thierry Tea, OCIC Group's VP. "Projects like
Connexion at Koh Pich, with its innovation center and programming
school modelled on School 42, highlight our commitment to
contribute to Cambodia's tech ecosystem. This initiative's success
reflects our dedication to innovation and inclusive growth in the
tech sector."
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240509927801/en/
Media Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) Jim Baldy
jim.baldy@ocic.com.kh