Smart Axiata Helps Accelerate Cambodian Startup Community

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Thomas Hundt, CEO of Smart Axiata, says he hopes their new startup initiative will help Cambodian entrepreneurs realise their dreams. KHMER TIMES / MAI VIREAK

Local mobile phone operator Smart Axiata has formed a partnership with The Asia Foundation, an international development NGO, to foster innovation and creativity among Cambodian tech startups.

The venture is based on the foundation’s TekHub which offers office space, networking and mentoring opportunities as well as business management coaching.

The Asia Foundation country representative Silas Everett said the NGO recognises the importance that tech startups will play not only in Cambodia’s economic growth, but also in the prosperity of Cambodian society.

“Our partnership with Smart Axiata is one of the commitments that we are making to help accelerate Cambodia’s startup community and help to promote positive social change,” said Everett.

Thomas Hundt, CEO of Smart Axiata, said the partnership reflects Smart’s continuous involvement in digital innovation and technopreneur initiatives towards the development of a thriving digital ecosystem in Cambodia.

“By utilising the space and mentorship offered by TekHub, we hope it will encourage more Cambodians to sustain their entrepreneurial mindset and to realise their dreams,” said Hundt.

The partnership with TekHub follows Smart’s support of The Asia Foundation’s Let’s Read! E-Books for Cambodian Children program.

TekHub currently supports three local startups – Codingate, a software development company, WEdushare, a scholarship opportunity sharing platform, and Tao Ventures, a social media strategy consulting firm.

Smart currently plays a key role in developing Cambodia’s information and communications technology sector and digital ecosystem.

In recent months, Smart has increased its involvement in organising, supporting and sponsoring initiatives related to technopreneurship and digital startups. Last month, SmartStart, a young innovator program, was launched by Smart to enable aspiring young entrepreneurs develop their tech ideas.

This article was originally published in the Khmer Times.

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