Tech industry players have welcomed the recent approval of an investment project aimed at establishing a data centre to be operated by Telcotech, a domestic telecommunications infrastructure and related services provider.
They assert that the project will significantly contribute to Cambodia’s technological, digital and innovative development as the government strives towards a digital economy transformation.
The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) announced its decision to grant a registration certificate for the Telcotech investment project to equip and operate a data repository on October 18.
The facility will be located at the Kampus Building on Monivong Blvd in Phnom Penh, with an investment outlay of approximately $27.7 million.
Chin Ken, president of the Digital Technology Association of Cambodia (DTAC), told The Post on October 19 that establishing a domestic data centre was of paramount importance.
He highlighted Cambodia’s past challenges, including a lack of storage space for vital documents and information, which led to the reliance on overseas companies like Amazon (US) and Alibaba Cloud (China) for data storage.
Ken underscored that a local data facility would not only reduce costs but also serve as a secure backup for critical files, significantly enhancing data safeguards.
“If we do not have sufficient storage capacity, particularly on the government side, we will be compelled to export data storage abroad. This poses challenges related to information protection and potential leaks,” he said.
“On behalf of the [DTAC], I am delighted to support the establishment of more data warehouses in Cambodia. Data storage is essential for the country’s self-reliance. When domestic [server hubs] have adequate capacity, we can repatriate data from abroad, enhancing local data security,” he added.
In line with efforts to establish a National Data Centre, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications initiated the construction of a facility valued at nearly $30 million, with an anticipated completion date in 2025.
Telecoms minister Chea Vandeth stressed the importance of the initiative during the groundbreaking ceremony on July 19. He highlighted that the station’s development represents a pivotal stride for both public and private sectors in Cambodia, as it will facilitate the utilisation of data to promote institutional development and signal the nation’s advancement in the digital realm.
Vandeth explained that the facility would serve as a central hub for the collection and secure storage of government and company data from key sectors, providing state-of-the-art technological infrastructure. He believes the installation will offer numerous advantages for various institutions, including improved data management, financial efficiency and enhanced service capabilities.
