Smart Axiata Welcomes Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education to Smart Startup Space, Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Empowerment

Phnom Penh, October 1, 2025 – Smart Axiata proudly welcomed His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, along with his delegation, to the Smart Startup Space. The visit underscored Smart’s long-standing commitment to advancing education, fostering entrepreneurship, empowering Cambodian youth, and promoting digital safety. 

Opened in May 2025, the Smart Startup Space has quickly become one of Cambodia’s leading corporate incubation hubs. It provides aspiring entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, co-working facilities, and access to strategic partners—helping them test ideas, build capacity, and connect with innovation ecosystems in technology, business, and creative industries.

As part of the visit, Smart Axiata hosted a handover ceremony of 12 months of “Smart Laor! Rean Monthly” packages to this year’s Grade 12 A-graders, further underscoring the company’s commitment to equitable access to digital resources. 

“Smart Axiata has demonstrated outstanding commitment to future-forward and digital education in Cambodia. Their initiatives are not only creating opportunities for youth but also contributing to the country’s long-term vision of building a knowledge-based economy,” said H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport.

For over a decade, Smart Axiata’s sustainability framework has guided investments in education and skills development, ensuring Cambodian youth are prepared for the digital economy. Programs such as the SmartStart Unipreneur Learning Platform (ULP), SmartEdu Scholarship, and the SmartEdu University Student Development Program (USDP) have empowered thousands of students with entrepreneurial, technological, and leadership skills—bridging the gap between academic knowledge and market demands.

In addition to entrepreneurship, Smart has invested heavily in digital literacy, information literacy and child online protection, delivering awareness campaigns, resources, and safe-use initiatives to help young people navigate the internet responsibly and securely. 

“Our team is committed to ensuring Cambodian youth are not only connected but also equipped with the tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital society,” said Mr. Ritesh Kumar Singh, CEO of Smart Axiata. “Building on more than a decade of legacy, Smart will continue to support creativity, digital solutions, and opportunities that drive economic growth, job creation, and brighter futures for the next generation.”

Smart Axiata’s efforts reflect a broader shift in Cambodia, where corporations are increasingly playing an active role in national education and digital empowerment. By investing in startups, entrepreneurship, and digital safety, Smart continues to evolve beyond a telecommunications provider—emerging as a key partner in Cambodia’s human capital development.