PHNOM PENH, 19 January 2026 – Telecom company SMART Axiata and UNICEF Cambodia have partnered to launch Enabling Children’s Learning and Nutrition in Cambodia’s Border Crisis, a one-year emergency initiative aimed at protecting the health and education of thousands of children and mothers affected by the recent Cambodia-Thai border conflict.
At its peak, the conflict displaced more than 600,000 people, including over 200,000 children and 300,000 women, across seven provinces. With schools closed and health facilities disrupted, vulnerable families face heightened risks of malnutrition and severe learning loss.
“When crisis strikes, children are always the most vulnerable. This partnership with SMART ensures that even during crisis, children can continue learning and receive the nutrition they need to survive and thrive,” said Dr. Will Parks, UNICEF Cambodia Representative. “For children, every action matters. We are grateful to SMART Axiata for its commitment to supporting children and vulnerable communities.”
Through SMART’s contribution to UNICEF’s emergency programming, the initiative will:
- Identify and address malnutrition among over 10,000 children under five through rapid nutrition screening, provide treatment for acute malnutrition, and deliver counseling to more than 9,500 caregivers on infant and young child feeding practices during emergencies.
- Provide home learning packages for 2,000 primary students and early childhood development kits for 5,000 young children in temporary shelters, ensuring safe spaces for play and learning.
“At Smart, caring for our communities is who we are. In times of crisis, we stand with the people of Cambodia—especially children who are most vulnerable. Through our partnership with UNICEF Cambodia, we are helping children continue learning and receive the nutrition and protection they urgently need. No child should ever be left behind,” said Ritesh Kumar Singh, CEO of Smart Axiata.
The programme also integrates sexual exploitation and abuse prevention measures, ensuring protection and dignity for affected populations.
About SMART Axiata
Smart Axiata, a subsidiary of Axiata Group Berhad (Malaysia), delivers 5G connectivity and integrated ICT solutions across Cambodia, serving over 8 million subscribers. As a comprehensive mobile and digital technology brand, Smart is transforming Cambodia’s digital landscape by enabling productivity, enhancing digital lifestyles, and supporting inclusive economic growth—with sustainability embedded through responsible network expansion, digital inclusion, and innovation. Backed by Axiata Group Berhad, one of Southeast Asia’s leading telecommunications groups, Smart is a Malaysian enterprise partially owned by a sovereign wealth fund, which reinforces Smart’s commitment to upholding global standards, strong governance, and responsible growth, contributing meaningfully to Cambodia’s digital, social, and economic development.
For more information about Smart Axiata, visit: www.smart.com.kh
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For more information please contact:
CHEM Srey Oeun, Head of Corporate Affairs, Smart Axiata
Tel: +855 10 202 271, Email: [email protected]
LONG Mengchheang, Senior Corporate Communications Specialist, Smart Axiata
Tel: +855 10 203 822, E-mail: [email protected]
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.
For more information about UNICEF and its work in Cambodia, visit: www.unicef.org.kh
Follow UNICEF in Cambodia on Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | LinkedIn | Threads | TikTok
For more information, please contact:
Hadrien Bonnaud, Chief of Communication, UNICEF Cambodia
Tel: +855 23 260 204, Email: [email protected]
Ty Chan, Communication Specialist, UNICEF Cambodia
Tel: +855 23 260 204, E-mail: [email protected]