Cambodia’s digital transformation is accelerating, with cloud computing emerging as a key driver.
Leading this movement are tech-savvy professionals like Samnang Methiny and Dy Nobsokun, whose cloud certifications highlight the potential of Cambodian youth to address critical gaps in the nation’s evolving tech landscape.
.jpg)
Methiny, a 20-year-old, is among the 34 graduates of the Cloud4Cambodia programme under the USAID-supported Digital Workforce Development (DWD) project.
Her completion of the programme earned her an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Cloud Practitioner certification, placing her at the forefront of the nation's digital transformation efforts.
Nobsokun, another standout graduate, emphasised that studying under the DWD project provided not only technical knowledge but also valuable problem-solving skills.
"The hands-on experience in solving real-world challenges has been crucial for my career readiness," he shared.
He added that the DWD programme’s focus on practical applications helped him better understand how to design, deploy and manage cloud-based solutions.
With cloud computing skills becoming indispensable to Cambodia’s integration into the global digital economy, both Methiny's and Nobsokun’s achievements highlight the growing role of technology in the country's development.
At the graduation ceremony held on September 6 in Phnom Penh, USAID Cambodia mission director Kerry Pelzman emphasised the agency's commitment to building the country’s digital future.
“USAID is committed to supporting Cambodia’s digital future by investing in the development of its workforce,” Pelzman stated.
She further noted that empowering students with skills in cloud computing not only meets the needs of the private sector but also contributes to the country’s overall economic growth.
A new era of cloud computing
The programme, a significant component of USAID’s DWD project, has collaborated with AWS to promote cloud computing expertise among Cambodian students.
Through hybrid learning models at leading universities, students like Methiny and Nobsokun gained skills crucial to succeeding in the rapidly expanding global cloud market, which is expected to double in size by 2028.
Reflecting on her journey, Methiny described the programme as crucial to her professional growth.
The coursework and guidance from knowledgeable lecturers were instrumental in enhancing her technical and digital development skills.
"The project has equipped me with both the technical skills and professional network needed to thrive in this evolving field," Methiny shared.
Similarly, Nobsokun noted that AWS’s hands-on labs were crucial in solidifying his understanding of cloud technologies, particularly services like Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3) and AWS Lambda.
"The practical labs gave me confidence in real-world cloud environments and helped me understand how to apply theoretical concepts," he explained.
Bridging the skills gap
During the programme, Methiny mastered AWS core services such as EC2, S3 and Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS), essential for developing scalable, cost-efficient cloud solutions that will modernise Cambodia’s IT infrastructure.
She also gained knowledge in cloud security and data management – skills that are becoming essential as more Cambodian industries transition to cloud-based services.
Methiny believes that these technologies will drive the country’s digital transformation, reducing operational costs and improving scalability for businesses across various sectors.
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification, which she earned through the programme, serves as a steppingstone for further cloud-related qualifications.
Methiny expressed her determination to pursue additional certifications, such as AWS Solutions Architect, AWS SysOps Administrator and AWS Developer, to continue advancing her skills.
"These certifications will not only enhance my expertise but also strengthen my career prospects, equipping me with the tools to navigate and excel in the rapidly evolving cloud computing landscape," she told The Post.
"Understanding cloud security was one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of the programme. It's crucial as businesses continue moving to the cloud," Nobsokun echoed.
Both graduates believe that these technologies will drive the country’s digital transformation, reducing operational costs and improving scalability for businesses across various sectors.
Overcoming challenges
Despite their achievements, both Methiny and Nobsokun faced challenges during their cloud certification journeys.
As someone without prior experience in cloud computing, Methiny initially struggled with understanding the full scope of cloud services.
"I tried to memorise information instead of focusing on how the services work together," Methiny admitted.
Nobsokun faced similar obstacles.
"The steep learning curve, especially in the beginning, was daunting," he said.
However, he overcame it by breaking down the learning process into manageable sections.
“I focused on mastering one area at a time, which helped me build confidence,” he explained.
"Balancing certification studies with other responsibilities was tough, but setting a clear study schedule and adhering to deadlines made the process more manageable," Nobsokun shared.
Contributing to Cambodia’s tech industry
Methiny’s and Nobsokun’s newfound cloud computing skills are not just for personal advancement but also for contributing to Cambodia’s growing tech industry.
Methiny envisions using her expertise to help local businesses modernise their IT infrastructures, enhance service delivery and advocate for cloud adoption in sectors such as education, healthcare and government.
Methiny hopes to drive innovation and digital transformation within these sectors, thereby fostering a more connected and digitally advanced Cambodia.
Looking ahead, Methiny sees cloud computing as a solution to several of the country’s business challenges.
She believes that these technologies can offer small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the scalability they need without the financial burden of maintaining expensive on-premises hardware.
Cloud computing, he said, also strengthens the country’s digital infrastructure by providing reliable platforms for e-commerce, startups and public services.
“Cloud solutions offer enhanced data resilience and disaster recovery, which can protect critical data from cyberattacks or natural disasters,” she said.
For his part, Nobsokun is committed to driving innovation through cloud adoption in the private sector.
"I plan to use the skills I’ve gained to help businesses scale and optimise their operations using cloud technologies," Nobsokun said.
Hands-on experience and real-world skills
Throughout the Cloud4Cambodia programme, Methiny gained practical experience through hands-on labs.
These labs simulated real-world scenarios, enabling her to apply her theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
“While there wasn’t a specific real-world project, these labs simulated real-world scenarios, allowing me to gain practical experience in deploying virtual servers, configuring secure networks and managing cloud storage,” Methiny explained.
This hands-on training has equipped her with the foundational skills to manage and secure cloud infrastructure, skills that are directly applicable to the country’s growing cloud-based services.
Global competition and future ambitions
The DWD project has not only prepared Methiny and Nobsokun for Cambodia’s tech industry but has also positioned them for global competition in the cloud computing field.
With the demand for cloud computing professionals expected to grow as the global market expands from $626.4 billion in 2023 to over $1.2 trillion by 2028, young leaders like Methiny and Nobsokun are at the forefront of Cambodia’s digital transformation, according to USAID Cambodia.
Methiny explained that what sets her apart from others with similar qualifications is her ability to connect with industry professionals and gain real-world insights into emerging trends.
The networking opportunities at the graduation ceremony, where she interacted with industry experts and tech company representatives, provided her with valuable knowledge that she plans to apply in her future projects.
“This experience strengthened my ability to apply cloud solutions in ways that meet both business needs and emerging tech demands, making me uniquely prepared to navigate the global tech field,” she said.
In offering advice to young Cambodians interested in cloud computing, Methiny stressed the importance of building a strong technical foundation through online courses and certifications.
"Participating in hands-on labs and projects is crucial for applying theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios," she stressed.
Nobsokun added that staying current with cloud technologies is essential.
"AWS is constantly evolving, and staying up to date with certifications like AWS Solutions Architect and AWS SysOps Administrator will ensure that I’m prepared for the demands of the global tech industry," he noted.
A vision for Cambodia’s digital future
Looking ahead, both Methiny and Nobsokun are optimistic about their roles in shaping Cambodia's digital future.
Methiny envisions a tech ecosystem where cloud solutions drive innovation and efficiency across various sectors.
"As businesses recognise the benefits of scalability, cost-effectiveness and data-driven decision-making, I see tremendous growth in cloud-based solutions and digital infrastructure," she said.
"Cloud computing offers a pathway to participating in the global digital economy, especially for Cambodia’s youth," according to USAID Cambodia.
