Writing
8 articles · Building in Cambodia
Cambodia's tech future isn't about replicating Silicon Valley, Singapore, or Vietnam. It's about becoming the first Cambodia — building digital sovereignty through infrastructure, education, and patient company-building.
In 2011, I started SmallWorld with more enthusiasm than experience. Fifteen years later, we've built KOOMPI, launched Selendra, created VitaminAir, shipped Nimmit, and helped over 50 startups. Here's what actually worked.
Building products that work for how people actually live
Why local technology matters for Cambodia's future
When KOOMPI launched in 2018, it became Cambodia's first locally-designed laptop. But the journey wasn't about hardware—it was about creating access to education for a generation of students.
Selendra, our blockchain network, wasn't born from a fascination with crypto. It came from watching Cambodian businesses struggle with problems that Web3 technology could solve—if adapted properly.
Before SmallWorld was a venture builder, before KOOMPI and Selendra, it was a co-working space. That space taught us everything we know about building community in Cambodia.
Silicon Valley optimizes for explosive growth and unicorn exits. In Cambodia, we optimize for sustainable businesses that employ people and solve real problems. These are different games — both valid.