After studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Passau, my first job was with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Phnom Penh. While there I completed a distance learning degree in Digital Management. After that I worked for the Cambodian Government at an innovation and technology centre, before joining GIZ a year ago. The Digital Transformation Center Cambodia was opened here by GIZ in 2023.

We are a small, dynamic team working on a variety of IT solutions for the private sector and the government – whether through the use of artificial intelligence in everyday life or by setting up apps and websites such as DigiCheck that help companies establish their digital readiness. This often involves us scaling up existing concepts from other GIZ projects, which saves time and money and provides valuable experience. Knowledge transfer between the 22 Digital Transformation Centers around the world is absolutely key, and gives us a real digital boost locally!

One important part of our work is exploring new trends and potential applications both within GIZ and elsewhere. This is particularly important in Cambodia, where large numbers of donors and government development organisations are active and the tech scene is growing rapidly. We talk to other Digital Transformation Centers in Asia and Africa, cooperate closely with government agencies and meet with the IT and start-up community.

Data has a big role to play, which is why we are currently providing a lot of advisory services on this topic and are devising monitoring and evaluation systems with the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. In both cases reliable data will be used to develop better regulations for women and the IT industry. We also promote young women in the sector, for instance through the Women in Tech Awards and special training courses.

Life here in Phnom Penh is very pleasant. Every morning I take the ferry from my quiet residential area across the Tonle Sap River to the busy Central Business District. This takes me past the colourful house boats, where fresh fish is sold in the morning idyll, before I land in the hustle and bustle of the booming capital city.

These contrasts make life here very vibrant and unique. I am fascinated by the history of the country and how it has developed – from genocide by the Khmer Rouge to the economic growth of today. So many people here are keen to build something from scratch – the enthusiasm of entrepreneurs and the young population is infectious and invigorating. Everyone needs a counterweight to work, which I find in sport and crazy obstacle races like the Spartan Races in the jungle – as well as evenings with friends in the beautiful locations around the city.

Interpersonal contact – both professional and private – is simply ideal here. I wouldn’t like to miss it for anything.

Best regards,

Robert Hör

July 2024