Dfinity, the Swiss foundation behind the Internet Computer Protocol just signed a Letter of Intent with Cambodia to enhance research, training, and support for an entrepreneurial ecosystem focused on developing smart city infrastructure.
Digital transformation in Cambodia
Smart cities use advanced information and communications technology, although the exact definition can vary.
Dfinity has already established a presence in Cambodia by collaborating on a United Nations Development Program pilot project that involves its digital Universal Trusted Credentials system.
The LOI marks a big step forward in Dfinity’s ongoing efforts to share technology with governments and international organizations.
The founder of Dfinity, Dominic Williams expressed excitement about working with Cambodia’s government, and he stated that ICP technology will play an important role in supporting the country’s digital transformation and help develop secure smart cities.
The Internet Computer offers decentralized, serverless computing, meaning users don’t need traditional cloud hosting services like Amazon Web Services.
With software hosted on-chain, the network also claims to be resistant to cyberattacks. In March, Dfinity showcased artificial intelligence running on ICP as a smart contract for the first time.
Regional leadership in technology
Try Sophal, a director at Cambodia’s Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, the MISTI, shared that integrating blockchain technology into national infrastructure projects wants to accelerate smart city initiatives and strengthen, support the overall digital economy.
Sophal added that MISTI’s mission is to position Cambodia as a leader in new, emerging technologies in the region.
This just in:
DFINITY Foundation signs LOI with Cambodia’s Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) 🇰🇭 ♾️
This partnership will explore applications of the #ICP tech stack for Smart City infrastructure, AI, and sovereign cloud tech, marking a major step… pic.twitter.com/EuCtodo3UN
— DFINITY (@dfinity) September 19, 2024
Smart cities in Cambodia
Cambodia has been pursuing its smart city goals since at least 2019 when a Singaporean startup called Limestone Network launched a smart neighborhood project in Phnom Penh.
This project was expected to be completed by 2022, but there are little details about it.
Now this partnership between Dfinity and Cambodia could boost the country’s technological sector big time and also its ability to implement smart city solutions effectively.
As more countries adopt technologies like blockchain, Cambodia’s efforts may serve as a model for other nations too.
