Originally published on: September 19, 2024
At the recent Token2049 event, Dfinity, the Swiss organization responsible for the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) blockchain, made waves by signing a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Cambodia Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation. This exciting partnership is geared towards driving research, training, and entrepreneurial support for smart city infrastructure development in the region.
The concept of a smart city is evolving, focusing on leveraging advanced information and communications technology to enhance urban living. Dfinity’s collaboration with Cambodia builds upon its existing presence in the country, where it has been working with the United Nations Development Program on a digital Universal Trusted Credentials system pilot project.
By joining forces with the Cambodian government, Dfinity aims to facilitate the adoption of sovereign cloud technology within public sector programs and international entities. Dominic Williams, the founder and chief scientist of Dfinity, highlighted the unique benefits of ICP, such as decentralized serverless computing, which eliminates the need for traditional cloud hosting services.
One of the groundbreaking achievements of Dfinity was showcasing artificial intelligence running on ICP through a smart contract, marking a significant milestone in blockchain technology innovation. This advancement underscores the potential for disruptive solutions in various sectors, including government services and infrastructure development.
Sophal Try, a director at Cambodia’s Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI), emphasized the government’s commitment to integrating blockchain into national projects to accelerate smart city initiatives and foster a thriving digital economy. Cambodia’s ambition to become a hub for emerging technologies aligns with its strategic vision for sustainable growth and technological advancement.
As Cambodia sets its sights on becoming a regional leader in technological innovation, partnerships like the one with Dfinity are instrumental in driving progress and building resilient smart city ecosystems. This collaboration paves the way for future developments in blockchain technology and digital transformation, positioning Cambodia at the forefront of the global innovation landscape.
