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Publication

AIF Insights No. 15 (2025) | From Grain to Chip: Cambodia’s Journey into the Semiconductor Era

Details

Released

10 May 2025

Author

CHHEM Kieth Rethy, MD, PhD (Edu), and PhD (His)

Category

2025

This special address outlines Cambodia’s aspirational journey into the global semiconductor industry, positioning itself as an emerging player in a rapidly transforming technological landscape. Drawing a parallel between the nation’s historical reliance on rice and a future shaped by silicon chips, the author envisions a bold transformation powered by innovation, education, and strategic geopolitical positioning. The speech emphasizes a phased national ascent—from foundational investments in education and infrastructure to integration into global supply chains and eventual silicon sovereignty. With Cambodia’s neutral stance amid U.S.-China tensions, it is portrayed as a potential hub for semiconductor diversification. Framed not merely as industrial ambition but as a civilizational leap, the vision celebrates Cambodia’s potential to shape the future while honoring its rich cultural past.

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