Sok Monyneth, Scrum Master at the Digital Transformation Department, General Secretariat of the Digital Government Committee (DGC), Cambodia

1. How do you use technology/policy to improve citizens’ lives? Tell us about your role or organisation. 

As a Scrum Master in the Digital Government Transformation Department of the Digital Government Committee, my work focuses on advancing the Cambodia Digital Government Policy 2022-2035.

By leading agile teams, we develop and implement digital solutions aimed at making government services more accessible, efficient, and citizen centric.

For example, initiatives such as digital identity systems and service platforms streamline administrative processes, providing citizens with better tools for engagement and improved access to services.

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2. What was the most impactful project you worked on this year? 

One of the most impactful projects I worked on this year was FormKH (form.gov.kh), a platform that has significantly impacted Cambodia's digital governance and public administration by improving accessibility, efficiency, and transparency.

The platform allows government agencies, organisations, and educational institutions to create and manage digital forms while enabling anyone to submit them online. This eliminates the need for in-person visits and significantly reduces paperwork.

This streamlines administrative processes and enhances accountability by ensuring digital tracking of submissions. The platform supports real-time data collection and analysis, aiding government agencies in making informed decisions.

Furthermore, it aligns with the Cambodia Digital Government Policy 2022-2035, advancing the nation’s digital transformation and promoting digital literacy.

By reducing reliance on paper, it also contributes to environmental sustainability while modernising public services across sectors.

3. What was one unexpected learning from 2024? 

An unexpected learning from 2024 was realising the importance of letting go of things I cannot control and focusing on enjoying the present. Personally, this mindset shift helped me find more peace and balance amidst uncertainties.

At work, I learned the value of delegating tasks when responsibilities became overwhelming. As a Scrum Master, I naturally take on the role of helping my team solve problems, but I noticed that this made me a constant go-to person for every issue, big or small.

This year taught me that empowering team members to handle challenges independently not only lightens my load but also helps them grow and the team operate more effectively.

4. What’s a tool or technique you’re excited to explore in 2025? 

In 2025, I am excited to explore advanced tools and techniques that enhance agile development processes, such as AI-driven project management tools.

These approaches promise to optimise workflows, improve team collaboration, and accelerate the delivery of impactful products.

For example, integrating AI-powered backlog prioritization tools can help identify the most critical features to develop, aligning them with the goals of Cambodia’s Digital Government Policy Framework.

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5. Everybody’s talking about AI today – give us your hot take on AI and what it means for the public sector.

AI is a transformative force for the public sector, offering unprecedented opportunities to improve governance, enhance service delivery, and drive economic growth.

For Cambodia, AI has the potential to bridge gaps in accessibility and efficiency, particularly in areas like digital governance, education, and healthcare.

For example, the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has initiated projects aligned with the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics to ensure that AI solutions are trustworthy, inclusive, and contextually relevant.

One such initiative is the development of a Khmer Large Language Model (LLM), which is currently in progress. This project aims to enable Khmer speakers to interact with AI tools in their native language, fostering inclusivity while supporting digital literacy and preserving cultural identity.

However, AI in the public sector must be implemented responsibly. Key challenges include mitigating risks such as bias, privacy concerns, and regulatory gaps.

Adopting frameworks like the ASEAN Responsible AI Roadmap and UNESCO’s Ethics of AI principles ensures that AI is developed and deployed with transparency, fairness, and sustainability at its core.

In the coming years, AI will redefine how governments engage with citizens, making services more proactive and personalised. The focus must remain on leveraging AI not just for efficiency but also for building trust and creating equitable opportunities for all.

6. What are your priorities for 2025? 

In 2025, my priorities are centered around driving impactful contributions to Cambodia's Digital Government Policy Framework and fostering advancements in AI for public service transformation. Specifically, my goals include:

a. Exploring AI in Digital Governance: I aim to deepen my understanding of AI applications in the public sector, particularly in areas like service personalisation, citizen engagement, and predictive analytics. By leveraging AI, I hope to contribute to developing smarter, more efficient solutions for digital governance.

b. Enhancing Agile Development Practices: I plan to focus on refining the agile development process by incorporating advanced tools and techniques, fostering a culture of innovation within teams, and ensuring that products are citizen-centric and aligned with government priorities.

c. Promoting Digital Literacy: Finally, I aim to advocate for and implement initiatives that promote digital literacy and inclusivity, ensuring that the benefits of technology reach all citizens, especially underserved communities.

7. What advice do you have for public sector innovators? 

Always put citizens at the center of innovation.

Embrace agile practices to remain adaptive and collaborate across sectors to leverage diverse expertise.

Most importantly, measure success not just in terms of technology delivered but in the real-world value created for people.

8. Who inspires you today? 

Individually, I am deeply inspired by Dr. Alan Lightman, founder of the Harpswell Foundation. His vision of empowering young women leaders in Southeast Asia through education, training, and a supportive network resonates deeply with me.

I spent four transformative years at the Harpswell Foundation during my university time, where I not only gained knowledge but also developed the confidence and leadership skills to contribute to meaningful social change.

Dr. Lightman’s commitment to creating a new generation of women leaders who inspire and drive positive social impact continues to guide and motivate me.

Professionally, I look up to H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia. Her leadership in steering Cambodia’s financial sector with innovation, integrity, and foresight is truly remarkable.

She has been a trailblazer in modernizing financial systems and fostering economic resilience in Cambodia, and her work exemplifies the transformative potential of strong, visionary leadership.

Both individuals inspire me to lead with purpose and to contribute meaningfully to my community and profession.

To read our past coverage of Cambodia's Digital Government Committee (DGC), click here.

This feature was made possible in partnership with Cambodia’s General Secretariat of the Digital Government Committee (DGC).