Cambodia Advances Public Service Digitization: Ministry of Public Works and Transport Launches Three New Digital Systems

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport officially launched three digital systems on September 3rd, aimed at streamlining public services and enhancing convenience for citizens and the private sector. These systems include online applications for vehicle inspection certificate renewals through partner banks, digital invoice issuance, and automated applications for road business licenses. Presiding over the launch ceremony, Minister Peng Ponea stated that the implementation of these automated systems represents another significant achievement, demonstrating the ministry's commitment to leveraging digital technology for modernizing public services, improving operational efficiency, and, most importantly, bringing services closer to the people and the private sector. The minister commended the leadership, officials, technical experts, and teams who collaborated diligently and responsibly to develop and deploy these new automated systems. This initiative aligns with the "Pentagon Strategy Phase 1" of the Royal Government of Cambodia, led by Prime Minister Hun Manet. The strategy emphasizes "Growth, Employment, Equity, Efficiency, and Sustainability" and prioritizes "Human, Road, Water, Electricity, and Technology," with a particular focus on digital technology. This is crucial for responding to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the digital transformation of Cambodia's economy and society, aiming to build a foundation for achieving Cambodia's vision of becoming a high-income country by 2050. Furthermore, the government is implementing the "Cambodia Digital Government Policy 2022-2035." Strategy 6 specifically focuses on transforming the digital government and public services to promote and accelerate the use of digital technologies, thereby enhancing public trust, ensuring good governance, and improving the delivery of public services. In response to the government's policies and strategies, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport has set two key visions for its current mandate: 1) To enhance all types of services by developing and continuously modernizing the use of digital technology in management and service delivery, ensuring speed, efficiency, transparency, ease of use, and reliability; and 2) To promote connectivity in intermodal transport systems, logistics, and the development of transport infrastructure with quality, safety, sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity. According to Minister Peng Ponea, the three automated systems launched today are designed to meet the specific needs of public service delivery and the ministry's work management: 1. Vehicle Inspection Certificate Renewal via Partner Banks: This expands and modernizes the ministry's vehicle inspection services. The online application system has been operational since March 28, 2022, allowing citizens to apply independently or receive assistance from technical officials. The ministry has partnered with financial institutions, including ABA Bank, Acleda Bank Plc, and Canadia Bank, to offer citizens the option of renewing their inspection certificates through these banks' mobile applications. This provides an additional choice that reduces travel time and costs for citizens, simplifies application and payment processes, alleviates congestion at service centers, enhances transparency, and encourages regular vehicle inspections, contributing to traffic safety and road infrastructure maintenance. 2. Digital Invoice Issuance: This is part of the ministry's digital transformation to make public service delivery and payment more convenient, rapid, transparent, and efficient. The system allows officials to automatically generate digital invoices, and citizens can pay service fees through the banking systems and electronic payment services of the ministry's 18 partner banks. 3. Road Business License Application via Automation System: This is a digital management system for the registration and issuance of business licenses for public institutions and private companies engaged in the construction, maintenance, and technical services related to road infrastructure. The system offers convenience, efficiency, and transparency. For the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the development of these digital services is integral to modernizing its operations and improving service delivery. Therefore, the ministry will continue to promote the development and connectivity of digital systems, focusing on data security, system stability, ease of use, and enhancing the digital capabilities of its officials to ensure that the developed technologies generate tangible benefits and sustainability. Source: AKP Khmer