Cambodia Pushes Regional Co-Productions, Talent Exchange to Power ASEAN’s Creative Economy

JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia — Cambodia is positioning itself as a regional hub for digital storytelling and creative content, calling on ASEAN partners to co-produce films, animations and games that draw from the country’s rich Angkor-era heritage.
At the ASEAN Digital Content Summit held Sept. 2–4, Cambodian officials urged regional companies to invest in Cambodia’s emerging creative sector, spotlighting a new generation of English-speaking, tech-savvy talent eager to shape the region’s digital future.

“Our creative energy is driven by a new generation that is young, talented and eager to learn,” said Seang Soleak, advisor to the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation and head of Cambodia’s delegation. “With the right training and guidance, these young talents can become creators, animators, game designers and developers who bring Cambodian stories to regional and global platforms.”

Cambodia proposed four ASEAN-wide initiatives to accelerate collaboration: an ASEAN Co-Production Fund, a Creative Talent Exchange, a fast-track IP licensing system, and a global content platform to promote regional media worldwide.
The push comes as ASEAN economies increasingly recognize the creative sector alongside other emerging models such as the blue and green economies. For Cambodia, reviving its once-flourishing creative industry is not only a cultural mission but a strategic move to attract investment, build regional partnerships and expand its digital footprint.