The digital awakening: How artificial intelligence is reshaping Cambodia's media landscape

The Cambodian media industry is on the cusp of transformation as artificial intelligence (AI) begins to take hold in newsrooms, production studios and the country's dynamic online media landscape.

Digital innovation, once just a tiny wave, is now turning into a veritable tidal wave that promises faster information cycles, greater accessibility and, also, a test for journalistic integrity

The rise of digital media and AI

Over the past decade, Cambodia has seen remarkable growth in digital media platforms. The proliferation of smartphones, improved internet access, and young people's mastery of digital technologies have shifted consumers away from traditional radio and print media to online news, social media, and streaming services.

As this transition accelerates, Cambodian media outlets are increasingly experimenting with AI-powered tools for content creation, verification, translation, and audience engagement.

AI applications, from speech synthesis to machine translation, enable newsrooms to deliver information in Khmer and English with unprecedented speed and clarity, breaking down language barriers and expanding audiences. Social platforms now incorporate AI that can read Khmer text aloud, provide emotional narration, and even generate AI-synthesised content that reflects the country's culture and identity.

Local AI innovation in Cambodia: Khmer language, culture and news

The introduction of Cambodia's first AI-powered news app in the Khmer language, which recorded more than 35,000 user queries within 24 hours of its launch, is a striking example of the impact of AI. This important milestone demonstrates the interest in AI-powered news solutions tailored to Cambodian audiences.

Journalists benefit from AI tools that automate translation, captioning and summarisation, ensuring that important news and community stories reach a wider audience.

Bring history and the great adventures of the past back to life with AI

Digital creators such as Rath Chan Ponleu are leveraging AI to preserve and promote Cambodian heritage by blending culture and technology in viral videos. By training AI in the Khmer language and cultural references, these initiatives aim to overcome a common pitfall in Southeast Asia, where AI often confuses Cambodian traditions with those of neighbouring countries.

Ponleu's work not only entertains, but also fosters a new digital culture, an essential skill at a time when the line between authentic and algorithm-generated content is blurring.

Opportunities and ethical dilemmas

The integration of AI into Cambodia's media ecosystem is not universally welcomed. Government officials and industry leaders praise the efficiency gains and creative possibilities offered by AI, which facilitates research, synthesis and even the generation of headlines for articles on sports, entertainment and current affairs. However, there are growing calls for ethical safeguards.

The focus is on the dangers of AI-generated disinformation (fake news, deepfakes and manipulated images), particularly in sensitive areas such as politics and public safety

The Ministry of Information and media watchdogs are emphasising the need for transparent practices in the use of AI, human oversight of sensitive reporting, and clear labelling of AI-generated content in order to maintain public trust.

At recent forums and summits, from the Asia Media Summit in Siem Reap to the Cambodia Artificial Intelligence Forum in Phnom Penh, experts have expressed the need for robust professional guidelines. They unanimously agreed that while AI can streamline workflows and support core journalistic tasks, it cannot replace human critical judgement in investigative journalism or nuanced storytelling.

Policy initiatives and national AI strategy

Cambodia is deliberately moving towards the ethical and transparent deployment of AI, with policymakers finalising the kingdom's first national AI strategy.

The ‘AI Readiness Assessment Report’ published by the government in 2025 presents a vision for inclusive, rights-based and locally relevant AI development. This roadmap emphasises the balance between innovation and the protection of media freedom, truthfulness and cultural heritage.

Prime Minister Hun Manet and Information Minister Neth Pheaktra have publicly emphasised the importance of journalistic integrity in the AI era, urging media professionals to uphold high standards while embracing digital culture as AI becomes more embedded in news production.

New charters and updated codes of ethics now set professional standards for the use of AI in journalism, with the aim of strengthening credibility and combating harmful trends in disinformation.

Press freedom at stake

Cambodia's entry into the era of AI-powered media is part of a broader debate on press freedom. While government reports paint a cautiously positive picture, with over 80% of journalists rating press freedom as “good” or “excellent”, independent media outlets highlight persistent challenges, including censorship, limited funding and the risks of digital surveillance. The coming years will determine whether AI can be a tool for empowerment rather than control.

Case studies: AI in action

• AI-assisted translation: The TranslateKh intelligent assistant, unveiled at the AI Forum in Cambodia, uses a vast database to translate news articles between Khmer and English in real time with impressive accuracy, paving the way for cross-border journalism.

• AI-powered content creation: Content creator Rath Chan Ponleu produces viral videos using Google's Veo 3 AI technology, carefully training models to recognise cultural symbols, clothing and Khmer heritage to create authentic digital stories.

• AI-powered speech synthesis in media: News outlets are increasingly deploying AI-powered speech synthesis systems that bring Khmer news to life with expressive voices, while ensuring accessibility for the visually impaired and those who prefer audio formats.

• Bringing history to life: Through short videos and AI illustrations, Cambodge Mag regularly brings to life those who shaped the Kingdom's history when cinema was scarce or non-existent, reconstructs damaged historical photos, and revives memories and other visual moments that were never documented.

Challenges ahead: disinformation and media ethics

The uncontrolled spread of misinformation, fuelled by AI in the hands of malicious actors, remains an urgent concern. Media executives and government officials stress the need for vigilance: rigorous fact-checking, human oversight and transparent disclosure whenever AI is involved in news production are not just good practices, but essential bulwarks of credibility.

Discussions continue on the need to protect personal data, ensure equitable access to technology, and prevent AI tools from deepening socio-political divisions.

Exploring new frontiers

Cambodia stands at a crossroads, determined to harness the power of AI for economic growth and social good, while remaining mindful of the pitfalls that can compromise journalistic integrity. The dynamic mix of youthful creativity, digital ambition and the kingdom's ancient heritage creates fertile ground for a unique Cambodian path in AI-driven media.