Cambodia–South Korea Partnership in Combating Online Scams

Senate president Hun Sen received a courtesy visit from Korean ambassador to Cambodia Kim Changyong at the Senate Solidarity Palace on January 29. SHS

#Opinion

The rapid development of digital technology has brought enormous opportunities for Cambodia and South Korea. Digital connectivity has strengthened communication, expanded economic opportunities, supported innovation and created new possibilities for cooperation among people, businesses, institutions and governments.

At the same time, the increasing use of digital technology has created new challenges, including online scams and other forms of cyber-enabled crime. Because these activities can cross borders and affect people in different countries, addressing them requires not only national efforts but also strong international cooperation.

In this context, the upcoming International Conference on Combating Online Scams, themed “Acting Together towards Breaking the Chain and Eradication of Online Scams,” provides an important platform for countries and international partners to share experiences, strengthen cooperation and work together toward a safer digital environment.

For Cambodia, this conference is also an opportunity to express its sincere appreciation to South Korea for its valuable support and constructive cooperation with Cambodia and the Cambodian government in addressing issues related to online scams and digital security.

A Valued Partner of Cambodia

Cambodia deeply appreciates South Korea as a long-standing and trusted partner. Over the years, Cambodian–South Korean cooperation has expanded across many areas, including trade and investment, infrastructure, education, culture, human-resource development, technology and digital transformation.

South Korea’s remarkable achievements in science, technology, innovation and digital development have provided valuable experiences for Cambodia and many other developing countries. In the context of combating online scams, Cambodia particularly appreciates South Korea’s willingness to provide support, share experience, strengthen cooperation and work constructively with Cambodia.

This cooperation demonstrates an important principle of international partnership: countries can work together not because one country has all the answers, but because sharing knowledge, experience, technology and institutional capacity makes everyone better prepared to address common challenges.

Cambodia values this spirit of partnership and expresses its sincere appreciation to the Korean Government and relevant Korean institutions for their support.

Cambodia Is Open to Cooperation with All Partners

The Cambodian Government has consistently demonstrated its openness to cooperation with international partners. Cambodia welcomes cooperation with countries, international organizations, development partners, academic institutions, technology companies, financial institutions and other stakeholders that are willing to contribute constructively to addressing common challenges. The fight against online scams is an area where such openness is particularly important.

No single country can effectively address increasingly sophisticated and transnational online criminal activities by working alone. Cambodia therefore welcomes cooperation with South Korea and all other international partners based on mutual respect, shared interests, international cooperation and practical results. This open approach allows Cambodia to learn from different national experiences while also sharing its own experiences and perspectives.

Several areas offer particular opportunities.

First, capacity building. Cambodian officials, law-enforcement officers, financial investigators, cybersecurity professionals, researchers and relevant institutions can benefit from Korean experience and training.

Second, information sharing. Cambodia and South Korea can strengthen mechanisms for exchanging information about emerging online-scam methods, suspicious activities and cross-border criminal networks, in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.

Third, financial cooperation. Online scams frequently involve financial transactions that can move rapidly across borders. Cooperation among relevant financial authorities, banks and other institutions can help identify suspicious transactions and support efforts to disrupt illicit financial flows.

Fourth, technological cooperation. South Korea’s experience in digital technology and innovation can provide valuable opportunities for Cambodia to strengthen technological capabilities for prevention, detection, and response.

Fifth, public awareness. Cambodia and South Korea can cooperate in educating citizens about phishing, impersonation, fraudulent investment schemes, fake employment opportunities, and other forms of online deception.

Working Together to Break the Chain

The phrase “breaking the chain” captures the central challenge of online scams.

A scam can involve multiple actors, platforms, financial channels and jurisdictions. Criminal networks can exploit gaps between countries and institutions. Therefore, cooperation must extend beyond individual cases.

Breaking the chain means preventing criminals from recruiting victims, disrupting fraudulent communication channels, identifying suspicious financial activities, strengthening investigations, sharing relevant information and improving public awareness.

It also means strengthening cooperation between governments and the private sector, including banks, telecommunications companies, technology companies, online platforms and digital-payment providers.

South Korea’s support and experience can contribute significantly to these efforts, while Cambodia’s openness to international cooperation can help create a broader network of partnerships against transnational online crime.

Protecting People and Building Digital Trust

Online scams can cause financial losses and undermine public confidence in digital services. As Cambodia and South Korea continue to promote digital transformation, maintaining public trust is essential. Citizens need to feel confident that they can use digital banking, e-commerce, social media and other online services safely.

This requires not only stronger law enforcement but also education, prevention, victim support, responsible technology and effective cooperation between institutions. Cambodia therefore welcomes initiatives that help strengthen digital literacy, cybersecurity awareness, responsible use of technology and public resilience against online scams.

A Model of Constructive International Partnership

The cooperation between Cambodia and South Korea in addressing online scams illustrates the value of constructive international partnership. South Korea’s approach of providing support and cooperation is deeply appreciated by Cambodia. Such cooperation should be understood not simply as assistance in addressing a particular problem, but as part of a broader partnership based on friendship, mutual respect and a shared interest in protecting citizens.

Cambodia, for its part, remains open to working with all partners who wish to contribute positively to combating online scams and strengthening digital security. This inclusive approach is particularly important because the digital environment is global. Criminals can operate across borders, while solutions must also cross borders.

The fight against online scams is ultimately about protecting people, safeguarding economic opportunities, strengthening digital trust and ensuring that technology remains a force for development.

Cambodia sincerely appreciates South Korea for its full support, constructive cooperation and willingness to share its valuable experience with Cambodia.

At the same time, Cambodia reaffirms its commitment to maintaining an open door for cooperation with all countries and international partners. By bringing together different experiences, capabilities, technologies and institutional strengths, the international community can develop stronger and more effective responses to online scams.

Dr. Seun Sam is a policy analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia. The views and opinions expressed are his own.

-Phnom Penh Post-