Digital data remains uncharted territory for many small and medium-sized enterprises in Cambodia, but it holds great potential. OUR PHARMACY demonstrates how data-driven decisions promote economic growth, improve healthcare, and have a positive social impact.
Data is the fuel of digital economies—yet it poses a significant challenge to many Cambodian companies. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular have limited resources with which to access and use data. However, data can increase their operational efficiency, help them tap into new markets, improve access to financing and strengthen their competitiveness.
Targeted data usage is essential for sustainable growth and connecting to global value chains.
© Sor Sampisith
In healthcare, data is not just numbers—it is lifesaving.
Sor Sampisith, founder of OUR PHARMACY
One example of how data and digital tools can make SMEs in Cambodia more competitive and impactful is OUR PHARMACY, which was founded by Sor Sampisith. Starting in 2015 as a small pharmacy with just 3,000 US dollars and a mission to provide affordable, high-quality healthcare, it has grown into a nationwide network with 15 branches and over one million patients per year.
What was the turning point? It wasn’t greater quantities of medicine or funding—it was data. Paper invoices were ditched in favour of a digital point-of-sale (POS) system to track and evaluate sales trends. Analysing this data not only boosted profits, it also enabled more targeted and efficient care for patients.
Data as a driver for change
During the Digi-Tech 2025 conference, Sor Sampisith passionately shared his journey with other Cambodian SMEs. This event, organised by the Digital Transformations Centre (DTC) Cambodia and the Improved Competitiveness of National Enterprises (ICONE) project, attracted over 350 participants from SMEs, industry, and government.
The focus was on the question: How can companies unlock the power of data to grow while creating added value for society?
I shared how data helped transform my business and had the chance to connect with inspiring entrepreneurs, each at different stages in their digital transformation journeys. What impressed me most was the innovative spirit of young founders using data to solve real-world problems. It reminded me that innovation doesn’t need to be complex—it just needs to be intentional and human-centred.
Sor Sampisith, founder of OUR PHARMACY
Knowledge that makes an impact
A central element of the conference was a series of practical workshops designed to promote sustainable and inclusive business growth—covering topics such as data analysis with Excel, optimising operations, leveraging HR analytics, and monetising data. The aim was to equip Cambodian SMEs for the digital transformation. In the early stages of digital adoption in particular, companies need concrete tools for using digital technologies effectively.
However, the focus was not only on growing businesses: using data strategically can also create new jobs in the emerging digital sector and enable financial inclusion through better wages. In this way, digitalisation contributes to resilient economic development.
This is exactly what the BMZ Digital Transformation Center (DTC) in Cambodia is working towards: to empower SMEs to harness digital tools, build confidence in using data, and drive inclusive and sustainable growth in the digital economy. OUR PHARMACY’s success story impressively demonstrates that, when used wisely, data can do more than optimise processes—it can improve lives.
