The 2023 Annual Seminar of Rural Credit Institutions on “Accelerating Rural Credit Institutions through Innovation via Digitalization and Responsible Lending” 

Mr. Men Phakdey, Head of the Data Management and Macroeconomic Analysis Department of the National Bank of Cambodia; Mr. Kea Boran, Representative of the Board of Directors of the Cambodia Microfinance Association; Mr. Phal Vandy, Secretary General of the Cambodia Microfinance Association; Mr. Pheng Pheap, Chairman of the Rural Credit Institution Club; and Mr. Oeur Sothearith, Chief Executive Officer of Credit Bureau Cambodia (CBC), graced the 2023 Annual Seminar of Rural Credit Institutions under the theme “Accelerating Rural Credit Institutions through Innovation via Digitalization and Responsible Lending,” which was attended by approximately 110 participants. 

This annual seminar was organized by the Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA), Credit Bureau Cambodia (CBC), and the Rural Credit Institution Club with the objective of gathering key experts such as regulators, investors, CEOs of rural credit institutions, and stakeholders to share insights on operational efficiency, promote business sustainability and the success journey of rural credit institutions through digital systems, as well as update laws and regulations compliant with regulators and stakeholders. 

In his opening remarks, Mr. Men Phakdey stated that to ensure sustainability in our financial sector, he encourages all rural credit institutions to strengthen the development of qualifications and capacity, customer protection, and investment in modernizing their core banking systems. Furthermore, he requested the Cambodia Microfinance Association and Credit Bureau Cambodia to continue providing further support to rural credit institutions. 

Mr. Kea Boran, Representative of the Board of Directors of the Cambodia Microfinance Association, also urged all institutions to strictly comply with and adhere to all regulations issued by regulators and professional associations, as well as to become members of the professional association. He also expressed his gratitude to the National Bank of Cambodia for its consistent and full support—both in policy and technical aspects—to all banking and financial institutions. 

It should be noted that this seminar took place on the morning of Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at the Phnom Penh Hotel conference hall.