Key Takeaways: Building Cambodia’s Future: Synergy in Design & Development

A Turning Point for Cambodia’s Urban and Sectoral Development

As Cambodia steadily recovers from the economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19

pandemic, the construction sector stands at a crossroads—facing both pressing challenges and

transformative opportunities. The residential oversupply has underscored the urgent need for

more diversified, purpose-driven infrastructure.

In response, Mekarcube Construction hosted Synergy in Design & Development: A Forum for

Innovation on March 29, 2025, at 345 Office Space Event Hall. This exclusive forum convened

architects, developers, project managers, investors, and contractors to address national priorities

ranging from healthcare and education to transportation, elderly living, agriculture, and special

economic zones. Through interactive workshops and solution-focused discussions, participants collaborated on forward-thinking strategies designed to shape the next phase of sustainable, inclusive

development in Cambodia.

Mekarcube’s Vision: Leading with Purpose and Partnership

At Mekarcube, we believe construction is more than building, it is a catalyst for economic

resilience, societal well-being, and a smarter future. That’s why we designed this event not as a

conference, but as a collaborative action space. By bringing together stakeholders across sectors,

we encouraged cross-disciplinary problem-solving aimed at producing actionable, future-ready

solutions. Participants were grouped into four specialized teams and presented with real-world challenges.This structure promoted cross-functional innovation and created momentum beyond the

forum itself. Our commitment to excellence in execution, safety, and long-term economic value is

grounded in one key principle: synergy. Synergy between design, development, and purpose.

Events like this are not just part of our outreach; they reflect our mission to build smarter,

together.

Healthcare: Rebuilding Trust and Expanding Access

Cambodia’s healthcare system continues to face significant challenges, including outdated

infrastructure, limited public trust, and shortages in both equipment and skilled medical

personnel. As a result, many citizens seek treatment from private providers or travel abroad,

placing a strain on accessibility and affordability. To address these issues, Table One proposed a

comprehensive roadmap that includes renovating existing health centers to improve access,

expanding hospital capacity in underserved areas, and investing in workforce development

through specialized medical training programs.

The group also emphasized the importance of modernizing healthcare facilities by introducing

advanced diagnostic equipment and implementing smart hospital systems to streamline

operations and enhance patient care. Collectively, these initiatives are designed not only toimprove public health outcomes but to support broader economic growth by reducing healthcare

costs, attracting medical tourism, and enhancing a healthier, more productive population.

Education: Optimizing Infrastructure and Upskilling Youth

Cambodia’s education sector is confronted with challenges such as underutilized public school

infrastructure, constrained development budgets, and inefficient use of resources. In response,

Table Two offered a forward-thinking, multi-use strategy aimed at maximizing the value of

existing assets. Their proposal includes opening school facilities after hours for vocational

training, leasing underused spaces to private education providers, and hosting weekend activities

like youth camps, workshops, and local markets. This approach not only encourages community

engagement but also introduces new revenue streams to support maintenance and upgrades.

In addition, the group highlighted the need for public-private partnerships to deliver after-hours

skill development programs tailored to market needs. To ensure wider accessibility, they also

suggested implementing a “Park & Ride” system connected to public transportation, improvingease of access for students. Altogether, these initiatives aim to make education infrastructure

more dynamic, accessible, and aligned with Cambodia’s future workforce demands.

Transportation & Urban Planning: Moving Toward a Smarter Cambodia

As urban centers expand, Cambodia faces growing issues related to traffic congestion, inefficient

mobility, and fragmented zoning practices. To counter these challenges, Tables Three and Four

proposed a “Smart & Green Infrastructure” framework focused on improving sustainability and

livability. Key recommendations include expanding pedestrian-friendly zones, installing

energy-efficient LED street lighting, developing electric bus transit systems, and building

integrated bike lane networks. The teams also emphasized the importance of more strategic zoning particularly around key transport hubs like airports and major roads to enable mixed-use developments that balance residential, commercial, and green spaces. Looking further ahead, they called for investment inlarge-scale transit projects such as skytrains, regional rail systems, and urban trams, all aimed at

reducing commuter costs and pollution while enhancing connectivity. These proposals reflect a

vision for urban planning that prioritizes smart mobility and economic vitality across Cambodia’s

cities.

Collaboration Is the Foundation of Progress

The Synergy Forum 2025 was more than just a conference, it served as a dynamic platform for unlocking

Cambodia’s potential through cross-sector collaboration. Each group brought thoughtful, actionable

solutions to the table, demonstrating how meaningful progress can be achieved when professionals from

diverse disciplines align under a shared mission. For Mekarcube, this event marked an important

milestone in our continued efforts to lead purposeful, resilient development in Cambodia. But our work

does not stop here. We remain committed to promoting cross-sectoral dialogue that bridges ideas and disciplines. We will also continue to maintain high-impact infrastructure projects that prioritize safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Above all, we aim to design and deliver solutions that shape a smarter, more inclusive Cambodia, one where infrastructure is not just built, but built with purpose. Together, we’re not just constructing spaces, we’re building Cambodia’s future.