CamDX acts as a distributed system with no central database performing only data exchange between members. It is also designed to host the data exchange of both public and private sector services. Since there is no central database, CamDX has no single point of failure. An attack such as Distributed Denial of Service could be possible to disrupt the services of individual information systems, but making the whole system down at once is hard. Moreover, it connects different IT systems built on any technology of choice. It also does not prescribe any tool or technology for the internal use of an organization. It provides secure data exchange between IT systems and does not own the data. The data still belongs to the organization who services the data. The means of data exchange in CamDX is done through standard web services and therefore can be easily adapted by all developers.

Services that have run through CamDX include the Online Business Registration platform (OBR), the Global Travel Assessment System (GTAS) and the Validation Application on Payment Guarantee/Invitation (VAPGI) (temporarily suspended due to a more relaxed Covid-19 related measure) and the CamDigiKey e-KYC solution. The OBR platform is the first and main service that runs through CamDX.

The success of the OBR platform has resulted in its expansion into Phase 2 where more ministries join the data sharing via CamDX and, soon, Phase 3. CamDX has recently opened its door for the private sector to take advantage of the technology. Banks and insurance companies have shown strong interest in using the population registry in their service delivery. With this data, they will be able to verify customer’s personal information easier and with the trustworthy data from the Ministry of Interior through CamDigiKey

The 5 main players in this innovation journey include the government, the citizens, the private sector, development partners, and civil society. Each ministry involved takes part in the success story of CamDX. The commitment toward the same goal and willingness to share the data forms the solid foundation of this important work. Without the 5 actors’ constant feedback, CamDX would not have been able to take shape as it is today.

With the data sharing via CamDX, the business registration process has been simplified from a tedious, month-long procedure to an 8-working-day process. Entrepreneurs can file their application, pay and track the application status online from anywhere, at any time. Back-office officers also find it easier to review the application. Ministries also have consistent data important to decision-making.

In the last months of 2022, CamDX had 438,532 monthly average number of transactions and exchanged data for 4 services, namely OBR, GTAS, VAPGI, and the CamDigiKey e-KYC solution for the banking sector. With the presence of the data exchange layer in just 28 months of operation, the OBR system has been able to register 18,568 businesses, reserve 12,105 business names and grant 328 specialized business licenses.

No different from other innovative solutions, the development of CamDX is not without challenges. The success of CamDX requires strong political buy-in as well as vigorous participation from all stakeholders, especially the public sector so as to showcase a good example. The successful implementation of CamDX is not about technology alone, but a combination of technology, infrastructure, and a legal framework to be able to convince data sharers to use the platform.

Cambodia has been lucky enough to receive a strong political buy-in for the CamDX platform. Having a long-term vision, it is only right that Cambodia puts its development agenda around technology. The country's aspiration to become a digital society and economy has put its interest highly in absorbing the benefits from the use of technology. Moreover, the constant feedback from the citizens, the private sector and development partners, and civil society organizations are also what keep CamDX moving and improving.

In fact, CamDX has been inspired by Estonia’s X-Road model and is the first data exchange layer introduced in Cambodia. Since its implementation in 2020, CamDX has been locally and internationally recognized. CamDX is a digital enabler, and with it, the government looks forward to other innovations borne out of the use of CamDX. For example, the private sector may request to use CamDX to get certain types of data from the government to develop their own innovative solution. Likewise, the government also encourages public institutions to make use of CamDX for the betterment of public service delivery.

One of the key lessons is that a reform requires more than just technology alone. If they could be compared, technology is only the tool toward achieving the final goal. Whether relevant stakeholders use the tool is a matter of a lot of back-and-forth discussion, and it requires a high level of negotiation skills. Surrounding technology is also a supporting framework including legal framework and user support aspect to convince stakeholders of the convenience of the platform.