FFS, guys, get a grip! That smartphone in everyone’s hands is Cambodian publishing’s widest window of opportunity!

In the heart of Phnom Penh’s bustling cultural landscape, the 12th Cambodia Book Fair has emerged as a pivotal event for publishing professionals navigating the evolving Southeast Asian markets.

Scheduled for December 11 to 14, 2025, at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Cambodia Book Fair, which began in 2011 with ten booths and five publishers, has transitioned from mere book sales to a catalyst for regional literary exchange, author empowerment, and publishing excellence.

ASEAN Partnerships

For publishers, editors, and rights agents, the fair offers a rare opportunity to engage with Cambodia’s burgeoning literary scene, forge ASEAN partnerships, and explore untapped markets in Khmer and international titles.

The Cambodia Book Fair, organised by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts in collaboration with local publishers and writers’ associations, has grown exponentially since its inception over a decade ago. The 11th incarnation in 2024, pulled in 160,000 visitors. In 2023, 200,000. This year’s event builds on that momentum, with organisers emphasising support for local writers and illustrators while inviting international exhibitors to broaden the dialogue.

A key highlight is the anticipated presence of Malaysian dignitaries, representing the ASEAN Chair, underlining the fair’s role in fostering cross-border collaborations. In a region where events like Thailand’s Bangkok International Book Fair dominate with over 1.3 million visitors and $2 million in rights deals, Cambodia’s fair carves a niche by prioritising accessibility – entry is free, making it an inclusive platform for emerging voices.

Business Opportunities

For publishing professionals, the 2025 fair promises practical business opportunities alongside cultural immersion. Exhibitors will feature a diverse array of books in Khmer and foreign languages, spanning history, literature, personal development, and children’s stories – genres ripe for translation and co-publishing ventures.

Networking sessions could mirror successful models from neighboring fairs, such as the Bangkok Rights Fair’s business-matching forums, potentially leading to copyright exchanges and joint ventures. Cambodian publishers, who have seen steady growth in output from around 500 titles annually in the early 2010s to thousands today, are eager to partner with international firms to enhance print quality and distribution. With 60% of the population under 30, and an 80% literacy rate, this is a big opportunity for domestic and overseas publishers alike.

But There’s A Downside

But one downside emerges from all this. Constantly, I read about how books and reading are in competition with mobile devices.

FFS, guys, get a grip! That smartphone in everyone’s hands is Cambodian publishing’s widest window of opportunity!

#KhmerPublishing #CambodiaPublishing #CambodiaBookMarket #SEAsiapublishing

This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.