Cellcard on Thursday launched the Covid-19 Vault on the Pouk Mak Chat App for digitally storing vaccination records.

The new service comes during difficult times for many communities, families and businesses affected by the current lockdowns and curfews.

In the coming weeks, the service will be expanded to include Covid-19 test results and full track-and-trace features.

The Covid-19 Vault gives people a robust and secure place to store their vaccination status as well as give peace of mind as they attempt to stay safe and limit their exposure to the virus.

Cellcard CEO Ian Watson said the Covid-19 Vault was one of the world’s first app-based e-health services developed by Cambodians for Cambodians.

“The service is on par with similar e-health services being used in the US and parts of Europe where people use their digital records at airports, hospitals hotels and [other] venues,” Watson said.

“Our service shows just how good Cambodia is at building digital products to suit immediate needs. Cellcard stands strongly with the people of Cambodia and we will do everything possible to support the Kingdom through the crisis.

“We have seen an incredible shift in digital adoption during the pandemic, reinforcing that now is the time to drive e-health services in Cambodia.”

The Covid-19 Vault is the latest feature in Cellcard’s Pouk Mak Chat App, which offers the same features as popular global apps but in Khmer language and with full encryption and data safely stored in Cambodia.

It is easy to use for people of all ages and there is no charge for downloading or using the app for voice and video calls, sharing documents and stickers, and subscribing to personalised news feeds.

“All you need is a phone, a SIM card and a regular data plan with any operator. But if you are a Cellcard customer, we will give you 2GB of data for every month to show our commitment and support,” Watson said.

He said Cellcard would continue to maintain and improve its world-class network service, with engineering crews entering red and orange zones to maintain services and install new sites.

Cellcard has installed new sites across 92 districts since January as part of its $50 million expansion plan this year.

“Cellcard will continue to innovate and find new ways and technologies to support the people and the economy of Cambodia in line with our chairman Neak Ohkna Kith Meng’s vision for a fully digitalised nation,” Watson said.

The Pouk Mak Chat App is available to download from both Android and IOS app stores.

After a simple two-minute registration, users can go into “Settings”, click “Covid-19 Vault” and scan and save their vaccination cards and other important health documents to the app for quick access and viewing.