Cambodia Investment Review
Vanna Sann, the CEO of Dorsu, Cambodia’s most recognized sustainable fashion company, recently shared his entrepreneurial journey on the Rising Giants podcast. He discussed the growth of his company and the garment sector’s critical role in Cambodia’s economy. Founded on principles of sustainability, Dorsu has grown into a leading example within Cambodia’s garment industry, setting a high standard for ethical production and environmental responsibility.
From New York to Cambodia: An Accidental Entrepreneur
Born to parents who left Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime, Vanna Sann grew up and was educated in the United States, where he earned a Master’s degree from Georgetown University. With a background in international management, marketing, and retail, he built a successful career working with major global brands, including DFS Group, part of LVMH. However, after the 2008 financial crisis, Vanna returned to Cambodia in 2010, attracted by the country’s energy and emerging opportunities.
Vanna’s experience in digital marketing and involvement in a U.S.-based arts project in 2013 helped him establish connections between Cambodia and the U.S. This led him to transition into the luxury retail sector in Siem Reap, targeting wealthy Chinese tourists. His work in the rapidly expanding retail space gave him a solid understanding of the Cambodian market and international business dynamics.
Navigating the Pandemic and Acquiring Dorsu
In 2021, amidst the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, Vanna acquired Dorsu from its original founders in Kampot. The pandemic had severely impacted Cambodia’s garment industry, with widespread order cancellations affecting many manufacturers. Vanna saw an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution by acquiring Dorsu, which focuses on producing garments using surplus fabrics and deadstock. The company operates with a team of 25 workers in Kampot, runs a retail store in Phnom Penh, and has a B2B business that supplies apparel to companies committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
The transition came with its own set of challenges, but the presence of one of the original Khmer founders has been vital in maintaining the company’s core values. Vanna’s goal has been to stabilize the business while charting its course for the future, ensuring that Dorsu continues to lead in the sustainable fashion industry.
Cambodia’s Garment Sector and the Future of Sustainable Fashion
The garment industry has played a pivotal role in Cambodia’s economic development over the last few decades, employing close to one million people, with 80% of the workforce being women. However, the rise of fast fashion has challenged the industry, with mass-produced, low-cost garments dominating the market. There is a growing need to highlight the value of sustainable practices in Cambodian fashion, which could enhance the country’s reputation globally.
While Cambodia has made significant strides in garment manufacturing, it faces stiff competition from larger producers like China, Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam. As Cambodia climbs the ranks of global garment producers, it remains crucial for the wider industry—especially leading producers like China—to embrace sustainable practices if meaningful progress is to be made. Although consumer interest in sustainable fashion is growing, it has yet to significantly influence purchasing habits.
Expanding Operations Across The Kingdom Of Cambodia
Looking to the future, Vanna has ambitious plans to expand Dorsu’s operations beyond Kampot, potentially establishing workshops in other provinces such as Siem Reap and Battambang. He is also exploring opportunities for international expansion, with Saigon being a key target market. Dorsu remains focused on increasing its digital presence and building long-term value for Cambodian garment workers, while continuing to expand its production capacity.
Despite the challenges of maintaining profitability in the sustainable fashion space, Vanna emphasizes that financial success is still essential. Dorsu is rethinking traditional business models by fostering partnerships across the supply chain that align with its sustainability goals, without sacrificing ethical standards. As Vanna looks toward the future, he remains dedicated to building a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry both in Cambodia and internationally.
