Harrison White
TDB Projects has established itself as a key player in Cambodia’s construction and interior fit-out industry, leveraging a Cambodian-Australian partnership to deliver high-quality projects across the country. In this edition of Leader Talks, Daniel Jury, co-founder of TDB Projects, shares insights on the company’s growth, the challenges and opportunities within Cambodia’s construction sector, and his outlook on future investment trends. He also provides advice for Australian businesses looking to enter Cambodia’s evolving market.
A Growing Construction Firm with Strong Australian and Cambodian Roots
TDB Projects was founded through a partnership between Australian architect Daniel Jury and Cambodian engineer Chhoeun Sovithea (Thea), a collaboration that combines local expertise with international construction standards. Jury, who initially came to Cambodia for a short-term project, quickly recognized the potential in the country’s construction sector and decided to stay.
“I came here expecting to stay only a few months, but I was quickly drawn to both the lifestyle and the opportunities within the construction sector,” Jury recalled. His involvement in design and construction projects eventually led him to meet Thea, who had already established TDB Projects. Recognizing a shared vision, the two decided to build the company together.
“From the start, Thea and I worked well together. He’s an engineer, I’m an architect. He’s Cambodian, I’m Australian. We bring different perspectives and skill sets to the table, but we complement each other in a way that has shaped TDB Projects into a true Cambodian-Australian partnership,” Jury explained.
Over the years, the company has developed long-standing relationships with both Cambodian and international clients, often securing repeat business. “Trust and reliability are critical in this industry,” Jury said. “We’ve been fortunate to have clients who continue to work with us over the years. That kind of long-term partnership is invaluable.”
While Cambodia’s construction sector faces notable challenges, TDB Projects remains optimistic. The company has ambitious plans for expansion, including growing its manufacturing division. “Our goal is to continue developing TDB Projects as a leading construction company while also expanding our furniture and joinery production for export to Australia and other markets,” Jury added.
Navigating Cambodia’s Construction Sector
As Cambodia’s construction industry continues to evolve, companies face a range of challenges, from workforce development to regulatory inconsistencies and foreign investment trends.
- Workforce Development and Skills Gaps
One of the primary challenges for construction firms in Cambodia is maintaining a skilled workforce capable of meeting international standards. “There’s a strong labor force in Cambodia, but when it comes to specialized work—such as joinery and high-end fit-outs—there’s still a skills gap,” Jury explained.
To address this, TDB Projects has focused on internal training and upskilling initiatives. “We’ve invested a lot in training our team to meet both client expectations and our internal standards. That’s helped us retain a skilled workforce, but more industry-wide initiatives are needed,” he said.
Jury believes that workforce development should be an industry-wide focus. “Our staff retention rate is high, which is a testament to the investment we make in training and professional development. But looking at the industry as a whole, there’s still a long way to go in terms of structured vocational training for the construction sector,” he noted.
- Regulatory Environment and Compliance Challenges
Cambodia’s construction regulations have been improving in recent years, but inconsistencies in enforcement remain a challenge. “The regulatory environment is evolving, but enforcement can still be unpredictable,” Jury said.
He believes clearer guidelines on safety, quality control, and compliance would help create a more structured and reliable sector. “There has definitely been progress in recent years, but there are still grey areas when it comes to permits, compliance, and contractual agreements,” he noted. “A more standardized regulatory framework would benefit both local and international firms operating here.”
Sustainability in construction is another area where regulation could play a stronger role. “Sustainability is still largely ignored in Cambodia’s construction sector, except for projects where clients specifically push for it. We’ve worked on projects aiming for international green certifications like LEED, but these efforts are very much client-led rather than being industry-wide initiatives,” Jury explained.
With sustainability becoming a global priority, he believes Cambodia’s construction sector will need to integrate greener practices into its operations. “If Cambodia is serious about sustainability targets, the construction industry will need to be a major part of that transition,” he said.
- The Role of Foreign Investment and Market Diversification
Foreign direct investment (FDI) plays a crucial role in Cambodia’s construction sector, but the industry remains heavily reliant on a few concentrated sources of capital. “Much of the foreign investment in construction comes from a limited number of countries and investors,” Jury noted.
Read More: Opinion – 20 Years of FDI in Cambodia: Towards Upper Middle-income Status and Beyond
He believes diversifying investor interest could bring new expertise and elevate industry standards. “Strengthening transparency, regulatory clarity, and workforce capabilities would make Cambodia a more attractive destination for larger property developers and institutional investors,” he explained.
Australia’s ASEAN 2040 strategy could open new opportunities for Australian businesses in Cambodia’s construction and real estate sectors. “We’d love to see more Australian firms enter the Cambodian market. There’s significant potential here for businesses that are willing to invest in the long term,” Jury said.
Advice for Australian Businesses Considering Cambodia
For Australian companies looking to enter Cambodia’s construction industry, Jury emphasized the importance of understanding the local market and being prepared for a different regulatory environment.
- Understanding the Regulatory Landscape
“The regulatory framework in Cambodia is very different from structured markets like Australia. There are grey areas when it comes to permits, compliance, and contractual agreements, so having the right local team is essential,” Jury said. “Working with local experts who understand the system can make a huge difference in ensuring projects run smoothly.”
- Investing in Workforce Development
Jury also highlighted the importance of training and upskilling employees. “There’s a skilled labor force here, but technical training and international-standard construction practices are still developing. Companies that invest in workforce development will benefit from better project quality and long-term staff loyalty,” he said.
- Adaptability in a Rapidly Changing Market
Cambodia’s construction market is evolving quickly, and businesses need to be flexible. “Things don’t always go to plan,” Jury said. “Whether it’s adjusting to supply chain disruptions, navigating regulatory changes, or finding creative solutions to challenges, adaptability is key.”
- Exploring Manufacturing and Export Opportunities
Beyond construction, Jury sees opportunities for Australian businesses in Cambodia’s growing manufacturing sector. “There’s real potential for Cambodia to serve as a regional export hub, particularly for furniture and joinery,” he said. “Labor costs are competitive, and there’s increasing demand for high-quality, locally produced goods.”
Looking Ahead
Despite current challenges in the sector, TDB Projects remains focused on long-term growth. “We’re optimistic about where Cambodia’s construction sector is heading,” Jury said. “It’s an evolving market, and as regulations improve, investment diversifies, and skills development continues, we believe Cambodia’s construction sector will mature into a more structured and internationally competitive space.”
With plans to expand its manufacturing operations and further strengthen its position in the construction industry, TDB Projects is set to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of Cambodia’s built environment. “We see exciting opportunities ahead, both in Cambodia and beyond,” Jury concluded. “We’re committed to delivering high-quality projects and helping drive the next phase of development in the region.”
