Cambodia Investment Review
Koh Pich, Phnom Penh’s dynamic riverside district, has emerged as a leading symbol of Cambodia’s urban transformation over the past two decades. Developed by Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC), under the leadership of Lok Neak Oknha Dr. Pung Kheav Se, the project has grown from reclaimed land into a thriving central business district that continues to attract businesses, investors, and residents alike.
Initially launched in 2006, Koh Pich has become a showcase of Cambodia’s evolving capabilities in urban development and large-scale infrastructure. Today, it is home to more than 1,000 businesses, multiple international schools, a growing number of high-rise condominiums, and a rapidly expanding retail and lifestyle scene.
Building a New Central Business District
Strategically positioned along the Mekong River, Koh Pich was envisioned as a mixed-use urban hub that would integrate residential, commercial, educational, and recreational facilities. Over the past 18 years, it has steadily delivered on that promise.
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Major international brands and corporations now operate in the district, including Unilever, Nestlé, DKSH, KPMG, Baker Tilly, Jotun, Legrand, AIA, Minebea, CMA CGM, Starbucks, and FoodPanda. Alongside these international names, prominent local firms such as Sok Siphana & Associates, AI Farm Robotics, KlapYaHandz, Orchid Hospital, and the Federation of Cambodian Startups have also made Koh Pich their home, reinforcing its position as a business and innovation center.
The area is also preparing to welcome new retail brands, such as BreadTalk, Koi Thé, and Kyō Shabu, signaling further diversification in lifestyle and entertainment offerings. These developments continue to draw not just business tenants but also new residents and visitors, making Koh Pich a key part of Phnom Penh’s economic and social fabric.
OCIC’s Broader Urban Expansion Strategy
The success of Koh Pich laid the foundation for OCIC’s broader urban development strategy across Phnom Penh. Building on the Koh Pich model, OCIC launched Chroy Changvar Satellite City in 2011, Olympia City in 2012, and Norea City in 2018—each contributing to the capital’s ongoing expansion and modernization.
OCIC has also prioritized the development of green spaces and community amenities, opening areas such as Coconut Park in Koh Pich and Norea Parkway in Norea City. These spaces have become popular destinations for families and visitors, offering leisure options that complement the residential and commercial facilities.
At the newly soft-launched Coconut Park Norea, cafes like Brown and lifestyle venues such as Riverlight have attracted tens of thousands of visitors weekly, highlighting the growing demand for integrated urban spaces that balance business, leisure, and community needs.
An Anchor for Major Events and Regional Connectivity
Beyond its residential and commercial significance, Koh Pich has also evolved into one of Cambodia’s premier venues for events, conferences, and exhibitions. Facilities in the district and nearby OCIC CCV Halls have hosted thousands of events over the years, from weddings and concerts to international business expos.
Notably, Koh Pich’s neighboring Chroy Changvar Exhibition Halls hosted the ASEAN Summit in 2022, welcoming dignitaries including former U.S. President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. These events underscore Phnom Penh’s growing role as a hub for regional diplomacy and business networking.
Koh Pich’s urban design and infrastructure, particularly its accessibility via newly built bridges and flyovers—many of which were developed by OCIC—have reinforced its status as a strategically located, well-connected district essential to Phnom Penh’s ongoing growth.
Leadership and Vision Behind the Development
Koh Pich’s transformation reflects the broader vision of Lok Neak Oknha Dr. Pung Kheav Se, whose leadership has been instrumental in shaping OCIC’s role in Cambodia’s modern infrastructure story. Beginning his business career by founding Canadia Bank in the 1990s, Dr. Pung expanded into real estate and infrastructure with the establishment of OCIC in 2000.
His leadership approach, described by OCIC Vice President Thierry Tea as a combination of “relentless hard work, multi-project management, and forward-looking vision,” has helped drive not only Koh Pich’s development but also Cambodia’s broader economic transformation.
OCIC’s milestones over the past 25 years—ranging from early real estate projects like Borey Bassac Garden to infrastructure initiatives such as bridges, flyovers, and the recently nearing-completion Techo International Airport—have reinforced the group’s long-term contribution to Cambodia’s urbanization and economic resilience.
Looking Ahead
As Koh Pich continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to what long-term vision, private sector leadership, and strategic urban planning can achieve in Cambodia. With new developments, brand expansions, and infrastructure upgrades on the horizon, the district is poised to remain a central pillar of Phnom Penh’s growth story for years to come.
The success of Koh Pich also serves as a model for future urban developments across the Kingdom, supporting Cambodia’s aspirations to build sustainable, vibrant, and globally competitive cities.
