Cambodia Investment Review
The British Embassy in Phnom Penh hosted over 300 guests at the Himawari Hotel on June 4 to celebrate King Charles III’s 77th birthday, using the occasion to spotlight the growing role of British architecture in Cambodia’s development. Attendees included high-ranking officials from the Royal Government of Cambodia, international diplomats, private sector leaders, and civil society representatives.
This year’s theme focused on architectural innovation, highlighting UK expertise in shaping Cambodia’s urban future. British design firm Foster + Partners, renowned for iconic projects like London’s Gherkin and Hong Kong International Airport, took center stage for their design of Cambodia’s new Techo International Airport (TIA), slated to open in September.
British Architecture Driving Cambodia’s Infrastructure Vision
The Techo International Airport was presented as a flagship example of how British firms are contributing to Cambodia’s infrastructure and environmental goals. The airport combines Cambodian cultural aesthetics with cutting-edge green technology, positioning it among the most sustainable airports globally.
Read More: Techo International Airport Opening Date on September 9, Inauguration on October 20
British Ambassador to Cambodia, Dominic Williams MBE, described the airport as more than infrastructure—it is a symbol of Cambodia’s global ambitions. “The Foster + Partners design makes a powerful statement about Cambodia: dynamic, modern, and ambitious, while remaining rooted in centuries-old traditions,” he said. “We’re excited for both international visitors and Cambodians to experience this gateway to the nation.”
Nikolai Malsch, Senior Partner at Foster + Partners, echoed that sentiment, noting that the airport was “inspired by Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage” and “actively responds to its tropical climate.” He added that the project demonstrates how “thoughtful design can support both economic development and environmental stewardship.”
A Broader UK-Cambodia Development Agenda
The event also featured remarks from H.E. Say Samal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, who linked the celebration to King Charles III’s global advocacy for sustainability.
“From The King’s Trust to the Sustainable Markets Initiative, His Majesty has championed harmony between nature and humanity,” he said. “The Techo International Airport—developed under our Green Infrastructure Partnership—embodies that same commitment and marks another milestone in the deepening UK-Cambodia investment relationship.”
British architectural involvement in Cambodia extends beyond the new airport. Over the past decade, firms such as Foster + Partners, Zaha Hadid Architects, Aedas, and FP Farrells have contributed to landmark developments across Phnom Penh. These include Norodom Business Tower, Sathapana Bank headquarters, Vattanac Capital Tower, ACLEDA HQ, Chip Mong Tower, and the planned Sleuk Rith Institute and The King’s School Vattanacville Campus.
The momentum reflects a growing appreciation for British architectural standards and sustainable urban planning principles in Cambodia’s fast-developing capital.
Strengthening Bilateral Engagements
The birthday celebration also aligned with broader UK-Cambodia diplomatic efforts. In April 2025, UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West toured the TIA construction site and signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Infrastructure Development. That visit reinforced the UK’s intent to deepen trade, education, and infrastructure partnerships across Southeast Asia.
The British Embassy is also facilitating regional dialogues through events such as the UK-Cambodia Architecture Forum, which convened leading firms to discuss regenerative urbanism and resilient city design tailored to Southeast Asia’s climate and demographic challenges.
Private Sector and Community Support
The evening celebration was made possible with support from key sponsors, including Springboard for Education Cambodia, IDP Cambodia, Prudential, Foster + Partners, CamEd Business School, and Unilever. In-kind sponsors included St. John Phnom Penh, Seekers Spirits, and Himawari Hotel and Apartments.
Read More: UK-Cambodia Forum Pushes Forward Vision of Regenerative Urbanism
While marking the monarch’s birthday, the event underscored the UK’s commitment to long-term engagement in Cambodia through sustainable infrastructure, education, and innovation-led development.
As Cambodia prepares to inaugurate one of its most ambitious infrastructure projects to date, British firms are poised to remain important partners in shaping its future cityscapes.
