Cambodia Investment Review
The International Series Cambodia, presented by Royal Group, has been canceled following what organizers described as “recent developments in the region.” The tournament, a flagship stop on the Asian Tour, had been scheduled for September at Chhun On Golf Club in Phnom Penh’s Chbar Ampov district.
Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, said the decision followed consultations with key partners. “The tournament will not take place as planned,” he said, extending thanks to Royal Group, Chhun On Golf Club, and Cambodian supporters. Singh stressed that the series remains committed to Cambodia and that he is confident the Kingdom will host world-class golf again once conditions stabilize.
Royal Group Highlights Compassion and National Unity
Royal Group, Cambodia’s largest conglomerate and title sponsor of the event, emphasized that the well-being of people in the region comes first. Neak Oknha Kith Meng, Chairman of Royal Group, noted that while the decision was difficult, it was necessary.
“We recognize the importance of compassion in these times. The Royal Group remains committed to supporting Cambodia and its people. We look forward to the time for this sporting event to take place and serve as a platform for national pride and unity,” he said.
Royal Group has increasingly backed international-standard sporting and entertainment projects as part of its broader investment portfolio, which spans telecoms, real estate, and energy. The golf tournament was seen as an opportunity to showcase Cambodia to an international audience, leveraging sports as a driver of both tourism and national image-building.
Cambodia’s Push for Big-Ticket Events
The cancellation comes during a period when Cambodia has been actively seeking to position itself as a regional destination for large-scale events. The Southeast Asian Games in 2023 marked a turning point, bringing tens of thousands of visitors and boosting international recognition. Since then, the government and private sector have been pushing to attract global conferences, cultural festivals, and sporting tournaments to sustain that momentum.
Industry observers say events such as the International Series are crucial for Cambodia’s economic diversification strategy. Big-ticket gatherings not only generate immediate tourism revenue but also have long-term benefits for brand visibility and investor confidence. “When a country hosts events of this scale, it signals readiness to the international community,” said a Phnom Penh-based consultant familiar with the sports and tourism sectors.
Golf in particular is gaining attention. Neighboring Vietnam and Thailand have already carved out niches in golf tourism, hosting international tournaments and attracting high-spending visitors. Cambodia, with its growing portfolio of golf courses and developing hospitality sector, has ambitions to capture part of this market. The International Series Cambodia was expected to draw both professional golfers and affluent tourists, strengthening the country’s positioning in Southeast Asia’s competitive sports tourism landscape.
Infrastructure and Tourism Development
Central to Cambodia’s ambitions is the development of the new Techo International Airport in Kandal province. Once operational, the airport is projected to accommodate up to 50 million passengers annually, significantly improving Cambodia’s global connectivity.
Read More: VINCI Selected by CAIC to Operate Techo International Airport, Phnom Penh’s New Gateway
For international event organizers, reliable infrastructure is often a deciding factor. Improved air links, new expressways, and expanding hotel capacity are expected to make Cambodia more attractive as a host for global tournaments, exhibitions, and summits. “The new airport will be a game-changer,” said a regional aviation analyst. “It will support Cambodia’s push for big-ticket events by ensuring smooth travel for international athletes, sponsors, and fans.”
These upgrades align with the government’s broader goal of boosting tourism, which remains a cornerstone of the national economy. Cambodia welcomed over 5 million international visitors in 2024, a recovery from pandemic lows but still below pre-COVID peaks. Officials hope that infrastructure investments, combined with an events-driven strategy, will lift arrivals and spending in the years ahead.
Opportunity Delayed, Not Denied
While the decision to cancel the International Series Cambodia is a short-term setback, organizers and partners have made clear that plans are not being abandoned entirely. Singh expressed confidence that Cambodia will provide “a wonderful stage for world-class golf in the future,” while Kith Meng reaffirmed Royal Group’s commitment to bringing the tournament back at the right time.
For Cambodia, the broader strategy of leveraging major events to drive tourism and international visibility remains intact. The Kingdom has demonstrated its ability to organize complex regional competitions and continues to invest heavily in the infrastructure needed to support larger international gatherings.
Analysts suggest that the eventual return of The International Series would not only boost Cambodia’s standing in golf tourism but also signal resilience and long-term vision. As one regional sports consultant put it, “This isn’t just about golf. It’s about Cambodia stepping onto the global stage with the right mix of infrastructure, ambition, and partnerships.”
