CIR Lifestyle
Prestige Cambodia brought together some of the nation’s most promising young leaders at the annual 40 Under 40 Gala, held at Rosewood Phnom Penh on Saturday evening. Themed “Black Excellence,” the event celebrated creativity, ambition, and collaboration across Cambodia’s growing business and cultural sectors.
A Celebration of Ambition and Achievement
The evening began with a live performance by David Eung Hao, followed by opening remarks from My Natthida and an address from Minister of Information H.E. Pheaktra Neth, who highlighted the importance of Cambodia’s young professionals in driving national development.
This year’s event gathered honourees from the 2025 40 Under 40 class, alumni from previous years, and leading members of the business and diplomatic community. Among the guests were Lok Chumteav Chhayline Yim, German Ambassador H.E. Stefan Messerer and Sabin Messerer, UK Ambassador H.E. Dominic Williams and Nilma Williams, and Burdaluxury CEO Björn Rettig.
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The gala was supported by Rosewood Phnom Penh, Macallan, InvestHK, CBVS, and Clase Azul, with Acqua Panna serving as the evening’s unofficial water sponsor. Guests were welcomed with signature Clase Azul cocktails and canapés before a four-course dinner designed by Rosewood’s culinary team, featuring dishes such as Red Snapper Plea Trey Ceviche, Duck Leg Cannelloni, and Australian Grass-fed Beef Tenderloin, paired with Macallan cocktails and aged whiskies.
Spotlight on the 2025 Honourees
Among those recognised were leaders shaping Cambodia’s economy across technology, manufacturing, retail, and the creative industries.
Kelvin Chua, one of the few non-Khmer honourees, described the recognition as “an immense and humbling privilege.” Having lived in Cambodia since 2014, Chua leads businesses across manufacturing, construction, and property development employing more than 4,000 Cambodians. He noted Cambodia’s “undeniable potential” as a young, dynamic nation attracting global talent and investment.
Sovannarot (Mike) Kang, Country Head of Grab Cambodia and Myanmar, transitioned from entrepreneurship to leading one of the region’s largest technology platforms. Kang said international recognition through publications such as Prestige helps demonstrate that “Cambodian talent is here, ready to innovate and compete.” He added that today’s young professionals are “no longer waiting for opportunities; we’re creating them.”
Oknha Tan Borath, CFO of KOI Thé Cambodia and CEO of Soul Coffee Cambodia, represents the entrepreneurial wave redefining the country’s retail and F&B sector. Educated at King’s College London, Borath oversees KOI Thé’s 45-store nationwide footprint and the expansion of Soul Coffee, a locally founded brand aiming to open seven stores by 2026. “Leadership is not about being the best,” he said. “It’s about making others better through your influence.”
Cambodia’s Growing Ecosystem of Leadership
The 40 Under 40 Gala showcased how Cambodia’s next generation of leaders is shaping an increasingly diverse economy. Beyond recognition, the event emphasised the country’s evolution as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-border collaboration.
The presence of international ambassadors and global partners underscored growing investor interest and Cambodia’s soft power appeal within the region. As the night concluded under Phnom Penh’s skyline, the message from both honourees and organisers was clear: Cambodia’s success will depend on collective ambition and shared leadership.