Cambodia Investment Review
A high-level Cambodian delegation has completed a landmark visit to Manulife Financial Corporation’s global headquarters in Toronto — one of the first major international engagements with the company’s new global CEO, Phil Witherington. The October 29, 2025 meetings signalled both parties’ intent to deepen collaboration across investment, financial services, and community-impact initiatives, reinforcing Manulife’s growing strategic role in Cambodia.
The visit builds on more than 13 years of Manulife’s operations in Cambodia and comes at a time when financial protection and long-term investment planning are increasingly central to the Kingdom’s economic development agenda. For Manulife’s global leadership, Cambodia continues to represent a fast-growing emerging market where insurance awareness and demand for health and savings products are rapidly rising.
Strategic meetings with Cambodia’s leadership in Toronto
The delegation was led by H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), accompanied by senior government officials and prominent business leaders. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties and exploring wider cooperation in insurance, investment, and socioeconomic development.
Manulife also co-hosted a high-level investment roundtable with the Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC). The session highlighted Cambodia’s evolving investment climate and outlined areas where Canadian capital and expertise could support national growth priorities — including sustainable finance, financial technology, and long-term infrastructure.
13 years of growth and continuing confidence in the Cambodian market
Executives at Manulife underscored the company’s confidence in the Cambodian market and reiterated its long-term commitment to expanding access to financial protection for individuals and households across the country. Cambodia’s growing insurance penetration rate was noted as a positive indicator for continued long-term investment in the sector.
Government leaders welcomed Manulife’s sustained contribution to the Kingdom’s financial services sector, acknowledging the importance of international partners who bring both capital and expertise to support Cambodia’s broader sustainable development goals.
Community impact and CSR continue as a strategic pillar
Manulife’s presence in Cambodia extends beyond commercial operations and includes long-running community initiatives aligned with its Impact Agenda. Its flagship activities include:
• Sponsorship of the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon, supporting nationwide health and wellness.
• Partnerships with academic institutions on financial literacy programs for youth and communities.
• Expansion of the Angkor Manulife Community Park, where more than 10,000 trees have been planted with ongoing reforestation plans.
Executives confirmed that community programs will continue to scale in parallel with business growth, ensuring long-term social value alongside commercial impact.
Strengthening Cambodia–Canada economic momentum
The Toronto visit reflects strengthening economic engagement between Cambodia and Canada and highlights the potential for greater two-way investment in the coming decade. With Phil Witherington stepping into the role of global CEO, the meetings provided a platform to reinforce Manulife’s strategic alignment with Cambodia and discuss how the company can further contribute to national priorities across health, financial education, and environmental sustainability.
The delegation is expected to continue meetings with government and private-sector partners in Canada as part of a broader mission to encourage high-quality investment into Cambodia.
