Cambodia Investment Review
The Cambodian Institute of Directors (Cam-IoD) has celebrated the graduation of its first Certified Directors 2025 Class, marking a major step in strengthening corporate governance capability across Cambodia as businesses face increasing regulatory expectations and deeper engagement with international capital markets. The ceremony was held on 12 November 2025 at Rosewood Phnom Penh.
Regulatory message reinforces rising governance standards
The event was attended by H.E. Sou Socheat, Delegate of the Royal Government in Charge as Director General of the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC), who emphasised that transparent, ethical and accountable leadership will remain central to Cambodia’s business development. Sou Socheat recalled the early discussions between SERC and the International Business Chamber of Cambodia (IBC) in 2022 that led to the formation of the Certified Directors Course, noting that Cam-IoD is among the most proactive institutions engaging with the regulator to elevate board-level training in Cambodia.
Certified Directors Programme draws business leaders from key sectors
The graduation formally recognised ten senior executives who completed the Certified Directors Programme, which covers board governance, leadership responsibilities, strategic risk management, compliance and business ethics.
The cohort includes:
- Andrew Owen Roberts
- Andrew Millar
- Daniel Simon
- David Shelters
- Haseeb Daudani
- Ong Teong Hoon
- Pierre Tami
- Sothearoath Oeur
- Subhadeep Chowdhury
- Tina Redshaw
Lead lecturer Trevor Sworn noted that the programme was designed to build a qualification that is globally aligned yet directly relevant to Cambodian boardrooms. Participants reflected on the growing complexity of director roles, particularly as companies expand and adopt more sophisticated governance structures.
Industry reflects on why governance capability matters now
Graduates described the course as increasingly relevant to the evolving expectations of boards in Cambodia. Daniel Simon, Managing Director of Rosewood Phnom Penh, highlighted the need for directors to navigate decision-making with responsibility and integrity. Sothearoath Oeur, CEO of Credit Bureau Cambodia, underscored that leadership at the board level demands a distinct skill set from day-to-day management, calling strong governance a “non-negotiable” factor for organisations preparing for long-term and sustainable growth.
IBC Executive Director Katherine McLean paid tribute to the individuals who contributed to the multi-year development of Cam-IoD and noted that stronger boards directly contribute to transparency, institutional trust and investor confidence.
