Cambodia Investment Review
Cambodia has officially launched the Cambodia ESG Challenge 2026, a national competition designed to strengthen environmental, social and governance (ESG) knowledge among university students while preparing the country’s next generation of sustainable finance leaders for regional competition.
The initiative was launched on July 17 by the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC) in partnership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), with support from the Australian Government through the Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED).
The launch ceremony, held at TRIBE Phnom Penh Post Office, was presided over by Sou Socheat, Delegate of the Royal Government in charge as Director General of the SERC, alongside Kirsty Harris, Development Counsellor at the Australian Embassy to Cambodia, and Elaine Hong, Regional Director of ICAEW.
The competition will bring together students from leading Cambodian universities, with one national champion selected to represent Cambodia at the ASEAN ESG Challenge 2026 later this year in Manila.
Strengthening Cambodia’s Sustainable Finance Ecosystem
The challenge forms part of a broader initiative under the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF), where Cambodia currently serves as Co-Chair of the Financial Literacy and Capacity Building Working Group.
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The program seeks to deepen ESG awareness among university students while creating stronger links between financial regulators, universities and the private sector. Organizers say the initiative also aims to build a pipeline of graduates equipped with ESG knowledge as sustainability becomes increasingly important for investment decisions, capital markets and corporate governance across Southeast Asia.
Speaking at the launch, Sou Socheat said developing ESG capabilities among young people is critical to Cambodia’s long-term economic resilience.
“The future of sustainable development depends not only on sound policies and effective regulations, but also on the knowledge, innovation and commitment of our young people,” he said.
“By investing in ESG education today, we are investing in a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable Cambodia and ASEAN tomorrow.”
Growing Demand for ESG Skills
ICAEW Regional Director Elaine Hong said the organization is committed to supporting Cambodia’s efforts to develop finance professionals with both ESG expertise and an international outlook.
She said ICAEW looked forward to seeing Cambodian students compete at the ASEAN Grand Finale later this year, highlighting the importance of preparing future finance leaders for a rapidly evolving global business environment where sustainability reporting and responsible investment continue to gain prominence.
The event brought together approximately 80 participants, including representatives from the Australian Embassy, CAPRED, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Royal Group Securities, Canadia Securities, Prudential (Cambodia) Life Assurance, and several Cambodian universities.
Participating universities included the Royal University of Phnom Penh, National University of Management, Royal University of Law and Economics, American University of Phnom Penh, ACLEDA University of Business, and CamEd Business School.
As ESG standards become increasingly embedded in investment, corporate reporting and financial regulation across ASEAN, the challenge is expected to help strengthen Cambodia’s sustainable finance ecosystem while positioning local graduates to compete on a regional stage.
