Harrison White
As Cambodian families increasingly consider Australia for education, lifestyle and long-term investment, Brisbane is emerging as an alternative to the traditionally dominant markets of Sydney and Melbourne.
Speaking with Cambodia Investment Review’s Harrison White during a private launch event in Phnom Penh on August 11, 2026, Brisbane-based town planner and property developer Simon Chap and Cambodian-Australian business leader Rasmey Sokmongkol, widely known as Raz, outlined why the Queensland capital warrants greater attention.
Held at PENH HOUSE + Jungle Addition on Street 240, the event introduced attendees to The Franklin Collection, a boutique townhouse development in Annerley, an established inner-city Brisbane suburb.
Simon Chap, founder of Chapstone Property, highlighted Brisbane’s population growth, education sector, family-oriented lifestyle and infrastructure pipeline ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Raz, Managing Director of Australian Investment Asia–Queensland (AIA-QLD), discussed how property can form part of a broader relationship connecting Cambodian families with Australian education, skilled employment, business and migration pathways.
“Our mission has always been to empower Cambodians to achieve their dreams while solving critical workforce and development needs in Australia,” Raz said.
Read More: Australia Showcases Premium Food Exports as Cambodia Imports Reach A$100 Million Annually
Why Brisbane Is Attracting Greater Attention
Simon identified several factors supporting Brisbane’s appeal to Cambodian families:
- Population growth: Greater Brisbane’s population reached approximately 2.83 million in June 2025 after growing by around 58,200 people, or 2.1%, over the previous year.
- Long-term housing demand: Queensland Government projections indicate Greater Brisbane’s population could reach approximately 3.8 million by 2046.
- Education opportunities: Brisbane is home to the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and Griffith University, alongside established private schools and vocational institutions.
- Major infrastructure: Government investment ahead of the 2032 Games is expected to support transport, urban renewal and public infrastructure.
- Family lifestyle: Brisbane combines a subtropical climate and outdoor lifestyle with access to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
Sydney remains Australia’s largest corporate and financial centre, while Melbourne is internationally recognised for its universities, culture and food scene. Simon believes Brisbane offers a different balance between economic opportunity, accessibility and family life.
For Cambodian families, the warmer climate may also make the transition to Australia more comfortable.
Education and Generational Opportunity
Education remains one of Brisbane’s strongest attractions for Cambodian parents, with many families looking beyond the immediate financial performance of a property.
Purchasing a home in Australia can form part of a broader plan involving children’s education, accommodation, professional networks and possible future careers.
Through AIA-QLD, Australian Visa Services and related education initiatives, Raz has spent more than two decades connecting Cambodian applicants and businesses with opportunities in Australia.
His work has expanded from visa assistance into vocational education, skilled migration, regional investment and bilateral trade. AIA-QLD is also developing education partnerships intended to provide Cambodian trainees with Australian-standard vocational skills in areas facing labour shortages, including construction, welding and hospitality.
“Whether through trade, vocational education or property development, our goal is mutual prosperity for Australia and Southeast Asia,” Raz said.
Simon and Raz nevertheless stressed that property, taxation, education and migration decisions must be assessed separately. Families should obtain independent professional advice before committing capital or making long-term decisions.
Olympic Investment Accelerates Brisbane’s Development
The Australian and Queensland governments have agreed on a AUD 7.1 billion Games Venue Infrastructure Program, including plans for a new stadium at Victoria Park and a National Aquatic Centre.
Beyond sporting venues, the Games are expected to support wider investment in transport, tourism, urban renewal and public infrastructure.
Simon said the Olympics should be understood as part of a larger economic and demographic story already unfolding across South East Queensland.
“The Olympics are best understood as an accelerator—not the entire investment strategy,” Simon said.
“The strongest locations will be those benefiting from permanent infrastructure, employment, education, healthcare and lifestyle demand well beyond 2032.”
Brisbane is also facing a housing shortage, with population growth, construction costs, planning delays and workforce constraints affecting how quickly new supply can enter the market.
These pressures are increasing the importance of well-planned, family-oriented housing located near employment centres, universities, hospitals and transport infrastructure.
The Franklin Collection Presented in Phnom Penh
The Phnom Penh event centred on The Franklin Collection, a boutique townhouse development in Annerley being presented to families and longer-term investors seeking an inner-city Brisbane property.
According to Simon, evaluating a property requires more than looking at the city or suburb named in its address. Prospective buyers should consider planning controls, infrastructure, neighbourhood demand, construction quality and the type of housing required by the local market.
“Two properties in the same suburb can produce vastly different results,” Simon said. “Investors must distinguish between an asset with a Brisbane address and one that genuinely responds to the city’s structural needs.”
Simon brings more than 16 years of experience delivering residential projects across South East Queensland. His planning-led approach examines transport links, nearby universities and hospitals, walkability, employment access and risks including flooding, heritage controls and construction costs.
While Brisbane’s international profile is expected to increase as 2032 approaches, Simon said families should remain disciplined and avoid making decisions based solely on Olympic-related promotion.
“Property is deeply personal,” he said. “Our approach remains anchored in patience, relationships, disciplined planning and building well for future generations.”
Learn More About Brisbane Property Opportunities
Cambodian families interested in The Franklin Collection, Brisbane’s property market or related education, business and migration considerations can contact:
Australia – Simon Chap
Telephone: +61 437 977 046
Telegram: @simonchap
Cambodia – Rasmey Sokmongkol (Raz)
Telephone: +855 12 99 39 59
Telegram: @RazVisaKing
