Cambodia Investment Review
The Young Founder Launchpad (YFL) has successfully concluded its inaugural eight-week entrepreneurship program, marking a significant milestone for youth innovation in Siem Reap. The Final Pitching & Graduation Ceremony, held at the Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap Resort, showcased the creativity and ambition of Cambodia’s next generation of young entrepreneurs.
Implemented by the ELIX Organization in partnership with the University of Southeast Asia (USEA), and supported by Mission Alliance Cambodia and Khmer Enterprise, the YFL program equipped 43 high school graduates (68% female) with entrepreneurial skills, confidence, and networks needed to transform early ideas into validated business concepts.
Guided Closely By 12 Trained University Mentors
Over the past two months, 43 high school students, guided closely by 12 trained university mentors, took part in an intensive, hands-on learning journey. The curriculum combined expert-led workshops, mentorship sessions, and field insights into Cambodia’s evolving business landscape.
Nakry Brospech, a YFL student from Sramoal Angkor Team, shared his transformative experience: “I learned how to develop a business plan through the Business Model Canvas and understand customer segments, which has been crucial for me to think about service and value proposition. Beyond the technical skills, I gained more confidence in working with my team as I got to learn from different perspectives.” He continued, “My message to other young people is simple; grab the opportunity to be part of programs like this to open doors for new knowledge and improve yourselves.”
Communicate, Collaborate, Problem-Solve, & Teamwork
During the Final Pitching & Graduation Day, twelve student teams took to the stage to present their business ideas before a panel of judges, demonstrating not only their technical understanding but also their ability to communicate, collaborate, problem-solve, and teamwork. Their pitches reflected a wide range of innovative solutions inspired by community needs and emerging market opportunities.
We noted that the success of this first cohort highlights the growing importance of early-stage entrepreneurship education in Cambodia. By investing in young talent and strengthening collaboration between educational institutions, development partners, and the private sector, the Young Founder Launchpad contributes to shaping a more resilient and future-ready workforce.
Ms. Chhay Socheata, Program Lead of the Young Founder Launchpad at ELIX Organization, expressed her vision for the program’s future impact: “We hope that the success and achievement of this program will provide a platform and starting point for such initiatives to continue empowering and impacting students, not only in Siem Reap but also in other provinces. We want to help youth develop leadership and entrepreneurship thinking that will be useful for them to excel in their future path. This first cohort has shown us that when you give young people the right tools, mentorship, and encouragement, they can achieve remarkable things.”
As the program concludes its first edition, stakeholders expressed confidence that initiatives like YFL will play a pivotal role in nurturing Cambodia’s next generation of founders, and in laying the groundwork for a vibrant and competitive startup ecosystem.
About ELIX Organization: https://www.facebook.com/ELIXOrganization/
About Khmer Enterprise: https://www.facebook.com/ke.khmerenterprise
About Mission Alliance Cambodia: https://www.facebook.com/MissionAllianceCambodia/
