Cambodia Investment Review
For Kol Vannalin, a day spent planting mangroves with colleagues at Koh Kong’s Peam Krasop Wildlife Sanctuary turned into a moment she still laughs about today.
“I’ll never forget getting stuck in the mud, with colleagues rushing in to help,” she said with a laugh. “It proved that CSR builds solidarity and brings us closer. When we serve together, we become family.”
Her experience reflects a broader culture of volunteerism at NagaWorld. Through its sustainability and corporate social responsibility arm, NagaWorld Kind Hearts, employees have contributed more than 60,000 volunteer hours since 2014, supporting initiatives in education, community development, sports, and environmental protection across Cambodia.
These efforts were recently recognised at the 18th Global CSR & ESG Summit & Awards™ 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, where NagaWorld received four honours: Best in Cambodia (Platinum) for the sixth consecutive year, Excellence in Provision of Literacy and Education (Gold), Best Community Programme (Silver), and Best Environmental Excellence (Silver).
But beyond these accolades, the impact is felt in everyday stories.
At Obekkhaom Secondary School in Phnom Penh’s Toul Kork district, environmental science teacher Khun Piseth has seen a shift in his students since joining NagaWorld’s Clean and Green School Programme. Launched in 2024 in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the school-based competition now reaches 79 schools across Phnom Penh and Kampong Cham province, teaching students about waste management, recycling, and environmental responsibility.
“The programme has helped improve our school’s learning environment and given our students the opportunity to better understand and care for their surroundings,” he said. “They now take part in daily clean-ups and have even started a vegetable garden this year. I am proud of how they inspire one another and develop a stronger sense of responsibility for their environment.”
These efforts were among the reasons why the school was named Champion of the Cleanliness Excellence Award 2025.
For others, the transformation is more personal.
Phon Udom, who was unable to pursue higher education due to financial hardship, credits NagaWorld’s Youth-at-Risk programme for giving him a second chance. “Not being able to attend university felt like a closed door, but this programme helped me rewrite my future,” he said.
The 20-month residential programme equips disadvantaged youth with practical skills, from English communication to digital literacy, while building confidence and preparing them for the workforce. Udom now works as a teacher at a private school in Phnom Penh’s Stueng Meanchey district. “Learning to communicate confidently in English opened the door to this opportunity, and I am now able to contribute meaningfully to my family’s future,” he added.
For many, like Vannalin, the experience often extends beyond service. Chum Yet, a familiar face at nearly every CSR activity, was named Kind Heart of the Year at the company’s inaugural Volunteer Appreciation Day. “What inspires me most is seeing the smiles on the children’s faces. That means everything to me,” he said. He added that giving his time is also his way of contributing to the nation. “We volunteer for our community, and we volunteer to help develop our country.”
Mr Pern Chen, Managing Director-CEO Cabinet of NagaWorld, said he was humbled by the recognition. “For us, these awards aren’t just about the company’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s progress and development. They are a testament to the dedication and hard work our employees have shown to the communities across the country,” he said, reflecting on NagaWorld’s continued role in nation-building and sustainable development.
As NagaWorld celebrates its 31st anniversary, its focus remains on initiatives that support Cambodia’s sustainability goals, with success measured not only in accolades but in everyday stories of mud, second chances, and small changes that add up.
The Global CSR & ESG Summit & Awards™ 2026 is Asia’s longest-running sustainability event, recognising organisations and leaders advancing sustainability across the region.
