The Movement: “Khmer Must Be Strong” — A Call for Cambodia’s Small Business Owners to Rise, Lead, and Compete

On February 07, 2026, at the Khemaravidū Building, Royal Academy of Cambodia, a powerful message echoed through the seminar titled “The Movement: Khmer Must Be Strong.” It was more than a theme for one event—it was a national mindset: a call for every Cambodian entrepreneur, especially small business owners, to strengthen themselves, strengthen their institutions, and strengthen Cambodia’s competitiveness in the region and the world.

At the seminar, Her Excellency So Sereyvathana, Founder and Chairwoman of Life Education and a Board Member of the Cambodian Women Entrepreneurs Association, highlighted a truth that every business owner needs to understand: Cambodia is not alone. Within the ASEAN region, there are many influential networks and associations that connect entrepreneurs, expand opportunities, and raise business standards. Among those key networks are the Cambodian Women Entrepreneurs Network (CamWEN), the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Cambodia (YEAC) chaired by Oknha Pech Bolene, the CEO Master Club—with more than 40% female membership—as well as the American Chamber of Commerce, among others.

This is significant because in today’s economy, success is no longer built in isolation. It is built through networks, standards, and capabilities—supported by communities that challenge you to grow.

Why Networks Matter More Than Ever

Her Excellency emphasized the primary objective of CamWEN: to serve as a coordinating platform where existing associations can participate collectively. Instead of working separately, the goal is to align voices, connect leadership, and represent shared interests in a stronger, united way.

Today’s gathering was designed to bring together leaders and presidents of various associations—not just to meet, but to collaborate, represent, and advance the collective interests of all members.

Most importantly, CamWEN functions as a single gateway for engagement with all 11 ASEAN member countries, offering benefits such as:

• Participation in exhibitions
• Access to seminars and capacity-building events
• Inclusion in ASEAN-level meetings
• Opportunities for international trade exchanges
• And many more doors that small businesses typically struggle to open alone

For Cambodian small business owners, this is a crucial lesson: your business grows faster when your network grows wider—and when you are connected to the right people, the right systems, and the right opportunities.

“Cambodia Must Be Strong” — What It Really Means for Entrepreneurs

The message was clear and urgent:

Cambodia must be strong. We must build strong institutions. Strength begins with ourselves.