Over 300 students, young professionals and members of the public gathered at the American University of Phnom Penh (AUPP) Technology Center on November 21 for the Youth & Business Summit 2025, a landmark event aimed at inspiring Cambodia’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
Organised by the university’s Business Society Youth Club, the summit was themed “Turning Crisis into Opportunities: Shaping Cambodianess and Empowering Youth Through Local Business”.
“The initiative reflects a growing movement to harness youth potential as a driver of economic growth and innovation in line with the Royal Government’s strategy under Prime Minister Hun Manet,” according to organisers.
The summit was inaugurated by Sithisak Sam, undersecretary of state at the Ministry of Commerce, alongside AUPP vice-presidents Kaknika Lin and Keith Sharp.
In his opening remarks, Sam emphasised the importance of entrepreneurship as a tool for economic resilience and national development, encouraging attendees to actively participate in Cambodia’s evolving business landscape.
Keynote speaker Pech Bolene, president of the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Cambodia, shared hands-on insights into preparing for the future of Cambodia’s business industry.
“The challenges we face today are also opportunities waiting to be seized,” he told participants.
“Innovation, adaptability and pride in our Khmer identity are the keys to building sustainable businesses that can thrive both locally and globally,” he added.
A highlight of the event was the panel discussion, moderated by Tay Theara Vathnak, featuring prominent voices from Cambodia’s business and education sectors.
The panel included Bill Sokhy Chea, managing director of Omohub, David Nhem, skills development specialist, Dary Dek, founder of 360 Events, and Dr. Sing Ong Yu, dean of the School of Business and Management at AUPP.
The discussion focused on strategies for youth to grow local businesses, develop essential skills and foster innovation, while maintaining a strong sense of national identity.
Panellists emphasised the role of collaboration and mentorship in helping young entrepreneurs turn ideas into tangible outcomes.
The summit also offered networking opportunities, enabling attendees to connect with experienced entrepreneurs and potential collaborators.
Organisers said the event aimed not only to educate participants but also to cultivate a mindset of resilience, creativity and pride in Cambodian heritage.
“Only in unity are we strong”, the Business Society Youth Club stated in a release, highlighting their commitment to fostering entrepreneurship while promoting Khmer culture.
The club hopes the summit will become an annual platform for knowledge-sharing and empowerment, attracting even broader participation from students, emerging business leaders and the public in future editions.
