Top 10 Richest People in Cambodia: An In-Depth Look with Latest Update.
Cambodia, a country with a growing economy, is home to some of the wealthiest individuals in Southeast Asia. These tycoons have amassed their fortunes through diverse industries ranging from banking and real estate to agriculture and telecommunications. Here, we take a closer look at the top 10 richest people in Cambodia, exploring their business ventures and the contributions they have made to the country’s economic landscape.
1. Kith Meng – The Royal Group
Kith Meng, often referred to as one of the most influential business magnates in Cambodia, is the Chairman and CEO of the Royal Group, one of the largest and most diversified investment companies in Cambodia. The Royal Group has interests in numerous sectors, including telecommunications, transportation, energy, media, banking and finance, insurance, real estate, education, and agriculture.
Kith Meng’s success story began with his strategic investments in telecommunications, most notably with the acquisition of Mobitel, Cambodia’s leading mobile network operator. He expanded the company’s portfolio into other areas, including media with CTN, Cambodia’s first 24-hour news channel, and banking through acquisitions and partnerships. Under his leadership, the Royal Group continues to be a major player in the Cambodian economy, driving growth and innovation across multiple sectors.
2. Pung Khav Se – Canadia Bank and OCIC
Pung Khav Se is the Chairman of Canadia Bank, one of Cambodia’s oldest and largest commercial banks, and the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC), a leading real estate development company. His fortune is largely derived from banking and real estate investments, particularly through OCIC, which has spearheaded several large-scale real estate projects in Phnom Penh.
OCIC’s most notable projects include Koh Pich (Diamond Island), a prime residential and commercial development; Chroy Changvar Satellite City, an ambitious mixed-use project on the outskirts of Phnom Penh; and the Olympia City development, a large-scale urban project around the Olympic Stadium area. These projects have transformed Phnom Penh’s skyline and have significantly contributed to the city’s urban development. Pung Khav Se’s business acumen has not only made him one of Cambodia’s wealthiest individuals but also a key figure in the country’s economic development.
3. Lok Chumteav Neak Okha Pheap Heak – Chip Mong Group
Madame Pheap Heak, also known as Her Excellency Onha Madame Pheak Hak, is the Chairman of the Chip Mong Group, a conglomerate with a diverse range of business interests including construction, beverages, consumer products, and banking. The company is known for its high-end housing projects and commercial developments, as well as its role in the beverage industry through Khmer Brewery, which produces some of Cambodia’s most popular beer brands.
Chip Mong Group has also ventured into banking with the establishment of Chip Mong Bank, focusing on providing accessible financial services to Cambodians. Madame Pheap Heak, along with her two sons, Oknha Leang Meng and Oknha Leang Khun, has successfully steered the company to new heights, making it a significant player in Cambodia’s economic landscape.
4. Lok Chumteav Oknha Lim Chhiv Ho – Attwood Import Export Co. Ltd
Lim Chhiv Ho, a prominent businesswoman in Cambodia, is the founder of Attwood Import Export Co., Ltd., a leading company in the import and export of premium products. The company is particularly known for importing high-end alcoholic beverages, including brands like Johnnie Walker and Hennessy, which are popular in Cambodia’s growing luxury market.
Beyond the beverage industry, Attwood has invested in several special economic zones, including those in Phnom Penh and Poipet. These zones are critical for job creation and attracting foreign investment, contributing to Cambodia’s economic growth. Lim Chhiv Ho’s business ventures have made her a significant figure in the Cambodian economy, known for her contributions to the trade and investment sectors.
5. Ly Yong Phat – L.Y.P Group
Ly Yong Phat, often called the “King of Koh Kong,” is the founder and chairman of the L.Y.P Group, a conglomerate with diverse interests including hospitality, agriculture, infrastructure, and media. Starting in the 1990s, Ly Yong Phat built his empire in Koh Kong province, where he invested heavily in tourism, establishing hotels and resorts that cater to both local and international tourists.
L.Y.P Group is also involved in large-scale agricultural projects, including sugar and rubber plantations, and has expanded into real estate with investments in special economic zones and satellite cities. The group’s media arm includes PNN, one of Cambodia’s largest television stations, which has further solidified Ly Yong Phat’s influence in the country.
6. Sok Kong: Sokimex Investment Group
Sok Kong is the founder of Sokimex Investment Group, one of Cambodia’s largest conglomerates with business interests in petroleum, real estate, tourism, and manufacturing. The company is best known for its Sokha Hotels and Resorts, a chain of luxury hotels located in some of Cambodia’s most popular tourist destinations, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville.
In addition to hospitality, Sokimex has a significant presence in the petroleum sector, with extensive storage and distribution networks across the country. Sok Kong’s ability to diversify his business interests has made Sokimex a household name in Cambodia and has earned him a place among the wealthiest in the nation.
7. Mong Reththy – Mong Reththy Group
Mong Reththy is the Chairman of Mong Reththy Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in agriculture, real estate, and logistics. The company is a major player in the agricultural sector, with extensive palm oil plantations and a large-scale animal feed factory. Mong Reththy Group is also involved in real estate development, particularly in coastal areas like Sihanoukville, where it has developed port facilities and other infrastructure.
The group’s agricultural ventures extend beyond palm oil to include rubber plantations, mango farms, and rice production, reflecting Mong Reththy’s commitment to leveraging Cambodia’s natural resources for economic growth. His strategic investments in agriculture and infrastructure have solidified his status as one of Cambodia’s leading business figures.
8. Sear Rithy – WorldBridge Group
Sear Rithy is a self-made businessman who started with a small logistics company and grew it into the WorldBridge Group, a conglomerate with investments in real estate, logistics, and financial services. WorldBridge is known for its luxury real estate developments, including The Bridge and The Peak, two high-rise condominium projects in Phnom Penh that have attracted significant investment and interest.
Under Sear Rithy’s leadership, the company has also ventured into affordable housing projects, catering to Cambodia’s growing middle class and low-income population. His vision and business acumen have made WorldBridge a key player in Cambodia’s real estate sector, and he continues to expand his business interests across the region.
9. Ly Hour – Ly Hour Group
Ly Hour is the founder of the Ly Hour Group, a conglomerate with diverse interests including microfinance, real estate, and jewelry. The group operates Ly Hour Pawnshop and Ly Hour Microfinance Institution, both of which provide critical financial services to Cambodia’s underserved populations.
Ly Hour Group also has a strong presence in the real estate sector, with developments such as Borey Vimean Phnom Penh, a residential project that caters to Cambodia’s growing demand for quality housing. Additionally, the group’s involvement in the jewelry business has made it a well-known brand among Cambodian consumers.
10. Sam Ang – Vattanac Investment
Sam Ang is the CEO of Vattanac Investment, a conglomerate with a strong presence in the real estate and banking sectors. The company is best known for its iconic Vattanac Tower, a skyscraper in Phnom Penh that serves as a symbol of Cambodia’s modern development. Vattanac Investment also owns Vattanac Bank, which provides a range of financial services to both corporate and retail clients.
In addition to real estate and banking, Vattanac Investment has interests in agriculture and manufacturing, further diversifying its business portfolio. Sam Ang’s strategic investments and business acumen have made him a prominent figure in Cambodia’s business community, and his company continues to play a significant role in the country’s economic development.
Other Notable Wealthy Cambodians
Beyond the top 10, Cambodia is home to several other wealthy individuals who have made significant contributions to the country’s economy. These include Sy Kong Triv, Kok An, Lao Meng Khin, and Yeay Phu, who have amassed their fortunes through diverse business interests ranging from agriculture to manufacturing and real estate.
Conclusion
The wealthiest individuals in Cambodia have not only accumulated substantial personal fortunes but have also played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s economic landscape. Through their diverse business interests and strategic investments, they have contributed to the growth and development of various sectors, from real estate and banking to agriculture and manufacturing. As Cambodia continues to grow, these tycoons will likely remain key figures in driving the country’s economic success.