Business Networking in Cambodia

When doing business in Cambodia, as with any country, effective networking is a very good way to get ahead. This is a small country with a relatively compact business community, and the expat community is even smaller again. This can easily be used to your advantage as it does not take long to make good friends, useful acquaintances and meet potential clients.

There is a wide range of regular events, membership organisations and online networks which present perfect opportunities to make those critical connections that will unlock doors for your business.

Here, B2B will point you in the right direction to give you a headstart on your networking journey.

Updated April 2020

Networking Tips for Cambodia

  • The simple question “What do you do here?” is an easy opener to begin a conversation in Cambodia. It may well be more normal in Cambodia to walk up to strangers and introduce yourself than it is in other parts of the world.
  • Remember that, despite a huge diversity of backgrounds, you have one thing in common with all foreign workers: You may be new in town, but so were they at some point.
  • Business card exchanges are a fundamental part of any networking or introduction, so get prepared and always have some of your own easily at hand.
  • Be sure to pass the card with both hands, with the information on the card facing the recipient.
  • If you have a double-sided card, with English on one side and Khmer on the other, pass it with the appropriate language facing upwards.
  • Upon receipt of a business card, it is considered polite to read it thoroughly and to store it for future use in a considerate manner. Carelessly shoving someone’s card in your pocket suggests that you’ll do business the same way and won’t be appreciated.
  • When writing Cambodian names, the traditional order is the family name first, followed by the person’s given name. Western influence has, however, meant that in some cases the order is reversed which can lead to considerable confusion. So don’t be embarrassed to ask for clarification if you’re unsure.
  • When referring to a Cambodian person, it’s common practice to use their given name, prefixed by the appropriate term of reference, for example, Mr. Heng Ly, Chairman of The Cat Appreciation Club Cambodia.
  • There is no shortage of networking events in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in particular. Some events require invitations but most have a nominal fee to join.
  • There are also some industry-specific events, and are likely to draw people with common interests in a relaxed environment, and joining one of the many business chambers will get you regular access to your compatriots.
  • Internations, a members-only organisation, also hosts regular events – visit their website at for more details.
  • In 2011, the Cambodian Women’s Entrepreneur Association (CWEA) was created to bolster women’s position in the business world and to provide networking opportunities.
  • Industry networking is a developing aspect of the Cambodian business environment. More and more business chambers, industry organisations and professional associations are being created, many of which hold regular meetings and networking events.
  • Organisations such as BritCham Cambodia, AmCham Cambodia, AusCham, and EuroCham Cambodia, are the main chambers that offer regular networking events, invitations to meet with trade delegations and seminars on pertinent business topics.
  • Further information about these organisations can be found in the Business Chambers and Organisations section.
  • Realestate.com.kh hosts the biggest property lifestyle and property expo in Cambodia.
  • Some industries also hold industry-specific awards gala events such as Media, Agency or Property Awards.
  • NGOs and Fundraisers also have events to meet people, and a chance to support a worthy cause while you do it.
  • Don’t forget that any social event is a networking opportunity.
  • There also exhibition launches at venues such as Meta House, The Factory or Java Café, Nerd Nights’, countless open mic nights if you are musically inclined, sporting teams and events, and loads of other fun events popping up by the day, where you’re bound to find someone interesting to talk to.
  • Websites such as ours, Expat Advisory and Leng Pleng, as well as several Facebook groups (What’s On Phnom Penh), are good sources of information about events that are happening around Phnom Penh and beyond.
  • Keep an eye also on the daily English-language newspapers such as The Phnom Penh Post, and the Khmer Times for event listings and the obligatory post-event picture roundups. Since around 2018, the number of printed magazines and newspapers started dwindling as digital content was embraced. Former publications include Asia Life and The Advisor.
  • Online networking tools shouldn’t be overlooked. Facebook and LinkedIn are just as popular in Cambodia as elsewhere in the world, and useful for making contact again after an initial meeting. 
  • Facebook Groups remains one of the most powerful tools in the Kingdom but new social media and business marketing tools are used to communicate such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Line and more.
  • There are some informal online expat groups but they don’t always last if they are hosted by an expat that moves on from Cambodia.
  • The Cambodia Parent Network is a Yahoo group with more than 2,500 expats (not all of them are parents). As of 2020, these groups are winding down due to changes in the Yahoo policies on groups
  • Khmer440 is a popular online Cambodia expat forum that skews to the older male Phnom Penh expat crowd, however, it’s a great source of information for any niggling questions you may have about Cambodia.
  • Coastal towns, such as Sihanoukville, Kep and Kampot and the other provinces have smaller fluctuating expat communities and may be more disconnected as a result. Facebook is still the most prevalent means of networking there.
  • More Groups focussing on Cambodian women’s entrepreneurs such as CWEA, SHE Investments, WIG (Women’s International Group Cambodia) and others have formed to meetups relevant to women in the business world and to provide networking opportunities.
  • Many more business incubators, angel investors and tech hubs now operate in Cambodia and hold a range of training, networking events and mentor programs.
  • Technology-oriented events geared towards generating forward-thinking solutions to problems both local and global have been growing in popularity with the annual Digital Cambodia, the biggest event.
  • For start-up businesses, having like-minded professionals to discuss ideas with can be invaluable.
  • There are also a growing number of co-operative and shared working spaces as well as digital nomad groups which network and organise events.
  • Incubators and digital hubs are a great meeting point for entrepreneurs, especially in the digital space.
  • Some key innovation and tech hubs in Phnom Penh include; Impact Hub Phnom Penh, SmallWorld, Confluences, The Factory Phnom Penh.
  • Digital Cambodia, Bar Camp and TEDxPhnom Penh are both technology-oriented events geared towards generating forward-thinking solutions to problems both local and global.
  • There are also numerous sporting organisations in Cambodia that welcome expatriates. Rugby and touch rugby, tennis, badminton, football, hockey, Aussie rules, Gaelic football, ultimate frisbee, netball, cycling, dodgeball, running groups, CrossFit and the Hash House Harriers are all opportunities in Cambodia to network, socialise and exercise.
  • A number of sports have leagues but there are also informal events that you can attend throughout the year. Check local listings for times and places.
  • Major sporting events will always draw a large crowd of expats offering the perfect opportunity to make friends and contacts.
  • Embassies often hold events in Cambodia, and all its expatriate members and special guests are usually invited.
  • Some, like the US Marine Corps Ball and American Independence Day celebrations, are open to anyone who registers and buys a ticket.
  • The Swedish Embassy holds a St. Lucia party on December 13 for Swedes and Finns.
  • Other embassies are apt to mark special occasions with celebrations, such as Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, for the Americans living in Cambodia, and Australia Day celebrations for the Australians.
  • It is worth getting to know the representatives at your embassy of choice so you can receive invitations.
  • Weddings and births and funerals are important aspects of Cambodian culture, as they are in any other.
  • Receiving an invitation to attend the resulting celebration is a great honour and one not to be taken lightly.
  • The chance to participate means creating an intimate connection between yourself and a potential local business partner, client or supplier that you should not pass up.
  • You will, by attending, show great respect for all involved and develop fruitful connections at the same time.
  • Remember to offer some money as a gift to the family hosting, regardless of how well you might know them, and be prepared for some noise.
  • Remember as well, parents, your children are major networking opportunities.
  • This applies to integrating into both the Khmer and the expat communities, as young children aren’t held back by language or cultural barriers.
  • Children’s sports and school events are an excellent opportunity to network and build up contacts. You can encounter people from a variety of industries and nations on such occasions.
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