Cambodia: : 25 Years of Impact, Dr. Pung Kheav Se and OCIC’s Legacy

OCIC Group, under the leadership of Dr Pung Kheav Se, has played an important role in Cambodia's urban transformation over the past 25 years, shaping the national landscape through large-scale infrastructure, real estate and public development projects, including the Kingdom's new international gateway, Techo International Airport.

Dr Pung Kheav SE

Techo International Airport (TIA) is rapidly taking shape, marking a key milestone in Cambodian infrastructure. Recently, top business leaders from the American, French and European chambers of commerce visited the site ahead of this year’s opening, emphasising Cambodia’s growing capabilities in large-scale development.

Developed by Cambodia Airport Investment, Co. Ltd., a joint venture between OCIC and SSCA, this project reflects the hard work of Lok Neak Oknha Dr. Pung Kheav Se and his leadership capabilities in building and completing mega projects.

“Our goal has always been to build beyond today’s landscape, creating a foundation for future generations. Every project we undertake is a step toward a stronger, more connected Cambodia,” Lok Neak Oknha Dr. Pung Kheav Se says.

Entrepreneur

After immigrating to Quebec during the Cambodian civil war, Dr. Pung Kheav Se began his career as a salesman, then opened a goldsmith's shop in Montreal, where he learned French. Returning to the Kingdom in the 1990s, he founded Canadia Bank and developed financial activities, a necessity given the lack of services of this type in the country.

His activities quickly grew and made him a forerunner in this field, enabling him to pursue his development and expand his investments. In 2000, he created OCIC Group with the ambition of contributing to national reconstruction.

From urban development to major infrastructure projects

OCIC began its career developing real estate projects across Cambodia such as Borey Chamkarmon and Rose Garden. Over time, the group diversified into new sectors, including education, agriculture, hospitality, entertainment and health, followed by a number of other projects.

Property developments

More than 10,000 residential homes and numerous commercial complexes to meet the growing needs of Cambodians.

Koh Pich and urban development

Once a swamp, Koh Pich has been transformed into a dynamic district along the Mekong River in the heart of Phnom Penh. Since its launch in 2006, the district has become a bustling business centre, home to more than 1,000 companies including Legrand, Nestlé, Unilever, CMA CGM and AIA, as well as restaurant chains such as Starbucks, BreadTalk, Koi Thé and Kyō Shabu.

Koh Pich marks the beginning of major urban projects developed by OCIC, laying the foundations for subsequent projects including Chroy Changvar Satellite City (2011), Olympia City (2012) and Norea City (2019).

Urban green spaces

Development of parks and public spaces such as Coconut Park and Norea Parkway, Coconut Park Norea, Cambodian Cultural Village, creating attractive living spaces that now attract tens of thousands of visitors.

Wedding halls, theatres, concerts, exhibitions and international forums

The group's facilities host a wide range of events. The ASEAN 2022 Summit was held in the Chroy Changvar exhibition halls, with former US President Joe Biden and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Public infrastructure

Construction of roads and bridges, representing nearly 80% of the capital's overhead road infrastructure, improving traffic flow and urban mobility.

25 years of growth and change

“My experience at Airbus and setting up my own companies gave me a certain vision of leadership, but watching Dr. Pung Kheav Se lead OCIC gave me a new perspective. His vision inspires all of us at OCIC to think bigger and create new opportunities,” says Thierry Tea, Vice President of OCIC Group.

One of OCIC's key strategies is to create long-term partnerships, such as the one with the Malaysian group Sunway in the property sector in the 2000s. Today, this collaborative strategy is reflected in partnerships with global leaders such as Foster + Partners, Accor, Changi Airport, Singapore Airlines and Lagardère Travel Retail. Resilience, the ability to overcome challenges and perseverance, combined with this strategic vision, are the pillars of its development.

This entrepreneurial journey has been marked by urban innovation and ground-breaking projects

From early developments such as Sorya Shopping Centre and the Canadia Tower, to the creation of key infrastructure and neighbourhoods, OCIC has generated long-term economic opportunities, created tens of thousands of jobs and developed spaces for communities and families to thrive.