PHNOM PENH (BERNAMA) – A new generation of young and industrious Malaysian entrepreneurs is turning Cambodia into a test bed to forge new and exciting careers in its modern economy.
Equipped with strong academic qualifications and multiple skills, the market-ready professionals and non-professionals are exploring the Southeast Asian market to shape their career path.
Established companies and aspiring individuals from financial, tax advisory, manufacturing, information technology, public relations, food and beverage and social media have invested in the Kingdom.
But the fundamental groundwork for the present-day career journey was paved by some older Malaysian entrepreneurs, even before the new generation arrived. “I believe that the early investors, including Malaysia, have contributed constructively and significantly, and continue to contribute, to the development of Cambodia.
“I believe that these early investors, through their determined presence and success in Cambodia, provided the confidence and impetus to later investors to invest in the country,” Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia Shaharuddin Onn said at the 67th Malaysia Day delayed reception recently.
The veteran Malaysian investors boldly explored Phnom Penh at a time when Cambodians were still struggling with the aftermath of the civil war and Cambodia did not flicker on many foreigners’ radar.
Some of the brave men who are in their late 60s or 70s now arrived in Cambodia in the early 90s after the end of the conflict to sell soft drinks, mosquito coils and cleaning detergents, and even started restaurants serving Malaysian cuisines, a few are still surviving in the city after three decades.
Today some 5,000 Malaysians work and live in Cambodia and have gladly made it their second home.
