PHNOM PENH: On Monday, April 6, 2026, His Excellency Oknha Nguon Meng Tech, Director General of the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce (CCC), presided over a specialized workshop titled “Global Education Pathways for Business Owner Families.” Co-organized with E-School Cambodia and featuring experts from ANIBT Australia and iSkills Hub, the event focused on a critical pillar of private sector growth: viewing international education as a strategic capital investment for long-term business sustainability.
In his opening remarks, His Excellency Oknha Nguon Meng Tech redefined the traditional view of schooling, labeling international education for the next generation as a primary strategic investment. He emphasized that global exposure in world-class environments, such as Australia, equips successors with the specific mindset and international skills required to modernize family enterprises. This development of human resources is not merely a family matter but a vital contribution to Cambodia’s national vision of achieving high-income status by 2050.
His Excellency further noted that while building a successful business is difficult, ensuring its survival across generations is the far greater challenge. He identified the lack of succession planning and the failure to facilitate “knowledge inheritance” as the primary risks facing family businesses today. Consequently, investing in a child’s education must be treated as a crucial factor in all business considerations to ensure the legacy remains sustainable.
Dr. Chandren Selvadass, Executive Director of ANIBT Malaysia, provided deeper insights into the specific returns on education for business families. He argued that for these families, education is not simply about obtaining a degree; it is about preparing the next generation to be responsible, decisive leaders capable of managing global complexities. Dr. Selvadass warned that leadership does not arise automatically through lineage but must be earned through a developed understanding of the world, maturity, and an international perspective.
The Doctor also highlighted that sending children into international environments without proper preparation is a mistake that can lead to significant financial and personal costs. He stressed that a well-thought-out educational foundation is essential for the future of both the individual children and the family institution as a whole, ensuring they can maintain their family legacy with wisdom and confidence.
The seminar concluded with a detailed discussion on the necessary foundations for training and sending students to study abroad, particularly in Australia. A representative from E-School Cambodia presented their specialized six-month foundation program, sharing successful experiences from various countries to illustrate how structured preparation leads to academic and professional success. The workshop reinforced the message that for members of the Chamber of Commerce, the investment in global education is the most reliable insurance policy for the future of Cambodian commerce.