For this week’s interview, Junior Communications Officer Henry Henderson speaks with Yannick Rithy-Romer, EuroCham Cambodia’s Membership and Annual Partnership Officer.

In the conversation, Yannick reflects on how his global background and engagement with the Cambodian diaspora shaped his decision to build a career rooted in Cambodia. He also shares insights into his role at EuroCham, his priorities in supporting members and partners, and how the chamber continues to strengthen its value for the business community while contributing to Cambodia’s economic development.

Henry: You grew up in a multicultural environment and have worked across Cambodia, France, and Germany. How has this international exposure shaped your career path? 

Yannick: As a proud Cambodian raised in a multicultural environment between France and Germany, this international exposure has deeply shaped my career path and professional choices. Growing up across different cultures taught me from an early age how to navigate diverse cultural, economic, and business environments with adaptability, openness, and empathy. 

Although I did not grow up in Cambodia, I have always looked toward the country as a place of opportunity and purpose. From a young age, I aspired to build my future in Cambodia and contribute to its development. Through my strong involvement with the Cambodian diaspora in Europe, particularly via community and youth engagement, I have remained closely connected to Cambodia. 

I have served as Vice-President of Yuvachun France for the past four years, as part of an international Cambodian youth network headquartered in Phnom Penh and present across several countries in Europe and Asia. The network connects Cambodia to the world and the world to Cambodia through cultural promotion, student support, and international cooperation. This experience strengthened my commitment to bridging communities and fostering meaningful connections. I continue to actively support initiatives that link Cambodian communities worldwide with local youth in Cambodia. 

Altogether, these experiences have shaped who I am today and confirmed my decision to pursue an international career rooted in Cambodia, joining the country directly after completing my studies. 

 
Henry: After completing your master’s in management at SKEMA and gaining experience in both private and public sectors, what drew you to EuroCham Cambodia? 

Yannick: EuroCham Cambodia naturally aligned with my academic background and professional aspirations. After completing my master’s studies in France and gaining professional experience across Cambodia, France, and Germany, I was looking for a role that could fully leverage my international European background while allowing me to contribute meaningfully to Cambodia’s business landscape. 

I have a strong conviction that a resilient and well-supported private sector plays a key role in a country’s sustainable development and continued growth. EuroCham stands precisely at the intersection of these dimensions. Its mission to support European businesses while actively contributing to Cambodia’s economic development strongly resonated with my personal background and my long-term interest in fostering sustainable, cross-border partnerships, as well as promoting Cambodia as an attractive investment destination. 

Henry: You joined EuroCham in 2025. What have been your main priorities in your first months, particularly in engaging members and annual partners?  

Yannick: Since joining EuroCham in 2025, my main priorities have been to strengthen relationships with our members and annual partners, ensure clear and transparent communication, and better understand their expectations and challenges. Improving onboarding for new members, maintaining regular dialogue with existing ones, and ensuring that partners clearly see the value of their engagement with EuroCham have been central to my approach. 

2025 has been a particularly challenging year for the private sector in Cambodia. In this context, I have focused on supporting our members and the wider business community in building resilience through the European business network. This includes helping members expand their networks, increase their visibility and influence through the work of our dedicated sectoral committees, deepen their market knowledge, and make effective use of the full range of benefits offered by EuroCham membership. Building trust and fostering long-term, value-driven relationships have remained key priorities throughout this period. 

 
Henry: As Membership and Annual Partnership Officer, have there been any initiatives or events you have organised so far to support and engage EuroCham members? 

Yannick: While many initiatives at EuroCham are collaborative by nature, I have placed strong emphasis on creating dedicated moments of engagement for our members and partners. One of the key initiatives I have organised is the quarterly New Member Welcome Breakfast, designed to warmly onboard new members, introduce them to the EuroCham ecosystem, and encourage early engagement within our business community.  

In addition, I organised an exclusive Annual Partners Dinner in December, dedicated to thanking our valued and loyal partners for their continued support throughout 2025. This event serves as a moment of appreciation, dialogue, and relationship-building with our key stakeholders. 

 
Henry: Are there any upcoming initiatives or events that members and partners should keep on their radar? 

Yannick: Members and partners can look forward to continued and enhanced engagement in the months ahead. As the dedicated point of contact for our members, I will continue to prioritie day-to-day support by remaining available to connect, assist with inquiries, facilitate introductions, and help members make the most of their EuroCham membership.   

EuroCham will continue to roll out new initiatives designed to strengthen community engagement and sector-specific dialogue. This includes the launch of new sectoral committee afterworks, providing informal yet impactful platforms for members to connect, exchange insights, and discuss key industry challenges and opportunities. These initiatives will complement our existing events, advocacy activities, and committee work, ensuring that members and partners remain closely involved in shaping EuroCham’s priorities. 

Through sustained engagement, targeted events, and strong collaboration with our committees and partners, EuroCham will continue to create meaningful value for its members while supporting a dynamic and resilient business environment in Cambodia. 

 
Henry: Going forward, how do you see EuroCham adding greater value for its members and contribute to Cambodia’s economic development? 

Yannick: Looking ahead, EuroCham will continue to add value by acting as a trusted platform for dialogue, advocacy, and collaboration. By providing timely policy insights, facilitating meaningful connections, and supporting sustainable business practices, EuroCham plays a key role in strengthening the European business community in Cambodia. 

As we look toward 2026, there is shared optimism that it will be a stronger year for the business environment. Major international events such as the Francophonie Summit and EU Week in May will place Cambodia in the international spotlight, helping to attract new European and international companies to invest in the country. EuroCham will actively support these opportunities, not only by promoting Cambodia as an attractive investment destination, but also by ensuring that local businesses benefit from increased visibility, partnerships, and knowledge exchange. 

Through responsible investment promotion, skills development, and sustained public–private cooperation, EuroCham will continue to contribute meaningfully to Cambodia’s economic development, benefiting both the business community and the wider economy.