Interview with Ms. Julie Kéo, DFDL's Head of the Cambodia EU Desk and EuroCham board member

For this week’s interview, Senior Communications Officer Stew Post visited the law offices of DFDL to speak with Ms. Julie Kéo, Head of the Cambodia EU Desk for the firm. Along with leading the newly formed interface between EU and Cambodian businesses, Julie also serves on the board of EuroCham and the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Cambodia (CCIFC).
The pair discussed her journey to Cambodia, upcoming milestones for DFDL, and her work supporting European businesses operating in the Kingdom. The conversation then turned to her passionate advocacy for gender equality in the workplace and outdoor pastimes.
Stew: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, how you came to work in Cambodia and in what areas you specialise at DFDL?
Julie: My name is Julie, I am French Cambodian (and very proud to be) and I’ve been living in Cambodia for almost 10 years. My background is legal, I have a master’s degree in international business law and a master’s degree in political sciences. My area of expertise is corporate and real estate. After several years working in a law firm in Paris, I wanted to explore Asia, so I applied for an internship at DFDL and I am today the Head of DFDL Cambodia European Desk. I’m also a Eurocham and CCIFC board member and I am very pleased to be running for the next Eurocham’s elections in March!
DFDL is a regional law and tax firm, we have 10 offices in the region. We have been advising foreign and national firms in Cambodia since 1995 through a commercial collaboration with Sarin & Associates, a Cambodian law firm. We are celebrating our 30th anniversary this year! So, we will organise a huge party!
Stew: Last time we spoke was in November 2022. What have you been up to for the past two years? Have there been any major changes in your life and career?
Julie: I’ve been recently promoted as the Head of the Cambodia EU Desk, I’m working closely with Guillaume Massin, our previous Managing Director who is the Head of the EU Desk of the Group. He’s now based in France so it’s complementary: he’s closer to European businesses, while I’m on the ground with first-hand knowledge of local market and business opportunities.
Together our two roles ensure that both ends (Europe and Cambodia) are well presented and aligned to ensure bilateral relations. Our EU Desk provides comprehensive business advisory services to European companies who are exploring opportunities in the Kingdom. We assist European investors in understanding the Cambodian business environment and facilitating seamless investment processes. And for that, we collaborate closely with European Trade Delegations, European Business Chambers in Cambodia, and regional partners to effectively promote and support European investments in Cambodia. I am very proud to help promote my country internationally.
Our last conversation was also shortly after you were elected to EuroCham's Board of Directors. What have been some the most significant developments at the Chamber over the past two years?
Julie: Recently, I collaborated with the Italian Chamber of Commerce (ITACHAM) on their Bylaws and am currently working on the Bylaws for the Real Estate and Construction Committee. Working on these documents requires a deep understanding of the needs and objectives of both ITACHAM and the Committee to draft provisions that will benefit our members for years to come. What I like is that it’s an investment in the future—ensuring a positive impact on Cambodia’s business landscape.
I’m happy to contribute my contract drafting skills for the benefit of the members and the committee!
What I also like the most is having the opportunity to be closer to public institutions and international organisations, which allows me to better understand the challenges of the market. I think the first event that truly changed my perception of the Cambodian market was the Gender Equality event, where I was a speaker. Through my research to prepare for the event, I learned so much about the situation in my country and drew parallels to my own experiences as a businesswoman in a business community.
These discussions with various stakeholders from both the private and public sectors really shifted my perspective. As I continue to grow in this business community, I feel more confident responding to inappropriate comments. I've learned to channel my knowledge and experience into constructive conversations, helping to raise awareness about the importance of inclusivity and most importantly respect in professional spaces. In a way, I’ve made gender equality a central focus of my role as the only woman on the board.
Stew: Do you have any hobbies or passions that people might not expect?
Julie: There’s a wonderful community of cat and dog lovers dedicated to trapping, neutering, vaccinating, and returning (TNVR) strays to help control the population. This work is essential for public health, ensuring a healthier stray population, preventing the heartbreaking sight of animals suffering on the streets, and combating the cat and dog meat trade in Cambodia. TNVR is my weekend hobby—along with badminton, yoga and Age of Mythology.
If I had to show what’s in my bag, you’d definitely find cat food! I can get a little carried away when talking about this passion but my goal in discussing it is to raise awareness about the need for volunteers and to promote animal welfare.
I also have a deep love for Cambodian wildlife. Whenever I get the chance, I visit the Cardamon Tented Camp and the Wildlife Alliance’s Release Station, both sites are managed by The Wildlife Alliance. One of the most magical experiences of my life was staying at the Wildlife Release Station in Koh Kong—it was truly unforgettable.