The recently inaugurated Morodok Techo Interchange marks another milestone in Phnom Penh’s growing infrastructure network. Built by the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC), the project is a reflection of the group’s ongoing commitment to Cambodia’s urban development and modernisation.
OCIC’s founder, Pung Kheav Se, is one of the most prominent and active investors in Cambodia. His decades-long business journey highlights a consistent dedication to building for the country’s future. Returning from Canada in 1990, Pung Kheav Se came back with a strong ambition to contribute to Cambodia’s recovery and long-term growth following years of instability.
His first venture, the Canadia Gold & Trust Corporation, was established in 1991. This early step laid the foundation for the launch of Canadia Bank in 1993—now one of the country’s leading financial institutions. From those early beginnings, Pung Kheav Se has built a legacy through perseverance and a long-term vision, navigating both opportunities and challenges along the way.
Building Impact for Cambodians
Canadia Bank introduced modern banking services at a time when Cambodia was re-establishing its presence in the global economy. As the country reconnected with international markets, the bank played a pivotal role in facilitating cross-border transactions, supporting trade, and attracting foreign investment. Its collaboration with institutions such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC) further strengthened its position as a trusted financial partner in Cambodia’s economic recovery and integration.
Throughout its history, Canadia Bank has demonstrated resilience, withstanding two major global economic crises while continuing to provide essential banking services to individuals, businesses, and public institutions. Today, it stands as the largest locally owned bank in Cambodia, with total assets exceeding USD 7 billion—a testament to its growth and stability.
In 2000, Mr. Pung Kheav Se founded the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) with a vision to inspire Cambodians living abroad to return home, invest, and contribute to national development. The company soon expanded its focus into real estate, infrastructure, and comprehensive urban development. OCIC has since been at the forefront of major transformative projects in Phnom Penh, with an emphasis on creating infrastructure that generates long-term economic value.
“We see investment as a way to build infrastructure, enable development, and create opportunities for future growth,” says Lok Neak Oknha Dr. Pung Kheav Se, underlining his enduring commitment to Cambodia’s progress.
Urban Development at Scale
Over the years, OCIC has been behind some of Phnom Penh’s most recognisable and transformative developments. Among its early landmarks is the Canadia Tower, Cambodia’s first skyscraper, which became a symbol of the country’s economic resurgence. Another major project was Sorya Center Point, one of the capital’s first modern shopping malls, which introduced a new retail experience to Cambodian consumers.
OCIC’s vision has also shaped entire urban districts. Developments such as Koh Pich (Diamond Island), Olympia City, Norea City, and Chroy Changvar Satellite City represent a new phase in Phnom Penh’s urban planning. These large-scale, mixed-use projects integrate residential, commercial, and public infrastructure, designed to enhance connectivity, improve accessibility, and promote a more organised and liveable capital city.
To support Phnom Penh’s rapid urban growth, OCIC has invested heavily in critical transport and mobility infrastructure. This includes the construction of the Koh Norea and Russey Keo bridges, as well as an expanding network of elevated roads and flyovers. These projects have played an important role in easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity across the capital, enabling smoother movement for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Beyond transport, OCIC has also made significant contributions to Cambodia’s industrial development. In 1997, the company established one of Phnom Penh’s first industrial parks, spanning 30 hectares. This zone supported both local entrepreneurs and foreign investors, particularly in the garment manufacturing sector, which remains a cornerstone of the Cambodian economy. Building on that success, OCIC launched a second, much larger industrial park in Kampong Speu in 2018. Covering 500 hectares, this facility supports a broader range of industries, helping to drive manufacturing, logistics, and economic diversification in line with Cambodia’s long-term development goals.
Looking to the future, OCIC is spearheading one of the country’s most ambitious infrastructure projects—the Techo International Airport (KTI). Designed by the globally renowned British architecture firm Foster + Partners, the airport has already gained international attention, with CNN featuring it as one of the world’s architectural landmarks to watch in 2025. Once operational, the new airport is expected to significantly enhance Cambodia’s regional connectivity and play a central role in supporting the Kingdom’s emergence as a dynamic economic hub in Southeast Asia.
Investing in Human Development
Parallel to its physical infrastructure projects, OCIC has also placed a strong emphasis on investing in Cambodia’s human capital. One of its key healthcare initiatives is Intercare Hospital, launched to enhance access to quality medical services in Phnom Penh. The hospital has partnered with Thailand’s renowned Bumrungrad Hospital to bring top international specialists in fields such as urology, cardiology, and other advanced medical disciplines closer to Cambodian patients, helping to raise the standard of care locally.
In the field of education, OCIC continues to invest in developing the next generation of Cambodian talent. CamTech University, part of the group’s education portfolio, was established with a focus on science, technology, and innovation. In line with Cambodia’s goals for technical advancement, the university recently signed a partnership with WCC-ATC, a leading aviation training centre from the Philippines. This collaboration aims to train young Cambodians in aviation-related fields—from aircraft mechanics to engineering—equipping them with practical skills and reducing reliance on foreign expertise.
CamTech also engages with a broad network of partners, including UNESCAP, Khmer Enterprise, Impact Hub, and Smart Axiata. These collaborations help expand the university’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, offering students greater opportunities to engage in applied learning and venture creation.
Across his ventures, Mr. Pung Kheav Se has contributed significantly to employment and skill development in Cambodia. Canadia Group, under his leadership, has created over 20,000 direct jobs, with many more generated indirectly across its extensive operations. This impact is seen not only in economic terms but also in the creation of long-term career pathways for Cambodians across sectors including banking, healthcare, education, real estate, and infrastructure.
Over the past 35 years, Mr. Pung has built one of Cambodia’s most influential and diversified business groups—Canadia Group. Its portfolio spans banking, insurance, real estate, hotels, schools, hospitals, exhibition and convention centres, shopping malls, night markets, and more. Beginning his journey as a banker, Mr. Pung has transformed into a visionary builder, bringing the same commitment and drive he had when he returned to Cambodia in 1990. Today, his approach continues to centre on long-term value creation, reinvesting locally, and helping to lay a strong foundation for a more connected and prosperous Cambodia—offering future generations a platform to grow, build, and innovate.
