Branded Residences Take Centre Stage at EuroCham’s Real Estate Forum
EuroCham Cambodia’s Real Estate & Construction Committee successfully convened industry leaders, global experts, and government representatives on November 19, 2025, for “The Rise of the Branded Residence: A New Era in Real Estate Investment", held at the Shangri-La Phnom Penh. The packed event reflected growing momentum behind branded residences, an asset class rapidly reshaping luxury real estate markets worldwide and emerging as a transformative opportunity for Cambodia.
The afternoon opened with remarks from Charles Amar, Vice-Chairperson of the Committee, who expanded on the definition of branded residences and underscored their significance for Cambodia today, noting how they align with the country’s development priorities and investment trends. He was followed by H.E. Ny Phaly, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Tourism, who emphasised the alignment between branded residences and the country’s broader tourism and investment strategies, noting their potential to elevate Cambodia’s positioning as a premium destination for global investors and high-end visitors.
“In Cambodia, we have seen the first wave of this movement with three projects that have already been announced: The Ritz Carlton to be developed by Royal Group, Somerset Diamond Bay to be developed by OCIC and the Wyndham Garden by UC Group,” said Charles Amar. “These three projects will all be developed in Phnom Penh but of course there are other opportunities for Siem Reap, Sihanoukville or other provinces.”
These are early signals that our market is ready to align with global expectations for service, design and investment performance. Today’s forum is more than an exchange of ideas — it’s an invitation to explore how branded residences can shape the future of real estate in Cambodia. By combining global best practices with local authenticity, we can ensure that branded residences in Cambodia are not just branded, but truly distinctive, sustainable and successful projects. Cambodia is now writing its next chapter in urban living.
The program brought global expertise to Phnom Penh, beginning with an in-depth market update from Riyan Itani, Founder and Director of Global Branded Residences, who shared the latest international trends and the structural drivers behind the surge in brand-affiliated residential developments. His insights were complemented by Michael Ayling, Group Managing Director of Brand Atlas, who offered a Southeast Asia–focused perspective on how branded residences have matured into a sophisticated and resilient luxury asset class, driven by rising investor expectations, professional management standards, and the security of globally recognised brands.
Two dynamic panel discussions explored the investment potential and design foundations of successful branded residential projects. In the first, moderated by Amar, representatives from Frasers Hospitality, the Cambodia Hotel Association, Global Branded Residences, and Brand Atlas examined why more global brands are entering the residential sector and how Cambodian developers can capitalise on this trend. Speakers highlighted the premium that branded residences command, their stronger price resilience, and their importance in attracting international buyers seeking quality assurance.
The second panel, moderated by Richard Stevens, Group CEO of Sectorlight, shifted the focus to design excellence and brand experience. Panelists from Sectorlight, Santhaya, The One Atelier, and Archetype Group discussed how branding, storytelling, and design coherence shape the lifestyle experience that distinguishes these developments. They emphasised that meticulous design, from materials and spatial layouts to amenities and service models, is fundamental to sustaining long-term value and market appeal.
In his closing remarks, Michel Cassagnes, Chairperson of the Real Estate & Construction Committee, underscored the vital role of innovation, global best practices, and public–private cooperation in elevating Cambodia’s real estate sector. He emphasised that branded residences represent not only an emerging trend, but also a catalyst for higher standards across design, development, and investment models in the Kingdom.
The event concluded with a lively networking reception, where developers, investors, architects, hotel operators, and legal professionals continued exchanging ideas and exploring collaboration opportunities. The strong turnout and rich discussions underscored the growing appetite for knowledge, partnership, and innovation as Cambodia steps into a new era of real estate investment.
This press release was supplied.