Dr. Pung Kheav Se: OCIC’s 25-Year Growth and Impact
Techo International Airport (TIA) is rapidly taking shape, marking a key milestone in Cambodian infrastructure. Recently, top business leaders from the American, French, and European chambers of commerce visited the site ahead of this year’s opening, emphasising Cambodia’s growing capabilities in large-scale development.
Developed by Cambodia Airport Investment, Co. Ltd., a joint venture between OCIC and SSCA, this project reflects the hard work of Lok Neak Oknha Dr. Pung Kheav Se and his leadership capabilities in building and completing mega projects.
“Our goal has always been to build beyond today’s landscape, creating a foundation for future generations. Every project we undertake is a step toward a stronger, more connected Cambodia.” – Lok Neak Oknha Dr. Pung Kheav Se.
The Cambodian entrepreneur began his banking career in the 1990s, launching Canadia Bank and contributing to the rebuilding of the country’s financial sector. In 2000, he launched OCIC, expanding into real estate and infrastructure, where his developments have played a major role in Cambodia’s economic growth.
From Urban Development to Major Infrastructure Projects
OCIC began its journey in the 2000s by developing real estate projects across Cambodia. One of its first projects was Borey Chamkarmon. Building on this, the group expanded its focus to infrastructure, delivering key projects such as roads, bridges, and flyovers that enhanced urban connectivity. Over time, OCIC diversified into new sectors, including education, agriculture, and healthcare, reinforcing its role in Cambodia’s economic transformation.
"After working at Airbus and running my own business ventures, I thought I knew what hard work meant. But seeing Dr. Pung Kheav Se lead OCIC has been eye-opening. His ability to manage multiple projects at once, bring new ideas to life, and drive progress is the essence of entrepreneurship. His vision pushes all of us at OCIC to think bigger and create new opportunities," said Thierry Tea, OCIC’s Vice President.
Residential Developments – Over 10,000 homes delivered to Cambodian families across various projects, consistently addressing Cambodia’s evolving housing needs and contributing to urban expansion since the 2000s.
Koh Pich and Urban Expansion – A dynamic riverside district at the heart of Phnom Penh, set along the Mekong River, Koh Pich has transformed into a growing central business district, home to over 1,000 businesses, international schools, and high-rise condominiums. With expanding retail and dining options—including soon-to-open brands like BreadTalk, Koi Thé, and Kyō Shabu—it has become a key destination for business and lifestyle. Launched in 2006, Koh Pich is now a growing Central Business District home to international companies like Unilever, Nestlé, DKSH, KPMG, Baker Tilly, Jotun, Legrand, AIA, Minebea, CMA CGM, Starbucks, or FoodPanda, as well as local Cambodian powerhouses such as Sok Siphana & Associates, AI Farm Robotics, KlapYaHandz, Orchid Hospital, and the Federation of Cambodian Startups. Koh Pich is a precursor to OCIC’s other major urban developments, setting the foundation for its subsequent projects, including Chroy Changvar Satellite City (2011), Olympia City (2012), and Norea City (2018).
Urban Green Spaces – OCIC has developed recreational areas, including Coconut Park in Koh Pich and Norea Parkway, as well as the newly soft-launched Coconut Park Norea, providing open spaces for community use. Norea Parkway, featuring Brown Cafe and Riverlight, emerges as a dynamic lifestyle destination, attracting tens of thousands of weekly visitors.
Weddings, Concerts, and Business Expos – From Koh Pich to OCIC CCV Halls, these venues have hosted tens of thousands of events, welcoming everyone from newlyweds to world leaders. The ASEAN Summit 2022 was held in Chroy Changvar's Exhibition Halls, hosting former U.S. President Joe Biden and UN Secretary General António Guterres.
Public Infrastructure – OCIC has played a pivotal role in enhancing Phnom Penh’s transportation network, constructing eight flyovers and three major bridges that make up nearly 80 per cent of the city’s elevated road and bridge infrastructure, easing congestion and improving connectivity.
25 Years of Growth: OCIC’s Milestone Achievements in Cambodia
From its early partnership with Malaysian Group Sunway for housing development in the late 2000s to collaborations with global firms like Foster + Partners, Changi Airport, Vinci Airports, SIA Engineering, Lagardère Travel Retail, and CBRE, OCIC’s growth has been shaped by resilience, learning from setbacks, and pushing forward through challenges.
This entrepreneurial journey has been defined by urban innovation and transformative projects. From early developments like Borey Bassac Garden and Canadia Tower to shaping key infrastructure and commercial districts, OCIC has built long-term economic opportunities, created tens of thousands of jobs, and developed places for communities and families to grow.
