Author: Johanna Legarta

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA – Prince Holding Group, one of the leading business groups in Cambodia, has been graciously invited by the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) to participate in the commemoration of International Mine Awareness Day and Assistance in Mine Action. 

Themed ‘Rising Stronger: Building Resilience in Mine-Affected Regions,’ the event highlights the collective efforts of ASEAN countries to address the challenges posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) both regionally and globally. 

From April 3 to April 6, this crucial conference featured ARMAC-led discussions, interactive sessions at the APOPO Visitor Center, and participation in the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority’s (CMAA) observance of International Mine Awareness Day. Participants also engaged in guided tours of active minefields by the HALO Trust, visits to the CMAC Peace Museum, and a strategic reflection session with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Sister Denise Coghlan.

Ms. Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC declared, “In challenging times, we unite to become stronger. Our commitment to mine action is not just about removing landmines but also about building resilient communities for a future free from the marks of conflict.”

The event welcomed notable figures, including H.E. Mr. Buakeo Phumvongsay, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to Cambodia, and H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice President of the CMAA, alongside representatives from ASEAN member states, Japan, and other distinguished guests.

“Prince Group reaffirms our commitment to a future where every step we take is on safe ground. Together, we turn the tide against the legacy of landmines, building a path to peace, security, and development for all,” stated Mr. Gabriel Tan, Chief Communications Officer of Prince Holding Group.

As a champion for community welfare and environmental care, Prince Group reiterates its commitment to driving sustainable change. This event aligns with their mission to secure safer, prosperous futures in mine-impacted regions, emphasizing the value of care, teamwork, and resilience.
 

About Prince Holding Group 

Prince Holding Group is one of Cambodia’s largest business groups, spanning across real estate development, financial services, and consumer services.

Prince Holding Group’s key business units in Cambodia include Prince Real Estate Group, Prince Huan Yu Real Estate Group, Prince Bank, and Awesome Global Investment Group. Via its subsidiaries, Prince Holding Group has over 100 businesses in Cambodia operating in real estate development, banking, finance, tourism, logistics, technology, food and beverages, lifestyle sectors, etc.

Leveraging a network of industrial, business, and financial professionals across Asia, Prince Holding Group is firmly committed to the long-term development of Cambodia.

Moving forward, Prince Holding Group will continue to seek out opportunities to play an important role in Cambodia through partnerships or direct investments into key industries for the betterment of Cambodians and the local economy. 

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA – Prince Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Prince Holding Group, has recently hosted the third Chen Zhi Scholarship Award Ceremony, marking a significant advancement in educational empowerment. This event celebrated the selection of 100 students who are set to begin a transformative educational journey. 

Demonstrating Prince Holding Group’s dedication to cultivating future leaders, the ceremony featured His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, as the guest of honor. He commended Neak Oknha Chen Zhi, Chairman of Prince Holding Group, for the profound impact of the scholarship program on academic excellence and career exposure since its launch in 2021. 

“Education is a transformative force for lives, communities, and our nation’s future, serving as the key to unlocking a brighter future,” stated H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron. “I encourage all students to seize this incredible opportunity provided by Prince Holding Group. Dedicate yourselves, harness the power of knowledge, and realize your dreams.” 

He also urged the Chen Zhi scholars to utilize this opportunity to enhance their education and play a pivotal role in shaping Cambodia’s future, adding, “This scholarship not only fosters confidence but also empowers you to determine your destiny and contribute significantly to Cambodia’s success.” 

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Gabriel Tan, Chief Communications Officer at Prince Holding Group, expressed appreciation for the ongoing support from the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports. He highlighted the comprehensive nature of the Chen Zhi Scholarship, stating, “The Chen Zhi Scholarship extends beyond merely covering school fees; it encompasses a complete program that facilitates students’ learning and growth. It offers valuable training from Prince employees, internship opportunities, and potential job placements post-graduation.” 

The ceremony also featured a heartfelt testimonial from Bo Lyza, a Batch 1 scholar and Year 3 student at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), majoring in Media Communications. She highlighted the program’s transformative effect, stating, “The Chen Zhi Scholarship has not only provided financial support but also fostered our growth and expanded our perspectives.” 

Another key highlight during the event is the presentation of a handcrafted watch by two graduate watchmakers from Prince Horology Vocational Training Center to H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, symbolizing the advanced skill sets developed under the mentorship of Swiss horology experts. 

Among the attendees were notable government and university representatives, including H.E. Mak Ngoy, Director General of Higher Education; Mr. Kong Phoumka, Director of Higher Education Department; Dr. Seng Bunthoeun, Vice Rector of the National University of Management; Mr. Kean Tak, Vice Rector of the Royal University of Phnom Penh; and Mr. Soy Ty, Deputy Director of the Institute of Technology of Cambodia. 

Prince Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Prince Holding Group, recently conducted the final interview for its Chen Zhi Scholarship program.

Phnom Penh, March 08, 2024 — In an effort to support Cambodia’s educational development, the Prince Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Prince Holding Group, recently conducted the final interviews for its Chen Zhi Scholarship program. 

This initiative, named after Chen Zhi, Chairman of Prince Group, and strongly supported by the Prince Group management team, not only covers full tuition fees but also provides a monthly stipend, enabling students to study at Cambodia’s top universities by alleviating their financial concerns. 

This year, the scholarship committee had the task of selecting 100 finalists from 1,900 applicants, focusing on those who showed promise in contributing to Cambodia’s future through their academic and extracurricular activities. The final interviews were held at Prince Holding Group’s headquarters, with assistance from the Batch 1 and Batch 2 scholars. 

The Chen Zhi Scholarship interview day had H.E. Sann Vathana, Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, as guest of honor, lauding the initiative for its alignment with national educational goals. 

“The Chen Zhi Scholarship represents a significant stride towards empowering our youth and steering our nation towards a knowledge-based economy,” H.E. Vathana stressed. 

He added, “We are proud to partner with Prince Group and Prince Foundation, and we commend their efforts in nurturing talent and creating opportunities for deserving Cambodian students.” 

Gabriel Tan, Chief Communications Officer at Prince Group, acknowledged the finalists’ varied backgrounds and aspirations. “The variety and determination of these candidates stood out. Their aspirations for their future and academic development give us confidence in their potential to contribute to Cambodia’s progress,” Tan noted. 

The selection process for the scholarship was rigorous, focusing on academic achievements, leadership qualities, and the ability to articulate a vision for personal and societal growth. The candidates’ eagerness to contribute to Cambodia’s socio-economic development was a recurring theme throughout the interviews. 

The announcement of the final 100 awardees is set for mid-March and will be made available on the Prince Foundation’s website and social media platforms. 

The Chen Zhi Scholarship moves forward with a commitment to fostering innovation, leadership, and civic- engagement, qualities valued by Chairman Chen Zhi and Prince Group. This program aims to serve as a foundation for nurturing Cambodia’s upcoming leaders. 

About Chen Zhi Scholarship 

Chen Zhi Scholarship program is an annual scholarship program led by philanthropist Neak Oknha Chen Zhi, Chairman of Prince Holding Group, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), for benefitting 400 Cambodian university students over a seven-year period. 

Since its inception, the Chen Zhi Scholarship has offered transformative prospects to numerous Cambodian students, enabling them to pursue academic aspirations and make meaningful contributions to Cambodia’s progress. 

About Prince Foundation 

Prince Foundation, founded in 2015, is one of Cambodia’s leading philanthropic foundations. A member of Prince Holding Group, which is one of the largest business groups in Cambodia, the Foundation aims to work with local communities to build thriving living and working environments that elevate people’s well-being and livelihoods following the vision: “Together, Building a Better Future for Cambodia”. 

Focusing on education and youth development, healthcare, and community engagement and sports, and healthcare initiatives, Prince Foundation works with partners to deliver sustainable programs that enhance opportunities for Cambodia’s youths, build resilience in communities and contribute to sustainable infrastructure. 

The Foundation’s flagship projects are the Chen Zhi Scholarship, offering full scholarships, stipends, internship and work opportunities to 400 Cambodian university students over a period of seven years, and Prince Horology, where aspiring Cambodian watchmakers learn the art of Swiss-style watchmaking in a state-of-the-art facility. Prince Foundation has launched more than 250 philanthropic initiatives, benefiting over 1.2 million people, with donations exceeding US$16 million. 

Prince Foundation Annual Report 2023: Empowering a Brighter Future for Cambodia

The Prince Foundation Annual Report 2023 showcases a year of impactful progress across education, community development, and sports in Cambodia. Guided by its mission to improve lives through sustainable and inclusive initiatives, the Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Education and youth empowerment remained central pillars of the Foundation’s work. The flagship Chen Zhi Scholarship Program expanded its reach, awarding 100 scholarships to deserving Cambodian students in 2023. These students, selected from a pool of 1,700 applicants, are now pursuing degrees in high-demand fields such as engineering, IT, communications, and international business. The Foundation complemented academic support with a series of workshops on leadership, communication, career planning, and CSR, equipping scholars with essential life and career skills. Experiential learning was also emphasized, with students engaging in cultural visits like the SOSORO Museum and community events like SkyFest.

Beyond direct support to students, the Foundation invested in inclusive education by training educators on special needs awareness, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, and hosted workshops at major platforms like the Cambodia International Educators Conference (CIEC). These initiatives underscore Prince Foundation’s holistic approach to fostering an empowered and equitable learning environment for all.

In the area of community outreach and sports, the Foundation strengthened national pride and athletic development. Notable contributions included sponsoring the Cambodian Men’s National Volleyball Team and the Cambodian Wheelchair Basketball Team, both of which achieved regional milestones. Additionally, it facilitated international training for the Cambodian Men’s National Water Polo Team in Singapore, marking a significant step toward elevating Cambodia’s presence in international aquatic sports. Grassroots sports development was also prioritized, with efforts to build teamwork, health, and leadership among youth through local partnerships.

Prince Foundation’s work in 2023 received six local and international awards recognizing its excellence in CSR and ESG initiatives. These accolades reflect its growing influence and credibility in driving positive change in Cambodia.

The year also saw strategic partnerships flourish—with ministries, academic institutions, NGOs, and international bodies—to amplify the Foundation’s reach and effectiveness. From supporting cultural heritage efforts with the American Chamber of Commerce to facilitating public-private cooperation in education and health, the Foundation actively fostered collaborative impact.

As it looks toward 2024, Prince Foundation is committed to scaling its initiatives, expanding access to education, and exploring technology-driven solutions for youth and community development. With a deepened focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, the Foundation continues to build a resilient and empowered Cambodia.

Please access the full report here.

Prince Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Prince Holding Group, advanced its mission of “Together, Building a Better Future for Cambodia” in 2022 by supporting more than 645,000 beneficiaries with over USD 2.6 million in donations. Through initiatives in education, youth empowerment, healthcare, and community engagement, the Foundation awarded 100 new Chen Zhi Scholarships, enhanced hygiene in 99 schools with Plan International, raised global awareness on mine action, and empowered athletes including Cambodia’s wheelchair basketball team. Recognized with multiple international CSR awards, the Foundation continues to drive impact, sustainability, and partnerships that strengthen Cambodia’s human capital and community resilience.