Finance wasn’t my first choice – I aspired to medicine. But after setbacks in science, as well as uncertainty and financial constraints ruling out overseas studies, I explored alternatives and found ACCA appealing for its global recognition and affordability. I had no accounting background, so it was a tough journey with multiple setbacks, but perseverance paid off. Over time, I became fascinated by banking and financial systems, especially their role in economic stability. That curiosity evolved into passion, driving me towards risk and advisory work.
My first break came with KPMG Malaysia, where I started in audit. That opportunity shaped my work ethic and resilience. Today I lead the risk consulting practice at KPMG Cambodia, focusing on credit risk, regulatory compliance and governance for financial institutions. What I enjoy most is building solutions that matter – helping banks navigate Basel III, AML/CFT, impairment provisioning and emerging risks. Beyond technical work, I love mentoring my team and seeing fresh graduates grow into confident professionals. That sense of impact – on clients and people – is deeply rewarding.
It’s also about creating talent opportunities and earning client trust
Cambodia’s financial sector is evolving rapidly, with regulators pushing for stronger risk management and capital adequacy standards. This creates demand for expertise in Basel frameworks, IFRS and digital transformation. The challenge lies in balancing global best practices with local realities. What excites me is the opportunity to shape this growth, helping institutions build resilience while nurturing local talent to meet international standards.
ACCA was life-changing for me. It gave me a globally recognised credential that opened doors to Big Four firms and international opportunities. It instilled not just technical knowledge, but also discipline and resilience during tough exam periods. The ACCA network has been equally valuable, connecting me with professionals and resources that support continuous learning and career growth. In Cambodia, ACCA’s presence is helping elevate the profession significantly.
I’ve been fortunate to learn from great mentors. I’m grateful to my first KPMG interviewer, who gave me a chance, and leaders who trusted me with challenging projects. My parents are my deepest influence; their sacrifices taught me perseverance and humility.
My struggles during ACCA sparked a deep interest in resilience
Building KPMG Cambodia’s risk consulting team from scratch is my proudest achievement. Starting with one new graduate, we’ve grown into a 15-member team delivering complex projects for leading banks and insurers. It’s not just about business growth; it’s also about creating opportunities for local talent and earning client trust in a market where risk advisory is still emerging. That impact is meaningful.
Professionally, I aspire to position our practice as a leading risk advisory team in Cambodia and expand into regional markets. Personally, my goal is balance – being present as a husband and father while continuing to grow as a leader. Long term, I hope to contribute to education and talent development in finance, helping the next generation access opportunities like I did.
If I weren’t an accountant, I’d probably be a psychologist or counsellor. My struggles during ACCA sparked a deep interest in human behaviour and resilience. Understanding what drives people and helping them overcome challenges fascinates me. In many ways, those insights still influence how I lead teams and manage client relationships today.
