SERC and ICAEW Launch Cambodia National Qualifier to Select Candidate to Represent Kingdom at ASEAN ESG Challenge 2026

on Jul, 20 2026

The Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC), in collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), along with the support of the Australian Government through the Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED), launched the “Cambodia National Qualifier” for the ASEAN ESG Challenge 2026 on July 17, at TRIBE Phnom Penh Post Office Square.

The launch ceremony was presided over by H.E. Sou Socheat, Director General of the SERC; Kirsty Harris, Development Counsellor of the Australian Embassy; and Elaine Hong, Regional Director of ICAEW.

The Cambodia ESG Challenge 2026 national qualifier aims to select one university student candidate to represent the Kingdom at the ASEAN ESG Challenge 2026.

The ASEAN ESG Challenge initiative falls under the framework of the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF), with the SERC serving as Co-Chair of the ACMF Financial Literacy and Capacity Building Working Group (FLCB-WG). The initiative aims to raise awareness and introduce ESG standards to students across ASEAN member states, connecting ASEAN regulators with grassroots stakeholders – including universities, students, and corporates – around a shared sustainability agenda, driving awareness of, and traffic to, ACMF's ESG resources and published frameworks.

This helps to highlight the importance of ESG principles for regional business growth and capital markets development, building a pipeline of ESG-literate graduates across ASEAN who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to sustainable finance.

Kirsty Harris, Development Counsellor of the Australian Embassy, and H.E. Sou Socheat, Director General of the SERC, sat at the front to preside over the launch ceremony of the ‘Cambodia National Qualifer’ for the ASEAN ESG Challenge 2026./B2B Asia News.

H.E. Sou Socheat, Director General of the SERC, speaking at the launch ceremony./B2B Asia News.

“The future of sustainable development depends not only on sound policies and effective regulations, but also on the knowledge, innovation, and commitment of our young people,” said H.E. Sou Socheat. “By investing in ESG education today, we are investing in a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Cambodia and ASEAN tomorrow.”

“The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) is delighted to partner with the Securities and Exchange Regulator of shared commitment to developing future finance leaders equipped with ESG knowledge and a global mindset," added Elaine Hong. “We congratulate SERC on this important milestone and look forward to seeing talented students represent Cambodia at the ASEAN-level Grand Finale Challenge in Manila, later this year.”

The launch was attended by officials from the SERC and representatives of the Australian Embassy to Cambodia, CAPRED, ICAEW, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Royal Group Securities, Canadia Securities and Prudential (Cambodia) Life Assurance PLC. High level members of management and candidates from participating universities – including Royal University of Phnom Penh, National University of Management, Royal University of Law and Economics, American University of Phnom Penh, ACLEDA University of Business and CamEd Business School – were also in attendance, along with the expert speakers from the SERC and ICAEW who are responsible for coordinating the challenges.

This press release was supplied.

SERC and ICAEW launch Cambodia National Qualifier to select candidate to represent Kingdom at ASEAN ESG Challenge 2026./B2B Asia News.