On 15 July 2025, IPS Cambodia attended “Seismic Risk Prevention: The Cambodian Case”, a key industry event hosted by EuroCham Cambodia. The session brought together government officials, technical experts, and private sector leaders to discuss Cambodia’s preparedness for seismic risks and practical solutions for improving building resilience.
Representing IPS Cambodia were Pyae Hein Ko, Sovanndara Tep from the Marketing team, and Monika Siv, Business Development Manager. Joining discussions like these ensures our team at IPS stays informed on evolving safety discussions that can impact Cambodia’s urban and property sectors.
What the Event Covered
Moderated by Serge Pak, CEO of Beton Block and Pave Co., Ltd, the session opened with a sobering look at the devastation caused by the recent Myanmar earthquake—over 5,000 lives lost, 11,000 injuries, and $11 billion in damages. The panel explored what these figures mean for Cambodia, a country experiencing rapid urban development, and discussed proactive strategies to mitigate similar risks.
Featured Speakers:
- H.E. Dr. Chhan Sorphal, General Director, General Department of Construction at the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction
- H.E. Nhar Heng, Director General, National Construction Laboratory at the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction
- Mr. Michel Cassagnes, Chairman of the Real Estate & Construction Committee and Managing Director at Archetype Cambodia
- Francesca Brighenti, International Sales Director at NPLUS
- Dr. Boramy Hor, Technical-Commercial Manager at Menard
- Dr. Nguyen Hong Minh, Civil & Structural Engineering Director at Archetype Reality
- Dr. Angkeara Svay, Chief Technical Officer at LBL International
Key Takeaways from the Session:
- Soil conditions matter: Cambodia’s soft soil areas can amplify earthquake waves, increasing potential building damage.
- Structural health monitoring is advancing: Technologies are being adopted to track building performance and structural safety during and after seismic events.
- Smarter engineering designs: Base isolation and ductility in construction designs were highlighted as critical factors in minimizing earthquake damage.
- Government initiatives are underway: Ministries are reviewing the resilience of older buildings and exploring how seismic standards can be integrated into Cambodia’s growing urban landscapes.
- Ground improvement techniques: New methods are being implemented to mitigate risks like soil liquefaction, especially for large-scale developments.
The session closed with a strong message: seismic resilience is not just a construction issue but a community safety priority, and raising public awareness is essential.
Monika Siv, Business Development Manager at IPS Cambodia, who attended the seminar, said that, “Seismic events are a relatively new concept for most Cambodians. We haven’t experienced such occurrences, so learning about them, especially given recent incidents in neighboring countries, is crucial for staying alert and informed. With Cambodia’s rapidly evolving real estate market, it’s encouraging to see the government and private sectors collaborating to enhance design and construction codes and quality, ultimately safeguarding the well-being of its people.”
Earlier this year, IPS Cambodia took a closer look at how Phnom Penh’s leading condominium developers are responding to earthquake risks. From adopting international safety standards to incorporating earthquake-resistant design elements, many top developers are taking proactive steps to future-proof their projects.
📖 Read our full article here: Are Phnom Penh Condominium Developers Prepared for Regional Earthquakes?
IPS Cambodia remains committed to staying informed and sharing valuable market knowledge—helping our clients make smarter, safer property decisions in a rapidly changing environment.
