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IN BRIEF
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At the heart of the sumptuous Palace of Versailles, Carolyn Pung, vice-president of the Canada Groupspoke at the summit Choose France, embodying the living presence of the Cambodia in major economic and Francophone conversations. His speech combined entrepreneurial ambition and cultural commitment, highlighting the bridges built between local players and international partners.
At the heart of the Palace of Versailles on June 1, 2026, Carolyn Pung, vice-president of Canada Groupspoke at the summit Choose Franceillustrating Cambodia’s growing role in international economic and Francophone exchanges. Accompanied by Vincent Kou of OCIC, she also met with the president Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, strengthening ties that combine diplomacy, investment and the promotion of the French language.
A noteworthy visit to the Palace of Versailles
The participation of Carolyn Pung has Choose France provided Cambodia with a high-profile showcase. The event, initiated by President Macron in 2018, attracts international business leaders and investors every year who are looking to explore opportunities in France and beyond. Press reports detail his speech and program, particularly regarding B2B Asianews And Cambodianness.
A platform among the big names in the economy
The 2026 edition brought together prominent figures such as Xavier Niel, Chia Song Hwee of Temasek and Masayoshi Son SoftBank announced a massive commitment to the French economy. The meeting thus provided an opportunity for Cambodian stakeholders to engage directly with investors and sovereign wealth funds in attendance. For a complementary local perspective, see also the report on CambodiaMag.
Meeting at the Élysée Palace and international network
Beyond the Versailles stand, Carolyn Pung participated in a meeting at the Élysée Palace with the president Emmanuel MacronThis significant moment symbolizes the mutual interest in economic and cultural partnerships. This official event, reported by several media outlets, underscores the ability of Cambodian leaders to participate in global discussions on investment and strategic cooperation. Media coverage is available on [website/platform name]. Cambodia Post Bank.
Choose France: a showcase of economic attractiveness
Choose France presents itself as a platform bringing together investors, large companies and public decision-makers to stimulateinvestment and theinnovationThe 2026 edition confirmed this positioning by attracting promises of major financial commitments and international delegations ready to forge lasting partnerships.
Business meetings and opportunities
The added value of the summit lies as much in the spectacular announcements as in the bilateral meetings and roundtables where new projects are developed. To follow other regional news illustrating mobility and attention to international summits, one can consult articles such as the one on the participation of a Cambodian minister in Vietnam (Southeast Asia).
Carolyne Pung’s role within the Canadia Group
As vice-president of Canada Group, Carolyn Pung plays an active role in the development of key sectors in Cambodia, including finance, real estate, and education. The group structures its financial activities under Canada Investment Holding Plc and its non-financial projects via Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC), where Vincent Kou occupies a prominent position.
Investment in French-language education
Among her initiatives, Carolyne Pung spearheaded the creation of theFrench International School of Phnom Penh (EFI) and theFrancophone University of Asia (UFA)These projects reflect a desire to permanently embed Francophonie in Cambodian higher education. These achievements demonstrate a dual commitment: economic development and cultural influence.
Active cooperation with French stakeholders
For several years, OCIC collaborates closely with the French Embassy in Cambodia and the French Institute of Cambodia, thereby strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two countries. The group also employs a significant Francophone team, with more than 50 French employees involved in its activities.
Local and international publications have covered this cooperation and Carolyne Pung’s presence on the European scene, particularly on AngkorInfo And CambodiaMag.
Looking ahead: the Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh
The presence of Cambodian delegations in Versailles is part of the preparation for the 20th Francophonie Summit planned to Phnom Penh in November 2026. The event is expected to host more than 88 countries and will constitute a major platform for strengthening cultural and economic ties within the Francophone space.
Infrastructure and associated events
OCIC supports the organization by providing infrastructure such as the OCIC Convention Center to Chroy Changvar and the Koh Pich Convention Centerwhich will notably host the “FrancoTech” section. These venues will serve as a stage for political, economic and technological meetings with regional and international reach.
A commitment to international trade
Carolyne Pung’s participation in the Versailles summit illustrates a broader engagement of Cambodia and its economic actors in global business networks, particularly within theASEANBy promoting dialogue, connectivity and concrete partnerships, these initiatives open up prospects for bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
For a local and cultural perspective related to Francophonie and education, see also the inspiring testimony of a Cambodian teacher on the importance of French (Southeast Asia), and other regional news that colors the context in which these initiatives are evolving (Southeast Asia EV).
Several accounts and summaries of this Versailles episode are available to complete the overview, particularly on B2B Asianews, Cambodianness And Cambodia Post Bank.
FAQ — Carolyne Pung speaks at the summit Choose France has Versailles
Q. Who is Carolyn Pung And what role does she play?
A. Carolyn Pung is an entrepreneur, physician, and vice-president of Canada GroupShe manages major economic projects in Cambodia and leads educational and Francophone initiatives.
Q. What event took place at Versailles And why is it important?
A. The summit Choose France, organized at Palace of Versailles June 1, 2026, is a showcase of French economic attractiveness that brings together investors and world leaders to promote investment and international cooperation.
Q. Who accompanied Carolyn Pung at this summit?
A. She was accompanied by Vincent Kou, Executive Vice President ofOCIC, the non-financial arm of the group.
Q. Did she have any official meetings during this trip?
A. Yes — she participated in a meeting at Élysée Palace with the president Emmanuel Macronalongside international economic leaders and business executives.
Q. Who were some of the prominent figures present at the summit?
A. The 2026 edition brought together figures such as Xavier Niel, Chia Song Hwee (Temasek) and Masayoshi Son (SoftBank), which announced a record investment of 75 billion euros In France.
Q. What is the role of Canada Group andOCIC ?
A. The group structures its financial activities under Canada Investment Holding Plc and its non-financial operations via OCICThey develop real estate, infrastructure and event projects in Cambodia.
Q. What educational projects has been initiated? Carolyn Pung ?
A. She founded theFrench International School of Phnom Penh (EFI) and theFrancophone University of Asia (UFA)strengthening the availability of French-language education in Cambodia.
Q. How does the group collaborate with French actors?
A. For several years, OCIC cooperates closely with theFrench Embassy in Cambodia and theFrench Institute of Cambodia, supporting the French-speaking and local cultural initiatives.
Q. What is the French-speaking presence within the group?
A. The group has a significant Francophone presence with more than 50 French employees involved in its teams and projects.
Q. How does this event fit into the preparations for the Francophonie summit in Phnom Penh?
A. Attendance at the summit Choose France is part of the preparatory dynamic for 20th Francophonie Summit planned to Phnom Penh in November 2026, which will bring together more than 88 countries and highlight Francophone cultural and economic links.
Q. What venues and initiatives from the group will be mobilized for the Francophonie Summit?
A. OCIC supports the organization by providing infrastructure such as the OCIC Convention Center has Chroy Changvar and the Koh Pich Convention Centerwhich will notably host the event FrancoTech.
Q. How does this presence influence Cambodia’s place in international trade?
A. By actively participating in economic meetings and partnerships, Carolyn Pung and his group are strengthening Cambodia’s connectivity with theASEAN and international partners, opening new avenues for cooperation and investment.