Business group for youths to launch

via Khmer NZ

Thursday, 15 July 2010 15:00 Catherine James

THE Cambodian arm of an international entrepreneurs’ movement called Junior Chamber International (JCI) will officially launch later this month, boosting opportunities and providing advice for the Kingdom’s young businesspeople.

The nonprofit representative group, whose members will all be aged between 18 and 40, will launch on July 31 with the aim of promoting and cementing JCI’s presence in the Kingdom.

Businessman Chy Sila, general director of fast-food franchisor CBM Corp and chief executive of online management firm Sabay, is to be appointed president of JCI Cambodia after taking part in a 10-day training workshop in Japan this month.

He joined in March this year when it still had only “a few members”, he said.

“When I found out more about it I felt that a lot of things [it promoted] were part of my vision also,” 35-year-old Chy Sila said yesterday.

“JCI is about making a positive change in yourself and spreading that to other people.

“Many people in Cambodia, because of experiences of war and because of a hard life, see things very darkly. But I think it’s important to think positively. If you don’t think something will work, then it won’t because you never try.”

Chy Sila added that the group could help professionals to share their experiences with one another, a practice that is especially important for those just starting out.

“I remember when I started [my own business] 10 years ago. It was hard,” he said.

The nonprofit entrepreneur network hopes not only to develop business-to-business connections but to encourage members to help improve society through community projects.

This month, 20 JCI Cambodian members and 19 JCI Japan members visited Siem Reap to help lower-income families understand the importance of ensuring their children attend class and complete their educations.

JCI’s official headquarters will be opened at the CBM complex on Street 214, Phnom Penh.

Part of the launch will involve training for members, including a one-day workshop introducing them to aspects of JCI.

JCI has a 200,000-strong international membership.

It is open to entrepreneurs and individuals interested in business.