Advisors to French Citizens Abroad: Bernard Podevin, a big-hearted man committed to the French community in Siem Reap

As the elections for Advisors to French Citizens Abroad in Cambodia approach, we interviewed Bernard Podevin, a candidate on the list “French in Cambodia – Stronger Together,” led by Florian Bohème. Having lived in Siem Reap for nearly twelve years, this discreet yet deeply humane man shares his background, motivations, and vision for serving the French community in Cambodia.

Bernard Podevin

Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us what brought you to Cambodia?

Ah, briefly—that suits me well; I don’t really like talking about myself. Others interest me much more. I am 72 years old. I come from a family where solidarity was the guiding principle. When I was a child, our house was always full. It was the neighborhood meeting point, where everyone helped one another.

I had a fairly conventional professional life: banking for about fifteen years, followed by managing an insurance company specializing in health insurance administration.

Although I did not particularly thrive in that field, I gained solid knowledge of administrative systems across many areas, which is extremely useful to me today. Chance does not exist!

At 50, I left everything to open a guesthouse in Morocco. It brought me great personal satisfaction, especially through meeting people from all walks of life.

At 60, the “little voice” in my head came back to remind me of my plan: I had decided to spend my retirement in Southeast Asia. Cambodia quickly became the obvious choice, and even more so Siem Reap. I have now been well established here for nearly twelve years, and I am very happy.

In the field: visit to the Angkor E-Bike electric bicycle workshop

What is the purpose of your candidacy on the list “French in Cambodia – Stronger Together”?

I have known Florian Bohème almost since I arrived here—I believe we came around the same time. He was full of ideas on how to help the community, and naturally, I joined him in 2020 when he formed a list for the 2021 consular elections. We won one seat, which allowed us to carry out many actions in the general interest of our fellow citizens. I will not go into the record of this first term here; readers who are unfamiliar with it can consult the website: https://www.francaisaucambodge.org/

Today, it feels only natural to continue, alongside my friends and fellow candidates, doing what we do every day: helping our compatriots resolve administrative issues, providing information or support, and responding to their questions and concerns as expatriates in Cambodia.

Each case resolved, each smile from someone we have helped is our reward. It is irreplaceable.

How do you see the future of your commitment if you are elected?

Allow me to use a well-worn paradox: change through continuity.

Continuity, because all our actions during the current term have borne fruit—our compatriots whom I have helped are grateful. And change, because within our collective “French in Cambodia – Stronger Together, ” I am working on projects that I intend to implement very quickly. In particular, “post-support”: anticipating and providing assistance to relatives when a member of the community passes away. Also, finding effective ways to combat what is commonly called the “digital divide,” which increasingly affects people in their interactions with French administrations and institutions, now almost entirely digital. Not to mention my participation in other projects led by my fellow candidates.

With Her Royal Highness Princess Sylvia Sisowath, Bernard supports the initiatives of the NGO Kep Educational Center

In conclusion…

Let us help one another—us, by continuing and strengthening our support; and you, by supporting us through your vote.