Cambodia & Convergences : Céline Huynh, a unique journey between multicultural roots and professional success

Céline Huynh is an entrepreneur and consultant whose journey reflects the richness of a multicultural Franco-Asian identity. With over fifteen years of experience in the restaurant, construction, and event sectors, she has established herself as an expert in management and business development.

Céline Huynh

Committed to large-scale company transformation, she passionately embodies resilience and innovation, navigating with ease between her roots and international ambitions. Now based in Cambodia, Céline combines her talents to support the growth of ambitious projects in a rapidly changing environment.

Interview

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

I was born in France, in Angoulême, in a family with multiple roots: Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Chinese. My last name, Huynh, is Vietnamese, while my mother, Cambodian and mixed-race, survived the génocide khmer. I grew up in the Paris region, in the popular and often difficult neighborhood of Saint-Denis, an experience that shaped my character, especially as a woman.

How do you view your childhood?

Childhood was a constant challenge. The school system did not offer much support; I had to learn to manage on my own. My mother was going through difficulties, and I was greatly supported by my grandparents. Despite this, I obtained my high school diploma and then a bachelor's degree, but very quickly, I had to work to help my family.

What professional path did you take initially?

I started in banking and insurance, quite rigid sectors that quickly bored me. My dream was always to start in the restaurant business. That’s what I did from the age of 25, opening "Chez Hama," a small restaurant mixing Asian and French cuisine, with a nice offer of pastries. This adventure lasted nearly two years and taught me a lot.

What happened after that?

My professional life with my husband did not necessarily align with this period, which led me to stop the catering activity. Together, we then worked for nearly 15 years in construction and event management. This long experience allowed us to collaborate with prestigious brands, notably Richard Mille, famous in luxury watchmaking.

What was your role in these large projects?

We were involved from the design phase: from creating plans to installation on international sites, including making custom display cases often equipped with complex security systems. I learned all this "on the job," with a passion that pushed me to progress quickly and stay focused on results.

What major differences did you notice between construction and events?

Construction is a long, rigid sector, subject to strict rules and binding laws specific to each country. In contrast, events are dynamic, with very short deadlines, sometimes only a few days to finalize a setup, which requires extreme responsiveness and strong experience.

Why did you choose to come to Cambodia?

This choice was natural: I am Cambodian through my maternal roots. We were stuck in Singapore during the Covid-19 lockdown, and the situation became unbearable.

I had already discovered Cambodia as a child, and this return allowed me to reconnect with a country where my cultural roots are deep, where life is different and undergoing transformation.

How did you experience this return to Cambodia?

In 1998, during my first visit, Cambodia was still very poor, facing many challenges such as power cuts, insecurity, and even kidnappings. I saw the country slowly evolve, although its situation remains fragile. Growing up between two very different cultures gave me a precious openness of mind that still influences my way of thinking and adapting.

What about your professional establishment here?

We started with construction and development projects often in partnership with local and Chinese companies. The market is dynamic, even if still dominated by large firms, limiting opportunities for locals. At the same time, I launched interior design projects, with some small-scale houses and bars.

What does your current involvement with Convergence consist of?

I was hired for a mission in human resources management and process standardization within a large publicly traded company employing about 1300 people. It is a major challenge: establishing clear procedures, structuring the organization, improving efficiency, and promoting a company culture geared towards change despite strong internal resistance.

What obstacles did you face?

Resistance to change is the main obstacle, especially in a company used to operating with old habits. Micro-management complicates decision-making. Moreover, being a woman in a traditionally male universe adds an extra dimension to this challenge.

Have your efforts been fruitful?

Yes, after an adaptation phase, the teams began to see the benefits of the changes. We established more than a hundred procedures, and the company is now on the way to obtaining ISO 9001 certification, a strong sign of their commitment to quality.

What are your short-term projects?

I am currently working on launching an application designed to simplify administrative procedures related to land ownership in Cambodia. This project aims to support the local French community as well as all residents, in a country where procedures remain complex.

What personal values drive you in your professional and personal journey?

I firmly believe in resilience, passion, and adaptation. Life does not always offer us a clear path, but one must know how to turn trials into strengths. My dual culture is a richness that pushes me to be curious and open while remaining very attached to my roots. Every project is an opportunity for me to learn and grow.

How do you reconcile your multicultural roots with your life in Cambodia?

This is expressed in my way of approaching challenges: I try to combine French rigor with Asian flexibility, respecting traditions while innovating. I feel like a bridge between these two worlds, which is a powerful driving force in my work and daily life.

Do you have a message for young female entrepreneurs?

Never let anyone dictate what you can or cannot do, especially in still very male-dominated sectors. Passion and determination are your best assets. Surround yourself well, keep learning, dare to take risks. The path will sometimes be tough, but the results are worth it.

And outside of work, how do you spend your time?

My professional activity takes up a lot of space, but when I can, I take my son to discover Cambodia. It is important to me that he understands his roots and develops this international openness of mind that will help him push his limits and realize his potential.

https://convergences.asia/