Khemra Bonamy, Between France and Cambodia: A Generation That Wants to Contribute Differently

At 25, Khemra Bonamy belongs to that Franco-Cambodian generation that moves naturally between worlds. Born to a Cambodian mother and a French father, a former student at the Lycée Français René Descartes in Phnom Penh before continuing his studies in France, he is one of those young bicultural profiles who choose to return to Cambodia to take part in the country's transformation.

Khemra Bonamy

As a Senior Market Access Analyst at Confluences, he works on projects spanning economic development, market research, strategic intelligence, and support for international players in Cambodia. But behind that title, his day-to-day reality goes well beyond straightforward analytical work.

"What I love about Confluences is that no two weeks are alike. You might go from an institutional meeting in Phnom Penh to several days in the field in much more remote areas."

In a country undergoing rapid change, Khemra operates in an environment where the ability to build relationships, adapt, and navigate different worlds often matters as much as technical skills.

"Cambodia remains a country where human connection is essential. It's important to observe, listen, and truly understand the context and the stakes before acting."

A Path Between Engagement, Fieldwork, and International Relations

After completing his secondary education in Phnom Penh, Khemra Bonamy went on to study international politics and diplomacy at Queen Mary University of London and then at HEIP Paris, where he developed a particular interest in issues related to the Indo-Pacific region.

He began his career in public affairs before joining the French Army — an experience he describes today as profoundly formative.

"I needed something more concrete, more connected to the field. The army gave me a great deal in terms of discipline, adaptability, and people management."

A Saint-Cyr Coëtquidan alumnus, he continues his commitment to the French Army today as a reservist.

This atypical path — spanning diplomacy, public affairs, military experience, and an entrepreneurial environment — now shapes an approach that leads him, at Confluences, to work on both long-term projects and highly operational missions.

He supports several international groups operating in Cambodia, acting as project lead or in support of senior teams. These include Matière, a specialist in modular bridges, and the Austrian group Doppelmayr, the world leader in cable cars.

Some missions also take him into sensitive or confidential projects, involving field travel and regular exchanges with local authorities.

The Choice to Return

For Khemra Bonamy, the gradual return of young Franco-Cambodians to Cambodia is a natural evolution.

"The kingdom is going through a very interesting period of transformation. There is still space to contribute meaningfully and take part in projects with real impact."

At Confluences, he reconnects with several fellow Cartésiens — alumni of the Lycée Français René Descartes — some of whom now hold senior positions.

"Many Cartésiens maintain a very strong connection to Cambodia, even after years abroad. Confluences naturally offers a framework where our generation can return, grow quickly, and work on very concrete projects. There's also a real diversity of profiles and missions, and that's something I was looking for."

Culture, Memory, and Transmission

While his work spans many sectors, Khemra acknowledges a particular draw toward projects in the cultural and creative industries. He works notably with Memorist, a group specialising in heritage preservation and archiving.

"Cultural projects are probably the ones that move me most. Preserving heritage, transmitting memory, or giving value to archives — these are subjects that endure. With groups like Memorist, we work on issues that go beyond the economic dimension."

Alongside his professional activity, Khemra is also involved in the associative world through Yuvachun, an organisation supporting Cambodian students pursuing their studies in France, helping them navigate administrative processes, settle in, and integrate.

"The idea is that Cambodians arriving in France can immediately find a community and their bearings."

A Vision Turned Toward the Francophonie and the Future

With the 2026 Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh on the horizon, Khemra sees this momentum as an important moment for the country and for the new Franco-Cambodian generation.

"The Francophonie goes far beyond language. It is also a space for human, economic, and cultural exchange that holds an important place for Cambodia. Our teams are already working with several partners preparing their arrival in Cambodia ahead of the Summit."

For Khemra, this event also reflects the country's evolving place on the regional and international stage.

"Cambodia is changing fast. Our generation has a role to play in creating more connections with the international world, while staying grounded in local realities and in what defines the kingdom's identity."

And when asked what he hopes to build personally, the answer remains simple.

"My goal isn't just to build a career. Above all, I'd like to contribute, in my own way, to Cambodia's development."

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