A French Business Leader Honored in Cambodia
In May 2025, Cendy Lacroix, CEO of Business Center Cambodia (BCC) and BCC Real Estate Cambodia, was honored with the prestigious Asia Prestige CEO Excellence Award. The recognition, presented during a high-level ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in Phnom Penh, celebrates leaders shaping the future of Asia’s economy.
Among the 50 distinguished executives, Cendy Lacroix stood out as the only French and the only European recognized this year. Her achievement reflects both the dynamism of entrepreneurship in Cambodia and the growing role of women in leadership across Asia.
Asia Prestige CEO Excellence Award: A Regional Benchmark
Founded in 2012, the Asia Prestige organization was created to highlight visionary leaders across Southeast Asia. Over the years, it has brought together top executives from South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore.
The 2025 edition marked a milestone: for the first time, Cambodia officially joined the program, placing itself firmly on the map of regional leadership.
On May 24, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in Phnom Penh, winners gathered to celebrate innovation and economic impact. Cendy Lacroix received her award in the category CEO, Visionary & Innovation 2025, underlining her pioneering role in building services that support entrepreneurs, investors, and families relocating to Cambodia.
Official Interview with Asia Prestige
During the ceremony, Cendy Lacroix participated in a 2-minute official interview, broadcast internationally. She shared her vision and insights across four key areas:
Introducing Business Center Cambodia
With a clear mission, Business Center Cambodia has become a trusted partner for expatriates and foreign entrepreneurs seeking to relocate and succeed in Cambodia. Its comprehensive services include:
- Visa services: obtaining and extending Business (EB), Retirement (ER), Student (ES), and other E-type visas.
- Business setup: following a 5-step process from project analysis and legal structure to registration and official launch.
- Real estate services through BCC Real Estate: property search, contract verification, and safe transactions for rentals, purchases, and commercial properties.
- Custom relocation support: work permits, tax compliance, family integration, and education assistance.
Challenges and Resilience
Cambodia’s fast-evolving market poses unique challenges. In her interview, Cendy emphasized the importance of resilience and adaptability in navigating shifting regulations and business environments. By building a multilingual team and monitoring legal frameworks closely, BCC ensures security and peace of mind for its clients.
Sources of Inspiration
Her inspiration comes directly from Cambodia itself — its energy, opportunities, and vibrant people. She also highlighted family values and strong partnerships as the foundations of her motivation and leadership.
Future Goals
Looking ahead, Cendy Lacroix expressed her ambition to further expand services that simplify business and relocation in Cambodia, while positioning the country as a strategic hub in Southeast Asia for global entrepreneurs and investors.
Business Center Cambodia: A Strategic Partner for Expats and Investors
The success of Cendy Lacroix is closely tied to the growth of Business Center Cambodia. Today, the company stands as a one-stop solution for foreign professionals, retirees, and families relocating to Cambodia.
BCC offers tailored service packages, including:
- Essential Business Package – designed for entrepreneurs starting a business in Cambodia.
- VIP Business Relocation – Fast Setup Package – a comprehensive, fast-track solution for full relocation.
- Essential Retirement Package and VIP Cambodia Retirement Service – for retirees choosing Cambodia as their new home.
- Custom Resident Services – bespoke solutions for individuals and families.
Beyond relocation, BCC manages legal compliance (business licenses, patents, work permits, quotas for foreign employees), property security (contract verification, bilingual agreements), and custom property searches across Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampot, Kep, and Battambang.
Cambodia: A Rising Hub in Southeast Asia
Cendy Lacroix’s recognition also mirrors Cambodia’s rising importance on the regional stage.
- The country has experienced steady economic growth for more than a decade, with GDP fueled by manufacturing, tourism, construction, and increasing foreign investment.
- Phnom Penh is transforming into a modern capital city, attracting real estate development and a growing expatriate population.
- Strategically located between Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos, Cambodia enjoys direct access to the ASEAN economic community.
Cambodia’s inclusion in the Asia Prestige CEO Excellence Award program demonstrates its readiness to join global business networks and attract international investors.
Women Leaders in Asia
As the only French woman and the only European CEO in the Asia Prestige Top 50 for 2025, Cendy Lacroix represents a powerful symbol of diversity in leadership.
While many Asian economies remain dominated by male executives in traditional industries, her recognition highlights the importance of inclusive governance and the value of female leadership in driving innovation.
Her success sends a strong message to aspiring women entrepreneurs across Asia and beyond: with vision, resilience, and passion, it is possible to thrive in new, challenging, and fast-evolving markets.
An Inspiring Testimonial
"This recognition is not only a personal achievement but also a symbol of Cambodia’s growing presence on the international stage. I dedicate this award to all entrepreneurs who dare to dream and persevere, even in the most challenging environments. Our journey at Business Center Cambodia is proof that with vision, resilience, and passion, everything is possible."
— Cendy Lacroix, CEO Business Center Cambodia
Conclusion: A Bridge Between Europe and Asia
Cendy Lacroix’s inclusion in the Asia Prestige Top 50 CEOs marks a turning point:
- For her, as a French leader who successfully built businesses in Cambodia.
- For Cambodia, now recognized as a new player in Southeast Asia’s economy.
- For expatriates and investors, who find in Business Center Cambodia a trusted partner for relocation, business setup, and property solutions.
Through this international recognition, Cendy Lacroix and BCC continue to build a bridge between Europe and Asia, offering a strategic entry point to ASEAN markets.