The Past, The Present, The Future of Cambodia Chefs' Association

It’s all about team work and the belief to succeed!

An inspiring story of the men and women of សមាគមចុងភៅកម្ពុជា

or Cambodia Chefs' Association (CCA)

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THE PAST | It Started With A Dream

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It was the beginning of 2012, when there was once a group of brave local chefs and hospitality managers who dreamed of creating a group, with the purpose of uniting the culinary and hospitality industry in Cambodia, as one-recognized-body of skilled professionals. A dream worthy of its kind and an act that change forever the kingdom’s culinary landscape!

The Official Logo of CCA and a Proud Member of WACS

Being a novice in club founding, the group turned their idea into working draft and pitched their mission and purpose to a selected few, who all agreed to be as their mentors; Chef Willment Leong, Founder and Chairman of Thailand Culinary Academy and an honorary member of the World Association of Chef Societies; His Excellency, Mr. Mey Marady (Deputy Director General of the Apsara Authority in charge of the Department of Angkor Tourism Development); Mr. Hanno Stamm, (former General Manager of Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa in Siem Reap); Mr. Ngov Sengkak (Director of Siem Reap Provincial Department); and, Mr. Thim Seryvuth, (Office Chief of Siem Reap Provincial Tourism Industry), who are all united in supporting the Club’s Founding Member's initiative.

With an overwhelming support received from their trusted advisors, the Club’s bylaws, mission and vision, purpose were drafted with the help of; Chef Hai Vuthy, Chef Long Bora, Chef Ving San, Mr. Chan Sophea, Mr. Sie Panyathon, Mr. Born Englack and Mr. Koun Samnang, also known as CCA’s Founding Fathers and will be forever remembered in the history of Hospitality and Tourism in Cambodia. On the 7th of April 2012, សមាគមចុងភៅកម្ពុជា or Cambodia Chefs’ Association (CCA) was officially born, registered and endorsed by the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

The Official License of Cambodia Chefs' Association

Past Activities of Cambodia Chef's Association

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THE PRESENT | Maintaining The Momentum

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CCA’s membership program is open to everyone, even to foreigners who work and resides in Cambodia. To date, CCA has a total of 100 active members (and growing) whom the majority of its members are hotels and restaurants workers within the region. To apply, contact CCA Secretariat.

There may be some changes of its guards from the date it was established, but the CCA holds its core and continuously promoting the club’s purpose lead by their founding officers; Chef Long Bora (Asian Square Group), being the President and Chef Ving San (Angkor Palace Resort and Spa) as the Vice-President. Other newly recruited officers are; Chef Song Lak (Angkor Century Hotel and Spa), Chef Pol Kimsan (Angkor W Group), Chef Som Chinda (Temple Group), Chef Lay Kimchhay (Sokha Angkor Hotel) and Chef Sen Sopol (Somadevi Angkor Hotel). All officers are volunteers who promised to devote their free time and effort for the success of the association. A kind of mindset that makes CCA’s images stand above the other local clubs and private associations in the country.

Even in the beginning, the purpose to help and inspire young chefs was there at all times. Though it may be difficult at first, but their effort has paid-off and from this initiative, a new sub-branch has blossomed under the name of Cambodian Young Chefs (CYC). Headed by Chef Long Bunhor (The Palmboo Restaurant), Chef Eng Im (Temple Group) and Chef Hun Ratha (Sokha Angkor), this group was established to become role models for the increasing numbers of Young Chefs in Cambodia and act as guides to a correct career path within the Culinary and Hospitality Industry.

Present Officers of C.C.A. (from left to right)
Chef Sok Phal, Chef Song Lak, Chef Ving San, Chef Som Chinda, Chef Pol Kimsan, Chef Chy Minou,
Chef Long Bora, Mr. Chan Sophea and Chef Eng Im

Being active and in constant reach is what CCA and CYC always does. Hand-in-hand, they’ve joined numerous overseas competitions and won well-earned medals as trophies for their hardships. The pride and recognition they brought back home is priceless. It certainly raises the bar of culinary standards and a morale-booster to their fellow Chefs to win more competitions in the future.

Maintaining the momentum to move forward is no easy task. It requires not only cooperation, dedication and sacrifices, but also fund to support the club’s platform. A well-defined challenge which they’ve addressed it correctly by expanding their portfolio to a series of Culinary Workshops trained by International Celebrity Chefs, private caterings and charity drive dinner events for their vendors and trusted supporters. One good example is their bi-monthly themed dinner events called: រាត្រីអបអរសាទរចំពោះទេពកោសល្យចុងភៅកម្ពុជា, or in English, “A night of appreciating Cambodia’s Culinary Talent” on where dinners are held in different locations, with different themes and cuisines cooked by the CCA Chefs in partnership with selected sponsors and suppliers.

A Special Training by Chef Willment Leong
Founder and Chairman of Thailand Culinary Academy
and an
Honorary member of the World Association of Chef Societies

CCA Charity Gala Dinner Explained

Angkor Hospital for Children

Charity Gala Dinner

Giant Rice Cake (Guinness World Record)

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THE FUTURE | Now, Its All About The Youth

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In preparation for the ASEAN integration, CCA is actively supporting both private and the Government sector by showing their presence and culinary talents to both domestic and international events. CCA understood their role in the society and seriously took up the challenge and prove to the worlds that Cambodians can produce world class chefs and cuisines!

Excited about the incoming integration, the board and its members are hopeful that this initiative will be a breakthrough for the hospitality and culinary industry of Cambodia. A good path for an international opportunity and recognition to all deserving Cambodian Chefs. CCA promised to cooperate and help strengthen the local human resources and make their present and future members globally competitive. This a clear testament to their pledge of helping their members not only through skills development, but also the expansion of their international network as well.

Being a non-profit organization, CCA is open to receive aid in the form of sponsorship. Any funds that will be raised and collected is a big help to propel the association and move forward in order to produce more culinary workshops that matters in compliance with 21st century’s catering norms and standards.

CCA at by all means will continue to provide the necessary culinary conferences for their present and future members. All attendees are guaranteed to receive formal trainings and equip them with the important business skills which later they can apply to their own restaurants, kitchen operations and hopefully, become mentors to others.

Chef Long Bora
President of Cambodia Chefs' Association

“It has been quite a long journey for us, but we are very grateful that CCA can now offer this opportunity for our chefs to take part of and accept the challenge to compete internationally.
A good news indeed for all of us. So, are you ready to be part of this change?”

A clear statement addressing to the youth. The founders may have done a fantastic job of establishing a platform and was considered to many as an achievement. However, the future of the association lies in its members and appointed leaders by either equalizing or better outperforming their predecessor's contributions.

Should you wish to know more about their full-service program or sponsor their future Trainings and Workshops, please contact CCA Secretariat Office at your most convenient time.

CCA membership is OPEN to everyone. Interested applicants may need to fill up the electronic application form for processing. All applications will be processed fairly and equally.

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CCA MEMBERSHIP | The Full Cast and More!

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CCA’s membership program is open to everyone, even to foreigners who work and resides in Cambodia. To apply, contact CCA Secretariat.