About Us - Women's International Group

Women’s International Group

In 1994, a number of expat women living in Phnom Penh formed the Women’s International Group as a way to make friends and meet other expats as well as locals. WIG is an active group of international and local women who brought with them a diversity of backgrounds, experiences and resources. We meet up weekly for coffee chat, art and crafts, and tennis. There are other activities like the monthly luncheons, business connect, cultural exploration, sundown social, and many more. However, we are not just about socializing and having fun. We also want to give back to our host country. WIG organizes the biggest Christmas Fair in Phnom Penh annually to raise funds to support local charitable organizations that benefit the local and underprivileged people of Cambodia. We have provided more than 200 grants to local NGOs thus far. We are an international group comprised of over 35 countries, and a broad range of cultures and ages. We welcome you to join us.

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Executive Board

Saron Chhem

President

Saron Chhem

President

Saron was a Social Coordinator in 2022 and 2023. She holds degrees in International Relations, English, Child Nutrition and Sustainable Fashion Design. Through Domlei, her ethical and sustainable business which creates custom-made handprinted clothing and also sells items produced by other local businesses, she is fulfilling her passion for working with and promoting local artisans.

Charya Sam

Vice President

Charya Sam

Vice President

Franco-Khmer and based in Phnom Penh since 2013, I bring 14 years of experience from London’s hairdressing industry. I co-own Sam Studio, a private salon with my husband. Passionate about empowering women, I spent 6 years training underprivileged women in hairdressing. I joined WIG 2 years ago and proudly serve as Vice President of the Women International Group, supporting initiatives that connect and uplift women in Cambodia. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active with running, cycling, and pickleball—and when I slow down, I love sewing as a creative outlet.

Kong Sotheavy

Treasurer

Kong Sotheavy

Treasurer

My personal: have to two kids ( 9yrs girls and 3yrs boy ) and 1 husband:) My job mother priority and I am working for ibis rice as ( domestic) Event and Retail manager. My hobbies is going out with friends . Like to be a part of work and look forward to more social life and meet new friends

Membership Team

Beatriz Garcia Cabrero

Membership Coordinator

Beatriz Garcia Cabrero

Membership Coordinator

Say Hello to Beatriz Garcia Cabrero! Born & raised in Canada but of Spanish descent, and now living the Phnom Penh life, Beatriz is a true global citizen with a love for adventure—and good coffee! After moving here in the Summer of 2024 from Belgium with her husband and two energetic daughters (ages 9 and 11), she jumped right into the local scene and hasn’t looked back. With a background in Event Management, Beatriz thrives on meeting new people and making them feel right at home—perfect for her role as the WIG membership coordinator! When she’s not welcoming new faces, you’ll find her stretching it out in yoga or Pilates, dancing it up in Zumba, or getting creative with her handmade crochet bags and coasters. Oh, and did we mention she’s an aspiring artist? Whether it’s sketching or splashing watercolours in her local art class (taught in French), Beatriz is always finding new ways to express her colorful spirit.

Longpong Seng

Membership Co-Coordinator

Longpong Seng

Membership Co-Coordinator

I’m Cambodian, born in Phnom Penh, and a mother of two daughters. I began my entrepreneurial journey at 17 in staff administration and have since worked across various industries—including hospitality, fashion, and food service. Since 2014, I’ve managed staff canteens across three AEON Malls, and for over 10 years, I’ve also run Sing Services Som Corporation, a company offering cleaning, pest control, and janitorial services. I joined WIG in 2023 to meet new people, improve my English, and share Cambodian culture. Now in my second year, I proudly serve as Co-Coordinator of the Membership Team, helping connect and welcome women from all backgrounds. Outside of work, I enjoy yoga, cycling, pickleball, and staying close to nature. Fashion, friendship, and fresh experiences keep me inspired and balanced.

Social Team

Vannyka Khorn

Social Coordinator

Vannyka Khorn

Social Coordinator

I’m Vannyka, a Cambodian entrepreneur based in Phnom Penh. I lead V3 Real Estate, helping clients navigate the property market, and share insights on lifestyle, real estate, and business as Vannyka Queen. As Social Coordinator for WIG, I enjoy creating meaningful events that connect and empower women in our community. In my free time, I love staying active and inspired — whether it’s through running, yoga, Zumba, or learning something new. I’m also passionate about chess (I used to stream on Twitch!), reading, languages, interior design, and music. Each hobby helps me stay balanced, creative, and connected to the world around me.

WIG Community Fund (WCF)

Marisa Oum-Berquin

WCF Coordinator

Marisa Oum-Berquin

WCF Coordinator

Marisa Oum-Berquin is Khmer-French-New Zealander, now retired in Cambodia after living and working in France, the U.S., New Zealand, and Australia. Marisa spent four years sailing half the globe, from La Rochelle to the South Pacific with her husband and baby. Today, she’s setting-up a social initiative in Cambodia to connect patients with verified and certified healthcare providers. Her favorite way to unwind? Cooking and sharing good food and wine.

Communication Team

Kimhour Ki

Communications Coordinator

Kimhour Ki

Communications Coordinator

A Cambodian mother of two and a dedicated optician. I’ve proudly owned and operated SH Sun Heng Optics since 2014, with two branches located in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. I’ve been a member of WIG since 2022 and currently volunteer as Co-Coordinator of the Communications Team, helping share the group’s work and spirit through engaging content. In my free time, I love traveling, discovering new cafés and restaurants, spending time with loved ones, and capturing memories through photos and videos for social media. I also enjoy cooking, reading, and listening to music.

Ruth (aka) Hnin Wai Zin

Communications & Christmas Fair Co-coordinator

Ruth (aka) Hnin Wai Zin

Communications & Christmas Fair Co-coordinator

My name is Ruth Duqué. I relocated to Cambodia from Myanmar in 2009 and have been a member of WIG for the past three years. I’m a proud mother of two, with a background in hospitality and business development. I also run a small handmade candle business called Dainty Candles. I have a passion for exploring different cultures, trying new foods, traveling, and expressing myself through art as a hobby.

Christmas Fair Team

Anne-Laure Bartenay

Christmas Fair Coordinator

Anne-Laure Bartenay

Christmas Fair Coordinator

I'm Anne-Laure, a 39-year-old French entrepreneur living in Cambodia for nearly a decade. After several years in Siem Reap, I moved to Phnom Penh two years ago, where I joined WIG. I'm the co-founder of BRB Cambodia and Satcha — Cambodia’s first Handicrafts Incubation Center in Siem Reap — as well as the founder of ALB Marketing & Events. I also run CULT, a platform that supports and promotes local artisans and entrepreneurs. This year, I’m proud to lead the organization of the WIG Christmas Fair alongside a fantastic team of volunteers. It’s a key event that raises vital funds for local charities, celebrates WIG’s mission, and showcases incredible vendors from across Cambodia. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, reading, playing tennis, and practicing yoga.

Ruth (aka) Hnin Wai Zin

Communications & Christmas Fair Co-coordinator

Ruth (aka) Hnin Wai Zin

Communications & Christmas Fair Co-coordinator

2025

Executive Committee

Our new ExCom Team who were voted into their new roles by WIG members at our AGM on February 22 2025. Over the next year the team will be arranging and coordinating our social and charitable activities and generally taking care of WIG business for us all