Phnom Penh: For Ms. Kol Vannalin, spending a day planting mangrove trees with her colleagues at the Peam Krasop Nature Reserve in Koh Kong province has become a memory that makes her smile every time she thinks about it today.
“I can’t forget the time I got stuck in the mud while planting mangrove trees and my colleagues rushed to help,” she says with a smile. “It shows that social work programs help build solidarity and bring us closer together. When we volunteer together, we become one family.”
Her experience reflects the broad culture of volunteerism at NagaWorld. Through the company’s sustainability and social responsibility work, Nagaworld Kind Heart, employees have contributed a total of more than 60,000 volunteer hours since 2014, supporting initiatives in the fields of education, community development, sports and environmental protection across Cambodia.
These efforts were recently recognized at the 18th 2026 CSR and Environmental Social and Governance Summit and Awards Ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, where NagaWorld received four awards including the Best Company in Cambodia Award (Platinum Level) for 6 consecutive years, the Excellence in Knowledge and Education Award (Gold Level), the Best Community Program Award (Silver Level), and the Best Environmental Excellence Award (Silver Level). But beyond these awards, the positive impact of these activities is evident in the stories that happen every day.
At O Bek Kaam Secondary School in Toul Kork District, Phnom Penh, Teacher Khun Piseth, an environmental science teacher, has noticed a change in students’ behavior since the school joined NagaWorld’s “Clean Schools and Green Environment Program.” The school-based competition was launched in 2024 in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and has now expanded to 79 schools across Phnom Penh and Kampong Cham Province, teaching students about waste management, recycling and environmental responsibility.
“The program has helped improve the learning environment in our school and given students the opportunity to better understand and care for the environment around them,” the teacher said. “They are now participating in daily cleaning activities and have even started a vegetable garden this year. I am proud that they have encouraged each other and developed a greater sense of responsibility for the environment.
These efforts are what earned the school the title of Clean School 2025 champion. For others, the change has had a positive personal impact.
Phon Udom, who was previously unable to pursue higher education due to financial constraints, credits Nagaworld’s Vulnerable Youth Rescue Program with giving him a second chance. “Not being able to continue my studies at university was like a closed door, but this program has helped me rebuild my future,” he said.
The 20-month residency program provides disadvantaged youth with practical skills ranging from English communication skills to digital literacy, as well as building confidence and readiness for the job market. Udom is currently working as a teacher at a private school in Steung Meanchey District, Phnom Penh. “Learning to communicate confidently in English has opened the door for me to this job opportunity, and now I am able to make a significant contribution to building my family’s future,” he added. .
For many others, like Ms. Vannalin, the experience gained goes beyond social work. Mr. Chum Yet, who participated in almost all social work activities, was named “Outstanding Volunteer of the Year” in the company’s first volunteer appreciation program. “What motivates me the most is seeing the smiles on the children’s faces. It means a lot to me,” he said, adding that giving up his time is also a way to contribute to the country. “We volunteer for our community and we volunteer to help develop our country.”
Mr. Pern Chen, Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer of NagaWorld, said he was thrilled by the recognition.
Reflecting on NagaWorld’s important role in contributing to nation-building and sustainable development, he said, “For us, these awards not only demonstrate our commitment to supporting Cambodia’s progress and development, but also a testament to the dedication and hard work of our employees for communities across the country.”
As NagaWorld celebrates its 31st anniversary, the company continues to focus on the idea of An initiative that supports Cambodia’s sustainability goals where success is measured not by winning awards but by the concrete actions that happen every day, whether it’s wading through mud, giving second chances, or making small changes that contribute to creating great achievements for the nation.
The 2026 CSR Summit and Awards is the longest-running sustainability event in Asia, recognizing organizations and leaders who have driven and are driving progress in sustainability across the region.
