Cambodia’s Debut on the Global Stage: Prestige’s First-Ever 40 Under 40 Gala Sparkles at T-One

The Prestige 40 Under 40 Gala at T-One celebrated Cambodia’s top visionaries in a night of glamour and recognition.
It was a night of glitz, glamour, and a dash of ambition as Cambodia made its grand entrance onto the international stage. The T-One Gallery played host to the inaugural Prestige 40 Under 40 Gala Awards Dinner, a celebration of the kingdom’s boldest and brightest. Presented by Prestige magazine and APD Bank as well as the velvety smooth backing of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, the event was a luxurious affair that placed Phnom Penh firmly in the global spotlight.
Set at #51B Street 214, the T-One Gallery, a modern gem in Phnom Penh, provided the perfect backdrop for this historic evening. The event was all about honouring Cambodia’s future powerhouses, but let’s not forget the exquisite details that made the night truly unforgettable. Ox Club whipped up a culinary masterpiece that had everyone swooning, while the stunning floral arrangements by DEVATA turned the venue into a botanical wonderland.
As the kingdom’s elite sipped their cocktails and indulged in gourmet delights, the true stars of the evening were the 40 Under 40 honorees—visionaries who are not just making waves in Cambodia but also catching the world’s attention. These trailblazers span industries as diverse as tech, design, hospitality, entertainment, and beyond. The message was clear: Cambodia is on the move for more recognition.
Notable dignitaries and prominent figures graced the event, including Lok ChumTeav Chhayline Yim, spouse of Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Lok ChumTeav Krasna Cham, spouse of the Minister of Tourism, Stefan Messerer, the German Ambassador, Dominic Williams, the UK Ambassador, and Bjorn Rettig, the CEO of BurdaLuxury.
But the night wasn’t just about savouring high-end hors d’oeuvres and sipping signature Johnnie Walker cocktails like Blue Moon, Blue Sour, and Blue Ginger. Beneath the glitz, there was a deeper purpose. Varaman Kouch, the youngest-ever Prestige magazine cover star, took the stage and captivated the room with his speech. “Tonight, we are witnessing a landmark moment—this is the kingdom’s first-ever 40 Under 40. A true celebration of youth, vision, and hope,” he declared. With the poise of a seasoned leader, Varaman urged his fellow honorees to see themselves not only as the future but as the leaders of today. At just 23 years old, his powerful words set the tone for an evening that celebrated both the promise of tomorrow and the achievements of the present.
The honourees of the 2024 Prestige 40 Under 40 list are truly a who’s who of Cambodia’s movers and shakers. From creative entrepreneurs to tech innovators, these individuals are reshaping what it means to lead in the 21st century.
Visit the 40 Under 40 microsite at prestigeonline.com/kh/people/40under40 to see the full list and follow us on Instagram @prestigecambodia to go behind the scenes.
They are not just leaders in Cambodia—they are putting the kingdom on the global map, demonstrating that innovation and vision know no borders. This glamorous event marked a significant moment, not just for the honorees but for the entire country. The Prestige 40 Under 40 Gala may have been Cambodia’s first, but it surely won’t be the last. As the kingdom continues to rise on the international stage, you can bet that this celebration of talent, drive, and ambition will only grow bigger, bolder, and more dazzling in the years to come.
You can find all the official event photos through this link.