Her Excellency Dr Serey Chea
Distinguished International Alumni Award听recipient 2024
Doctor of Philosophy in Economics 2021
Her Excellency Dr Serey Chea is the Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia. Under her leadership across this and other positions, Cambodia has seen the modernisation and regulation of payment and banking systems that have created significant impacts for people around the country.
During her PhD in Economics and Econometrics (2021), she explored the impact of financial inclusion and liberalisation on ASEAN economic development. The impact of her important work continues to be Serey鈥檚 greatest motivation. She says, 鈥淚 meet people on the street or at events, and they come and tell me how they appreciate some of the work that I did. Those who've never had access to formal financial services before. Now, they do have access. They were even able to improve their livelihood. They were able to send their children to school.鈥
鈥淢y aspiration is 鈥 like many other people in my generation 鈥 to make the world a better place."
Serey recognises the immense impact that equitable access to simple financial systems can have towards poverty reduction and economic growth. A vocal advocate for women鈥檚 economic empowerment, she strives for positive change in Cambodia and around the world.
Inspired by her parents, who survived the Khmer Rouge communist regime and whose own humble beginnings and challenges never held them back from striving to make an impact, Serey wants to make a difference for people and ensure that the future is a bright place for the generations that follow.
鈥淚 have four children鈥 two adopted, one with autism. To make sure that my children will be growing in a place where there is peace, with safety, where they have equal opportunity, where they have good access to health care and support, is my aspiration.鈥澨
As the first woman to serve as the Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, Serey recognises that she provides inspiration to other young women who want to create impact. 鈥淚t is a tremendous honour. It's a privilege, but it's also a responsibility to other young women, because now that I am able to open the door and say, 鈥榯his is possible for women鈥, I have to make sure that I keep this door opened. And by doing my job well, by showing that women can do this job well, that's how I can keep that door open.