AICB confers top fellowship award on Cambodia's central bank governor

From left are Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB) chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia Chea Chanto, Bank Negara Governor, Tan Sri Muhammad Ibrahim and AICB chief executive Prasad Padmanaban.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB) has conferred its honorary fellowship award on  the Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, Chea Chanto.

AICB said on Friday the award was for the recognition of his vision, leadership and dedication which transformed Cambodia’s banking industry.

The AICB honorary fellowship award is conferred on distinguished individuals whose leadership and contributions in the financial industry are considered to be of national and international significance. 

AICB chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim conferred the award on Chea Chanto in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It was witnessed by the Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, Tan Sri Muhammad Ibrahim 

In the conferment speech,  Azman paid tribute to Chea Chanto’s visionary leadership, where he led the transformation of the Cambodian financial industry with insight and boldness. 

AICB chief executive, Prasad Padmanaban, who delivered the citation, highlighted Chea Chanto’s unwavering commitment and dedication over decades to strengthen Cambodia’s economic fundamentals. His commitment and dedication, said Prasad, underpinned Cambodia’s strong economic growth.

Azman pointed out that under Chea Chanto’s stewardship of the National Bank of Cambodia, numerous banking reforms which strengthened Cambodia’s banking system were introduced. 

“Cambodia’s banking system has now been modernized and integrated in the regional and international financial system.”  

Chea Chanto said: “This award also reflects the hard work of my many colleagues at the National Bank of Cambodia. Our country’s banking sector has grown significantly since the central bank was re-established in 1979. 

“Today, banking is one of the country’s best-performing economic sectors. We remained focus on strengthening the banking system, building a rich talent pool, and striking the right balance between financial inclusion and financial stability to boost economic activity.”

AICB said the conferment of the fellowship further strengthens the bilateral ties between Malaysia and Cambodia. 

It also facilitates new collaborative opportunities between AICB and the National Bank of Cambodia to further strengthen professional development in the banking sector required to sustain a growing financial industry.