Dominic Williams, the British Ambassador to Cambodia, joined the Rising Giants podcast for its milestone 150th episode, offering a wide-ranging conversation on diplomacy, development, and the future of Cambodia’s economic and social transformation.

Appointed to the role in 2022, Ambassador Williams brings nearly two decades of diplomatic experience from postings across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. His career with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office began in 2005 and has included assignments in Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Peru, and France, as well as London-based roles covering UN peacekeeping and the Syria conflict. In recognition of his work in Sri Lanka, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2011.

Reflecting on his early journey into foreign service, Williams shared that he didn’t always envision a diplomatic career. “When I went to university, I had no idea what I wanted to do,” he admitted. But through career guidance and an internship at the British Embassy in Paris, he found his calling. “That was the start for me—and I loved it.”

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His early years were spent in conflict zones such as Sri Lanka during the civil war, and later managing policy on the Arab Spring while based in London. “When I moved to Peru, it was a shift into economic and trade diplomacy. It gave me a broader view of how diplomacy can impact economic development,” he explained.

Now posted in Phnom Penh, Williams says Cambodia offers a uniquely livable and secure environment, especially for families. “It’s very safe here—you can walk out after dark, visit parks, and explore the country freely. That’s not something I could do in every posting,” he said, noting that in Abuja, Nigeria, even weekend trips required armed police escorts.

He was also struck by the strong presence of British citizens and companies in Cambodia. “I’ve been positively surprised at how many Brits are here doing meaningful work—running businesses, founding NGOs, contributing to education and healthcare,” he said. “And many of them have no formal ties to the UK government—they came here, fell in love with the country, and stayed.”

Under Williams’ leadership, the British Embassy in Cambodia is focusing on three key sectors where UK expertise can support Cambodia’s development: education, infrastructure, and financial services.

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: As Cambodia prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2029, Ambassador Williams emphasized the importance of skills training for emerging industries. “If Cambodia wants to attract investment in advanced manufacturing, it needs to build a skilled workforce,” he said. “We hear it from British businesses all the time—certain roles like actuaries just don’t exist in the domestic talent pool yet.”

To address this, British educational institutions are stepping in. Since Williams’ arrival, four British international schools have launched in Cambodia, and De Montfort University opened the country’s first British university campus in 2023. “We’ll see more British degree programs delivered here,” he said. “There’s already another university set to launch this September through a local partnership.”

: Williams described the new Phnom Penh Techo International Airport as a “cathedral-like” project that signals Cambodia’s ambition. Designed by UK firm Foster + Partners, the project also involves engineering from Korea and construction by a Chinese firm. “It’s authentically Cambodian in design but globally competitive,” he said, adding it could become a destination in its own right—similar to Singapore’s Changi Airport.

Beyond the airport, British firms have had a quiet but impactful role in shaping Phnom Penh’s skyline. “Many people don’t realize that buildings like Vattanac Tower, Exchange Square, and Chip Mong Tower were designed by British architectural firms,” he noted. “And we’re keen to bring in more UK expertise in green and sustainable infrastructure.”

: Williams acknowledged the progress made in Cambodia’s banking and financial systems but noted more reforms are needed, particularly around regulation and capital markets. “We’ve just brought in a new embassy staff member to focus on regulatory reform,” he revealed. “And we’re working with the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority to support capacity building here.”

He also highlighted the importance of capital markets and government bond issuance. “As Cambodia transitions out of concessional finance, it needs to diversify its funding sources. Developing bond markets and leveraging tools like UK Export Finance can be a game changer,” he said.

British firms like Prudential and Standard Chartered already operate in Cambodia, while fintechs like Revolut and Wise represent potential future entrants. “These digital platforms could help improve remittance flows and support startups,” he said, noting their flexibility and modern approach to compliance and customer onboarding.

Ambassador Williams addressed the UK’s trade relationship with Cambodia, which benefits from the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). “Cambodia enjoys zero tariffs and zero quotas for 99% of product lines under DCTS,” he said. “We’re Cambodia’s eighth-largest export market—higher than France—and that’s quite significant.”

He also noted UK support for programs like Trade for Development, which helps Cambodian SMEs, particularly in agro-processing, prepare to export to the UK. “Last year alone, firms in our program exported around $20 million worth of goods to the UK,” he said.

Asked about what keeps him calm amidst the pressures of diplomacy, Williams cited exercise, to-do lists, and self-awareness. “I need to go for a run a few times a week—it’s how I clear my head,” he said. He also emphasized the importance of knowing what energizes you at work. “For me, it’s engaging with people. That’s what gives me the fuel to do the quieter strategy work.”

On what inspires him most, Williams pointed to the stories of individuals. “One message that stayed with me was from someone who found a rocket-propelled grenade in their garden after I posted about demining. We connected them to Halo Trust, and they safely removed it. That’s the real-world impact of what we do.”

He also praised Cambodia’s youth, especially young women breaking barriers. “We run an initiative called ‘Girls Takeover,’ where a young woman becomes ambassador for the day. Some of them come from rural areas and have overcome incredible odds just to finish school. They are Cambodia’s future leaders—and I have no doubt about their potential.”