KAMPONG CHAM – From wet market fishmonger to thriving local fishery, Thoeurn Sreyny Enterprise's two-year transformation is a story of technology, technical know-how, and sheer dedication.

Located in Skuon town, Cheung Prey district, this remarkable business has boosted its annual production from 8 to 14 tonnes, embracing modern tools and hygienic processes every step of the way – from washing and cutting the fish to the meticulous drying and packaging of their signature products: dried snakehead, giant snakehead, walking catfish, and pangasius.

“About 50 percent of the whole enterprise has changed for good after receiving technical and material support from the CAPFish-Capture project undertaken by UNIDO and Fisheries Administration, with support from the EU,” says shop owner Lim Ponny.

This vital project equipped her with a game-changing array of equipment: a solar dryer dome, a vacuum packaging machine, a hot air dryer, a chest freezer, a display chiller, an ice cube maker, an insulated plastic box, a fish cutting board, and other essential hygiene tools.

The results are cleaner processes, more trustworthy products, and increased value.

Lim Ponny is the owner of the enterprise. Photo: Chhum Chantha

With 200 to 300 kilograms of fish processed daily between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., the dried fish production alone generates up to 400,000 riel ($100) in revenue.

Thoeurn Sreyny Enterprise now stands as a shining example of quality and hygiene, experiencing a 34 percent surge in sales and an impressive 70 percent jump in revenue since the project's inception.

They’ve also capitalized on their success by diversifying their product line, venturing into fermented fishery products like prahok, pork, and smoked fish, and even experimenting with fish sausages.

“I never had hopes for such development before because I was doing it on a small family scale for the local market only until CAPFish-Capture came in,” Ponny admits. “There’s been a significant improvement in marketing and technical aspects in accordance with my customers’ favors.”

This growth has transformed the business from a family-run operation to a bustling workplace, providing valuable employment for eight local residents, six of whom are women.  They work together, rotating through various tasks to develop a wide range of skills.

“It helps create jobs for the local people, especially women, and give back to the communities that supply all the raw materials," Ponny emphasizes.

For Sreylai, a 27-year-old newcomer to the enterprise, the opportunity to learn multiple skills is invaluable.  "I have never done this job before, but these tasks teach me a lot because we can do different things here," she says, highlighting the enterprise's commitment to both quality products and community development.

The fish drying process, crucial to Thoeurn Sreyny Enterprise's operations, typically takes a full day.  During this time, staff members meticulously monitor the fish every hour to ensure consistent and proper heat exposure within the dryer dome, which performs just as effectively as traditional sun-drying.


Three employees work together during the fish cutting process. Photo: Meng Seavmey

Sreylai praises the supportive work environment fostered by owner Lim Ponny:  “The owner (Ponny) is taking care of the employees well. She always puts the knowledge she knew from training into practice with us, and teaches us everything she knows,” Sreylai adds. “So, we all know how to do every step.”

Ponny's journey from fish seller to prominent village figure is a testament to her dedication and the enterprise's positive impact on the community.  Through job creation and expanded opportunities, she has become a vital local asset.

“The salary is not so high yet, but it is helping the local people to some extent, reducing migration," she notes.

Demonstrating her commitment to sustainability, Ponny has also implemented an eco-friendly waste management system. Instead of discarding fish byproducts, she transforms fish heads and scales into natural fertilizer. Within three to four days, the enterprise can produce and sell 30 to 40 buckets of fertilizer, each fetching 40,000 riel ($10).

“The profit is used to cover electric and water bills,” Ponny explains.

Further solidifying their commitment to quality, Thoeurn Sreyny Enterprise earned the Cambodia Quality Seal-Basic Certification in 2023, validating the quality and hygiene of their production processes.  They are now actively pursuing the full CQS Certification, which will soon be displayed on their products.

The enterprise's remarkable growth is undeniable. Ponny has forged partnerships with fishermen, processors, distributors, and retailers, expanding her supply network nationwide.  Her products, now available in ten supermarkets primarily in Phnom Penh, are a far cry from their initial market of travelers passing through to Kampong Thom or Siem Reap provinces.  Today, demand spans the entire country, with products readily available through deliveries and pickups.

Thoeurn Sreyny products have even become a popular choice for those traveling to the U.S., South Korea, Japan, and Australia, often brought back as gifts.  With growing demand comes the need for more hands on deck.Looking ahead, Ponny calls for additional support to facilitate further expansion and job creation within her thriving enterprise.

Thoeurn Sreyny Enterprise's dried fish are being sold at the PTT Gas Station in Phdao Chum Commune. Photo: Meng Seavmey