With great pride, the Italian-Cambodian Business Association (ItaCham) recently facilitated an inspiring encounter between Giordano Riello, a prominent Italian entrepreneur and CEO of NPLUS Srl, and His Royal Highness Prince Ravivaddhana Monipong Sisowath of Cambodia, a figure of exceptional cultural stature and diplomatic vision.
The meeting centered on the future of technological and industrial development in Cambodia, and how Italy’s deep-rooted legacy of innovation, craftsmanship, and beauty can contribute meaningfully to the Kingdom’s progress. As head of NPLUS Srl, a member of the Riello International Group, Giordano Riello leads a company that specializes in advanced engineering solutions and innovative technologies. His role as a forward-thinking business leader aligns perfectly with Cambodia’s aspirations for sustainable, high-tech growth.
His Royal Highness Prince Ravivaddhana Monipong Sisowath, known for his profound contributions to diplomacy, the arts, and cultural diplomacy, brought an equally powerful vision to the conversation. His Highness was born in Phom Penh in February 1970 and since 1997, lives in Rome, Italy. Grown up in France, graduated in Bristish contemporary literature, Prince Sisowath Ravivaddhana Monipong is a recognized specialist of history and culture of South-East Asia and has published books and articles on the social and traditional structure of the Cambodian society and the genealogy of the Khmer Royal Family. The Prince has been at the forefront of building bridges between Cambodia and Italy, not only through diplomatic and economic channels, but also through the arts — a domain where he has long been a passionate and active promoter.
One of his most remarkable recent initiatives was his support for the Madama Butterfly opera production held in December 2023 in Phnom Penh. The event marked a milestone in Cambodia’s cultural scene, bringing Giacomo Puccini’s iconic opera to life in a Southeast Asian context, with Cambodian performers trained under Italian guidance. The Prince’s patronage was instrumental in uniting Italian artistic tradition with Cambodian talent, showcasing his deep commitment to cultural exchange and education.
The meeting between Riello and His Royal Highness was more than symbolic — it signified a shared commitment to fostering long-term cooperation between Italy and Cambodia. They discussed the potential for Italian industrial know-how to support Cambodia’s development goals, particularly in areas such as sustainability, innovation, and smart infrastructure.
At ItaCham, we believe the ties between Italy and Cambodia go beyond commerce. We are united by ancient civilizations, artistic legacies, and a timeless appreciation for beauty and excellence. We are honored to witness leaders like Giordano Riello and Prince Ravivaddhana Monipong Sisowath come together to strengthen this connection — not only as representatives of business and royalty, but as ambassadors of shared values and enduring partnerships.
