Kongngy Hav’s social enterprise, My Dream Home, is transforming Cambodia’s construction sector by producing eco-friendly bricks and building materials from recycled waste such as broken glasses, marble and granite waste. Found in 2025, the enterprise reflects Kongngy’s vision of creating affordable, environmentally friendly homes for Cambodians while promoting sustainability.
Despite challenges in the construction sector – exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and rising material costs – Kongngy persevered. His participation in Oxfam’s Impact SME Program marked a pivotal turning point. “The program was life-changing. It opened doors during a challenging time for the construction industry,” said Kongngy.
Through the program, Kongngy gained crucial skills in leadership, proposal writing, and investor pitching. “Before, I led the business alone but now I see the value of empowering my team to lead,” Kongngy added. “With their support, we can expand to meet the growing demand for sustainable construction materials”
The program’s focus on mentorship and networking also inspired Kongngy to strengthen his social impact.
“I learned how to run my business not just for profit, but to reduce environmental harm and uplift marginalized communities, especially by encouraging women to participate in construction.”
With guidance from the Oxfam’s Impact SME Program, Kongngy confidently participated in various investor pitching and competition. Notably, he won a $10,000 grant in the 2022 Superstar Impact Business Competition, which enabled him to build nearly 30 eco-friendly homes and toilets for underserved communities in Siem Reap province.
My Dream Home earned accreditation as an Inclusive Business by Cambodia’s Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation and was named one of the UNDP Cambodia’s top 10 growth-stage impact venture.
Cambodia relies heavily on imported construction materials, importing goods such as stone, plaster, cement, and mica worth $69.4 million in 2022, according to the United Nations Comtrade database. Kongngy envisions a future where businesses reduce these costs by expanding the production of eco-bricks and other green materials. “We can decrease Cambodia’s dependence on imports and make a real impact for the economy and the environment,” he said.
Despite the current economic slowdown and delays in the construction sector, Kongngy remains optimistic. “We’ve faced setbacks, but my dream of scaling this business – through more investment and expanded production – keeps me going,” he said.
My Dream Home is more than a business; it’s a mission to create sustainable solutions for Cambodia’s future. With ongoing support, the potential for greater impact is immense.