Phnom penh: iDE Cambodia has announced the transfer of ownership of Hydrologic Social Enterprise Co., Ltd. to its local management team, marking the transition of the renowned Tunsai water filter manufacturer into a fully independent, Cambodian-owned company. This move signifies a significant milestone in the 15-year journey of one of Cambodia's most influential social enterprises and underscores iDE's dedication to empowering women entrepreneurs, fostering rural enterprise development, and promoting inclusive economic growth.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Hydrologic was initially launched as a clean-water initiative by iDE in 2001, a time when poor sanitation and unsafe water were linked to approximately 10,000 deaths annually in Cambodia, with the majority being children under five. By 2010, iDE had officially registered the initiative as a social enterprise, which has since evolved into a profitable manufacturer providing affordable, high-quality safe water solutions across the nation.
The Tunsai ceramic water filter, produced in Cambodia, adheres to international standards and effectively removes 99.99 percent of bacteria. Regular testing of water samples at accredited laboratories ensures consistent quality. Since its transition to a social enterprise, Hydrologic has sold over 700,000 locally-produced filters throughout rural Cambodia, benefiting over 2 million people and proving that Cambodian products can meet global standards while addressing critical social issues.
Michael Roberts, CEO of iDE, remarked, "What began as a grant-funded programme is now a commercially viable Cambodian enterprise improving public health, protecting the environment, and creating local jobs. It reflects the success of Cambodian leadership and the power of market-based development to solve social challenges."
Under the leadership of Ms. Sam Sothea, Hydrologic transitions to independent Cambodian ownership. Ms. Sothea, who initially served as Hydrologic's finance head before becoming general manager in 2021, has been instrumental in the company's market expansion, brand strengthening, and financial sustainability. The company operates a manufacturing facility in Kampong Chhnang province, supporting local employment and reinforcing domestic supply chains.
Ms. Sothea stated, "As an independent Cambodian company, we're ready to expand into new markets, attract new investment, and continue collaborating with iDE and other partners." Throughout its development, Hydrologic has collaborated with organizations such as Danone Communities, Nexus for Development, Whitten and Roy Partnership, and Aqua for All to enhance its technical capabilities and commercial growth.