ReMade in Cambodia: A Journey of Creativity, Sustainability, and Empowerment
We don’t know if you’ve heard, but a visionary platform is transforming textile waste into opportunity and empowerment in the Kingdom. Introducing ReMade in Cambodia, founded by Alyssa during her time as a Fulbright Scholar, a powerful new actor bringing together a combination of fashion, sustainability, and community development.
We caught up with Alyssa to learn more about how turning discarded textiles into wearable art, ReMade in Cambodia is tackling environmental challenges while uplifting young local artists.
From Vision to Reality
“I started ReMade in Cambodia to address several pressing issues: the environmental damage caused by textile waste, the lack of economic empowerment for vulnerable communities, and the absence of adequate support for local Cambodian artists,” Alyssa explains. The platform’s origins lie in a simple yet powerful idea—using waste to spark creativity and create opportunity. Since its inception in 2021, ReMade in Cambodia has grown from a small project into a dynamic organization that champions a circular fashion economy in Cambodia.
Now, ReMade in Cambodia runs workshops, fashion shows, and partners with indigenous groups such as the Bunong people. The organization collaborates with the Cambodian Handicraft Association, providing employment opportunities for women with disabilities. Alyssa’s role, too, has evolved, as she juggles managing textile waste, fostering partnerships, supporting young designers, and building a space where Khmer culture and sustainability intersect.
“My role has transformed from focusing primarily on managing textile waste to creating partnerships, supporting young designers, and building a space where Khmer culture and environmental sustainability can thrive together.”
Addressing Urgent Issues
The fashion and textile industries are among the world’s most polluting sectors, contributing significantly to Cambodia’s environmental degradation. Textiles make up 20% of waste in Cambodia’s rivers and 60% of industrial waste on land, threatening ecosystems, wildlife, and exacerbating climate change. Vulnerable communities bear the brunt of these impacts, with few avenues for economic empowerment. At the same time, local artists are often underrepresented, lacking platforms for growth and recognition.
ReMade in Cambodia takes a holistic approach to address these challenges. Its mission goes beyond waste management—it seeks to create a sustainable fashion economy rooted in Khmer culture. Through initiatives like ReImagine, a platform that raises awareness about upcycling, and Pteah ReMade, a creative hub for designers and artisans, the organization offers opportunities for innovation and education.
“We’re empowering youth to lead in sustainable fashion while celebrating their culture and creativity,” says Alyssa. Upcoming plans include scaling the programs further and creating more community outreach events, such as fashion shows and workshops, that inspire action.
A Passionate Team with a Purpose
At the heart of ReMade in Cambodia is a team of passionate, creative individuals. “We’re not just coworkers; we’re a community that supports each other to be our most authentic selves,” Alyssa emphasizes. The organization is built on core values like artistic expression, youth empowerment, sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural celebration. These values are embedded in every aspect of the platform, from the collection of textile waste to the fashion runway.
“Our work environment is built on these values, and it’s what keeps us motivated and inspired every day,” Alyssa says.
Innovative Solutions for Sustainability
ReMade in Cambodia offers innovative solutions for individuals and businesses looking to engage with sustainability. Through programs like ReMake Circular Textile, which partners with businesses to transform their textile waste, and ReAct, which educates youth about waste reduction and upcycling, the organization is driving change on multiple levels.
“We help people understand their role in protecting the environment, and we empower them to take action—whether that’s through fashion shows, upcycling workshops, or hands-on experiences,” Alyssa shares. “And most importantly, we make the journey toward sustainability fun and engaging for everyone involved.”
Impact on Cambodia’s Future
ReMade in Cambodia is not only contributing to environmental sustainability but also diversifying the creative landscape in the country. The organization provides a platform for young Cambodian artists to raise awareness about sustainability through their designs, empowering them to contribute to a circular fashion economy.
“We’re creating new ways for people to engage with sustainability and Cambodian art,” Alyssa explains. “Whether it’s through fashion shows, workshops, or community outreach, we’re upcycling not just clothes, but ideas, opportunities, and communities for a more sustainable Cambodia.”
A Deep Connection to Cambodia
For Alyssa, Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage and strong sense of community have been a constant source of inspiration. “There’s something incredibly inspiring about the resilience and creativity of the people here, especially the younger generation,” she says. “Cambodia’s heritage, from its art to its textiles, is a wellspring of tradition that fuels our work at ReMade.”
Setting up ReMade in Cambodia felt like a natural step, given the country’s growing momentum around sustainable practices. “There’s a unique opportunity to weave environmental responsibility with cultural expression,” Alyssa reflects. “It’s the energy and spirit of Cambodia that keeps us motivated every day.”
As ReMade in Cambodia continues to grow, its dream of a future where every discarded textile becomes an opportunity for creativity, community empowerment, and sustainability is steadily becoming a reality.
 | Cambodia |
 | remadeincambodia.com |
 | +855 (0)86 304 480 |
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
