Sam is an American author with over two decades of experience living and working in Vietnam. He was a former Peace Corps Volunteer in the Philippines, and has worked in Vietnam as a journalist and writer. He now speaks Vietnamese fluently.

He is the author of five books and the founder of the Saigon Writers Club. His third book, Vietnam – Asia’s Rising Star, is about the future of Vietnam, while his forthcoming book, 40 Years of Innovators (2026), profiles 25 stories of 25 influential figures from the Đổi Mới era.

Ken is the founder of ScottAsia Communications, a specialist Asian travel and tourism PR consultancy based in Thailand and the UK. Ken is a communications expert and former travel journalist and editor. He was manager and director of communications at PATA HQ 2000-2006, a period which saw crises such as SARS and the 2004 tsunami.

James is a dedicated educator, author, and nonprofit leader with a strong background in aviation and international business in Asia. He teaches International Marketing, Business Ethics, and Aviation Strategy at the University of Washington and Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok.  Beyond the classroom, James has led executive education programs for university students and airline professionals worldwide and authored two textbooks on travel and airline marketing. He is also the founder of Teachers for Tomorrow, a nonprofit supporting education in Cambodia, and has launched other impactful initiatives across Asia focused on health and development.

Group Finance Coordinator

What inspired you to get involved with Khiri Reach?

I want to be part of the team that not only cares for people but also actively protects nature and the environment. I believe my skills and experience can contribute to the smooth and effective operation of the team, while supporting responsible and sustainable practices. I am also inspired by the belief that travel can be a positive force — the more we travel, the more we can support communities and help people, creating meaningful and lasting impact.

Marketing Manager

What inspired you to get involved with Khiri Reach?
I was inspired to get involved with Khiri Reach as I learned more about its strong commitment to community support and conservation. Their work closely aligns with my own experience as a volunteer teacher, where I was actively involved in similar community-focused initiatives. Being part of Khiri Reach and the meaningful, positive impact it creates truly resonates with me.

You Bunseun has over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, having worked across customer service, operations, and travel management since 2005. His career reflects a dedication to delivering excellent service and building lasting client relationships, helping businesses grow and thrive. He holds a Bachelor of Education in English Literature from the University of Management and Economics, which has strengthened his communication and analytical skills and supported his success in the travel sector.

Lor Sihun has over 17 years of experience in the travel industry, with a strong background in finance and accounting. She also manages government relations, including working with the tax department and relevant ministries for business licensing and compliance. Sihun oversees financial operations and ensures smooth workflows in her work at Khiri Travel. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Accounting from Western University in Cambodia.

Mark Remijan brings over 30 years of experience in Asia’s travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. With a strong background in finance, technology, and business development, Mark combines analytical thinking with a genuine passion for creating purposeful, innovative ventures. He is the Co-Founder and CFO of YAANA Ventures, and sits on the boards of BuilderSmart (BSM) and Chow Steel Industries (CHOW) in Thailand.

Chairman

Dr. Tan Kim Meng is a medical doctor and hepatologist with over 33 years of experience. He has held leadership roles including General Manager of Toyota Tsusho Corporation in Phnom Penh, Medical Director of Sihanouk Hospital, and CEO of HOPE Medical Centers. He currently serves as an advisor to the Ministry of Health, participates in the Government-Private Sector Forum, and is a member of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC). With decades of leadership experience, Dr. Kim Meng brings his expertise to advise and strengthen RCCCO in Cambodia.

Willem Niemeijer is the Co-Founder and CEO of YAANA Ventures, leading responsible travel and hospitality enterprises across Asia. With over 30 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, he has developed award-winning eco-lodges such as Tad Fane Resort in Laos, Anurak Lodge in Southern Thailand, and Cardamom Tented Camp in Cambodia. Willem founded Khiri Travel in 1993 and Khiri Reach in 2007, supporting community and conservation initiatives across the region.

Administration & HR Assistant at Khiri Sri Lanka 

What do you like about being a Khiri Reach ambassador?

Being a Khiri Reach ambassador has given me the chance to engage in meaningful sustainability projects and gain hands-on experience. Coming from an HR and Admin background, for me it was a nice change and a great experience to be actively involved in collaborating with various partners from the industry as well as the local community, especially working on our reforestation project together with Forest Healing Foundation

Assistant Manager – Reservations & Contracting at Khiri Sri Lanka 

What’s your proudest moment as a Khiri Reach ambassador?

As a Khiri Reach Ambassador I am very much proud that we are helping the local community and witnessing our efforts to empower them to protect their environment and  culture. Especially having been involved in the seagrass restoration project last year, it was amazing to see how eager the local community participated and finally when the research results showed a great success rate of the plants, it was truly a proud moment.

Senior Travel Designer at Khiri Cambodia 

What’s your proudest moment as a Khiri Reach ambassador?

My proudest moment as a Khiri Reach Ambassador is seeing our work positively impact local communities and learning from the people we collaborate with. I’ve learnt that it’s good to listen to the community, their stories, needs, difficulties, and see how we as an organisation can best help based off of that.

Operation Manager at Khiri Cambodia 

What impact do you aspire to make as a Khiri Reach ambassador? 

As a Khiri Reach ambassador, I aspire to be a bridge between communities and sustainable development. My goal is to provide essential guidance and technical support, lead initiatives that enhance access to healthcare, and promote environmental conservation. I am passionate about empowering people through training, skills development, and education, while also working alongside communities to protect wildlife and preserve natural ecosystems. Through collaboration and compassion, I aim to create lasting, positive change.

Sales Team at Khiri Laos

What inspired you to get involved with Khiri Reach?

I love this question, and my answer is I am very happy to know how I can help people who don’t have opportunities, especially in the remote areas of Laos. Through Khiri Reach and its many meaningful projects, I have the chance to support and improve the lives of others. I’m grateful to learn and be involved as a Khiri Reach Ambassador.

Sales Executive at Khiri Laos

What inspired you to get involved with Khiri Reach?

I was inspired to get involved with Khiri Reach because I have always wanted to give back to my community and help preserve the traditions and environment of Laos. Growing up here, I have seen both the beauty of our land and the challenges that local people face. 

I’ve learned how tourism can bring positive change when done responsibly. Khiri Reach’s mission to support education, environmental protection, and community development truly aligns with my values. Joining Khiri Reach gives me the opportunity to share my passion for sustainable tourism while helping local communities grow in meaningful and lasting ways.

HR & Sustainability Coordinator at Khiri Indonesia 

What’s one project that has touched you the most? 

Recently, we provided support to flood victims in Denpasar, the main town of Bali. This was the worst flooding in the past 25 years, and its impact has been devastating, around 20 lives were lost, and many homes, cars, and hundreds of motorbikes were damaged. Our support focused on helping children who live near the main river by providing school supplies, as their area was among the most affected. Through Khiri Reach’s Emergency Response program, we were able to help bring hope back to these families, especially to the children who can now return to school with complete equipment.

Product Assistant and Contracting Supervisor at Khiri Indonesia 

What’s one project that has touched you the most?

Boat Donation In Sumba, this project has touched me so deeply because it helped students in another side of Indonesia that are still far from adequate facilities. The students are very enthusiastic about going to school and with the boat we donated, they are now helped with that.

Khiri Campus & MICE Manager

What’s one project that has touched you the most?

The project that has touched me the most so far is our project last year in 2024, where we donated four boats for students in Sumba – East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, to cross from their homes to reach school. These kids have to struggle every day just to get to school. Their spirit to study and their gratitude for the new boats make me feel so happy that Khiri Reach could share something meaningful with them. Sometimes we forget to appreciate what we have until we see others feeling truly grateful for something that to us seems so simple.

Operations Manager at Khiri Thailand (North)

What inspired you to get involved with Khiri Reach?

Seeing the smiling faces of the students I support always brightens my day. When I visit their schools, I see hope shining in their eyes, and it inspires me deeply. Knowing that as an ambassador, I can contribute to their brighter futures fills me with joy and purpose. It’s wonderful to be part of something that can truly make a positive difference in their lives!

Operation Executive at Khiri Thailand (South)

What’s your proudest moment as a Khiri Reach ambassador?

My proudest moment was visiting the Gibbon Project and seeing rescued Gibbons regain their freedom and live in the wild on their own.

Sales Supervisor at Khiri Myanmar 

What’s your proudest moment as a Khiri Reach ambassador?

I believe I can make a positive difference for all living things and communities on our planet. For example, I helped support earthquake victims in Inle Lake by rebuilding their homes on the lake and constructing a public clinic in the monastery compound in Mandalay. 

It was so touching to me to see their joy of thanking our support knowing that our support gave families a safe place to stay and access to much-needed healthcare. 

Accountant  at Khiri Myanmar

What’s your proudest moment as a Khiri Reach ambassador?   

My proudest moment as a Khiri Reach Ambassador was when we helped the people who were affected by the 2025 earthquake in Myanmar as part of our emergency response program. We helped rebuild the houses of locals in Inle Lake, including one of our guides, and a public clinic in Mandalay.

Office Manager at Khiri Philippines 

What impact do you aspire to make as a Khiri Reach ambassador?
My aspiration is to become a long-term, respected advocate for Khiri Reach. I don’t just want to be involved in a single project, but to invest my time and energy into creating a lasting community of support. My ultimate goal is to become an experienced ambassador who can influence larger strategies and help secure a sustainable future for the charity.

Finance Executive at Khiri Philippines

What inspired you to get involved with Khiri Reach?
I was inspired to get involved with Khiri Reach because I believe in its mission to create meaningful impact through responsible tourism. It’s my passion to be involved in something meaningful and impactful, and it feels truly fulfilling to be part of an initiative that makes a real difference.

Khiri Reach Coordinator

What impact do you aspire to make as part of Khiri Reach?

I aspire to make a positive impact across Asia together with the Khiri Reach Ambassadors. It’s inspiring to see how many meaningful projects allow travel to give back. By working together, we can help ensure that all the destinations we operate in remain beautiful and continue to inspire people to visit again.

Chair Board of Advisors

Natalie van Ogtrop is the sustainability manager of YAANA Ventures , a hospitality venture dedicated to advancing responsible tourism in Asia. With a background in hospitality management and sustainability, she applies the 4Cs framework: Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce, to integrate meaningful practices throughout operations. Her work bridges strategy with on-the-ground action, empowering people and places to grow together.

Advisors

John Black has over 21 years of experience in travel, tourism, and hospitality, with a strong focus on responsible, sustainable, and regenerative tourism. Having lived in Cambodia for more than 18 years, he has developed a deep connection to the country, its people, and its cultural heritage. John is currently Chair of Sunrise Cambodia, a local NGO that works to create meaningful community impact and ensure tourism contributes to long-term social and environmental well-being. 

CFO

Mark Remijan has built his career over more than 30 years in Asia’s travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors, where he has combined financial expertise with a talent for shaping thoughtful, forward-looking businesses. Known for his analytical approach and collaborative leadership style, he has helped guide multiple organizations toward sustainable growth and meaningful industry impact.

As Co-Founder and CFO of YAANA Ventures, Mark plays a key role in developing and scaling responsible travel and hospitality brands across Asia. He also co-founded VHG Hospitality Asia and the Visama Opportunity Fund, expanding their shared vision into hospitality development and impact-driven investment.

Mark holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and an MBA in Finance with Honors from The Wharton School. He sits on the boards of BuilderSmart (BSM) and Chow Steel Industries (CHOW) in Thailand and is fluent in several languages, reflecting his global mindset and deep regional understanding.

Founder & Chairman

Willem Niemeijer brings over 30 years of experience leading travel and hospitality ventures across Asia. A pioneer in sustainable tourism, he founded Khiri Travel in 1993, growing it into a network operating in eight countries with 16 offices and welcoming more than 30,000 visitors annually.

In 2007, he established Khiri Reach, ensuring the company’s community and conservation initiatives deliver hands-on, meaningful impact. His leadership reflects a commitment to creating businesses that generate long-term value for people, communities, and the environment.

Through YAANA Ventures, Willem continues to innovate and expand responsible tourism enterprises across the region, developing award-winning eco-lodges and projects that demonstrate the power of purpose-driven travel.