Few individuals rise to a level of national importance, and even fewer foreigners. H.E Bretton G. Sciaroni will be remembered as an American who put his heart in Cambodia and died as a citizen of both nations. The significance of his contributions to the international business community is something we will all remember and appreciate.
Brett came to Cambodia in 1993, one of the first foreign attorneys to set foot in our war-torn nation. The law firm he founded in the same year, now named Sciaroni & Associates, has helped numerous international businesses enter the Cambodian market and be successful. Among them are many of the largest multinationals in the market today.
As an advisor to the Royal Government, Brett consulted on countless laws and policies of importance. He was the voice of the international business community, representing our interests at the Government Private Sector Forum (GPSF) and as co-chair of the Working Group D on Law, Tax, and Governance. His work to promote foreign investment in Cambodia has undoubtedly contributed to our economy.
He brought our community together as the co-founder of the International Business Chamber (IBC) and the American Chamber of Commerce Cambodia (AmCham). At his passing, HE Sciaroni was the Chairman Emeritus of the AmCham and President of IBC. Through his roles in these organizations, Brett advised a long list of Ambassadors, policymakers, and business people throughout the years.
Some may point to Brett’s colorful past and find reasons to criticize decisions he made. The reality for those of us working in Cambodia is that Brett could offer insights few others could. Whether you liked Brett or not, his opinion was something universally valued.
For those who were Brett’s friends, we remember him as a good-spirited gentleman who could put a room at ease with a quick joke. In business, he was sharp and spoke with conviction, a worthy intellect for any challenge. He was a person who was approachable and willing to talk to anyone with humility. What we would call a ‘good guy.’
My memories of Brett will be as a friend and kind mentor. The knowledge that I am but one of many who will remember him in that way is a testament to the man he was.
Source: Khmer Time
By Allen Dodgson Tan
