Smiling Gecko is a non-governmental organization founded in 2012 by Swiss photographer and humanitarian Hannes Schmid with the ambition of creating a long-term response to poverty in Cambodia. More than a humanitarian project, Smiling Gecko has developed a comprehensive ecosystem designed to provide vulnerable communities with the tools and opportunities to build sustainable futures.
Based in the province of Kampong Chhnang, the organization operates across several interconnected sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, vocational training, hospitality, and employment. Its approach is guided by a strong belief: humanitarian aid can only be truly sustainable when it promotes economic independence and the transfer of skills.
At the heart of this model are a farm, a school, training facilities, and the Farmhouse Resort & Spa, whose Restaurant UN serves as one of the project’s culinary showcases. Together, these initiatives enable young Cambodians from disadvantaged backgrounds to acquire professional skills and gain access to meaningful employment opportunities.
Through this integrated approach, Smiling Gecko demonstrates how gastronomy, agriculture, and hospitality can become powerful drivers of human development and social transformation. Today, the organization is widely regarded as one of the most innovative development projects in Cambodia, combining excellence, sustainability, and social impact.
