NGAWANG JAMPHEL
Thimphu
A significant milestone in Bhutan’s literary and entrepreneurial journey was marked on 27th July 2025, with the launch of Walking My Destiny: A Bhutanese Woman’s Story, authored by one of the country’s pioneering business figures, Phub Zam. This remarkable memoir is the first-ever autobiography written by a Bhutanese businesswoman, offering a deeply personal and inspiring testament to resilience, purpose, and a lifetime of contributing to Bhutan’s economic development.
The Tendrel ceremony for the soft launch, held at the Yarkay IHCL SeleQtions Hotel in Thimphu, was a heartfelt and intimate gathering of close family and friends. In keeping with the tone of the book, the event was simple yet deeply meaningful presided by Lam Khandro Dorji Phagmo Rinpoche who conducted the auspicious prayers.
In her address, Phub Zam reflected: “This book has been nearly six years in the making — written in fragments, in quiet moments between life and work. It is a deeply personal journey — from a teenage mother to a grandmother — and it also mirrors the transformation of our beloved country.”
From Humble Beginnings to National Firsts
Phub Zam’s entrepreneurial journey began not in boardrooms, but with perseverance on the ground. Her first ventures included ownership of a truck bearing the iconic registration BWT 5151 when all transportation started in the country with the erstwhile Bhutan Transport Syndicate, where Phub Zam stood tall with the men and the establishment of a small shop. It was this modest shop, with its early promise and aspirations, that inspired her to name her company YARKAY symbolizing progress through innovation and excellence. These humble foundations laid the groundwork for a legacy of leadership and enterprise.
“My beginnings were simple a truck and a shop but they taught me the value of ownership, hard work, and believing in progress, even when the odds are stacked against you,” she shared.
Today, Phub Zam stands as one of Bhutan’s most respected business leaders. Some of her trailblazing achievements are: First woman President of the Construction Association of Bhutan, First woman President of the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and Honorary Consul of Sweden in Bhutan.
In recognition of her longstanding contributions to strengthening Bhutan Sweden relations, Phub Zam was awarded the prestigious Order of the Polar Star — one of Sweden’s highest honors by Their Majesties the King Carl XVI and Queen Silvia of Sweden in 2019.
She has consistently championed public participation in Bhutan’s economic growth, urging citizens to become shareholders and active contributors to Bhutan’s advancement. Her appointment as the first private individual on the Board of Penden Cement Authority Ltd (PCAL) marked a pivotal moment in recognizing the private sector’s role in supporting the country’s development.
“That milestone affirmed that the private sector had a vital role to play in Bhutan’s progress,” she noted. Today she serves as a Board of Director in many companies.
Her company, Yarkay Construction, was the first Bhutanese firm to undertake a micro-hydro project under a Japanese grant in 1986 — inaugurated at Thinlaygang. This pioneering initiative paved the way for future contributions to Bhutan’s renewable energy sector.
In the years that followed, Phub Zam played an instrumental role in several mini and major hydropower projects, including: Chanchey Mini Hydropower Project, Dagana Mini Hydropower Project, Tingtibi Mini Hydropower Project, and Basochhu Hydropower Project.
These projects were not only critical to electrification in rural Bhutan but also became a platform for local capacity building and employment generation.
“These shifts didn’t just change our economy — they changed our people, our mindset, and our opportunities,” she said.
A Memoir of Reflection and Purpose.
Through both her memoir and her launch speech, Phub Zam conveyed a message of humility and hope.
“I often liken myself to a pebble, small, ordinary, but weathered smooth by the forces of time, perseverance, and circumstance… I hope my story reminds others that even the smallest stone has a place on the road to destiny.”
She dedicated the book to His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, for carrying forward the visionary legacy of Bhutan’s monarchs, and to Her Majesty Gyalyum Tshering Yangdoen Wangchuck, her childhood classmate from St. Joseph’s Convent in Kalimpong.
She expressed special thanks to Mr. Gyamtsho Tshering, whose introduction to Pearlin Siow from Singapore who led her to the book’s publication by World Scientific Publishing Co., a globally recognized publisher having its presence in over 140 countries.
Phub Zam also acknowledged those who graciously endorsed her book: Dr. Dasho Lotay Tshering, Dasho V. Namgyel, Dr. Françoise Pommaret, Linda Leaning, Tashi Tshering and Aum Dago Beda, her sister.
With heartfelt tribute, she remembered her late uncle Lam Samten Wangchuk, and paid homage to her 96-year-old mother, her father, siblings, relatives, Mr. Penjor , Ap Dorji , friends, schoolmates whose guidance remain a profound influence and helped her in Walking her Destiny.
“I’ve always believed that everything in life happens for a reason… This mindset has carried me through many moments and helped shape the woman I am today.”
The event also showcased the evolving wear for Bhutanese women’s attire – the half Kira, which Phub Zam had designed from the 1990’s. The models from the Dragon Project wore her collection of the full Kiras from 1970-1990’s.
It was an emotional moment for all present when Raffael Omtay Penjor made a video presentation and gave a heartfelt tribute to his beloved OMA (as the grandchildren call her).
A Message for the Next Generation
As the evening drew to a close, Phub Zam offered a message of enduring inspiration:
“My hope is that this book encourages you to embrace your own path with courage, purpose, and faith to walk your destiny with an open heart, knowing that even the smallest step can lead to something extraordinary.”
Walking My Destiny: A Bhutanese Woman’s Story is now available at bookstores across Bhutan and around the world and through online platforms.
More than just a memoir, it is an offering to the nation — a call to dream, persevere, and support Bhutan’s journey forward in line with the vision of His Majesty for our beloved country.
Note: The official launch of the book Walking My Destiny: A Bhutanese Women’s Story was held at the Bhutan Echoes, Drukyul’s Literature & Arts Festival on 4th August 2025 Monday at 9.00 am.
