Chy Pou Yeak arrived as a refugee in Australia in 1982. He worked as a factory labourer to support his young family, later establishing his own clothing factory and other successful businesses in Cabramatta East.

In 1995, Chy Pou Yeak helped establish the Salvation and Cambodian Culture Association of NSW. The Association catered for the increasing needs of the Cambodian community and helped maintain Buddhist and Cambodian culture among the Cambodian community.

Through his leadership a block of land at Canley Vale was purchased by the Association in 1997. The site was developed into a multi-purpose community centre, which is to this day enjoyed by members of the Cambodian community.