This study explores the IR system building in the global era. Globalization has created a favorable environment for international actors to be engaged with national IR systems. The cases of Myanmar and Cambodia, two newly industrializing countries, make good examples. I conducted more than 150 interviews in the 19-month fieldwork in two countries. To analyze this process and its impact and implication, I use a theoretical frame of ‘institutional implantation,’ by developing further Evans’ concept of ‘institutional monocropping.’ Institutional implantation is a process in which international actors have used idealized models of the IR systems derived from their institutional experiences and goals. In Myanmar and Cambodia, international actors including the ILO, the US and international brands, have played a crucial role to build and operate specific IR institutions such as the tripartite forum in Myanmar, and workplace monitoring and arbitration system in Cambodia. I argue that these implanted institutions frequently failed to bring expected outcomes, that is, reducing industrial actions and promoting industrial peace. It is mostly related to the exogenous features of the institutions that have few historical legacies nor supporting foundations, essential to function properly. I contend that such implantation has led to short-term gains for labor movements in both countries to provide tools to do international campaign (Cambodia), or an institutional channel to participate in policy making (Myanmar). However, it will hamper their long-term effectiveness with possibility of reducing gains, promoting economic unionism, and depriving opportunities to develop international democracy in labor movements. This research makes three contributions to the field. First, this study used a dual-level analysis at institutional level and with perspectives from the below, allowing a wholistic approach. Second, by analyzing the cases of emerging economies, I present a theoretical framework, ‘institutional implantation,’ that can be used to analyze new development of national IR systems. Third, by studying two countries, I provide rich qualitative materials to the scholarly community on the comprehensive IR process.