Author: Raksmey Hong
A new report from the Lowy Institute has revealed that international partners have sharply reduced their development support to Cambodia, even though the country’s economy remains fragile and below pre-pandemic levels. The annual “Southeast Asia Aid Map’s 2024 Key Finding Report” shows that total official development finance to Cambodia fell by 30 per cent in 2022, dropping to $2.3 billion, in line with a broader regional trend for Southeast Asia. The reduction in aid to Cambodia is part of a larger pattern affecting the region. China, which provided over a third of Cambodia’s development finance from 2015 to 2022, saw…
The Phnom Penh Capital Administration and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Cambodia Office have unveiled a landmark project, which aims to enhance healthcare services in the capital and surrounding regions. The new initiative, backed by an $11 million budget, is set to transform the Dangkor Referral Hospital into Phnom Penh’s first CPA level-2 hospital. The CPA, or Complementary Package of Activities, system is used by many nations, including Cambodia, to categorise healthcare facilities based on the range and complexity of services they provide. “With a current population of 159,772, Dangkor district’s industrial growth and proximity to the new Techo…
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has provided approximately $4.8 billion for 207 development activities in Cambodia as of December 31, 2023, significantly contributing to the country’s socio-economic progress since its first loan in 1970. Minister of Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth made the remarks during the inauguration of ADB’s new resident mission in Phnom Penh’s Vattanac Capital on June 12. “Of this, approximately $4.2 billion is concessional lending for financing 137 projects and programmes, with 88 completed and 49 ongoing. About $568 million is in grants for financing 70 projects and programmes, with 44 completed and 26 ongoing,” said Pornmoniroth.…
In a new measure aimed at promoting responsible alcohol marketing and public health, a coalition of the Kingdom’s major alcohol players has introduced the “Self-Regulatory Responsible Marketing Code”. A signing ceremony for the new code of ethics was held at Phnom Penh’s Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra on June 11. The event – organised by Heineken, Cambrew, the Wine Spirit Beer Importers and Distributors Association (WSBIDA), and the Asia Pacific International Spirits and Wines Alliance (APISWA) – was the culmination of collaborative efforts by major stakeholders in Cambodia’s alcohol industry and government bodies to ensure ethical advertising practices and mitigate the…
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has responded to rising concerns about inappropriate “immoral” activities taking place during traditional wedding ceremonies. It noted that recent images and videos, which depicted women in traditional costumes dancing provocatively and even straddling the groom-to-be, were primarily sourced from Cambodians living abroad. Sum Map, ministry spokesman, highlighted ongoing efforts to educate performers about traditional protocols through seminars, announcements and other measures. However, he warned that issues often arise from individuals who exploit these events for personal gain. “The recent events that have circulated on social media involve Cambodian people living in a neighbouring…
The Indochina T-Junction, also known as the tri-border marker, where the boundaries of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos converge, is an important monument that has gained attention from tourists. The area, popularly known as the Dragon’s Tail by Cambodians, sits atop a mountain peak and is celebrated for symbolising the friendship and cooperation among the three nations. This unique location attracts visitors interested in geopolitics, history and adventure travel. Visitors can experience the unique traditions, languages and lifestyles of the diverse ethnic groups residing in the region. The proximity to multiple ethnicities makes it a fascinating destination for cultural enthusiasts. Photos…
Meta House is set to host the second edition of the SPEAK OUT, SISTERS (SOS) film festival from June 11-16. Featuring an array of Cambodian and international films by and about women, it follows the successful February debut of the festival. The day before the screenings get underway, Meta House will open the VOICES multimedia exhibition on June 10. This exhibition will showcase a diverse collection of paintings, photos, sculptures and digital art by female Cambodian artists Ny Sreyroth, Sou Sophy, Sopheak Sao, Vicheka Kol, Sokreaksa Bung and Jinfeng Lin, along with Cambodian-American artist Amy Sanford. “This year is dedicated…
As part of efforts to reduce school dropout rates and improve public health, a Battambang NGO has launched a community-driven campaign to curb the sale of alcohol and cigarettes to minors. According to Great Peace Cambodia (GPC), a local non-governmental organization, the initiative, launched on May 30, marks a critical first step in tackling the issue of underage substance use and its detrimental impact on education. The campaign began with a ceremony which launched new signage at eleven shops near target schools in Battambang town and Bavel district. The stores have voluntarily agreed to refrain from selling alcohol or cigarettes…