The Sangke River Run, held in Battambang to raise funds for Phare Ponleu Selpak – a well-known circus and arts school based in the province – has been celebrated as a success by organisers. The January 20 event attracted 140 athletes from 14 countries, who took part in a 30km run or cycle. The distance was chosen to mark the 30th anniversary of Phare Ponleu Selpak, which literally means the Brightness of the Arts in Khmer. Through the efforts of participants and sponsors, as of January 30 the event had raised $34,498.07, or approximately 10 per cent of the annual…
Author: Raksmey Hong
Since its introduction to Cambodia in 1997, the internet has sparked a remarkable transformation in communication, business and education. Prior to this era, people grappled with exorbitant costs and limited options for global communication, relying mainly on pricey international calls. The advent of internet cafes, particularly in Phnom Penh, ushered in a new paradigm, providing affordable internet access and reshaping how people engaged with the world. These establishments not only facilitated budget-friendly international calls through VoIP services like Skype but also served as hubs for study and research. Dum Bunlim recalls how he frequented these cafes over two decades. He…
In 2023, Phare Creative Studio (PCS) stood out in the world of animation, bringing fresh stories and creativity to the forefront. The excitement continued as the Cambodian social enterprise received a nomination at the 2024 World Summit Awards (WSA) in the Culture & Heritage category. This prestigious award celebrates digital creations worldwide that contribute positively to society. “We are honoured by the nomination, reflecting 16 years of Cambodian creations dedicated to social good. Our work encompasses child protection, gender equity, workers’ rights, environmental preservation, health prevention and empowerment through the arts,” says Huot Dara, CEO of PCS and Phare Performing Social…
On a typical bustling evening in Phnom Penh’s Russey Keo district, tragedy struck. A pickup truck, driven by a customs official whose blood alcohol level was significantly over the legal limit, ploughed into a line of waiting cars and motorcycles at a busy intersection, leaving at least four dead and several injured. In the first week of 2024 alone, Cambodia witnessed over 20 fatalities and nearly 80 injuries due to road accidents. Despite the strong efforts of the government, the menace of drunk driving continues to cast a long shadow over the Kingdom’s roads. While addressing the closing of the…
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Council for the Development of Cambodia’s (CDC) Cambodian Rehabilitation and Development Board (CRDB) held their first bilateral meeting of 2024 on January 25. The meeting, which took place at the CDC, was aimed at enhancing developmental cooperation and partnerships between the two nations, according to the council’s social media page. It said the discussions were centred around identifying potential projects for 2025, planning new initiatives for 2026 and reviewing ongoing programmes under the agency. The council added that they discussed preparations for the opening ceremony of a new facility for the National…
The Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC Group) has forged a strategic partnership with Aloest Productions, a French audiovisual production company, to promote the film “The Perfect Motion” across Europe. The film, known as “Tep Hattha” in Khmer, takes audiences on a cinematic journey through the rich history of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia and Apsara, one of the traditional dance of the Royal Ballet repertoire. Their collaboration was formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which was signed on January 15 at the French-Cambodian Business Forum. “This collaboration designates OCIC as the primary sponsor of ‘The Perfect Motion,’ which is…
In the waters of the Tonle Sap Lake in Battambang province lies Prek Toal, a collection of floating villages with a way of life that is as unique as its setting. Here, the journey to education for the villages’ youngest members involves navigating small boats to reach their primary school. As dawn breaks, children – some as young as 6 or 7 – set out in their small vessels. The lake, ever-changing with the seasons, doubles as a playground and a classroom, teaching these students to balance academic learning with life’s practical skills. Mab Sreynich lives in the village. She…
Nout Daro, a member of Cambodia’s new wave of contemporary artists, effortlessly embodies a relaxed yet stylish aura, harmonising with the vibrant artwork that serves as his backdrop. The charismatic artist’s connection with the dramatic, nature-inspired art piece suggests an affinity for cultural richness and an appreciation for the fusion of art and fashion. As self-confessed lover of the outdoors, Daro intricately weaves nature into his creations, producing masterpieces that resonate with individuality, self-empowerment and a deep connection to the natural environment. His dedication to activism extends beyond the canvas, as he commits to raising awareness about environmental issues. One…
The first ever public Khmer language dictation contest was held on the western causeway of the Kingdom’s iconic Angkor Wat Temple. Themed “Angkor Khmer Civilisation”, the January 21 event drew more than 700 contestants, ranging from tender age of just seven years old to 67. Many were drawn to the competition by the importance of preserving the Kingdom’s unique literature, as well as an array of impressive prizes. Cheng Ratana, the 28-year old winner, won free flights from Phnom Penh to Thailand, as well as a two night luxury hotel package. He also went home with a cash prize of…
In Cambodia’s dynamic job market, some professions are not only in high demand but also have the potential for significant salary growth. The 2023 Talentnet-Mercer Total Remuneration Survey Report, released to an audience of over 150 industry leaders in Phnom Penh recently, revealed a notable 10 per cent salary increase for university graduates, exceeding the national inflation rate. The survey – conducted by human resources (HR) consulting firm Talentnet Corporation (Cambodia) – offers insights into HR trends, compiling data from 106 organisations across 11 industries. The survey covered 3,034 jobs and gathered input from 56,848 individuals currently holding positions within…