In the latest effort by Smile Cambodia, an NGO dedicated to providing surgery and ongoing care for individuals affected by cleft lip and cleft palate in resource-limited environments, the Kampot Provincial Referral Hospital emerges as a beacon of hope for families navigating the challenges of these conditions. Inside the hospital’s walls, a narrative of resilience and transformation unfolds, visible in the faces of the children whose lives are being changed, one surgery at a time. The recovery room is a blend of emotions. The air, often filled with the cries of babies fresh from surgery, echoes their present discomfort and…
Author: Raksmey Hong
Almost a decade ago, farmer Reth Pheach and his community in Kampong Thom province found themselves facing significant challenges brought about by declining incomes from their rice cultivation. While many of his fellow farmers opted to migrate to other countries in search of work, he and 13 other residents of Balang Lech village in Stung Sen town’s Damrei Choankla commune formed a rice seed production group, under the Tonle Sap Poverty Reduction and Smallholder Agriculture Development Project (TSSD-AF). The group was formed in 2014. And despite suffering a major setback during its first year – when their crop was compromised…
A new flood control dyke has been completed in Neak Loeung, a town along the Mekong River in the southern province of Prey Veng. Asian Development Bank (ADB)-supported, it has transformed the lives of the once flood-plagued residents. Before the dyke’s construction, tens of thousands of residents of Peam Ro district faced frequent flooding, which threatened their livelihoods. The cultivation of crops like maize, rice, and bananas was often disrupted, leading to potential food shortages, as well as economic hardship. ADB country director Jyotsana Varma explained that the dyke mitigates seasonal flooding on Neak Loeung’s south-eastern side, promoting the town’s…
In rural areas nationwide, young female students encounter challenges, including limited access to quality schools, lengthy and unsafe commutes, financial constraints affecting further education and societal expectations constraining their choices. Despite these obstacles, their resilience and determination shine as they seek knowledge and a brighter future. In a modest classroom at Plov Trey High School in Kandal province’s Thmor Kor commune, 14-year-old Dy Sreyneth diligently studies her textbooks. Her focused gaze and meticulous notes represent a noteworthy shift in Cambodia’s educational landscape: the increasing wave of female academic achievement. Her accomplishments underscore the progress made through initiatives promoting gender equality…
The “Charming Chinese Art – Prosperous Silk Road 2023 China-Cambodia Friendship Year” event, a vibrant showcase of cultural performances, was held on December 1 at the Secondary School of Fine Arts (SSFA)in Phnom Penh. The event was held as part of ongoing celebrations of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of Cambodia-China diplomatic relations and of the 2023 China-Cambodia Friendship Year. It featured lively performances by artist from the Gannan Normal University of China and their counterparts from the SSFA. Londy Sannara, secretary of state at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, described how the event – which featured…
In a remarkable achievement for Cambodian cuisine, SAOY – Royal Cambodian Home Cuisine by Chef Nak has been honoured with the prestigious Best of the Best award in the Books Publishers (B02) category at the 29th Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. The event, celebrating the finest in culinary literature, was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 27-29. “SAOY”, created by Chef Nak and her team, was also nominated for its creativity and passion in categories including Asian-Books (Countries and Regions C08) and Heads of State (Gastrodiplomacy G05), showcasing the rich and diverse flavours of Cambodian cuisine. Upon receiving the award, an elated…
In the dynamic city of Phnom Penh, the 14th edition of the Photo Phnom Penh Festival (PPP) will unfold its cultural celebration from December 7 to February 7, 2024. Evolving from its 2008 debut as a platform for emerging photographers, the festival has grown into a globally recognised event, fostering cross-cultural connections between Asia and Europe and playing a vital role in promoting the expansive realm of photography. “We are thrilled to return to this historically rich site, which has been the festival’s home since its inception,” says Christian Caujolle, the art director of PPP and a distinguished figure in…
The River Ocean Cleanup (ROC) team demonstrated remarkable dedication and efficiency during the three-day Water Festival, undertaking a massive cleanup operation along the city’s riverbanks. The team’s efforts led to the removal of more than 15 tonnes of rubbish, equivalent to 20 boatloads, from the Tonle Sap River’s surface and its edges during the November 26-28 celebration, significantly enhancing the river’s landscape and highlighting the importance of maintaining clean aquatic ecosystems. “To conclude the environmental clean-up programme, our team is on duty around the clock to clean up the river and its banks,” executive director of ROC Nou Sovann stated.…
Highly regarded local non-profit arts organisation Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS) recently clinched a victory in the 8th Annual Shorty Impact Awards, triumphing in the Contest and Challenges category. Their accomplishment involved setting a Guinness World Record for the longest circus performance, lasting an impressive 24 hours, 30 minutes and 10 seconds. Beyond its record-breaking nature, this feat served the purpose of raising vital funds to navigate the financial challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. PPS stands out further as the sole Cambodian group acknowledged by the Shorty Impact Awards, an international awards programme dedicated to celebrating purpose-driven work from brands,…
Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul met with Indonesian Ambassador Santo Darmosumarto on November 22 to focus on deepening trade cooperation. Indonesia became Cambodia’s 6th largest trading partner this year, marking a substantial jump from the 12th place in held in 2022. “While Indonesia have become Cambodia’s number six trading partner this year, there remains much room for expanding trade and investment relations,” said the ambassador. Indonesia’s trade with Cambodia surged to $862.215 million by October 2023, while the total for the whole of 2022 was $948.533 million. This increase has raised expectations that bilateral trade might exceed $1 billion for…