The ancient town of Siem Reap, renowned for its Angkor World Heritage Site and vibrant tourism industry, is on the cusp of a significant transformation into a “Smart City” by 2035. Scheduled for completion by 2035, the Siem Reap Smart City project has a dual purpose: enhancing the local community’s well-being and accommodating a significantly larger number of tourists, projected to reach more than 18 million, in 2035. Yun Linne, deputy governor of Siem Reap province, sheds light on the crucial role played by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in this smart city endeavour. JICA’s technical cooperation assistance spanning…
Author: Raksmey Hong
In an exceptional partnership between 16Albermarle Project Space and Sa Sa Art Projects, contemporary Cambodian artists are their explorations of the nation’s history and the evolving socio-political landscape at a new exhibition in Sydney, Australia. All That Surrounds Us stands as a testament to the nation’s arts scene, curated by Lauren Elise Barlow, Vuth Lyno, Chum Chanveasna and Moeng Meta. The exhibition, running October 7-November 11, presents an array of multi-disciplinary artworks, encompassing installations, paintings, sculptures and digital prints, each resonating with the voice of its creator. “Incorporating artworks by 12 emerging and mid-career artists, ‘All That Surrounds Us’ introduces…
A current exhibition at the French Institute of Cambodia (IFC) in Phnom Penh displays striking images of Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris). The photographs transcend mere aesthetics and carry a poignant message of conservation and the urgent need to safeguard one of Southeast Asia’s most beloved yet endangered species. Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina spoke about the significance of these creatures during the October 18 opening of the Mekong Irrawaddy Dolphin Photo Exhibition. “We are very proud that Cambodia still has Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins, while in other countries they are sadly extinct,” he stated. In a reflective…
Musica Felice, a registered non-profit organisation under the guidance of Miwako Fujiwara, is joining up with Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra to present their 11th bi-annual charity concert. The My [our] Life in You event on October 29 aims to bring together music lovers and philanthropists in a beautiful evening of melodies, all in support of two charitable organisations, the Deaf Development Programme (DDP) and Sunrise Cambodia. The Deaf Development Programme, a cause close to Fujiwara’s heart, is facing a critical funding crisis. A 60 per cent cut in their funds has left them without the means to sustain vital operations.…
As the Pchum Ben festival concluded, Seab Phanith reflected on her experiences during the celebration. In the serene surroundings of Ondong Preng Pagoda on the 14th day of Kan Ben – the eve of the pinnacle day of Pchum Ben – the native of Kampong Chhnang province graced the scene in traditional attire, exuding the essence of the occasion. In her traditional mauve and cream dress adorned with intricate patterns, complemented by a delicate golden belt cinched around her waist, Phanith held a silver tiffin lunchbox, symbolising her heritage and demonstrating her deep respect for Pchum Ben traditions. And despite…
The year 2023 signifies a momentous occasion for the Association of Francophone Universities (AUF) as it commemorates the 30th anniversary of its presence in Cambodia. Simultaneously, the 14th General Assembly of Rectors of AUF Members in Asia Pacific (CONFRAISE), took place in Phnom Penh last week, reinforcing the organisation’s dedication to the Asia-Pacific region. Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron emphasised the partnership between AUF and the education ministry while addressing the event on October 11, pointing out the AUF’s pivotal role in shaping the nation’s educational landscape. “Youth embodies the future of our nation, as well…
At a gathering teeming with curious students and their families, US ambassador to Cambodia W Patrick Murphy delivered a compelling message at the EducationUSA Fair 2023. He said Cambodian students have a unique chance to explore academic opportunities in the US, a nation that houses more than 4,000 higher education institutions. The event took place recently in Phnom Penh and featured delegates from nearly 30 US universities, who provided students with insights into educational prospects in the US. “I’m delighted that students are interested in post-secondary education anywhere in Cambodia or any other country, and naturally, we hope they will…
In Cambodia’s cultural fabric, cinemas have woven a narrative of change and continuity. From the first cinema in Phnom Penh during the early 20th century to the enchanting days of the Sangkum Reastr Niyum era under then-Prince Norodom Sihanouk to the vibrant CGI colours of the present, the Kingdom’s movie theatres have borne witness to an evolution mirroring the pulse of the nation’s entertainment history. As the contemporary landscape overflows with a multitude of entertainment choices, it is worthwhile to explore the journey of cinemas, where technology, audience preferences and societal transformations have taken centre stage. Dy Saveth, a prominent…
The Khmer Literature Festival is set to return for its 6th edition next month, marking a continuation of its mission to celebrate Cambodia’s literary arts. This year’s literary extravaganza promises to be a celebration of Cambodia’s vibrant literary heritage and a platform for the voices that often go unnoticed in the world of literature. The theme is “Invisible Voices,” shedding light on often-overlooked narratives within Cambodian literature. “’Invisible Voices’ could be a natural sound, a human, an animal, or anything else that comes from artists’ imagination, or it may be their own voice that has never been heard or heard,…
In Siem Reap town and province, where history and modernity converge, the Project for Improvement of Referral Hospitals – an initiative funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) – is ushering in a new era of “healthcare excellence”. For Suon Sorn, a woman in her 50s residing in Prasat Bakong district’s Bakong commune, her journey to the provincial referral hospital in neighbouring Siem Reap town marked a significant turning point. With a persistent cough troubling her, she sought professional care, and her hopes and anxieties intertwined as she awaited a lung scan in the recently constructed facility. Upon entering…