In a remarkable fusion of art and conservation, a three-dimensional online exhibition has been launched, showcasing the works of 20 emerging and gifted artists from ASEAN member states. These artists were hand-selected by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) to participate in the Young ASEAN Storytellers (YAS) subprogramme, a component of the ACB-EU ASEAN Youth Biodiversity Programme (AYBP). The virtual exhibition stands as a testament to the creative prowess and dedication of the region’s youth in preserving its natural and cultural heritage. The works of these gifted artisans were recently displayed at the ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes (ABH) Forum in the…
Author: Raksmey Hong
The annual Pchum Ben festival period, a traditional observance steeped in reverence for ancestors, has evolved. Communities now unite in philanthropy, affirming the festival period’s role as a time of giving. Chhort Bunthong, head of Culture, Education, and Tourist Relations at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, highlights Buddhists providing food and alms during the Kan Ben and Pchum Ben festivals. Children offer essentials to their elders, and some financially able individuals also share alms with those in need. “The Kan Ben and Pchum Ben festivals are deeply rooted traditions that our Khmer ancestors upheld,” says Bunthong. “They serve as a…
Sar Kheng, vice president of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and former interior minister, has bestowed commendation certificates to 16 members of the Child Protection Unit (CPU), recognising their decade-long dedication to protecting the Kingdom’s children. Each certificate lauds the members’ commitment to shielding minors from abuse and exploitation. Their important contributions to the care and treatment of victims and probes into incidents involving the young throughout the country were also acknowledged, according to CPU’s September 21 media release. The CPU, founded in 2013, represents a partnership between the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) and the Cambodian National Police. Their shared…
Kong Siden, the well-known artist and interior designer, has unveiled his first solo exhibition, Moments in Light, an exploration of the changing urbanscapes and landscapes of Cambodia. The exhibition introduces a series of digital works, including a light box, dynamic video projections, and immersive video installations that blur the boundaries between reality and illusion. Moments in Light serves as a captivating journey through the artist’s memories of Cambodia’s evolving urbanscapes and landscapes. Siden ingeniously employs digital technology to compress and transform hundreds of photographs and videos captured between 2018 and 2023 into collages of experiential illuminated colours and textures. “I…
In Siem Reap province, nestled between the Beng Mealea Temple and the Kulen Mountain, one can find entrepreneur Unn Sophary, known affectionately as Pari, skilfully crafting a delightful blend of flavours and fragrances on her “chemical-free” farm. Pari’s remarkable journey – from her modest upbringing in Kampot province to her role as an advocate for sustainable farming practices and the artisanal creation of lemongrass tea, lemongrass essential oil and herbal gin – is inspiring. The roots of Pari’s passion for transforming plants into beverages and remedies can be traced back to her childhood, a legacy passed down from her grandfather.…
In contribution to the construction of one of the world’s largest Buddha statues, as well as 84,000 smaller Buddha statues, a significant fundraising event is scheduled to take place on September 23-24 on a ridge within the “500 Rice Fields” region of Preah Monivong Bokor National Park. The fundraising initiative is led by Venerable Chan Visal, the head of Wat Pearanasey Serey Monkul, in collaboration with Sok Kong, the chairman of Sokimex Investment Group, the company behind the project. They aim to gather donations from nearly 3,000 participants, including monks and devotees from across the country. According to the plan,…
In her room, a young woman embraces her digital platform, emerging as a creative artist. Her fingers glide over a tablet’s surface, conjuring colours and emotions on her digital canvas. Bathed in the screen’s glow, she immerses herself in her artistic realm, crafting not just images but fragments of her soul. Each brushstroke and pixel stands as a testament to her talent, leaving a trail of beauty in her artistic journey. At a mere 17 years of age, this budding artist hails from Battambang province, with her sights set on a future illuminated by digital artistry that represents Cambodia. Sovann…
University students from Cambodia and Japan have united under the “Diversity Voyage” programme, which aims to harness the transformative power of athletics to educate and empower children. Focused on fostering inclusivity and teamwork among the younger generation, this ground-breaking venture serves as an example of global citizenship in action. Organised by Global Incubation x Fostering Talents (GiFT), a Tokyo-based non-profit, and Japan’s Toyo University, the project involves 14 students from Toyo and 11 from higher-education institutions (HEIs) across Cambodia. Participants were chosen through a rigorous application and interview process which was finalised at the end of June. The selected students…
It’s neither a scooter, nor a go-cart, and certainly not a harvesting machine. The Eco-dust Cleaning Machine Version 1 (ECM-1) is a small electric car fitted with a back-support chair and equipped with a sweeping system. Developed by three inventive students from Hun Sen Serey Pheap Secondary School, the ECM-1 is garnering attention from both the local community and the education sector. Designed to transform the way we clean public spaces, the ECM-1 project is a shining example of young minds leveraging Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education to solve real-world problems. “It may not look impressive, but for…
At the Mahasarakham University’s (MSU) Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Thailand, a remarkable Cambodian educator stands as a beacon of cultural exchange and linguistic diversity. Un Channary, a Khmer language professor, is dedicated to sharing the richness of her language and culture with students, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and contributing significantly to the academic community. “My decision to become a Khmer language teacher for foreigners is driven by a profound passion for teaching. My love for the teaching profession is a central motivator, as I find genuine enjoyment in imparting knowledge and fostering cross-cultural understanding,” Channary told The Post.…