The Singapore International Math Olympiad Challenge (SIMOC) came to a grand conclusion on July 25, having drawn an impressive pool of over 1,600 contenders from 25 nations. Notably, this included 37 bright young minds from an array of Cambodian educational institutions. Among these keen mathematicians who collectively bagged an astounding total of 42 medals, the shining star was undoubtedly Thavrak Bunn Vattanak. At 15, Vattanak clinched a gold medal in the prestigious Math Olympiad Contest. This victory was particularly noteworthy as it marked the return of Cambodian participants to the international arena after a gap of six years. “This is…
Author: Raksmey Hong
The Neeson Cripps Academy (NCA), the visionary creation of former Hollywood executive Scott Neeson, is transforming the lives of underprivileged children in Phnom Penh’s Stung Meanchey communities. An offshoot of the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF), the NCA’s goal is to provide these children with outstanding education and support, with a view to significantly improving their future opportunities. “With nearly 2,000 students under its care, the NCA is witnessing promising progress, as 60 per cent of these students are now on their way to pursuing higher education and will finish university,” Neeson, the founder and executive director of the CCF, told…
In a move set to revolutionise Cambodian agriculture, entrepreneur Chan Dara has become a pioneer, bringing Starlink’s high-speed internet to the Kingdom. Starlink, a constellation of small satellites operated by US aerospace company SpaceX, offers high-speed internet access to over 56 countries. “High-speed internet access will benefit farmers by opening access to an entire suite of Internet of Things [IoT] devices, robotics and precision geospatial GIS farming tools. “These help automate many processes and reduce the inputs previously required,” Dara explained. He believes the initiative would open up a world of possibilities for technology and agricultural innovation, allowing entrepreneurs and…
In a busy workshop, sparks twinkle like fireflies as Ou Vanndy meticulously handles his tools. In a mesmerising dance of creation, he transforms discarded parts from old motorcycles and bicycles into works of art, illuminating a profound message of environmental consciousness. His sculptures are not just a statement of art but also of advocacy, reducing solid waste while spreading knowledge and love for the environment. In late 2022, Neth Pheaktra, secretary of state and spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, voiced concerns about solid waste management in Cambodia. He revealed that the nation generates over 10,000 tonnes of rubbish daily,…
The educational achievement of three young Cambodian women is a historical first in the world of nuclear engineering and thermal physics. Graduating from top-tier Russian universities – Bauman Moscow State Technical University and the Obninsk Institute for Nuclear Power Engineering – they are paving the way for gender equality in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). These graduates, alongside a male student, are trailblazers, epitomising resilience and the spirit of change in an industry typically male-dominated. Poised to transform Cambodia’s energy landscape, they are challenging the gender stereotypes in the STEM arena. “It was quite hard in…
Marking the 50th anniversary of Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk’s historic journey to Cambodia amid armed conflict, the Queen Mother Library has released a Khmer translation of her 1973 diary. Entitled Witness to History – The Journal of Cambodia’s Queen Mother, the book provides insights into her observations and experiences during her journey with the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk to the liberated zone of the National United Front of Kampuchea. The book is available to readers free of charge and has been prepared by the Documentation Centre of Cambodia (DC-Cam) for distribution. DC-Cam executive director Youk Chhang invites all…
A fascinating art exhibition, Cambodian Arts Making a Global Leap, is currently on display at Rosewood Phnom Penh, signifying a milestone of 70 years of friendly relations between Japan and Cambodia. This enriching showcase is orchestrated by the respected Japanese artist and educator, Takakazu Yamada, best known for founding the Yamada School of Art in Phnom Penh. He curated this exhibition to shine a spotlight on the remarkable artistic accomplishments of both Cambodian and Japanese artists. Yamada is passionate about the future of Cambodian art. “The local artists are forging ahead in a unique genre of contemporary art that is…
Rosewood Hotel’s unwavering commitment to Cambodia’s thriving tourism industry has recently been recognised with a high-ranking place on the global stage. Travel + Leisure magazine has ranked it number 9 among the top 100 hotels worldwide and named it the Best City Hotel in Asia. “Travel + Leisure magazine is the top travel magazine in the world. They have editions in different regions, but this is a global award,” explained Daniel Simon, managing director of Rosewood Hotel. He added: “Among the top 100, there is another Asian resort ahead of us, but we are the Best City Hotel in Asia.…
A two-year-old Myanmar boy, Aung Khant Moe, has been given a fresh lease of life in Cambodia. His successful surgery for a rare abdominal wall defect, omphalocele, at Japan Heart Children’s Medical Centre epitomises the extraordinary blend of medical skill and kindness crossing national boundaries. Performed by a dedicated team of Cambodian and Japanese medical professionals on July 8, the surgery took five hours, the centre announced on its social media page. Despite his tender age and the complexity of his condition, the young patient’s resilience shone through, and he is now on the path to recovery. Aung Khant Moe’s…
In a tale of hope and resilience, Scott Neeson, the founder and executive director of the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF), stands as a beacon of change for disadvantaged children in Cambodia’s Stung Meanchey community. Neeson, once a Hollywood mogul, has dedicated his life to the transformation of these children’s lives, driven by a belief in the power of education. At the heart of CCF’s mission is an unwavering focus on education. Neeson’s vision is to empower children with knowledge and learning, equipping them with the tools to break free from the cycles of poverty and establish brighter futures. “Currently, the…