Eight days after the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement was signed in Malaysia on October 26, Thailand has yet to release 18 Cambodian soldiers that were captured near the border, despite expectations which were made public by US President Donald Trump and senior officials from the US Department of State. During the signing ceremony, Trump declared that the historic agreement “would lead to the release of all 18 Cambodian soldiers”, a sentiment echoed by a senior state department official quoted by Reuters, who said the release was expected to be “immediate”. However, Thai authorities have maintained that the soldiers’ release is…
Author: Raksmey Hong
Kep is charting a bold new course toward becoming one of Southeast Asia’s standout coastal destinations, with plans for an underwater museum, mangrove restoration and inclusive cultural development. During an October 30 media briefing in Phnom Penh, Kep West founder Jef Moons presented an expanded ecological and cultural blueprint for Kep’s coastline — a vision that blends environmental regeneration with sustainable architecture and public engagement. “I have demonstrated that real commercial success stems from bold ideas and deep respect for those stakeholders involved,” Moons said, underscoring the connection between Kep’s future potential and its commitment to climate and community resilience.…
Cambodian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are doubling down on efforts to boost the production of locally produced goods, following rising public support spurred by recent border tensions with Thailand. A surge in the promotion of national products began after the border clashes of late July, when Cambodia imposed import bans of essential goods such as vegetables, fruit and certain fuel products. The crisis highlighted Cambodia’s heavy reliance on imports — a wake-up call that transformed frustration into solidarity. Recognising the surge in solidarity and support for national products, business associations and relevant government institutions have intensified efforts to promote…
Cambodia is accelerating its energy transition with a bold plan to reach 70 per cent renewable power generation by 2030, underpinned by 23 new green energy projects worth nearly $5 billion. Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak announced the ambitious goal during the World Green and Sustainability Summit (WGSS) 2025 in Phnom Penh, on October 30. Speaking at the summit under the theme “Shaping the Future of Sustainability & Building a Sustainable World,” Rottanak noted that Cambodia’s transition to renewable energy was being driven by both opportunity and realism — an approach that aims to balance growth, investment confidence…
Cambodia is positioning green industry, circular economy and innovation as the central pillars of its next phase of economic growth, as the country prepares to graduate from the UN Least Developed Country (LDC) category by 2029. Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Hem Vanndy told the 2025 World Green and Sustainability Summit, held in Phnom Penh, that sustainable industrialisation is now central to Cambodia’s competitiveness, calling it a “matter of strategic importance” for both the nation and the wider Asia-Pacific region. “The challenge before us is not whether to industrialise, but how to industrialise sustainably — ensuring that innovation…
The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) has concluded that an explosion which killed a 10-year-old boy and seriously injured his father in Preah Vihear province last week was caused by an M-85 cluster submunition, a remnant of the July border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand. According to a CMAC investigation report, dated October 30, the explosion occurred at around 5.20pm on October 25 in Bongkol 8 village, Sra’em commune, Choam Ksant district. The blast claimed the life of Suon Sovann, 10, and severely injured his father, 43-year-old Sien Son. Investigators analysed fragments collected at the scene, examined wound patterns, inspected…
Phnom Penh Designers Week (PPDW) has announced its highly anticipated Fall/Winter 2025 showcase under the evocative theme Ode to Wonder. The event is scheduled to take place on December 6, at the Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh. “This bi-annual fashion event is expected to transform the venue into a stage of creativity and imagination, highlighting the ingenuity and evolving artistry of Cambodia’s top designers,” according to the organisers. They said this season’s theme invites both creators and audiences to rediscover curiosity and the power of storytelling through fashion. Set against the sleek backdrop of Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh, “Ode to Wonder”…
Cambodia has positioned itself as a regional frontrunner in advancing green growth and climate resilience, using the World Green and Sustainability Summit (WGSS), held in Phnom Penh on October 30, as a platform to outline concrete actions toward a low-carbon, inclusive future. Presiding over the opening ceremony on behalf of Prime Minister Hun Manet, Vongsey Vissoth, Minister in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, said Cambodia is ready to move “from commitment to implementation”, declaring that “sustainability is not a limit to growth — it is the new engine of growth”. Themed “Shaping the Future of Sustainability…
The European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (EuroCham) has urged the government to establish a National Digital Health Coordination Committee (NDHCC) to align ministries, regulators and private stakeholders in governing Cambodia’s fast-growing digital health sector. The proposal was unveiled during a press conference held on Tuesday, ahead of the upcoming EuroCham Healthcare Forum & Innovation Exhibition 2025 set for October 30 in Phnom Penh. The event will bring together government ministries, healthcare providers, insurers, investors and innovators to explore how technology can strengthen Cambodia’s health system. At the briefing, EuroCham executive director Martin Brisson, Dr. Elias Engelking, co-chairperson of the…
Digital health platforms could help bridge the healthcare gap between Cambodia’s urban and rural populations according to the European Cahmber of Commerce (EuroCham). During a Tuesday press conference, the organisation called for new policies to enable telemedicine, e-prescriptions and digital claims reimbursement. The briefing was held ahead of the EuroCham Healthcare Forum & Innovation Exhibition 2025, which will take place on October 30, in Phnom Penh. The forum aims to bring together ministries, insurers, hospitals and innovators to explore how technology can improve healthcare delivery and accessibility across the country. Sor Samnangvathana, co-chairperson of EuroCham’s Healthcare Committee representing practitioners, said…