The fashion community gathered on May 30 and 31 for one of the Kingdom’s longest-running fashion events, the bi-annual Phnom Penh Designers Week, held in Salon One at the Rosewood Phnom Penh, to witness the Spring and Summer collections. This edition of Phnom Penh Designers Week centred around the compelling theme of “Fragile Heritage”, with influential fashion brands showcasing their latest collections. The concept encouraged designers to foreground heritage within their fashion narratives, acting as a counter-movement against the increasing homogenisation of global fashion trends. The womenswear night on May 30 featured collections from A.N.D, ESSK, SCT and Alfredo Vaez,…
Author: Raksmey Hong
As digital technologies reshape societies worldwide, Cambodia finds itself confronting a growing wave of online fraud and human trafficking that experts say is complicated by significant gaps in technological expertise, alongside accusations from some international media and organisations. Despite ongoing efforts and close cooperation with international partners, Cambodia’s limited capacity in technology development and enforcement remains a key obstacle in curbing these transnational crimes. Chou Bun Eng, vice-chairwoman of the National Committee for Counter Trafficking (NCCT), paints a candid picture of Cambodia’s current battle against human trafficking and online fraud. She emphasised that although the Kingdom has made strides in…
Lieutenant Colonel Sorm Leangy broke new ground, as Cambodia’s first female unit commander deployed to the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. At just 33 years old, Leangy’s journey from a small Cambodian village to leading a contingent of 180 personnel — including 38 women — offers valuable insights into the evolving role of women in peacekeeping and military leadership. Since 2018, Leangy has served in five UN missions across Mali and Lebanon, earning respect through her resilience and leadership in environments traditionally dominated by men. Her story was then featured in UN Women, established in 2010 as a UN entity…
A Ministry of Information spokesperson has reminded all media representatives — professional, non-professional and social media users — to avoid publishing information that could harm national security, damage relations with other countries or endanger law enforcement officials and personnel as they carry out their duties. Tep Asnarith emphasized that, according to the Law on the Press, journalists have the right to report information that does not threaten national security or diplomatic relations. “Reporting on national security issues must be based on information from official sources such as ministries, institutions or authorities related to these matters, and must adhere strictly to…
The border commanders of the Cambodian and Thai armies are scheduled to meet this evening, May 29 to ease tensions in the Mom 3 area of Choam Khsant district, Preah Vihear province, following the death of a Cambodian soldier during a brief exchange of fire which took place early yesterday morning. In a message posted to Facebook page this morning, Prime Minister Hun Manet said, “I hope the meeting between the Cambodian and Thai army chiefs tonight will bring positive results in maintaining calm and good communication between our frontline forces, as has been done in the past.” “I do…
In a rapidly evolving world where automation is transforming industries, Cambodia stands at a critical juncture. As robots and artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly become part of the workforce in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region, the question remains: will they help boost Cambodia’s economy by creating jobs, or will they lead to widespread job losses? The latest World Bank report, Future Jobs: Robots, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Platforms in East Asia and Pacific in 2025, provides a nuanced look at the future of labour in this dynamic region, including insights on Cambodia’s potential challenges and opportunities. Across the EAP…
The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh has announced the upcoming Sousdey Indonesia 2025, a large annual event which promotes Indonesian trade, culture and education in Cambodia. Scheduled for June 14-15 at the Diamond Island Exhibition and Convention Centre, the event will feature 53 carefully curated participants — 29 Indonesian exhibitors alongside 24 of their Cambodian counterparts — showcasing a wide spectrum of products and services. Indonesian ambassador to Cambodia Santo Darmosumarto, speaking at a media briefing held at the Indonesian Embassy today, May 28, highlighted the event’s critical role in deepening the already strong economic and cultural ties between Indonesia…
Cambodian and Thai troops reportedly exchanged gunfire for approximately 10 minutes at 5.45am this morning, May 28, in Preah Vihear province’s Choam Ksan district, which borders the Chon Bak area of Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province, according to Thai media. Major General Mao Phalla, spokesperson for the Royal Cambodian Army, confirmed the skirmish with Trayorng News, a media outlet close to the Ministry of Interior. “A brief clash did occur. The Thai side initiated the gunfire,” he said. A Thai official claimed that their troops were fired upon while conducting a routine patrol. Phalla added that he was still gathering information…
Cambodia is set to join a groundbreaking global digital art event, Project/Forward: 2049, on May 30-31. The project will see public spaces across Phnom Penh, Battambang, Kampot and Kampong Thom transformed into ephemeral canvases of future imaginings. Part of an international initiative by the award-winning arts organization Micro Galleries, Project/Forward: 2049 radically reimagines how digital art is experienced in public spaces. It transforms everyday surfaces — from ancient temple walls to modern sidewalks — into free, globally distributed galleries that showcase visionary moving images. In this moment of profound global transition, where society stands at the crossroads between crisis and…
Youth delegates from Cambodia and across the ASEAN region, along with representatives from Timor-Leste, gathered in Kuala Lumpur from May 22 to 26 for the 4th ASEAN Youth Dialogue 2025. This regional platform, held alongside the 46th and 47th ASEAN Summits, showcased the collective voice of young leaders advocating for bold policies to empower youth as key drivers of sustainable development and regional resilience. During the dialogue, youth delegates co-drafted the 4th ASEAN Youth Statement 2025, presenting nine key policy recommendations focused on advancing youth empowerment, health and well-being, education and digital skills, entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, climate action, social inclusion…