Author: Raksmey Hong

While the WHO reports steady global progress in reducing alcohol consumption, a new policy white paper and national data from Cambodia reveal a troubling local picture — particularly among the Kingdom’s youth. The contrasting narratives underscore a growing divide between international momentum and domestic health challenges. According to the World Health Statistics 2025 released by WHO last week, global alcohol consumption is on a downward trend. The world is “on track to reach the 20% reduction in total per-capita alcohol consumption by 2030,” the report notes, citing improved policy action and awareness in several regions. The reduction is part of…

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This year’s Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF) has teamed up with Arts for Kep to bring cinematic vibes to Kep, with their fresh new project, CIFF 360. From May 23 to 25 the weekend fest will offer free film screenings and interactive activities right in the heart of Kep province — a perfect mix of culture, creativity and community. Events will be held at iconic spots like The Wave @Kep West and The Lounge @Kep West Wellness Center during the day, creating an intimate scene for film lovers and creatives to connect. “CIFF 360 in Kep is all about breaking…

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A new art exhibition opening this month in Phnom Penh is placing mental health and trauma recovery at the centre of public discourse. Titled “Tracing the Thread of Unconsciousness: Unfolding the Inner Self,” the exhibition by – Cambodian-French artist Adana Mam Legros – will launch on Wednesday, May 21, at Station 350, in collaboration with the Center for Trauma Care and Research Organization (CTRO). The show draws from Mam Legros’ personal psychoanalysis sessions and explores the Jungian concept of individuation — the process of integrating unconscious and conscious experiences in pursuit of self-understanding. Alongside her paintings, the exhibition incorporates textual…

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The “Good Citizens’ Consciousness” 2025 programme is targeting students in grades 10 and 11 across 12 capital-provinces nationwide. With the mission of cultivating responsible, patriotic and engaged youth, the programme lays the foundation for the next generation of future Cambodian leaders who will play an active role in the Kingdom’s development and progress. Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron visited Preah Sihanouk province’s General and Technological High School in Sihanoukville on May 8, to observe the programme’s implementation and engage with students, teachers and school management. During his visit, the minister emphasised the continued importance of good…

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Angkor Enterprise has released its latest report, indicating a notable shift in the composition of international tourists visiting the iconic Angkor Archaeological Park complex. While the total number of foreign visitors rose just slightly from 73,845 in April 2024 to 76,279 in April 2025, a 3.30% increase, the UK and US posted some of the most significant increases among the guests from 169 countries that the park welcomed. Ticket revenue in April reached $3,490,088. “Tourists from the UK surged by 17.88%, reaching 7,586 visitors compared to 6,433 in the same month last year. Meanwhile, American tourists increased by 13.09%, climbing…

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The Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) 2025, running from May 16 to June 1, celebrates Singapore’s 60th anniversary with over 150 performances and events, including 15 new local commissions. One of the standout performances is COLONY – A True Colors Project, a powerful fusion of dance, music, and film. The work features 13 diverse dancers from across Southeast Asia, from Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Cambodia and Thailand — each with their own artistry and lived experiences. 13 diverse dancers from across Southeast Asia, from Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Cambodia and Thailand will perform COLONY – A True Colors Project at The…

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Two women, claiming to be sisters, made a desperate appeal for help in a short video posted on social media, claiming they had been tricked and sold into human trafficking by a Chinese man. Their plea quickly gained attention, prompting immediate action from Cambodian and Chinese authorities to locate and rescue the pair. In the 28-second clip, one of the women shared, “My sister and I were tricked by a trafficker and sold to a Chinese man. Now, we are talking in the bathroom. Please! Help us!” The video revealed their distress as they faced the threat of being sold…

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The S’Art Urban Art Festival is rapidly becoming a defining event for Battambang’s provincial capital, bridging the gap between the town’s rich artistic heritage and its dynamic modern identity. With the upcoming edition slated for November 3–8, this biennial festival is more than just an artistic showcase – it’s a cultural movement that’s transforming the way people experience Cambodia. Organised by Phare Ponleu Selpak, in partnership with the TUI Care Foundation, the festival is a vibrant celebration of urban art, featuring large-scale murals, live performances, exhibitions, workshops and the iconic Art Parade winding through Battambang’s heritage town. This year’s theme,…

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Cambodia’s food industry is making waves at the 2025 THAIFEX – Anuga Asia, one of the region’s influential food and beverage trade shows. Taking place from May 27 to 31 in Thailand, the event has become a critical platform for food producers from across the region to showcase their products, form international partnerships and gain fresh insights into global market trends. This year, Cambodia is taking a significant step onto the world stage with a strong presence at the show, which is set to feature more than 3,100 exhibitors from over 50 countries, spanning 9 F&B Trade Shows—Drinks, Fine Food,…

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The sound of traditional Khmer Chai Yam music echoed through the streets as students and locals gathered to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Chan Sovannreach, a 12th-grade student from Bun Rany Hun Sen Prey Poun High School. Sovannreach, who recently claimed the top spot in the 2025 National Mathematics Excellence Awards, was welcomed with a parade that travelled through villages, where people cheered in admiration of his extraordinary success. The Prey Veng province student attributed his triumph to hard work and perseverance. “Hard work is the weapon that leads to success,” he said. His journey to the national mathematics championship…

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