Malaysia, the current ASEAN rotating chair, aims to expedite the completion of a Code of Conduct (COC) on international maritime issues by 2026. Malaysia is one of several countries involved in maritime disputes with China, which centre around the South China Sea. “Since 2024, Malaysia has been pushing for the conclusion of the Code of Conduct by 2026. However, many issues still need to be resolved,” said ASEAN secretary-general Kao Kim Hourn. “I hope that, as ASEAN secretary-general, I will see this work completed,” he told the media, as he addressed the March 7 “ASEAN Secretary-General’s Vision Forum 2025”, organised…
Author: Raksmey Hong
Cambodia has reached a new chapter in history — one where its culture is spreading to neighbouring countries and attracting growing international interest. This was emphasised by renowned Cambodian rapper VannDa, whose real name is Mann Vannda. “As interest in Cambodia increases, we strive to incorporate more and more elements of Khmer identity into our work,” VannDa told a March 7 press conference, held to nnouce a new partnership between himself, Baramey Production and Tiger Beer. “We have to move forward together, and I can confidently say that Khmer music has never been at this level before. We are truly…
On this year’s March 8 International Women’s Day, Prime Minister Hun Manet embarked on a hike up the Khnang Phsar and Khnang Sampov mountains. He experienced the area’s natural beauty firsthand and promoted its potential for eco-tourism and community-based economic growth. In a March 9 social media post, the prime minister shared his experience, stating, “Yesterday, I spent about 4 hours and 30 minutes hiking from the foot of Khnang Phsar to its peak. “Although it was a bit tiring, it was well worth it, as I witnessed the natural beauty and tourism potential of Khnang Phsar and Khnang Sampov…
A major step toward addressing alcohol-related harm in Cambodia is underway with the development of a comprehensive Alcohol Policy White Paper, set for publication on March 24, 2025. On March 6, representatives from the Ministry of Commerce’s Consumer Protection, Competition and Fraud Repression Directorate-General (CCF) held a workshop with several key players to discuss Cambodia’s public health and alcohol consumption. In attendance were representatives of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of Cambodia, the Wine Spirits Beer Importer and Distributor Association, the Asian Vision Institute and the Southeast Asia Public Policy Institute. The new document aims to provide a strategic…
As Siem Reap’s Angkor Songkran Festival is officially declared a major annual event, Cambodia is actively working to inscribe traditional Khmer New Year celebrations on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed the government’s commitment. “The Royal Government is preparing to register Cambodia’s Songkran as a World Heritage site,” he said, as he addressed the Solidarity Dinner with Artists on March 5. “Therefore, I urge the administrations of the capital, provinces, towns, districts, and communes to organise more Songkran festivals in accordance with Khmer traditions for the upcoming New Year celebrations,” he added. He also attended the 27th…
The Ministry of Interior has refuted separate “propaganda” allegations by two Chinese nationals: One accused the Cambodian police of selling information to online fraudsters, while the other claimed he was forced to pay a “tip” to immigration officers. On the evening of March 5, the ministry’s Command for Research, Investigation and Suppression of All Types of Crimes announced the strong denial of claims made on a Chinese Weibo account named Tie Xiao Jun. The account accused police officers of the Cambodian National Police of selling information to online fraudsters, as well as ignoring the torture of trafficked victims. “On March…
A 15-year-old Cambodian youth advocate took centre stage at the 12th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD). He called on regional leaders to invest in child nutrition, improved farming techniques and greater awareness of healthy eating. The 12th APFSD, held from February 25-28, was themed “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind in Asia and the Pacific”. It was staged at the UN Conference Center (UNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand. Mach Paris, an emerging advocate from Cambodia’s National Children and Youth Council (CYC), joined young representatives from across Asia…
The OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation made a profound impact on the lives of many Cambodians with a weekend workshop, offering free vision screenings and prescription eyeglasses to those in need. On March 2, a team of volunteer ophthalmologists and optometrists – both foreign and Cambodian – screened more than 1,000 people in Phnom Penh’s Dangkor district. The initiative aimed to unlock academic participation, economic progression and stronger communities for individuals previously hindered by poor vision. A man living with a disability has his eyes examined in Dangkor district on March 2. Hong Raksmey One beneficiary, 79-year-old Tun Lun, experienced the joy…
Prime Minister Hun Manet and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha have spoken out against derogatory remarks targeting women, following public outrage over comments by a Kun Khmer TV show host’s offensive comments about women’s dignity. The controversy comes just days before International Women’s Day, March 8. “Natural law has created human society with distinct genders, even though some may have characteristics that differ from their birth gender. Everyone has equal rights, freedoms, and dignity in society,” said Sokha, via social media. “In Cambodia, we have strong laws and traditions to protect individual dignity,” he added. He warned that any actions…
A major development for Cambodia’s tourism industry is the upcoming launch of a new route which will connect Dubai to Siem Reap, scheduled for June this year. The addition of this route is expected to boost the flow of international tourists to Cambodia, further strengthening its position as a prominent destination in Southeast Asia. Starting on June 3, the new service will offer three weekly flights from Dubai to Siem Reap by Emirates, with a layover in Bangkok. “Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, providing greater flexibility for travelers,” announced the airline. The flights will depart Dubai at…