Oddar Meanchey provincial governor Mean Chanyada has encouraged Cambodians to visit the Ta Moan Temple, adding on February 19 that Cambodians are free to organise activities and sing the national anthem as usual. “Despite recent incidents, our authorities have not stopped the singing of national songs, including the national anthem or historical Khmer songs. This is normal, and it is not the first time,” he said. On February 13, a group of Khmer visitors to the temple were admonished by Thai soldiers for singing the Cambodian national anthem while at the temple. According to Thai media outlet The Nation, Thailand’s…
Author: Raksmey Hong
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), starring Angelina Jolie, brought global attention to Cambodia, thanks to the stunning scenes filmed at Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm. The action-packed adventure followed Lara Croft as she battled mystical forces within the temples, showcasing the country’s rich history and breathtaking ruins. The Hollywood spotlight helped boost tourism, cementing Cambodia as a must-visit destination for travellers worldwide. Prime Minister Hun Manet’s recent push for “film tourism” takes inspiration from the success of Tomb Raider, which helped put Cambodia on the global map. Angelina Jolie at Ta Prohm Temple in a scene from Tomb Raider, shot…
Cambodia’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem has received a boost thanks to the introduction of the Digital & Green Innovation Accelerator (DGIx) Cambodia, a nine-month initiative aimed at propelling startups using digital and tech-enabled solutions for environmental sustainability. This marks the first time the programme has been available in the Kingdom. It forms part of the global Digital & Green Innovation (DGI) Action initiative, a collaborative effort between the EU and the governments of Germany, France, Belgium and Estonia. In Cambodia, the programme is being implemented by Impact Hub Phnom Penh and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, with…
In a remarkable turn of events, Cambodia’s granite and stone slab industry, once on the brink of collapse, has experienced an impressive resurgence. The revival of the sector has not only saved local businesses but has also propelled Cambodia into the global market as a competitive player in the stone export industry. In 2023, it was at a critical juncture. Factories were gradually shuttering their doors, and the sector seemed destined for a complete collapse. For nearly three years, independent efforts to revive the industry had yielded little success, with the market facing substantial challenges, including high export taxes, rising…
A unique project in Long Beach, California is blending mental health education with traditional Southeast Asian dance to help youth process trauma, connect with their cultural roots and break the stigma surrounding mental illness. The Healing Through Dance Project, launched by Cambodia Town, Inc., is using the power of dance and psycho-educational workshops to empower Southeast Asian youth to confront mental health challenges in a culturally resonant way. The project is a groundbreaking initiative that seeks to address mental health issues faced by Southeast Asian youth, particularly those affected by the trauma of war and migration, as well as the…
THACO AGRI, a subsidiary of Vietnam’s Truong Hai Group Corporation (THACO), which began developing agriculture in Kratie and Ratanakiri provinces in 2018 with a focus on bananas, cattle, and other fruits and vegetables, estimates that it could earn $800 million in annual profits, starting in 2028. “The company pays $35 million in taxes annually to the state,” Nguyen Ngoc Anh Tu, deputy director of Snuol Polytechnic Zone, told reporters at the company’s headquarter in Kratie province. “In addition, the company has created jobs and income for 40,000 local workers, with the agricultural project in Snuol district, Kratie province providing 15,000…
Renaissance Minerals Cambodia, a subsidiary of Australia-listed Emerald Resources, is setting its sights on an ambitious new project in the Tboung Khmum province’s Memot district. The company currently produces three to four hundred kilogrammes of gold from its Mondulkiri province operation, and hopes to replicate its success in Tboung Khmum. “The sector does not end with the Mondulkiri mine, as Renaissance will continue to open mines. The company has another project, in Memot, Choam Ta Mao commune,” said Kong Sitha, deputy director-general of the General Department of Mineral Resources. After the blasting, the transport team, which consists of 12 large…
Nestled in the northeast corner of Cambodia, Mondulkiri province is rich in natural beauty, wildlife and indigenous culture. It is home to some of the country’s most stunning landscapes, from rolling hills to cascading waterfalls, dense forests and diverse animal life. Despite its vast potential, the province remains relatively underexplored, with more than a hundred almost-undiscovered eco-tourism sites waiting to be explored. “In addition to the cool climate, which is popular with tourists, Mondulkiri has 106 individual tourism attractions, as well as indigenous cultures,” said Ngin Sovimean, deputy provincial governor. Known for its pristine nature, Mondulkiri boasts a series of…
As the Kingdom’s towns and cities expand and the cost of living rises, young women pursuing higher education often face challenges in securing safe and affordable housing. Many come from rural provinces, where educational opportunities for women remain limited due to economic constraints, safety concerns and societal expectations. The Harpswell Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women through education and leadership, has been addressing this issue by providing not just accommodation but a comprehensive support system for female university students, since 2010. Through its Women’s Leadership Centers, Harpswell offers young women a safe living environment, mentorship and leadership training…
The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) has announced plans to stand down almost ten per cent of its operational staff following the suspension of US government assistance. The demobilisations will affect key demining operations across multiple provinces. In a press release, CMAC confirmed that the Trump White House’s suspension of US funding, effective January 25 for an 85-day period, has impacted aid received through the US Department of State. “The funding halt affects three partner organisations. The suspended payments total approximately $2 million per year, and has led to disruptions for 210 technical personnel working in Kampong Cham, Kratie, Stung…