Cambodia’s informal workforce, comprising more than 80 per cent of the country’s labourers, including street vendors, construction workers and cyclo drivers, forms a substantial segment of the country’s economy. Yet, despite their contributions, these workers often lack essential protections that ensure job security, healthcare and social support, leaving them vulnerable in times of crisis. Recognising this need, the government has recently stepped up efforts to bridge this gap, providing a lifeline for many who have faced years of economic precarity. “The Royal Government has issued a policy aimed at improving the wellbeing of those in the informal economy by providing…
Author: Raksmey Hong
Planning for a powerful celebration of inclusion and empowerment is underway, with a series of special guests set to take the stage on November 23, at Factory Phnom Penh. The Youth Light Up Talk, initiated by the “Youth Ambassadors” team and supported by the USAID Cambodia Advancing Youth Leadership programme, is a pioneering event designed to ignite discussions on societal norms, foster inclusivity and spotlight young leaders from diverse backgrounds. With the theme “”Empower Youth Leaders, Light Up Marginalised Voices”, this year’s event aims to amplify the stories of marginalised communities. People with disabilities, members of the LGBTQI+ community, indigenous…
Tiv Dararith, a Cambodian long-distance cyclist and content creator, is undertaking an epic bicycle ride from the Kingdom to Europe to raise funds for medical care for Cambodian children. His journey has captured the hearts of thousands already, with many expressing their pride at what he has achieved so far. With each pedal stroke, he’s not only covering vast distances, but also capturing the beauty and challenges of his surroundings. Currently cycling through India, Dararith has shared tales from his adventure, a journey that’s as much about the art of photography as it is about traversing the rugged landscapes between…
The Ministry of Tourism has called on tour operators to play a stronger role in promoting Cambodia’s annual Water Festival to international audiences. In collaboration with the National Committee for Organizing National and International Festivals, the ministry aims to attract worldwide visitors to experience this cultural extravaganza, immerse themselves in Khmer traditions and celebrate the unique heritage of Cambodia. “The tourism ministry will organise a dedicated viewing platform located to the north of the main VIP platform in front of the Royal Palace for international tourists to enjoy the boat races, lantern-floating ceremony and moon-worship ceremony during the Water Festival,”…
Public opinion of cigarette smoking in Cambodia has undergone profound shifts over the past century, morphing from a symbol of social status to a major public health issue. Each era, from pre-Khmer Rouge society to the present day, tells a story of changing customs, societal perceptions and government intervention, painting a vivid picture of how smoking habits have transformed alongside the Kingdom itself. In Sihanouk’s 1960s Cambodia, smoking was not merely a habit but a marker of social standing and respectability. Cigarettes were often exchanged during business meetings, social gatherings, weddings and funerals, as a symbol of trust and goodwill. …
In a major public health initiative, 229,488 dogs were vaccinated against rabies during a two-week campaign that concluded on November 4. The vaccination effort, led by UK charity Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) through its Mission Rabies project, was conducted in collaboration with the General Directorate of Animal Health and Production (GDAHP) and Animal Rescue Cambodia (ARC). The campaign aligns with the country’s National Strategic Plan for Rabies Control and Elimination, which is currently in the final stages of government endorsement. Deploying 287 vaccination teams across Phnom Penh and the provinces of Kandal and Battambang, the project marked the second large-scale…
In what was described as a demonstration of ASEAN’s commitment to combating transnational crime, Indonesian ambassador to Cambodia Santo Darmosumarto met with several Cambodian National Police officers – who are about to depart for an anti-human trafficking forum in Indonesia – on November 4. The officers will be attending the “Sharing Forum on Identifying, Screening, Investigating and Protecting Human Trafficking Victims,” scheduled to take place in Bali from November 7 to 9. The event marks a forward step in translating a high-level memorandum of understanding (MoU) on combating transnational crimes – signed by both nations in August – into impactful…