The aroma of coffee and the warmth of friendship filled the air at Legend Cinema Phnom Penh as the Singapore embassy hosted a special screening of Kopitiam Days to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Cambodia.
The 120-minute anthology film, which pays tribute to Singapore’s iconic coffee shop culture, offered audiences a heartfelt glimpse into the shared values of community, connection, and heritage that bind the two nations.
The October 9 event, attended by around 150 guests including Singaporeans, ASEAN ambassadors and Cambodian friends of Singapore, marked the first public screening of a Singaporean film in Cambodia.
The evening formed part of the embassy’s year-long “SG-CAM60” celebrations commemorating the six decades of diplomatic partnership since ties were established in 1965.
In her opening remarks, Singaporean ambassador to Cambodia Teo Lay Cheng reflected on how simple traditions like coffee can carry profound cultural meaning.
“Kopi culture is a long-standing tradition in Singapore. The word kopitiam comes from kopi (Malay for coffee) and tiam (Hokkien for shop). Every Singaporean has a favourite brew — whether it is kopi-o (black coffee with sugar) or kopi-c (with evaporated milk),” she said.
Teo drew a parallel between the coffee cultures of both countries, saying that while Singapore’s bustling kopitiams and Cambodia’s vibrant street cafés may differ in form, they share the same essence — as welcoming spaces for people to gather and connect.
“The screening of Kopitiam Days is part of our embassy’s year-long celebration of 60 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Cambodia. It reminds us that our friendship extends beyond diplomacy — it is rooted in shared stories and experiences, such as over a cup of coffee,” she added.
Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, praised the screening as an example of how art and culture deepen understanding between nations.
“Every year, Cambodian troupes proudly participate in Singapore’s Chingay Parade. Our two countries also collaborate in archaeology and museums, strengthening bonds of knowledge and trust,” the minister said.
“These exchanges show how culture contributes to diplomacy, development and the human spirit,” she added.
Sackona commended the embassy for organising the event, describing cultural exchange as “more than entertainment — it is a dialogue between communities that builds mutual understanding, respect, and harmony”.
The audience warmly received the film, which blended nostalgia, humour and emotion to portray how Singapore’s kopitiams have long been cornerstones of social life.
Singaporean resident Queenie Ng said the screening was “a slice of home”. She said the film brought back many fond memories.
“I loved how it captured both the nostalgia of the past and the vibrancy of the present, portraying the kopitiam as a place where generations gather. It felt especially meaningful to share this experience with Cambodian friends,” she noted.
Cambodian viewer Mao Veasna, who once lived in Singapore, found the film relatable.
“The storytelling was powerful, and the themes of love, family, and community resonated deeply with me,” he said.
“Cambodians also love our coffee, and the kopitiam scenes felt familiar and comforting. In both our countries, coffee is not just a drink — it’s a way of connecting with people,” he added.
As both nations look ahead to the next 60 years, the event served as a warm reminder that diplomacy often begins not in meeting rooms, but over something as simple — and as meaningful — as a cup of coffee.
