Cambodian Scout Leaders Attend 25th World Scout Jamboree
Phnom Penh, August 03, 2023 --Other 18 Cambodian national scout leaders left Phnom Penh on Aug. 2 for the 25th World Scout Jamboree from Aug. 1 to 12 in the Republic of Korea. The delegation head of the Cambodian national scout leaders is H.E. Mrs. Kim Sethany, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports and Vice President of the Cambodia Scouts. As planned, the Cambodian national scout leaders will have meetings with leaders of the Korea Scout Association, the Secretary General of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement, and the Director of the Asia-Pacific Regional Office; participate in the official opening ceremony of the 25th World Scout Jamboree; and draw experience from the event.It is the sixth time that Cambodian Scouts have joined the international event, and on July 30, Cambodia dispatched 47 young scouts to join the event. Organised by the World Organisation of the Scout Movement, the World Scout Jamboree is the world's largest youth camp, held every four years. Tens of thousands of young people and leaders from 150 countries share culture, experience, and friendship and put concrete global citizenship into practice.
Cambodia Sees Significant Increase in Digital Payments
Phnom Penh, August 02, 2023 --Cambodia has recorded a sharp rise in mobile payments as more and more people have turned from cash-based to digital transaction options, the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) said.The number of registered e-wallet accounts increased to 20.2 million as of June this year, read the report.The total number of transactions jumped to 333.7 million in the first half of this year from 211.2 million in the same period in 2022 with a total amount of US$58.2 billion, a year-on-year increase of 98.3 percent, it pointed out.Cambodia's payment system has been modernised by incorporating a series of new technologies aimed at enhancing payment efficiency and security to facilitate the exchange of goods and services more easily and quickly, improve the financial environment and support the integration of payment systems into the region, said recently outgoing NBC Governor H.E. Chea Chanto.“Inter-bank payments in Cambodia have become easier, in response to changes in the behaviour of companies, enterprises and consumers, who increasingly rely on online shopping and electronic payments in the age of digital technology,” he said.NBC’s report stated that 35 payment service institutions (PSIs) have been licensed and two banking and financial institutions (BFIs) have been authorised to operate payment businesses.
This is the Right Time to Step Down, Says Outgoing PM
Phnom Penh, August 03, 2023 --Outgoing Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen this morning affirmed that this is the right time for him to step down.At the inauguration ceremony of the third ring road held in Kandal province, Samdech Techo Hun Sen explained that his decision on July 26, 2023 is a decision for long-term prosperity, peace and development of the nation.“Transferring the power to my successor this time is safer than when I was old or dead,” he stressed. The outgoing Premier said rumors on who is his successor have aroused a lot of interest since 2015 or 2016.Samdech Techo Hun Sen has officially confirmed that he will not continue to be the Prime Minister of Cambodia and H.E. Dr. Hun Manet, his eldest son, will become the new Prime Minister from Aug. 22 onward.Samdech Techo Hun Sen has held this position since Jan. 14, 1985. He has thus been in office for 14,099 days or 2,014 weeks or 463 months or 38 years 7 months and 8 days.
JICA to Further Deepen Cambodia-Japan Ties
Phnom Penh, August 01, 2023 --Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has pledged to continue tightening the relationship and cooperation between Cambodia and Japan after 30 years of presence in Cambodia.“I promise you that JICA will always be within your reach, walk with you, and will continue our efforts to deepen ‘Kizuna’ between Japan and Cambodia,” said Mr. SANUI Kazumasa, the Chief Representative of JICA Cambodia Office in a message on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of JICA Cambodia Office.His full message reads as follows:“The year 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Cambodia, as well as the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the JICA Cambodia Office. I feel honored to be appointed as the chief representative of the JICA Cambodia Office on such an important milestone.We are proud that we have contributed to building strong friendships with the people of Cambodia through various cooperation projects. Among those, water supply projects called the "Miracle of Phnom Penh", two river-crossings depicted on banknotes, and more than 20-year-long support for civil laws are now known around the world. Today, we continue to develop many projects in a wide range of fields, including agriculture, health, education, environment, rural development, and so on.We believe that many of our business opportunities are the result of relationships of trust that have been nurtured over the decades. We will continue to act with the people of Cambodia, not only to pursue the results of our projects, but also to think about the future together with them in the process of our project implementation.The world is currently facing a compound crisis involving pandemics, conflicts, and climate change, and Cambodia has been significantly affected by these crises. This difficult situation has made us more aware of domestic challenges such as the lack of public services and disparities that have existed since before. At the same time, in a world where the future is difficult to predict, we have been forced to deal with global issues such as securing stable supplies of natural resources and energy and restructuring supply chains.In addition to conventional efforts to meet these challenges, it is necessary to create unprecedented solutions using new ideas and technologies. Additionally, creating an environment in which the public and private sectors can cooperate, further leverage their respective strengths. To this end, we will also need a place where everyone can obtain information and understand the situation correctly.We at JICA will work to create an environment in which people with ideas and solutions can participate by opening relevant information as well as business opportunities to the public. By acting as an information hub and sparking activities from multiple perspectives, we will aim to have a greater impact than ever before and contribute to the creation of a sustainable and prosperous society.I promise you that JICA will always be within your reach, walk with you, and will continue our efforts to deepen ‘Kizuna’ between Japan and Cambodia.”
Over 2.6 Million Tourists Visit Angkor Resort in First Seven Months
Phnom Penh, August 01, 2023 --Some 2,643,000 national and international tourists visited the Angkor Archeological Park in Siem Reap province in the first seven months of this year.The figure was shared this morning by Mr. Seng Sotheara, Director of Tourism Development and Culture Department at the APSARA National Authority.Of the number, 2,203,696 were national visitors and 439,365 were foreign tourists, he pointed out, adding that in 2022, only 83,854 international visitors were registered at the Angkor Archeological Park.Mr. Seng Sotheara was optimistic that the number of tourists will keep rising, especially after the official launch of the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport in mid-October.According to Angkor Enterprise, the state-owned institution in charge of Angkor income management, in July 2023, Angkor entrance tickets were sold to 53,596 foreign tourists, a year-on-year increase of more than 124 percent, generating a total revenue of US$2,439,927, up 154 percent.Over US$107,000 were donated to Cambodia Kantha Bopha Foundation in July to support the humanitarian operations of Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospitals.
Indonesia's Trade and Tourism Fair to Kick off in Phnom Penh This Week
Phnom Penh, August 01, 2023 --The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Phnom Penh will organise the 14th Indonesian Trade and Tourism Promotion (ITTP 2023) here at Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centreon Aug. 4-6, 2023.ITTP is an integrated promotional event that is annually held by the embassy since 2006 to promote Indonesia in various fields, namely trade, tourism, education opportunity, arts, culture and culinary, the embasay's statement stated.Under the theme “Strengthening Cooperation Through Collaboration”, ITTP 2023 is aimed to foster collaboration not only between government-to-government but also people-to-people to boost bilateral cooperation in many sectors and bring Indonesia closer to Cambodian people.ITTP has various activities ranging from Indonesian products exhibition and selling, tourism promotion, business matching as well as many various attractive and engaging cultural events such as cooking and karaoke competition, fashion show, music and dance performance, games and quiz.ITTP 2023 will host 17 Indonesian companies, 15 Indonesian products importers/distributors in Cambodia, 2 Indonesian well-known universities as well as representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia and Provincial Government of West Sumatra.
Cambodia Scouts Joins World Scout Jamboree in South Korea
Phnom Penh, July 31, 2023 --A contingent of Cambodia Scouts left here last night for the 25th World Scout Jamboree in the Republic of Korea to be held from Aug. 1 to 12, 2023.It is the sixth time that Cambodia Scouts attends such international event, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS) pointed out.Earlier on the same day, the source added, the contingent of Cambodia Scouts led by its Vice President H.E. Ms. Kim Sethany paid a courtesy call on H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of MoEYS and President of Cambodia Scouts.On the occasion, H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron advised the youth scout delegates to maintain and enhance the national value and dignity as a whole and the honour of Cambodian youth scouts in particular by participating in all activities in the camp, learn new skills and become a goodwill ambassador in promoting the Cambodian culture to the international arena through good communication in a spirit of friendship and peace with camp members from other countries.Cambodia dispatched 47 young scouts to join the 25th World Scout Jamboree, while senior delegates will participate in the event as guests of honour in the opening ceremony, to coordinate, examine and evaluate the participation and organisation of the programme.According to an online source, organised by the World Organisation of the Scout Movement, the World Scout Jamboree is the world's largest youth camp held every four years. Tens of thousands of young people and leaders from 150 countries share culture, experience, and friendship and put a concrete global citizenship into practice.
Cambodian Economy in H1 Remains Healthy
Phnom Penh, July 31, 2023 --Cambodia continued to achieve a positive economic growth in the first six months of this year, said the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC)’s report released at a recapitulative meeting being held on July 30-31 in Preah Sihanouk province.Cambodia’s economic growth was supported by high growth of tourism sector, continued growth in agriculture, and signs of recovery of construction sector despite the decrease in manufacturing sector due to the decline of external demands, explained the central bank.In the first half of 2023, the inflation rate dropped to 1.2 percent from 4.1 percent in the second half of 2022, it pointed out.During the same period, the exchange rate continued to remain stable, at 4,094 Riel for a U.S. dollar, while foreign reserves reached US$18.4 billion, equal to seven months of imports and services.The NBC has forecast the country’s economic growth at 5.5 percent in 2023, with an expected yearly inflation rate at 2 percent.The economic growth of Cambodia in 2022 was estimated at 5.2 percent, supported by export growth, resumption of domestic economic activities, and rapid recovery of tourism.
Ministry Of Environment Launches ELibrary To Share Environment-Related Knowledge And Information
Phnom Penh, July 31, 2023 --The Ministry of Environment (MoE) has officially launched its eLibrary with an aim to share knowledge and information on environment and natural resources.The launching ceremony took place here late last week under the presidency of H.E. Say Samal, Minister of Environment.H.E. Ken Serey Ratha, Director General of the General Department of Environmental Knowledge and Information, said that the eLibrary will become a digital platform contributing actively to sharing knowledge and information related to environment and natural resources, to promoting institutional modernisation, and to disseminating the potential of protected areas to students, the public, private sector and researchers, as well as a long-term data collection depository for the ministry.In his remarks, H.E. Minister Say Samal spoke highly of the eLibrary establishment, stressing that it is not only a library but also a tool that will transform Cambodian society and people into global society and people full of creative life skills.
H.E. Ms. Chea Serey Promoted To Governor Of National Bank Of Cambodia
Phnom Penh, July 30, 2023 --H.E. Ms. Chea Serey, Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), has been appointed the NBC Governor with the rank of Senior Minister.The appointment was made in a Royal Decree signed on July 29 by His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia.Ms. Chea Serey is an outstanding female figure in the banking sector. She has played a significant role in the reform and development of Cambodia’s banking system, especially in the promotion of Riel, the national currency.Mrs. Chea Serey was born in Phnom Penh on Jan. 1, 1981. Her father is H.E. Chea Chanto, former NBC Governor. She obtained her PhD in Economics in 2021 from the University of Adelaide, Australia. She started her career at the NBC in 1999 and she has risen through different ranks before becoming the NBC Deputy Governor in early 2023. Besides, she is a member of various policy-driven committees within the central bank.
Cambodia's Pangasius Catfish Value Chain Getting a Boost
Phnom Penh, July 28, 2023 --The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research is supporting a new research project to reduce food loss and waste in the pangasius catfish value chain in Cambodia, said the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh in a news release on Friday.Knowledge generated by the research will benefit pangasius catfish farmers, private enterprises, and the country’s future fish export to foreign markets, it added.The research team from the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) and Health and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (HAPRI) recently visited Cambodia to gather information about food loss and waste along the pangasius catfish value chain, said the source, pointing out that they spoke with farmers, fish traders, and authorities from the Tonle Sap River floating markets and the fish hatchery.According to the news release, the project is part of the ACIAR-IDRC Food Loss Research Programme, which will work with partners in developing countries, including Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, to address food loss in the Mekong pangasius catfish value chain through innovative, locally driven solutions.
Korea announces doctoral scholarships to developing countries and special Asian priorities for 2023
Phnom Penh: The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports said that for 2023, Seoul National University (SNU) of the Republic of Korea will offer doctoral scholarships under the "2024 SNU President Fellowship Program" for faculty members from developing countries and give special priority to Asia, Africa, and South America.The Ministry of Education states that the partner will provide full tuition fees, monthly allowances between 1.5 million and 2 million won per month (for 3–4 years), round-trip airfare, Korean language courses ( Evening class) Health insurance, and allowance for dependent children.Applicants who are interested in the above scholarship program can fill out the form and prepare the relevant documents, and send a copy to the website: intlscholarship@snu.ackr and the original to Scholarship. Coordinator (Office of International Affairs), which will start accepting applications from July 3 to 31, 2023.
How Tall Is Angkor Wat In Cambodia?
What is the height of Angkor Wat?Walking into Angkor Wat makes it challenging to understand its layout due to its size. Both its complexity and beauty draw attention and divert it. When viewed up close, Angkor Wat is actually a collection of elevated towers, covered galleries, chambers, porches, and courtyards on several levels connected by stairways. From a distance, it appears to be a massive pile of stone on one level with a long causeway going to the center.More than it might seem, Angkor Wat's height from the ground to the summit of the central tower is 213 meters (699 feet), which was accomplished using three square or rectangular levels (1-3). Starting from the outer edges of the temple, each one gets smaller and higher than the one below.
Sub-Decree to Safeguard Cambodia Digital Key
Phnom Penh, July 28, 2023 --Cambodia has issued a sub-decree to ensure safe, accountable, and transparent management of Cambodia digital key (CamDigiKey).Signed by Cambodia Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen on July 26., the 12-page sub-decree becomes effective immediately.The document is applicable for ministries, subnational administrations, other public bodies, legal entities benefiting from public finance, licenced firms and associations, and Cambodians and foreigners using CamDigiKey data.It defines the specific roles and responsibilities of competent bodies, including the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Cambodia Data Exchange (CamDX), and the Ministry of Interior in CamDigiKey management.The sub-decree describes the request for the creation of the CamDigiKey account, its data authentication and utilisation, and its safety assurance through information technology and data security.It also spells out key technical terms and provides guidance on conflict settlement.Ministers in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, Economy and Finance, and Civil Services, as well as ministers and heads of other institutions related, are responsible for implementing the sub-decree.CamDigiKey is a secure yet easy mobile application that is used to authenticate oneself digitally. By registering on CamDigiKey, users obtain a valid digital identity through which users can log into any Cambodian government portal for example Online Business Registration.
Penalty For Sexual Harassment In Cambodia
The Labour Laws prevent sexual harassment. All employers and managers of businesses where women, minors, or apprentices work must keep an eye on their behavior and uphold their decency in front of the public.Any unwelcome sexual attention that occurs at work is known as sexual harassment. This includes caressing, inappropriate sexual jokes, intrusive inquiries about sex life, whistling, crude gestures, and demands for sexual favors, among other sexual behaviors. Sexual harassment is a crime under the Criminal Code, punishable by six days to three months in jail and fines ranging from KHR 100,000 to 500,000.
Siem Reap Angkor International Airport to Officially Open on Oct. 16, Confirms SSCA
Phnom Penh, July 27, 2023 --Newly-constructed Siem Reap Angkor International Airport is scheduled to put into official use on Oct. 16, 2023 onwards to welcome more local and international tourists to the Kingdom of Cambodia, especially to Siem Reap cultural province.The schedule was confirmed by the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) in an announcement AKP received this afternoon.The Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, located in Kriel Pong village and Provall village of Por Pel commune and Ta Yek commune, respectively, in Sotr Nikum district, Siem Reap province, has received the official code from the International Air Transport Association (IATA Code) as SAI and from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO Code) as VDSA, the source said.According to SSCA, all commercial flights of air passengers and cargo that are being operated at the current Siem Reap International Airport will be transferred entirely and one time only to the new airport from 00:00 am (local time) on Oct. 16, 2023.Between Oct. 5-15, a number of non-commercial and non-profitable test flights would be organised and operated by Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, it added.The construction of Siem Reap Angkor International Airport began in March 2020 by Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. (AIAI). The US$880-million worth airport is 4E class which enables it to handle long-haul aircrafts.
Korea to spend $ 37 million to open a mobile hospital to treat Kampong Speu residents for free
Kampong Speu: The governor of Kampong Speu province, Mr. Vy Samnang, said that the poor people of Kampong Speu will receive free treatment while a mobile hospital in Korea is scheduled to open in the near future. This is according to the meeting between Mr. Vy Samnang and his Korean counterpart at Kampong Speu Provincial Hall on July 27, 2023. Mr. Vy Samnang said that during the meeting, the Korean delegation from the university collec of medicine intended to open a mobile hospital in Kampong Speu province to provide free medical treatment to the people of the province. The project will cost a total of more than $ 37 million. The Governor of Kampong Speu also congratulated the opening of this hospital in Kampong Speu in the near future and thanked on behalf of the people who received free medical treatment from this modern hospital. On the other hand, I would also like to thank the delegation from Korea, university collec of medicine, who has confidence in the Royal Government of Cambodia.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen: Cambodia’s Policy Toward China Remains Unchanged
Phnom Penh, July 27, 2023 --In the new mandated government, Cambodia's policy toward China remains unchanged, based on the spirit of traditional friendship, mutual trust and win-win cooperation.The commitment was reassured by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, caretake Prime Minister and President of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), in separate thank-you letters dated July 26 to H.E. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and H.E. LI Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China.Samdech Techo Hun Sen thanked the Chinese leaders for their congratulations on the CPP’s landslide victory in the General Election of Members of the National Assembly, 7th Legislature, held on July 23, 2023 and for commendation of Cambodia's achievements in the past years under the CPP’s leadership.He took the opportunity to congratulate China, under the strong CPC’s leadership, for achieving rapid development in all aspects, which will serve as a catalyst in order to realise the 2nd Centenary Goal toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in the near future as well as secure China's significant role in the regional and international arena.Samdech Techo Prime Minister also spoke highly of the close cooperation between the two parties and governments and reaffirmed his readiness to working closely together with the Chinese leaders to further strengthen cooperation between both parties and governments, deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation and jointly build a high-quality, high-level and high-standard Cambodia-China Community of Shared Future to mutually benefit the two countries and peoples, thus contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.
Conservation of National Traditional Culture Encouraged
Phnom Penh, July 27, 2023 --The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the National Assembly-Senate Relations and Inspection has called on teachers as well as the general public to preserve the national traditional culture.The deputy prime minister, Samdech Men Sam An made the call during a get-together with civil servants, teachers, and students of Fine Arts High School and a visit to an art performance here in Phnom Penh recently.Development of human resources is the origin of the establishment of culture, said Samdech Men Sam An, adding that to have culture, we must educate tradition to young generations and preserve the national traditional culture together rather than copying foreign culture. She also spoke highly of teachers for their attention to teaching new generations to contribute to Cambodia's national development.
Speech by Samdech Techo Prime Minister regarding his resignation
Phnom Penh, July 26, 2023 --Speech by Samdech Techo Prime Minister regarding his resignation:Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Samdech Heng Samrin, Samdech Sar Kheng, Samdech Tea Banh and Samdech Men Sam An will be appointed as the King's personal advisers.Samdech Techo will replace Samdech Say Chhum as President of the Senate after the February 25, 2024 Senate election.His Excellency Dr. Hun Manet will assume the post of Prime Minister on the evening of August 22, 2023.The resignation of the Prime Minister is a great sacrifice to ensure the peace of the nation.