Pentagonal Strategy-Phase I Focuses on Five Key Priorities
Phnom Penh, August 24, 2023 --The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) of the 7th Legislature of the National Assembly has launched the Pentagonal Strategy-Phase I for Growth, Employment, Equity, Efficiency and Sustainability: Building the Foundation Towards Realising the Cambodia Vision 2050, as the socio-economic policy agendas to effectively implement the “Political Platform”.The launch of the new strategy took place during the first plenary session of the Council of Ministers for the 7th Legislature of the National Assembly, held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister H.E. Kitti Tesaphibal Pundit Hun Manet, at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh this morning.H.E. Kitti Tesaphibal Pundit said the strategy has Five Mottos, Five Strategic Objectives, and Five Key Priorities.The Five Mottos included, growth, employment, equity, efficiency, and sustainability, while the Five Strategic Objectives are 1. Ensuring crisis-resilient economic growth of around 7 percent per year on average; 2. Creating more jobs, both quantity and quality, for Cambodian people, especially for the youth; 3. Achieving the poverty reduction targeting of below 10 percent and continuing to keep the poverty rate to a minimum level; 4. Continuing to strengthen governance capacity and improving the quality of public institutions, both national and sub-national, to ensure efficiency of public services, continue to strengthen private sector governance, and continue to promote a favourable environment for business, investment, and trade; and 5. Ensuring sustainable socio-economic development and building resilience to climate change.“With Five Mottos and Five Strategic Objectives as stated above, the RGC identifies Five Key Priorities for this strategy, namely People, Road, Water, Electricity, and Technology that are clearly reflected in the Strategic Pentagons in the whole structure of the strategy,” he underlined.H.E. Kitti Tesaphibal Pundit Hun Manet said that overall, the structure of the Pentagonal Strategy-Phase I has Core of the Strategy: to reform and strengthen governance, Overarching Environment: to ensure a conducive environment for the implementation of the entire strategy, and Five Strategic Pentagons: to promote economic growth and social progress.
Cambodia Attracts Three Million International Tourists in Seven Months
Phnom Penh, August 23, 2023 --Cambodia recorded some 3.03 million international visitors in the first seven of 2023, a sharp increase of 308 percent from 743,459 over the same period last year, a Ministry of Tourism’s report showed on Wednesday.Thailand topped the chart among the international arrivals to the country during the January-July period this year, followed by Vietnam, China, Laos, and the United States, read the report.The ministry has said that that the number of foreign visitors to Cambodia is predicted to reach 7 million in 2025, surpassing the pre-COVID-19 pandemic level of 6.6 million in 2019.Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia’s economy, in addition to garment export, agriculture, and construction and real estate.According to the ministry, in 2022, more than 2.2 million international tourists visited Cambodia, an increase of 1,059 percent compared to 2021.Cambodia is well known for its three world heritage sites, namely the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap province, the Preah Vihear Temple in Preah Vihear province, and the Sambor Prei Kuk Archaeological Site in Kampong Thom province.Besides, it has a 450-km pristine coastline stretching across four south-western provinces of Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, Kep and Koh Kong.
ASEAN Secretary-General Extends Congratulations to New Cambodian PM
Phnom Penh, August 23, 2023 --Secretary-General of ASEAN H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn has conveyed his best wishes and congratulations to H.E. Kitti Tesaphibal Pundit Hun Manet on his assumption of office as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia on Aug. 22, 2023.“Your election as Cambodia's Head of Government is a testament to the trust that the people of Cambodia has placed in your leadership to drive the continued peace, development and prosperity of the country,” he said in his congratulatory message to the Cambodian new Prime Minister.Since becoming a member of ASEAN in 1999, he recalled, Cambodia has and continues to make strides to contribute immensely towards the ASEAN Community-building agenda. Cambodia's commitment to ASEAN's development and integration was most recently demonstrated through its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2022, during which Cambodia led the region in returning to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic had begun to subside.“Cambodia has always played an important role in upholding ASEAN Centrality and unity, even during tumultuous and challenging times, as evident in the successful convening of the Second ASEAN Global Dialogue in November 2022. Cambodia has also consistently promoted ASEAN's active engagement in the wider region, which was manifested in the adoption of the ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on Mainstreaming Four Priority Areas of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific within ASEAN-led Mechanism and the adoption of the Concept Note on ASEAN Roadmap for Promoting ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific in November 2022. It is significant that this Statement has kick-started the efforts to streamline the implementation of the AOIP across all ASEAN Sectoral Bodies,” he added.Cambodia's ASEAN Chairmanship has also made a mark in international history. After eleven years, H.E. Kao Kim Hourn underlined, Timor-Leste's application to become a member of ASEAN has achieved meaningful progress after the adoption of the ASEAN Leaders' Statement on the Application for ASEAN Membership during the 40th and 41 ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Phnom Penh. Under Cambodia's leadership, Timor-Leste was able to be admitted in-principle as the 11th Member of ASEAN. Owing to the observer status granted by the ASEAN Leaders, Timor-Leste is now able to enjoy the privilege of attending all ASEAN meetings including the ASEAN Summits. This, in turn, has tremendously contributed to Timor-Leste's progress in readying themselves to become a full member of ASEAN.In addition to the above deliverables, he continued, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, which is the world's largest Free Trade Agreement, was signed in Cambodia last year after 10 years of negotiations which were launched in Cambodia in 2012. This RCEP Agreement would undoubtedly provide huge benefits for both ASEAN and its partners in doing businesses with ASEAN, in consistent with the projection that ASEAN to be the fourth largest economy in the world by 2030.“I strongly believe that under your able leadership as the Prime Minister, Cambodia would continue to lead to an even brighter future for the benefits of its people as well as for the peoples of ASEAN,” he said. “The ASEAN Secretariat stands ready to continue rendering our fullest support to and working hand in hand with Cambodia and the other ASEAN Member States towards realising our ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and beyond. I look forward to welcoming you to Jakarta for the upcoming 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits next month.”
Siem Reap Hosts a Regional Training Course on "Exchange Rate Policy"
Phnom Penh, August 23, 2023 --The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) has been hosting a training course of "Exchange Rate Policy" with the participation of 34 representatives from central banks and monetary authorities of 12 countries in Asia Pacific Region.Organised by NBC in collaboration with the South East Asian Central Banks Research and Training Centre (SEACEN) and the Bank of Japan, the five-day course was opened early this week at Sokha Angkor Hotel in Siem Reap province.The opening ceremony was presided over by H.E. Sum Sannisith, Deputy Governor, high representative of NBC Governor H.E. Dr. Chea Serey and Dr. Mangal Goswami, Executive Director of the SEACEN centre.According to NBC, the training course, conducted from Aug. 21 to 25 by seven international experts and academics, aims at providing hand-on knowledge and experience in (1) understand the classification of exchange rate regimes; (2) Discuss the effect of various exchange rate regimes on price stability, economic growth and other important domestic variables; (3) assess equilibrium exchange rate and exchange rate misalignment; and (4) understand the important underlying issues on international reserves and foreign exchange intervention.
Cambodian, Vietnamese NAs to Continue Their Collaboration for Mutual Benefit
Phnom Penh, August 23, 2023 --The National Assemblies (NAs) of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam have pledged to work together to further enhance their cooperation for the benefit of the two countries and peoples.“I look forward to working closely with Your Excellency and the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to ensure peace, stability, and shared prosperity for our two nations. Our destiny is intrinsically interconnected, and naturally we are bound to support each other on many fronts,” wrote H.E. Kitti Sangaha Pundit Khuon Sudary, President of the Cambodian NA, in a thank-you message dated Aug. 22 to her Vietnamese counterpart H.E. Vuong Dinh Hue.For his part, H.E. Vuong Dinh Hue also looked forward to meeting H.E. Kitti Sangaha Pundit Khuon Sudary to discuss measures of cooperation to further strengthening the relations between the two nations, for the benefit of the people of Viet Nam and Cambodia, and for peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.He took the opportunity to congratulate H.E. Kitti Sangaha Pundit Khuon Sudary on her appointment as President of the Cambodian NA for the 7th Legislature.“I would like to share with Your Excellency the honour to be the first female President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia. The appointment demonstrates that the people and the Cambodian People's Party have placed a huge confidence in Your Excellency,” he said.H.E. Kitti Sangaha Pundit Khuon Sudary, former Second NA Vice President, was approved to be the NA President, while H.E. Cheam Yeap remains as the First NA Vice President and H.E. Vong Sauth, former Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, was endorsed to be the Second NA Vice President, during the first session of the 7th Legislature of NA held here at the NA Palace on Tuesday.
New Government Formation to Bring More New Investments
Phnom Penh, August 22, 2023 --The formation of the new Royal Government of Cambodia will bring new investments to the country, generating more jobs and contributing to the economic growth.Peace, political stability, and free trade agreements (FTAs), as well as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the new investment law have made the country potential for investment, said H.E. Heng Sokkung, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation.“In the new mandate of government, there will be new investors to inject investment capital, particularly in the non-garment manufacturing sector,” he affirmed.The RCEP and Cambodia-China FTA entered into force earlier in 2022 while the Cambodia-Korea FTA came into effect in December last year.Mr. Lim Heng, Vice-President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, shared his insight over the country’s potential for investment.“The existing trade pacts bilaterally and multilaterally and new free trade agreements with main trade partners provide more momentum in attracting investments in years to come,” he said.Private sector has a firm belief that the new government will drive further economic growth through the existing free trade agreements, he added.Cambodia attracted 113 fixed-asset investment projects worth US$1.1 billion in the first half of 2023, creating some 122,000 new jobs, said a report of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC).Foreign direct investment often reflects the confidence of an individual or an organisation of a foreign country in the recipient nation’s stability, growth prospect and soundness of political, economic and legal systems.Under the new investment law, promulgated in October 2021, Cambodia is expected to attract more FDIs in the future, said H.E. Heng Sokkung, underlining that Cambodia welcomes investment from all countries in line with its Industrial Development Policy 2015-2025.
Line-up of Members of 7th Legislature of National Assembly
Phnom Penh, August 22, 2023 --The following is the list of the National Assembly (NA)’s president and deputy presidents, chairmen and chairwomen, deputy chairmen and deputy chairwomen of the 10 specialised commissions, approved this morning at the first session of the 7th legislature of NA:I- LeadershipH.E. Kitti Sangaha Pundit Khuon Sudary President H.E. Kitti Setha Pundit Cheam Yeap First Vice PresidentH.E. Vong Sauth Second Vice PresidenII- Specialised Commissions:1- Commission on Human Rights, Complaint Reception, Investigation and National Assembly-Senate RelationsH.E. Sar Chamrong Chairman H.E. Sam Dara Deputy Chairman 2- Commission on Economy, Finance, Banking and Audit H.E. Chheang Vun Chairman H.E. Lok Hour Deputy Chairman 3- Commission on Planning, Investment, Agriculture, Rural Development, Environment and Water Resources H.E. Loy Sophat Chairman H.E. Ma Chhoeun Deputy Chairman4- Commission on Interior, National Defence and Civil Service H.E. Keo Chuktema Chairman H.E. Chan Sophal Deputy Chairman 5- Commission on Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, Propaganda and Information H.E. Suos Yara Chairman H.E. Nim Chantara Deputy Chairman 6- Commission on Legislation and Justice H.E. Ang Vong Vathana Chairman H.E. Ms. Krouch Sam AnDeputy Chairwoman7- Commission on Education, Youth, Sports, Cults, Religious Affairs, Culture and Tourism H.E. Pa Socheatevong Chairman H.E. Ms. Kheng Samvada Deputy Chairwoman8- Commission on Health, Social Affairs, Veterans, Youth Rehabilitation, Labour, Vocational Training and Women’s Affairs H.E. Ms. Lok Kheng Chairwoman H.E. Som Chin Deputy Chairman 9- Commission on Public Works, Transport, Telecommunications, Post, Industry, Mines, Energy, Commerce, Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction H.E. Ms. Nin Saphon Chairwoman H.E. Ly Chheng Deputy Chairman 10- Commission on Investigation, Clearance and Anti-Corruption H.E. Pen Simorn Chairman H.E. Keo Vireak Deputy Chairman
New PM Submits Political Platform for 7th Mandated Government
PHNOM PENH: August 22 is a significant day in Cambodian history since it ushers in a new prime minister for the first time in the nation's 38-year existence. The 7th National Assembly gave Prime Minister Hun Manet a unanimous vote of confidence this morning.After being elected, he gave a speech listing six goals for his government, including social assistance programs, healthcare, and job training for the underprivileged. According to the mandate provided to the Cambodian People's Party in the national election held last month, Prime Minister Hun Manet committed to head the executive party.The political platform for Prime Minister Hun Manet's administration was proposed using the CPP's campaign platform. The six policies are: increasing access to healthcare; establishing social assistance programs; transforming Cambodia's unofficial economy into a formal one; strengthening the agricultural sector; and establishing farmers' associations in rural areas.He urged the National Assembly on behalf of the Royal Government to join forces with all Cambodians, both at home and abroad, as well as with officials, authorities, private companies, and NGOs to assist in putting mandated policies into effect so that they may be a powerful collective movement.In line with this, the new prime minister declared his intention to carry out the first stage of the Pentagon Strategy, which was developed earlier this year by the Asian Development Bank and the Ministry of Economy and Finance to assist Cambodia in achieving its objective of reaching high-middle-income status by 2030 and high-income status by 2050.
It Is The Right Time To Leave, Reconfirms Samdech Techo Hun Sen
Phnom Penh, August 22, 2023 --Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, former Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, said this is the right time for him and his colleagues to leave office as the number of votes in favour of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) rose to more than 82 percent at the National Election on July 23, 2023.“I would like to repeat that from Jan. 14, 1985 to Aug. 22, 2023, I held the post of Prime Minister for 38 years, 7 months, 8 days, or 463 months or 2,014 weeks or 14,099 days, therefore this is the right time for me to leave and for the successor to take office,” he underlined at a press conference held here at the National Assembly (NA) Palace this morning, following the first session of the 7th Legislature of NA.This is not a coincidence, but a plan that has been known since 2021, he added.Besides, Samdech Techo Hun Sen also rejected a criticism saying that he transferred the position, but not the power.“This is a foolish idea. It is impossible to hold the hand of Prime Minister to sign. I think that the new cabinet ministers are flexible enough. I am sure that they have enough potential to achieve the country’s goal of becoming an upper middle-income economy by 2030 and a high-income nation by 2050,” he stressed.Moreover, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed his hope that the new government will continue to maintain peace and political stability and Cambodia will successfully graduate from the least development country status.In his speech after the NA approved its structure and casted its vote of confidence for the members of the new Royal Government of Cambodia, H.E. Kitti Tesaphibal Pundit Hun Manet expressed thanks to His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, and other leaders for having confidence in the new government and for entrusting it with this fateful mission to serve the nation, to respond to the needs and wishes of the Cambodian people, and to return their unwavering supports for the CPP's leadership and policies.The recent election on July 23, 2023 was free, fair, just and transparent with more than 8.2 million people voted, which was about 84.59 percent of the population on the NEC’s voter list, of those who voted, 82.3 percent supported the CPP, he said.H.E. Kitti Tesaphibal Pundit Hun Manet added that this is a high turnout rate compared to other elections in recent history, both for Cambodia itself and for many other countries around the world.This high turnout rate underscores the strong will of most Cambodian people who exercised their Constitution’s civil rights to entrust their country to political parties and leaders to lead along the path of democracy and the rule of law, he pointed out.“This is also a clear testimony, highlighting our nation’s peace-loving spirit that firmly supports the principles of liberal democracy, pluralism, and the rule of law, as stated in the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia. This also reflects the outright rejection of most Cambodian people against the brazen acts that tried luring their country away from the path of democracy and the rule of law, as well as any treacherous attempts to incite, provoke and instigate their contempt which endanger their nation,” he underlined.In addition, H.E. Kitti Tesaphibal Pundit Hun Manet said, the result of the July 23 election reflects the strong will and overwhelming supports of the citizens to see their country being led toward progressiveness and prosperity, through the path of peace, development and reform in all sectors. In this regard, the Royal Government of Cambodia of the 7th Legislature of the National Assembly is obligated to be relentlessly and energetically committed to fulfilling this historic mission of accelerating development and pushing for deeper and broader reforms.
Cambodian Lawmakers Approve National Assembly’s Structure And Members Of New Government
Phnom Penh, August 22, 2023 --The National Assembly (NA) has approved its structure and given a vote of confidence to the members of the 7th-mandate Royal Government of Cambodia.A total of 123 out of 125 lawmakers gave their approval and vote of confidence at the first session of the 7th Legislature of the National Assembly held here at the NA Palace this morning under the chairmanship of Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, the eldest Member of NA.H.E. Kitti Sangaha Pundit Khuon Sudary, former Second NA Vice President, was endorsed to be the NA President, while H.E. Cheam Yeap remains as the First NA Vice President and H.E. Vong Sauth, former Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, was approved to be the Second NA Vice President.At the same time, H.E. Kitti Tesaphibal Pundit Hun Manet was fully supported as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia.In the National Election on July 23, 2023 with the participation of 18 political parties, the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) won 120 NA seats, while the royalist FUNCINPEC Party got the 5 remaining seats.Among the newly-elected lawmakers, there are 16 women. The eldest lawmaker is 89 years old, while the youngest is 37 years old.
First Session of 7th Legislature of National Assembly Kicks Off
Phnom Penh, August 21, 2023 --The first session of the 7th Legislature of the National Assembly (NA) kicked off here at the NA Palace this morning, following the inaugural session presided over by His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia. This first session was chaired by Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, the eldest NA Member, to decide the validity of the 125 newly-elected lawmakers’ mandate and adopt the NA’s internal regulation for the 7th legislature.In the National Election on July 23, 2023 with the participation of 18 political parties, the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) won 120 NA seats, while the royalist FUNCINPEC Party got the 5 remaining seats.Among the newly-elected lawmakers, there are 16 women. The eldest lawmaker is 89 years old, while the youngest is 37 years old.In the 6th National Election on July 29, 2018 with the participation of 20 political parties, CPP got all the 125 NA seats.
NBC and the Central Bank of Laos officially launch the QR cross-border local currency payment
The National Bank of Cambodia and the Central Bank of Laos officially launch the QR cross-border local currency payment program between the two countries.
Nearly 30 Natural Protected Areas with Cultural Heritage Sites Identified
Phnom Penh, August 17, 2023 --The Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts have identified 27 natural protected areas with cultural heritage sites out of 73 natural protected areas in Cambodia.The discovery was shared during the release of map on cultural heritage sites in natural protected areas, held at the Ministry of Environment this morning under the presidency of H.E. Mrs. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts and H.E. Say Samal, Minister of Environment.Speaking at the function, H.E. Mrs. Phoeurng Sackona appreciated the efforts of both ministries’ working group in contribution to the safeguard of cultural heritage sites located in natural protected areas.This is a testament to the history, civilisation, culture, traditions, customs, religions and souls of Khmer ancestors since prehistoric times, she underlined.According to Mr. Seng Saot, Deputy Director General of the General Department of Natural Protected Areas of the Ministry of Environment, the 27 natural protected areas with cultural heritage sites do not include the Angkor Protected Landscape, Preah Vihear Protected Landscape, and Sambor Prei Kuk Protected Landscape which have already been identified and managed by separate royal decrees and governing bodies.The working group found an increase in the number of cultural heritage sites in the natural protected areas compared to the data previously researched and disseminated by the French School of the Far East (EFEO). In the Jayavarman-Norodom Phnom Kulen National Park alone, they discovered up to 1,069 cultural heritage sites.
Cambodia, Zimbabwe to Foster Tourism Cooperation
Phnom Penh, August 18, 2023 --Cambodia and Zimbabwe are committed to fostering their tourism cooperation, especially on cultural tourism and ecotourism development.The commitment was made in a meeting between H.E. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism and H.E. Mrs. Constance Chemwati, Malaysia-based Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Cambodia here in Phnom Penh on Aug. 17.H.E. Thong Khon underlined the potential of Cambodia's tourism, particularly that of cultural and natural tourism; as well as the country's peace, stability and development which have attracted more and more international investors and visitors to the Kingdom.The Royal Government has put forth policies to promote ecotourism, said the minister, adding that during the COVID-19 crisis, ecotourism played a key role in boosting the domestic tourism growth.H.E. Mrs. Constance Chemwati noticed the rapid recovery of Cambodian tourism after the COVID-19 crisis, and suggested a cooperation in boosting tourist flows between the two countries and from the third country.Cambodia is a leading country in ASEAN investing heavily in tourism skill training for youth, she emphasised, proposing the exchange of tourism human resources between both nations and in the ASEAN region.Both sides agreed to draft a memorandum of understanding on tourism cooperation to serve as a roadmap for the implementation of joint action plan and to further their discussions during the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organsation (UNWTO) in Uzbekistan later this year.According to H.E. Thong Khon, Cambodia received more than 3 million foreign tourists during the first seven months of 2023, and the figure is expected to rise to some 5 million by the year end.
Cambodia Bags a Gold Medal from 5th Asian Petanque Championship
Phnom Penh, August 18, 2023 --Cambodia grabbed a gold medal from the 5th Asian Petanque Championship being held in Malaysia on Aug. 18.Cambodian petanque national player, Ms. Un Sreya, got the gold medal in Women’s Shooting event after defeating her Malaysian counterpart.At the same time, another Cambodian national player Mr. Thong Chhoeun obtained a bronze medal in Men’s Shooting event.A Cambodian delegation of 22 members left here on Aug. 16 for Malaysia for the 5th Asian Petanque Championship which includes Men, Women and Junior Triple and Shooting competitions.Hosted by Malaysian Boules Sports Federation, the regional sport event has been taking place from Aug. 16 to 21, 2023 at the Arena Petanque Kuala Lumpur.
ANA Highlights Women’s Key Role in Conservation of Ancient Temples
Phnom Penh, August 18, 2023 --The APSARA National Authority (ANA) has highlighted the essential role of women in the conservation and restoration of ancient temples.At the restoration site of Trapeang Lpeou Temple in Siem Reap province, many women and men are busy with their work as temple repairers. One of the workers, Ms. Men Roeun, a 43-year-old resident of Nokor Krao village, Sangkat Kork Chak, Siem Reap provincial city, has been working for the ANA since 2000 as a tourism agent at the temple. In 2013, she was transferred to a brick temple restoration team. She said that when she first started working as a temple repairer, she had a hard time because she had no previous experience in this field. At first, even mixing mortar was not easy. She thought to herself that she had no idea how far she could do this work, but because of her love, she had been working to repair the temple for 10 years and has been involved in repairing the Kork Chak Temple, Kravan Temple, and currently Trapeang Lpeou Temple.For the past 10 years, Ms. Men Roeun has been proficient in many skills, such as the technique of repairing brick temples, how to make lime mortar, cleaning the site, repairing, sealing, strengthening bricks, and learning to sketch the temple layout, etc.Another worker, Ms. Che Dy, who lives in Thnal Toteung village, Banteay Srei district, joined the ANA in 2004 as a tourism agent before taking part in the temple restoration in 2013. She has helped repair Phnom Bakheng Temple, Kork Chak Temple, and finally Trapeang Lpeou Temple. Over the past 10 years, Ms. Che Dy has had as much experience as the rest of the team on the techniques of repairing the brick temple and other tasks assigned by the site manager. Despite her tiring work, she keeps persevering for future generations.Both Ms. Men Roeun and Ms. Che Dy expressed their excitement as the team, both men and women, worked together to repair the dilapidated brick temple. This also makes their family proud.As the temple repairers, they want every Cambodian to know that there are repair marks in ancient temples, which proves that this generation of Cambodians has taken care of the restoration and conservation. Therefore, in the future, the next generation would continue the work.
Cambodian Teacher Recognised for Princess Maha Chakri Award 2023
Phnom Penh, August 18, 2023 --A Cambodian teacher has been nominated and approved to be a recipient of the Princess Maha Chakri Award 2023, a recognition for the best teachers in the ten ASEAN member countries and Timor-Leste. On behalf of Cambodia's Minister of Education, Youth, and Sports, H.E. Ung Borath, the Under Secretary of State, on Aug. 16 received a delegation led by Dr. Krissanapong Kirtikara, representing Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand, to discuss the award presentation. Ms. Hay Chakriya, a mathematics teacher at Sok An Samrong High School in Samrong district, Takeo province, has been selected as a candidate for the 5th Princess Maha Chakri Award in 2023. Her nomination was approved in July 2023. The Princess Maha Chakri Award, which happens every two years, was initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in 2015. Cambodia has so far nominated the best-performing teachers, including Ms. Toch Bandol, a primary school teacher in Siem Reap province; Ms. Dy Sophoan, a primary school teacher in Kampong Chhnang province; Mr. Loy Virak, a high school teacher in Kampong Chhnang; and Ms. Norn Dary, a primary school teacher in Kampong Cham province, for the regional award.The award conferment ceremony is scheduled to be held in October 2023.
Cambodia, Zimbabwe to Foster Tourism Cooperation
Phnom Penh, August 18, 2023 --Cambodia and Zimbabwe are committed to fostering their tourism cooperation, especially on cultural tourism and ecotourism development.The commitment was made in a meeting between H.E. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism and H.E. Mrs. Constance Chemwati, Malaysia-based Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Cambodia here in Phnom Penh on Aug. 17.H.E. Thong Khon underlined the potential of Cambodia's tourism, particularly that of cultural and natural tourism; as well as the country's peace, stability and development which have attracted more and more international investors and visitors to the Kingdom.The Royal Government has put forth policies to promote ecotourism, said the minister, adding that during the COVID-19 crisis, ecotourism played a key role in boosting the domestic tourism growth.H.E. Mrs. Constance Chemwati noticed the rapid recovery of Cambodian tourism after the COVID-19 crisis, and suggested a cooperation in boosting tourist flows between the two countries and from the third country.Cambodia is a leading country in ASEAN investing heavily in tourism skill training for youth, she emphasised, proposing the exchange of tourism human resources between both nations and in the ASEAN region.Both sides agreed to draft a memorandum of understanding on tourism cooperation to serve as a roadmap for the implementation of joint action plan and to further their discussions during the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organsation (UNWTO) in Uzbekistan later this year.According to H.E. Thong Khon, Cambodia received more than 3 million foreign tourists during the first seven months of 2023, and the figure is expected to rise to some 5 million by the year end.
Australia Supporting Women’s Economic Empowerment in Cambodia
Phnom Penh, August 17, 2023 --Australia is supporting women's economic empowerment in Cambodia as they are central to the Kingdom’s economic development, said the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh in a news release on Thursday.Yet women face many challenges and barriers to operate and grow their businesses, the source added.Recently, it pointed out, Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED) organised a visit to Australia for 14 of Cambodia's leading female entrepreneurs. They met with business owners, senior government officials, and women's association leaders to exchange knowledge and build professional networks.“I feel grateful because when I came here, it was confirmed that ‘financial inclusion for women is a key mechanism that helps women to better exercise their rights’. It was motivational, and we were clear that we had done the right things and we will continue doing our job without any hesitation,” said Ms. Bonnarath Virak, Co-founder and Programme Manager of Lady Saving Group.At least 60 percent of micro, small, and medium-sized businesses in Cambodia are owned by womenThis sector has contributed 58 percent of the total national gross domestic product.
Cambodia to Host ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2023 Later This Month
Phnom Penh, August 16, 2023 --The General Department of National Television of Cambodia (TVK) of the Ministry of Information will host the ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2023 (ABU ROBOCON 2023) at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, on Aug. 27.According to the TVK’s press release issued on Tuesday, the forthcoming event is aimed to seek annual championships and offer opportunities for students from various countries to demonstrate their technological capabilities and share experiences among the youth.The champions of 13 countries and regions, equivalent to 14 teams, including Cambodia (2 teams), China, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam will join the regional competition.All teams will compete under the theme of Cambodia, namely “Casting Flowers over Angkor Wat”.The ABU ROBOCON is an Asian-Oceanian college robot competition, founded in 2002 by Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union. In the competition robots compete to complete a task within a set period of time.Cambodia has participated in the ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest since 2017, but has organised its national Robocon since 2014. The Kingdom has won best idea award and special award in 2017, 2nd runner-up and special award in 2018, and 5th award and special award in 2020.