King Norodom Shamoni to preside over 29th Olympic Games in China

By BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA

By invitation of the Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia as well as Prime Minister Hun Sen, Cambodia’s His Majesty King Preah Karuna Preah Bat Norodom Sihamoni, the King’s Father Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk will fly to China on August 6 to preside over the 29th Olympic Games Competitions. The Opening Ceremony is scheduled to be held on August 8 in Beijing, according to officials from the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC).

Em Heang, Deputy Director and Executive Secretary of the NOCC, said, “It is the first time and thus a historical event for King Norodom Sihamoni to lead a group of Cambodian sports men and women before the eyes of the world, in such a prestigious event as the 29th Olympic Games.”

Heang said, “The main purpose of the King’s and King-Father’s participation in the 29th Olympic Games Competition is to mark the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and China and to strengthen the long friendship between the two countries.”

He told the Cambodia Weekly that in order to participate in the Olympic Games in China, the NOCC plans to prioritize so as to maximize chances of winning a medal. The two areas of concentration are running and swimming.

“I hope that with strenuous training and strong support from the Royal Government and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, our athletes will not come home from the 29th Olympiad empty handed,” he said.

Nham Sokvisal, Administrative Officer of the NOCC, said that a total of 21 Cambodians would make up the nation’s delegation. This number includes four athletes—two swimmers and two runners. They will fly to Beijing on August 6, 2008.

Sokvisal said that according to the competition schedule, Cambodian athletes will be in action on the first day of the games, after the inauguration ceremony of the 29th Olympic Games. This memorable occasion will be graced and presided over by His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni. The delegation will return to Cambodia on August 25, 2008.

Zhang Jinfeng, China’s Ambassador to Cambodia said that the 29th Olympic Games Competition will be held from the 8th to the 24th of August, 2008 in Beijing.

Speaking at Phnom Penh’s Olympic Stadium recently, the Ambassador told an audience of Cambodian coaches and gymnasts that about 200 other Olympic Committee member countries will be invited to send the cream of their sports men and women to participate in the Games.

She said that both President Hu Jintao of the People’s Republic of China and His Majesty Preah Karuna Preah Bat Norodom Sihamoni will be presiding over the competitions.

“It is the greatest honor for King Norodom Sihamoni, the King’s Father Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk to have accepted my nation’s invitation to participate and preside over the Olympic Games in Beijing. It is also a great honor for the people in China,” she said.

She continued, “A further objective of the 29th Olympic Games Competitions in Beijing is to mark the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries [Cambodia and China].”

King Norodom Shamoni to preside over 29th Olympic Games in China

By BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA

By invitation of the Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia as well as Prime Minister Hun Sen, Cambodia’s His Majesty King Preah Karuna Preah Bat Norodom Sihamoni, the King’s Father Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk will fly to China on August 6 to preside over the 29th Olympic Games Competitions. The Opening Ceremony is scheduled to be held on August 8 in Beijing, according to officials from the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC).

Em Heang, Deputy Director and Executive Secretary of the NOCC, said, “It is the first time and thus a historical event for King Norodom Sihamoni to lead a group of Cambodian sports men and women before the eyes of the world, in such a prestigious event as the 29th Olympic Games.”

Heang said, “The main purpose of the King’s and King-Father’s participation in the 29th Olympic Games Competition is to mark the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and China and to strengthen the long friendship between the two countries.”

He told the Cambodia Weekly that in order to participate in the Olympic Games in China, the NOCC plans to prioritize so as to maximize chances of winning a medal. The two areas of concentration are running and swimming.

“I hope that with strenuous training and strong support from the Royal Government and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, our athletes will not come home from the 29th Olympiad empty handed,” he said.

Nham Sokvisal, Administrative Officer of the NOCC, said that a total of 21 Cambodians would make up the nation’s delegation. This number includes four athletes—two swimmers and two runners. They will fly to Beijing on August 6, 2008.

Sokvisal said that according to the competition schedule, Cambodian athletes will be in action on the first day of the games, after the inauguration ceremony of the 29th Olympic Games. This memorable occasion will be graced and presided over by His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni. The delegation will return to Cambodia on August 25, 2008.

Zhang Jinfeng, China’s Ambassador to Cambodia said that the 29th Olympic Games Competition will be held from the 8th to the 24th of August, 2008 in Beijing.

Speaking at Phnom Penh’s Olympic Stadium recently, the Ambassador told an audience of Cambodian coaches and gymnasts that about 200 other Olympic Committee member countries will be invited to send the cream of their sports men and women to participate in the Games.

She said that both President Hu Jintao of the People’s Republic of China and His Majesty Preah Karuna Preah Bat Norodom Sihamoni will be presiding over the competitions.

“It is the greatest honor for King Norodom Sihamoni, the King’s Father Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk to have accepted my nation’s invitation to participate and preside over the Olympic Games in Beijing. It is also a great honor for the people in China,” she said.

She continued, “A further objective of the 29th Olympic Games Competitions in Beijing is to mark the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries [Cambodia and China].”

Cambodian Gymnasts Prepare for Sea Games 2009

By Buth Reaksmey Kongkea

Cambodian gymnasts are in training for their participation in the South East Asia (SEA) Games. The international competition is to be held next year in Laos PDR. This is according to Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC).

Thong Khon, who is also the President of the Cambodian Gymnastic Federation, said that since the establishment of the Federation in 1984, Cambodian Gymnasts have been working hard to achieve world class status. Their success is measured by their regular participation in the SEA Games and other international competitions.

Speaking to an audience of gymnasts and coaches on July 16 at the Olympic Stadium, Khon explained that until now, Cambodian gymnasts had won no medals beyond those awarded for their spirited performances in international competition. To redress this imbalance, he encouraged still more effort from all involved, especially when Cambodian gymnasts performed their graceful routines before an international audience.

Nay Phonna, Secretary General of the Cambodian Gymnastics Federation, said that there were plans to send 10 of the best of Cambodia's gymnasts to represent the nation at the SEA Games 2009.

Phonna told the Cambodia Weekly on July 18 that to prepare for competition; the Federation has hired an expert coach from North Korea to train the Cambodian gymnastic team in the technical aspects of the art. This coach has been with the team since 2006.

He said that for this year, the Federation will hire an additional coach from North Korea to train the Cambodian gymnastics team. This new phase of intensive training will start from early September 2008 onwards.

He continued, “Based on the experience and training regimes introduced by both Cambodian and North Korean Coaches, we expect that our gymnasts will return to Cambodia with a haul of medals after the SEA Games next year.”

Pich You, National Coach for the Cambodian Gymnastic Federation, said that, “Since 1997, our gymnasts have represented Cambodia every year at the SEA Games. Sadly, despite their massive efforts, we have yet to win a medal. Whilst our athletes’ hearts are probably the bravest in the entire sport, the athletes lack physical strength. We shall address this issue with the extra training we have arranged.”

She noted that when Cambodian gymnasts enter international competitions, they deal with competitors who have spent years on dedicated training courses, eating specially formulated sports diets. “In comparison, the Cambodian gymnast is an enthusiastic amateur who makes the most out of little or no funding, insufficient equipment and comparatively rough and ready training sessions. Given these limitations, the word “amateur” does not describe the extent of their efforts. More accurately, they are sportsmen and women in the most honourable sense of the notion.”

Pich You told the Cambodia Weekly that to prepare for the SEA Games, as well as other international competitions in the future, the gymnastics team was training very hard every day.

She said that with a combination of training and support from the Federation’s leadership and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, gymnastics could become one of Cambodia's strongest suits in all international sporting events.

According to Pich You, the national gymnastics team currently boasts 16 of Cambodia's best gymnasts. All told, there are 10 gymnastics clubs across Cambodia.

Cambodian Youth Happy With Recent Modernization Work in Phnom Penh

By BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA

Every weekend thousands of Cambodian people, particularly members of the younger generation visit the larger shopping malls, according to the evidence of shopping center mangers and vendors. According to these sources, the nation’s youthful shoppers are keen to see the results of beautification projects around Phnom Penh, as well as keeping track on all the latest “must have” products, devices and styles.

Leng Hak, Deputy Manager of Sorya Shopping Center, a popular super market in the centre of Phnom Penh City, said that at least 3,000 enthusiastic shoppers, the majority of them are students and youths visit the shopping center every weekend.

“Our visitors tell us they are impressed with the ongoing process of modernization here at Sorya. They can also guarantee that new technologies, products and styles will be available here first.” Hak said. “For the customer who wants to buy household essentials, our Shopping Mall also offers a convenient one-stop source for all these products.”

Taing Bunlee, Manager of the restaurant at the Sorya branch of Lucky Super Market, said that the younger generation was attracted by the fast paced, fast food quality of a visit to the center. For them, shopping was not a matter of buying the necessities of life. The activity had become a life/style statement and an integral part of a well rounded weekend’s entertainment.

Sovanna Shopping Center is another modern shopping center located at Sangkat Tomnup Toek, Khan Chamcarmon, Phnom Penh. Kong Piseth is the Chief of Security there and reported that every weekend an average of 2,000 shoppers of all ages visited his shopping center per day.

Piseth told the Cambodia Weekly that besides going to examine and buy all the up-to-date techno-necessities, the center offered a relaxing venue to eat a meal and play a selection of games.

Pen Sothy, 18, a student in Baktouk High School in Phnom Penh, said that he and his friends could be found shopping and dining at one of Phnom Penh’s Shopping Super Centers on almost any weekend of the year. He said his experience was one of unalloyed pleasure. “I visit these places because I like the dining, the shiny objects of desire and best of all, the people watching.”

He added, “I enter these places with both eyes open. From a marketing point-of-view, I like to see the window displays and the creative ways in which products are promoted. I am inspired by some of these ideas and will be able to adjust them to suit my purposes.”

Huy Say, 45, a businessman and teacher at a private school in Phnom Penh, said that he and his wife take their children to the Shopping Super Centers as a form of education. He said, “All children and many adults are attracted to bright toys and sugary foods and play. In showing my kids this stuff, I hope they understand that playing hard with the luxuries of life requires a certain quantity of working hard too.”

Kep Chuktema, Governor of the Phnom Penh Municipality, told the Cambodia Weekly, July 15 that in order to increase the number of tourists and create work for Cambodian nationals, the Phnom Penh Municipality planned to develop the city’s infrastructure to create new and attractive destinations such as shopping centers.

He said that as well as shopping centers, there were to be more gardens, entertainment outlets and night markets.

The Governor promised that, “In the next ten years, Phnom Penh will become one of the best and most intelligently developed cities in Asia. The international tourist will be more than encouraged to visit us as all roads shall lead to Phnom Penh.”

More Parents Send Children to Study at Private Elementary and Secondary Schools

By BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA

To participate in developing human resources in Cambodia, parents are now seen increasingly sending their children to study general knowledge at elementary and secondary schools, according to government officials and private schools’ officers.

Chea Se, Under Secretary of Sate in Education at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), said that currently, many Cambodian people had opted for private schooling for their children.

Chea Se said, “People think that studying at private schools provides better qualifications than those offered by the state curriculum. They also think that the teaching is stricter and the teachers harder working. Lastly they believe that security for students is much better in private schools.”

He told the Cambodia Weekly on July 15 that parents believed private schools combined the most up-to-date curricular, better equipment and facilities—all within an English speaking environment.

Kong Veasna, Adult Academic Deputy Manager of a Phnom Penh private educational establishments said that currently, more people and students opted to study privately because of greater parental confidence in academic programs.

Ek Darariddh, School Manager of another private school in Phnom Penh, said that many Cambodian students were choosing the private option. He reported that when his organization opened in 2006, there were only 153 students. This figure now stands at 575 students, an indication of how popular the private option is becoming.

He said, “The reason why there are more people sending their children to study privately because of the commitment to higher standards of academic achievement, with a view to creating graduates with a sense of purpose, service orientation and leadership abilities.”

Penh Sokha, General Manager with a private school, also in Phnom Penh reported increased student attendance, year after year. Enrollment in his establishment had risen from 500 in 2001 to 1000 today. He went on to state that his student population was sourced almost exclusively from the immediate vicinity.

Phon Samneang, Branch Manager of a private Kindergarten in Phnom Penh also reported increased student numbers over recent years. He too suggested the trend was a result of better qualified teachers and improved services. One such service enjoyed by parents was the organization’s use of vans to transport children to and from school.

He reported that across the five branches operating in Phnom Penh, his organization had a student population of over 15,000.

Ben Kosal, 45, a businessman in Phnom Penh, said he had sent his four children to study at a private English School in Phnom Penh since 2000.

He said, “I decided to send my daughters and sons to study at a private school because I believe the teachers there are more qualified. I also like the ease with which I can get feedback on my children’s academic progress.”

He said that he paid at least US $100 per month on school fees for his children.

Keo Vanny, 52, a Taxi-Driver in Phnom Penh, said that his two children were also sent to study part-time courses in English and Computer Training at a private school.

He said, “I sent my children to study at private school because I think that they receive a better service from their instructors. I am also happy with their choice of English and Computing as these appear to be the courses of the future. They should be assured of a job with qualifications in these subjects. I sincerely hope they can find better work with theses qualifications.”

Selling Flowers and Plants Makes Good Money

By BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA

Many Cambodian flower and fruit tree sellers in Phnom Penh have positive reports to make about their trade. According to fresh flower and sapling sellers interviewed by the Cambodia Weekly this week, average earnings can rise to as much as US $20 per day.

Long Sokunthy, 36, owner of Suon Chbar Thamcheat (Natural Garden), located at Sangkat Teuk Thla, Phnom Penh, along Russian Federation Boulevard, told the Cambodia Weekly that selling this produce made good financial sense for both her and her family.

Sokunthy said, “I have been a flower and fruit-plant seller since 1994. In my opinion, this is a good trade, as arranging flowers and foliage in an attractive manner suits my tastes, skills and abilities. Apart from this, I have a duty to put food on the table for my family, and where duty and pleasure coincide, the result is certainly going to be good.”

Sokunthy confirmed with evident pride that since taking up the trade, her family’s living standards have improved.

In 1994 Sokunthy first had US $100 capital and could sell a limited variety of flowers grown in her garden. However due to market expansion and the demands of her clients, she has enlarged her business activities by planting more flowers and fruit tree saplings. Additionally, she is able to order flowers and saplings from Thailand and Vietnam for sale in her garden.

Sokunthy concluded by pointing out some of the most popular of the hundreds of flowers and fruit trees growing in her garden. It is the popularity of these species that allows her to make $200 on a good day.

Ing Muoy, 38, Owner of Ing Mey Flower Garden, located at Sangkat Phnom Penh Thmey, Khan Russey Keo, Phnom Penh, said she too had built up a regular and secure income selling flowers and fruit-plants. On an average day, she said she could sell 50 plants but during festivals, this could rise to 150 plants per day. She said that most of the thousands of species of plants for sale in her allotments were imported from Vietnam and Thailand.

Muoy said that the price of flowers or fruit-plants ranged from 1,000 riel up to US $100. She was also aware of the benefits of adding value to the customer. “I have many different kinds of flowers and fruit trees in my garden. For those who buy in bulk, I am able to transport the plants and shrubs anywhere in Phnom Penh at no extra cost.”

She explained that her customers fell into one of two broad categories. Business people, civil servants and N.G.O. employees tended to be well informed amateur horticulturalists. She also had a number of farmers in her customer database who bought her fruit tree saplings to provide an extra source of income, once they started to yield fruit.

41-Year-Old Than Samnang remembered days in the late 90’s when he was a farmer and vegetable seller on the outskirts of Phnom Penh.

Samnang said in 2000, he discovered that selling flowers and saplings was a profitable activity. From that point on, his focus was on flowers and fruit.

He recalled the early days, in contrast to the success he enjoys today. “Before selling flowers and fruit trees, my family’s living conditions were poor. Now I can be confident in taking home at least $40 per day.” He shuddered as he remembered hardships endured trying to keep a family clothed and fed on the $5 he used to make selling vegetables.

He concluded, “When I see my family’s living conditions improving day after day, I am certainly content with the fruits of my labour.”

Phnom Penh Municipality Plans for Boom in Number of International Tourists

By BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA

In order to increase the number of international tourists and create work for Cambodian nationals, the Phnom Penh Municipality plans to develop the city’s infrastructure and create fresh new destinations to delight international tourists of the future.

Kep Chuktema, Governor of Phnom Penh Municipality, said that his organization had big ambitions in developing the city, making it more attractive to international visitors and providing more employment opportunities for the people of the city and beyond.

“According to our Master Plan, we still have areas that can be improved and renovated, all of it contributing to the development of our city and the wider nation,” Chuktema said. “As far as I can tell, Phnom Penh will be subject to these developments for the next 5-10 years.”

Speaking by telephone to the Cambodia Weekly on July 14th, the Governor said the main challenges facing the Municipality would be overcome during the fourth mandate of the Royal Cambodian Government. These activities will include rehabilitation work, environmental protection and traffic calming innovations.

He said, “In the future, we plan to beautify many more gardens, make roads safer for all users, make night markets brighter and introduce new entertainment outlets to the city.”

“The eventual goal of these infrastructure renovations and developments will be a greater number of foreign visitors, as well as expanded employment opportunities for Cambodians,” he added.

Chuktema pointed out that recently, in order to attract tourists and promote progress in Phnom Penh, the Municipality had been paying attention to infrastructure development in Phnom Penh, with the introduction of improved roads, traffic lights and signs, gardens, supermarkets and tourist destinations.

He said that Phnom Penh’s Municipality had also planned to set up hi definition wide screen television screens in six locations throughout Phnom Penh to promote Cambodian business ventures and development.

He added that to date, four of these huge screens had been installed in strategic locations around the city, broadcasting information about Phnom Penh business activities, developments and the nation’s un-miss able tourist attraction sites.

He also described the City’s efforts to establish a night market, situated at the Olympic Stadium along Preah Sihanouk Boulevard in Phnom Penh. Not content with this admirable development, he also spoke of future plans for a further night market in Sangkat Tuol Tumpong, Chamcar Morn district. This new night market is scheduled for opening in early August 2008.

He added that the Phnom Penh Municipality has also behaved as a caring host in taking action to ensure the safety of international tourists and investors during their stay in the city.

Ho Vandy, President of the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents, said Phnom Penh City has made great progress along the path towards development in the last half-decade.

He said, “I am able to see how the process of development has provided incremental improvement year after year. The roads have been improved to accommodate increased traffic and our electricity supply is much better than it used to be. Perhaps the most important improvement in my opinion has been in levels of security in the city.”

“With this commitment to continued development, progress and beautification, I hope that Phnom Penh will become increasingly attractive to international guests,” he said, speaking to the Cambodia Weekly on July 15.

Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, said that according to 2007 Ministry of Tourism statistics, more than 2 million international tourists visited Cambodia. His ministry estimates that there will be 2.5 million foreign tourists visiting Cambodia in 2008 and is planning on annual increases in this number from this point on.

According to Ho Vandy, up to 60 percent of all international tourists visited Phnom Penh, Kampot and Sihanoukville per year.

Phnom Penh Municipality Plans for Boom in Number of International Tourists

By BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA

In order to increase the number of international tourists and create work for Cambodian nationals, the Phnom Penh Municipality plans to develop the city’s infrastructure and create fresh new destinations to delight international tourists of the future.

Kep Chuktema, Governor of Phnom Penh Municipality, said that his organization had big ambitions in developing the city, making it more attractive to international visitors and providing more employment opportunities for the people of the city and beyond.

“According to our Master Plan, we still have areas that can be improved and renovated, all of it contributing to the development of our city and the wider nation,” Chuktema said. “As far as I can tell, Phnom Penh will be subject to these developments for the next 5-10 years.”

Speaking by telephone to the Cambodia Weekly on July 14th, the Governor said the main challenges facing the Municipality would be overcome during the fourth mandate of the Royal Cambodian Government. These activities will include rehabilitation work, environmental protection and traffic calming innovations.

He said, “In the future, we plan to beautify many more gardens, make roads safer for all users, make night markets brighter and introduce new entertainment outlets to the city.”

“The eventual goal of these infrastructure renovations and developments will be a greater number of foreign visitors, as well as expanded employment opportunities for Cambodians,” he added.

Chuktema pointed out that recently, in order to attract tourists and promote progress in Phnom Penh, the Municipality had been paying attention to infrastructure development in Phnom Penh, with the introduction of improved roads, traffic lights and signs, gardens, supermarkets and tourist destinations.

He said that Phnom Penh’s Municipality had also planned to set up hi definition wide screen television screens in six locations throughout Phnom Penh to promote Cambodian business ventures and development.

He added that to date, four of these huge screens had been installed in strategic locations around the city, broadcasting information about Phnom Penh business activities, developments and the nation’s un-miss able tourist attraction sites.

He also described the City’s efforts to establish a night market, situated at the Olympic Stadium along Preah Sihanouk Boulevard in Phnom Penh. Not content with this admirable development, he also spoke of future plans for a further night market in Sangkat Tuol Tumpong, Chamcar Morn district. This new night market is scheduled for opening in early August 2008.

He added that the Phnom Penh Municipality has also behaved as a caring host in taking action to ensure the safety of international tourists and investors during their stay in the city.

Ho Vandy, President of the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents, said Phnom Penh City has made great progress along the path towards development in the last half-decade.

He said, “I am able to see how the process of development has provided incremental improvement year after year. The roads have been improved to accommodate increased traffic and our electricity supply is much better than it used to be. Perhaps the most important improvement in my opinion has been in levels of security in the city.”

“With this commitment to continued development, progress and beautification, I hope that Phnom Penh will become increasingly attractive to international guests,” he said, speaking to the Cambodia Weekly on July 15.

Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, said that according to 2007 Ministry of Tourism statistics, more than 2 million international tourists visited Cambodia. His ministry estimates that there will be 2.5 million foreign tourists visiting Cambodia in 2008 and is planning on annual increases in this number from this point on.

According to Ho Vandy, up to 60 percent of all international tourists visited Phnom Penh, Kampot and Sihanoukville per year.

Robam and Lakhaon Kbach Boran Khmer to be Preserved for Future Generations

By Buth Reaksmey Kongkea

Robam and Lakhaon Kbach Boran Khmer are believed to be the oldest art forms in Cambodian history, and they are now on the way to being preserved for the next generation, according to officials.

Soth Somaly, Professor and Director of Royal Dance at the Royal University of Fine Arts, said that the university planned to conduct research to create a compilation of all extant Khmer traditional dances and plays. These artistic gems will not be lost as the older generations pass on. Robam and Lakhaon Kbach Boran Khmer will be preserved, to play as significant part in Cambodia's future, as they did in the past. Robam and Lakhaon Kbach Boran Khmer were included in the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2003.

The Professor said, “Both Robam and Lakhaon Kbach Boran Khmer are considered to be vital expressions of intangible World Heritage. They are symbolic of the richness of Cambodian culture and artistic activity and are recognized across the Globe. Thus, we have to preserve, compile and make them live for the benefit of those to come.”

Referring to ancient texts in the possession of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Cambodians used to be familiar with over 4,500 distinct artistic activities, along with many hundreds of complete Lakhaon Kbach Boran Khmer scripts.

However, during the years of chaos and civil war, she said many of the arts were lost forever as the original and ancient texts were destroyed.

“A century ago, we were able to perform hundreds of complete Robam and Lakhaon Kbach Boran Khmer works. However, because of the civil war, they are lost and we are unable to reconstruct them. As they cannot be performed, they are lifeless,” she said. “So far, only about two percent of Cambodian arts are able to be performed for local and international audiences. Thus, the university has to re-discover and compile this material as a matter of urgency,” she said.

She pointed out that for many decades, Cambodian artistes would only perform traditional dances in glorious ceremonies to welcome Cambodian and international leaders. As a result of the civil war, this gorgeous spectacle has been denied to all.

Today however, with progress and sustainable development, and with financial support from AMRITA Performing Arts Organisation (a nongovernmental organization concerned with preserving the arts), the Royal University of Fine Arts has begun to research and compile Lakhaon Kbach Boran Khmer for display; therefore, the art of the ancestors of all Cambodians lives on and respected visitors to the nation will once again experience a true Cambodian welcome.

Recently she said, with hard work and research, at least five series of Lakhaon Kbach Boran Khmer were re-compiled and rehearsed before an audience by the University. She named these traditional stories, speaking of them with pride. They are Preah Thong Neang Neak, Preah Sothun Neang Keo Monoreah, Ko Samuth Toek Doh and Sovanna Hong. Sovanna Hong is the oldest of the reclaimed stories and a performance of this ancient text is scheduled for July 4, 2008.

Proeung Chhieng, Professor and Vice-Dean of the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh said that with financial support from UNESCO, the Rockefeller Foundation and AMRITA, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts had studied more than 50 Robam Kbach Boran Khmer stories and compiled a further 20 stories of the Lakhoan Preah Reach Treap tradition.

Professor Proeung Chhieng, a former of Lakhaon Kbach Boran Khmer Actor and Hanuman Model in Sangkum Reastr Niyum in the 1960s, said that today, the Royal University of Fine Arts has trained many students, teachers and researchers how to create in the style of traditional music, theatre and dance and preserve the documents relating to original materials.

He said that currently the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts was writing a sub-decree on heritage that is geared towards encouraging elderly Cambodians with knowledge and experience of traditional arts to share their memories of performances gone by. Their memories will be documented and it is hoped that this collection may provide clues as to the fate of some of the lost works. He was enthusiastic when he said the Ministry was particularly keen to hear from veteran performers and had created further sub-decrees to ensure the preservation of their memories.

Suon Bunrith, Country Manager of AMRITA Performing Arts Organization, said that since 2003, his organization has provided much financial support to the Royal University of Fine Arts to fund research into traditional dances and theatre in Cambodia.

He said, “Since 2003, at least 10 Khmer traditional treasures including royal dances, music and theatre have been preserved by the Royal University of Fine Arts.”

He said that for this year, AMRITA has provided six grants, each over US $5,000 to the Royal University of Fine Arts to continue research and produce new works in the style of Lakhaon Kbach Boran Khmer and other traditional arts.

He said, “AMRITA will try find to funds from the Rockefeller Foundation and other donors to support the Royal University of Fine Arts in her efforts to conserve these treasures from the past.”
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Taxi-Meter Kick off Business in Cambodia This Month

By BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA

Taxi-Meter, which its transport service usually used in developed countries, are now in Cambodia early this month which introduced by the Global (Cambodia) Trade Development Co., Ltd.

It is the first time for Cambodia to have taxi-meter, Lim Sovann, Executive Director of the Global (Cambodia) Trade Development Co., Ltd.

Sovann said the main purpose of his company establishing and serving the Taxi-Meter Service is to offer comfortable and safe transportation services for tourists as well as Cambodian people. And it is also to offer the job opportunity for Cambodian people and to help develop Cambodia.

He told the Cambodia Weekly on July 8 that the Global (Cambodia) Trade Development Co., Ltd. has invested about US $1.7 millions on the Taxi-Meter Business in Cambodia.

He said in order to operate this transport service, currently, so far his company has trained at least 40 Cambodian drivers on driving skills and on how to use the Taxi-Meter services. According to Sovann, Global (Cambodia) Trade Development Co., Ltd. also planned to train and hire at least other 100 local drivers for the Taxi-Meter Services in 2009.

“Nowadays, we have already prepared the transporting services and trained 40 local drivers. We have also imported a total of 12 new Mitsubishi Cars from China for its first operating phase which will be started the services on July 11, 2008 in Phnom Penh,” he said. “We planned that two weeks after the trial services, we will try to issue up to 60 Taxi-Meter this year to serve customers in Phnom Penh.”

He pointed out that for the first operating phase, the Taxi-Meter Services, which has insurances and serves 24 hours per day, would run in Phnom Penh only. And the taxi fee is 4,000 riel (about US $1) per two kilometers.

In the future, he said the company would continue expanding Taxi-Meter Services in Sihanoukville and Siem Reap province. And with these expanding services, the company would use at least 100 cars.

Kep Chuktema, Phnom Penh Municipality Governor, said Phnom Penh Municipality was appreciated with the Global (Cambodia) Trade Development Co., Ltd.’s Taxi- Meter services in introducing and providing the international standard services of transportation for people in Phnom Penh.

The Governor told the Cambodia Weekly by telephone on July 9 that, “Based on the nonstop progress and development in Phnom Penh currently, I think that it is a right time to use this kind of Taxi Services which is an international standard service in Phnom Pen.”

“This Taxi-Meter Service will offer the easiness, safety and confidence for Cambodian people on transportations especially foreign tourists who visiting Phnom Penh. It also could help the Phnom Penh Municipality increase the current developments and progresses in Phnom Penh,” he said.

Seng Dina, 54, an official working at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, also expressed his appreciation that, “I am happy to know that there is a Taxi-Meter Service is now available in Phnom Penh. I hope that from now on, there will no more problems happening for the passengers especially the international visitors on pricing demands of private taxi drivers in Phnom Penh.”

Baku Matsu, 31, a Japanese tourist said that her friends and she had visited Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville in Cambodia for several times since 1998.

She said, “I noted that nowadays it is difficult to get a taxi in Phnom Penh because there is no a fixed price or international standard price for passengers. Now, the taxis prices are up to taxis drivers’ sayings.”

“However, I think that it is good that there is the Taxi-Meter Service now is available in Phnom Penh,” she added.

M O R E R A R E A N D E N D A N G E R E D S P E C I E S

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA

Rare and endangered species,including large mammals are being found in increasingly large numbers throughout Cambodia’sprotected forests and ecotourism areas, according to Non-Government Organization officers and Government offi cial.

Keo Sopheak, Senior Project Officer with WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) Cambodia told the Cambodia
Weekly that based on the evidence of camera traps, endangered species including wild buffaloes, tigers, Asian elephants and bears were thriving in the protected forest areas of Mondulkiri
province. Sopheak has worked for eight years with WWF Cambodia, five of them in the field at WWF
Cambodia’s Wildlife Conservation Project based in Mondulkiri province.

Sopheak said that according to observations conducted in 2007, up to fifty wild water buffaloes, perhaps one hundred elephants and fi ve tigers stalked the forests in Koh Nhek and Pichreada districts, Mondulkiri.

He continued, “When we brought guests to visit these protected forest areas, we rarely saw these endangered animals. Now, when we go there, we see herds of animals grazing and the occasional tiger loitering with intent.”
“Since we based our project there, about 70 percent of the area’s endangered species have been conserved and their survival assured. I think that if the Cambodian government has the will to protect wildlife, we can extend our conservation drives to cover all of Cambodia’s precious wildlife,”

Men Soryun, Project Manager with the Wild Life Conservation Society, was able to confirm this welcome news.
“According to our camera traps we find more examples of different kinds of endangered animals in the protected animal-forest areas on a daily basis. It’s accurate to say that our nation has become a safe haven for the region’s
endangered wildlife.” However, the Project Manager pointed out that although wild animal
populations were increasing and endangered species being conserved, some rare and endangered species were lost to Cambodia, such as the rhino and the kou prey.

Soryun explained that during Cambodia’s civil war, most of Cambodia’s stock of rare species was destroyed. That which remained fl ed, crossing the borders of Cambodia to hide and live in thick forests of neighboring countries including Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. Now, Cambodia is at peace, the shooting and illegal hunting has ended and forest areas are being conserved and protected. This has created the right environment for a welcome return of the birds and animals to their ancestral forests in Cambodia. The single greatest threat to the wildlife of Cambodia remains hunting, both to supply the international demand for animal products, and opportunistic hunting to serve internal or local markets.

He added that as security conditions improve, these activities, as well as logging of the remaining semi-evergreen forest is increasing rapidly. The localized and seasonal nature of essential resources such as bodies of fresh water and mineral licks also makes the illegal hunter’s job easier. Therefore, protection of these sites a necessity, if Cambodia’s biodiversity is to be preserved.

According to an anonymous officer of the Forestry Administration Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, reports show that conservation projects in Kampong Thom, Stung Treng, Preah Vihear, Koh Kong, Siem Reap, Oddar Meanchey, Kratie and Mondulkiri provinces are proving successful.

The Offi cer told the Cambodia Weekly that wild animal populations are increasing as a result of action taken to curtail the activities of illegal hunters. In addition, the people of Cambodia understood the behavior of their native fauna and were willing to share the wisdom with concerned NGOs.

He said that all the hard work to encourage biodiversity in Cambodia was worth it, both in terms of the revenue created by ecotourism and in terms of the sense of national wellbeing created by a beautiful, diverse and well maintained natural environment. (CW)

Many Cambodian Older Men Face with Sexual Health Problem

By Buth Reaksmey Kongkea

Recently, many Cambodian older men face with sexual health problem, according to Health Officials, Non-Government Organization (NGO) Officers and Private Pharmacy Staffs.

They addressed that most of those people did not go to see professional doctors, but they always bought medicines from private pharmacy shops for their own treatments.

Dr. Meng Sokun, Deputy Director of the Reproductive Health Department at the Ministry of Health, said that nowadays, many Cambodian men having the reproductive and sexual health.

Sokun told the Cambodia Weekly last week that according to the Ministry of Health’s research 2007, about 70 percent of Cambodian men whose ages are over 50 were facing with sexual health problem due to they worked hard.

“Most of men who had the sexual health problem did not go to the doctors for treatment, but they bought medicines from the private pharmacy shops for the treatments. Thus, these acts are really danger for their health,” he said.

Mao Kimrun, Director of Men Health Cambodia, which is a local NGO, said that since the establishment of the Men Health Cambodia in 2002, many Cambodian men had come to his office to consult about their reproductive and sexualities health.

“Some of them told us that bashfully they have problems with their sexual health. They said they are weak in their sexualities and they asked us the methodologies that they can tackle their problem,” Kimrun said. And he always advised those people to go to see profession doctors.

Kimrun continued to say that, “I think that this is a new problem for the men that they have never raised publicly before.”

He noted that most of the Cambodian men who had the sexual health problem did not go to see the doctors for consultation and treatment or telling to their families because they were afraid that their information were not secured by the doctors. Thus, they just bought the medicines from the private pharmacies for their own treatment.

Toun Vichea, Assistant Director of THERAPHARM Co., Ltd. in Phnom Penh, said that at least 30 men whose ages are from 17 up to 50 coming to buy the medicines from his company per day.

Vichea said, “Most of them who come to buy the medicines from my company are the business people and officers working in companies, industries, NGOs and government officials. They came to buy the medicines which can strengthen their sex health. ”

He said that THERAPHARM Co., Ltd. has a license from the Ministry of Health in 2000 to import many kinds of medicines relating to sex problem from Korea and India.

He added all imported medicines have been sold in Phnom Penh and other provinces throughout the Kingdom of Cambodia.

A 52-year-old businessman who asked not to be named said he paid at least US $20 each month to buy medicines from private pharmacy shop in Phnom Penh for treating his sex health.


Dr. Toek Meng Hok, General Director of Cambodia Mater Pharma Group Co., LTD, which his company has imported medicines from France, the United States and China, said that at least 50 people each day come to buy the Chinese traditional medicines for their sexuality health treatments from his company.

Meng Hok said that some of them had not come to buy the medicines directly—they sent children or their friends to buy the medicines for them. He said some of them have demanded and telephoned to his company to bring the medicines for them.

He pointed out that not only Cambodian people, according to research, but also about 90 percent of people over the world whose ages 50 up were facing with sexuality and reproductive health issue.

//

Sovanna Phum offers artists opportunities to make money through their arts performances

By Buth Reaksmey Kongkea

Sovanna Phum Art Association, which is an independent and self–financed Khmer association and aimed to revive, preserve and promote the treasures of Khmer culture to local and international audiences, has been offering opportunities for Cambodian artists to make living through their art skills.

Mann Kosal, Director of Sovanna Phum Art Association, said that since the establishment of the Sovanna Phum in 1994, the association has offered a lot of opportunities for professional artists through their arts by organizing performances as well as nurturing, preserving and promoting the treasures of Cambodian culture through the various projects in Phnom Penh and other provinces.

Kosal, 48, who is a former artistic student of Bassac Theater at Phnom Penh’s Royal University of Fine Arts in 1984, said that, “In 1994 when I firstly organized the classical dance and music performances at Sovanna Phum Art Association, there were only few Cambodian artists performing the Khmer traditional arts for local and international audiences, but now we have about 200 artists perform.”

“Before, some artists were very poor, they rode the bicycle to perform arts at Sovanna Phum,” he said. “But after working with Sovanna Phum for several months or a year, they are able to buy secondhand motorbikes while other could buy new car.”

He said, “Now, they have good motorbike and they are happy to perform the arts in my association.”

Hnag Phorn, 40, a professional music performer of Sovanna Phum Art Association, said that he has been performing the arts at Sovanna Phum for more than ten years.

He said, “Before I was a driver and my living-condition is so poor. However, since I have worked with Sovanna Phum I noted that my family’s condition is better now.”

Kosal said at his association had many kinds of Khmer traditional arts performing such as Sokacha, Ponhakay, Preah Kho Botr, Ruossey Dek, Wild animals, Crocodiles, Hanuman and Giant Drum, Sophanakha, Dragon Arrow and Classical and Folk Dance. And he said at least 400 local and international audiences visiting the Sovanna Phum’s Khmer cultural performances every weekend.

He said that the traditional performances were played every Friday and Saturday at Sovanna Phum Art Association, from 7:30 pm. And the ticket fee is UD $5 for per foreign tourist.

He said that the artists’ fee was at least US $5 per person a day and this payment would be increasing US$ 10 if there are more international visitors.

Tith Saem, 46, Mask dance performer, said that he has joined Sovanna Phum in 2004.

He also said that he could make money from his arts performance US $5 per day for Phnom Penh’s performance and US $20 per day for provincial performances.

He said, “I am happy that I can earn more extra moneys from my arts performances in Sovanna Phum to support my family. I will continue this occupation for ever.”

Kosal said that nowadays, Sovanna Phum had a dynamic network of 190 energetic professional artists. Most of them were students and graduated from the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh.

He said that in 2007, with the financial supports from UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund), Sovanna Phum has performed 300 stories educating on bird flu in 10 provinces in Cambodia. With these performances, an artist was paid US $20 per day.

He added that according to the association’s report, at least 7,000 foreign audiences attended Sovanna Phum’s classical music and dance every year.

He said that Sovanna Phum Art Association’s artists can be also hired for private or commercial events in Cambodia.

Selling Sea Water Turns a Good Profit

By Buth Reaksmey Kongkea

The seawater sellers of Cambodia are satisfied with their profession and with good reason.

These traders transport sea water from the coasts around Sihanoukville and Kampot province to sell in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and other land-locked provinces throughout Cambodia.

Ly Sreng, 46, a sea water seller living in Khan Mittapheap, Sihanoukville, said that selling sea water made good business sense for him. He said he could make at least US $1,500 profit per month, not including expenses.

Sreng, who transports sea water from Sihanoukville to sell in Phnom Penh and other provinces said, “For the time being, I think that selling sea water is a good business for me as it requires little in the way of capital to start the trade. Nowadays, I can make a lot of money for my family from selling sea water.”

He told the Cambodia Weekly that he has been doing this business for over ten years to support his family. When he sold the water at Psar Leu in Sihanoukville in 1995, he had only one old motorbike worth about USD $150, to carry the water from the coast to sell at the markets and restaurants in Sihanoukville. A year later however, his old motorbike had been retired and he transported seawater by truck.

He continued, “Then, in 1996, I started transporting sea water from Sihanoukville to sell in Phnom Penh, Kampong Speu and Kampong Cham provinces. Now, my patch includes other provinces such as Battambang, Banteay Meanchey and Siemreap provinces.”

Today, Sreng’s business is so extensive that it requires three trucks to transport these costly fluids to markets and restaurants across the nation.

Another 51-year-old Sea Water Seller, Keang Hong, living in Kampot province, said he also makes a good living selling sea water. Hong started selling the sea water in 2003.

He said that every day, he had to transport at least 2,000 liters of sea water from Kampot province to Phnom Penh and other provinces to sell to his clients, the majority of them restaurateurs who specialize in seafood.

“Before I was a taxi driver, but that did not provide a living wage with which to support my family,” Hong said. “Since I changed my career I can earn significantly more to keep my family healthy.”

The merchant said he transported sea water to sell in Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham, Takeo, Prey Veng and Svay Rieng provinces. He said he could earn at least US $100 per day, including expenses.

Hong sells 1,000 liters of sea water for US $35 to wholesalers, whilst retail sellers are charged US $5 for 30 liters.

Yan Sreymao, 38, a wholesale seafood seller at Psar Thmey in Phnom Penh, said that every day, she had to pay at least 20,000 riel (US $5) for sea water in order to prolong the life of the fish and crabs.

She said, “If I do not use the sea water, they will die immediately and the price for a dead fish is no where near as high as one that is still squirming.”

Kong Sarim, Head Chef of Cooker at Lee Lay Hotel and Seafood Restaurant in Phnom Penh, said that every week, his restaurant has to pay at least US $30 on sea water in order to keep the stock alive. He saw it as an expensive necessity.

Phleng Arak may disappear from Cambodia in the Future

By Buth Reaksmey Kongkea

Phleng Arak [Arak music] which Cambodian people usually play to communicate with the ghosts’ souls, water and forests spirits for treating people’s sickness and welding ceremonies in the families is concerned it would disappear in the future.

It would disappear from Cambodia due to the old Cambodian people who well-remembered about it had never been taught to the students or writing any books for the next generation, and it is a bit difficult to learn comparing to other music, according to officials in charge of Khmer Music.

“I am very worry that Arak music will be not existed more in Cambodia in the upcoming future if there is no conservation to be protected from the Cambodian government,” said Yun Khean, Vice-Dean of the Royal University of Fine Arts.

Khean who is also a composer and professor at the Department of Khmer Classical Music of the Royal University of Fine Arts, said Arak music which is the oldest form of the Khmer music until now it has survived for about 2,000 years ago. But until today, Khean who got a Bachelor Degree in Ethnomusicology recognized that it would disappear from Cambodia in the upcoming future. He said that it has never been educated or written in the book for the young generation. And another reason due to Arak music is more difficult to learn comparing to other music and difficult to find work, he addressed.

He said that nowadays, there are only two or three students who come to learn Arak music with him at the department of Khmer Classical Music. It was few number compared to other music taught at the Royal University of Fine Arts.

Concerning with Arak music, Professor Khean, 51, who learned this music from his father since 1972, said that Phleng Arak, which is the Brahma belief, has existed in Cambodia since the first century in the Funan regime.

Arak Music was played by a group of 10 people in the Brahma or Buddhist ceremonies in all places and provinces in Funan regime. The players of Phleng Arak include two male singers, one female singer and eight musicians appear on around two stages “Thou Roup”, people who will welcome the spirits into their bodies, and who then will enter into a trance during the songs, he explained. The instruments taken to play in the Arak music includes drums, oboe, Chapei Dorngveng, Kse diev (guitar), Tro Ou and Tro Khmer (three-stringed guitar), Bror Bos and Chhing. The length of the Arak ceremony in the past depended upon the wealth of the families.

According to believers, he said the importance of Phleng Arak was to communicate with the ancestors spirits, to turn to them for counsel when their descendants faced illnesses or natural catastrophes.

Sak Tol, 75, Chief of Wat Damrey Sor in Kampong Speu province, said that for 2,000 years ago, Arak music was very popular for the Cambodian people.

“Cambodian people played Arak in order to communicate with the ghosts’ souls, the water and forests spirits for the peoples’ treatment and welding ceremonies in the families. And to thank you ‘Spirit’ for helping them,” he said.

“Arak is very effective and influence for the people in previous times. It could rescue the people from being affected the diseases and natural catastrophes,” he said.

Eng Setha, 67, a retirement teacher, living in Kean Svay district, Kandal province, said that so far, despite the arrival of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT), his family sill believed in Arak.

He said, “I always celebrate Arak every year in my family. I did it in order to thank ancestors’ and forests’ spirits for providing my family members the peace, prosperity and healthy.”

Nath Buntha, 52, a farmer living Baseth district, Kampong Speu province, said that his 71-year old father was ill for longer time, he was not able neither wake up nor walking.

He said that he used to bring him to hospitals for treatment for many years but his illness was not better. Thus, he decided to invite the people to play Arak for him.

“But, when I invited the people playing Arak for him, I noted that his illnesses seemed to be better and soon, he is able to talk, to eat, to sit and walking,” he said. “Now, my father is okay and healthy.”

Hang Sothy, Chief of the Office and Information at the Ministry of Cults and Religions, said that according to his notice, nowadays about 10 percent of Cambodian people still believe in Arak and playing it every year.

“I think that the people continued to practice Arak because it is still helpful for them—that means it could help them to recover from sickness,” he said.

He pointed out that most of the Arak music was played by the old people in the cultural provinces and cities such as Phnom Penh, Kandal, Kampong Speu, Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Otdor Meanchey, Siem Reap, Kampong Thom, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Svay Rieng, Prey Veng, Takeo, Stung Treng and Kratie provinces.

Professor Yun Khean told the Cambodia Weekly that according to a research on Arak music conducted in 1960s, during the Funan regime, there were more than 1,000 titles of Phleng Arak. But due to the longest-civil war in Cambodia and people who had remembered the traditional music had been killed and died, there are only 74 titles of Phleng Arak remaining playing until nowadays.

He concerned that the 74 titles of Phleng Arak would disappear if there is no one still not writing them in the books.

Khean has appealed to the related ministries and the Cambodian government to take action, especially to preserve the oldest music “Phleng Arak”.

Officials Expect More Jobs for People in the Next Mandate

By Buth Reaksmey Kongkea

Millions of Cambodians are expected to get jobs in the forth mandate of the Cambodian government, according to top officials. They addressed that from 2008 onward, there will be more big foreign investment companies starting their business operations in Cambodia.

Oum Mean, Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MoLVT), said that due to peace, progress, political stability and more big foreign investments companies investing in Cambodia, millions of Cambodian people will be having works in the second or third year of the forth mandate of Cambodian government which will be began from 2008 to 2013.

Besides many local and foreign investment companies had been operating in their business in Cambodia since the second and third mandates of the Cambodian government, Mean said recently more new big foreign investment companies opened their business operations in Cambodia. Those new big foreign investment companies included Ream Resort Development, a French company, spending US $250 millions to invest in Sihanoukville and plan to complete construction in 2010; Koh Puos (Cambodia) Investment Group Ltd that investing EUR 330 millions in Koh Puos areas in Sihanoukville; Korean GS Engineering and Construction Company that investing US $20 millions on mineral research in Takeo province; and other big investments that just started ground breaking-ceremonies to begin their business operations in Cambodia.

“This is a golden opportunity for our Cambodian people to find works with these companies in future,” he said. “But, in order to achieve this objective, we have to correct our education programs from now on in order to adjust to the current and future’s jobs marketing.”

Mao Pounthyroth, Program Coordinator of the Youth Council of Cambodia, which is a Non-Government Organization, said about 70 of Cambodian youth was still facing with unemployment.

According to her observation, Pounthyroth said among ten students who completed study in universities, there was only three people who could find works in Cambodia.

She also addressed that the students were difficult to get the works because they were not qualified and had no work experience in responding to the private companies’ position requirements and criteria. On the other hand, their education backgrounds were not replied to the jobs marketing in Cambodia.

Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of the Council of Ministers, said it was very important for students to get the right training, otherwise they would not be able to get jobs even though they graduated.

He told students at the Certificate Handing ceremony organized by the University of Human Resources in Phnom Penh on June 12 that in order to respond to the current jobs marketing in Cambodia, Cambodian government especially the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS) had to correct the universities or institutions’ study curriculum to be fitted the needs and requirements from private companies and entrepreneurs in Cambodia.

Pa Meng Hok, Director of the Office of the Statistics and Information for the Higher Education Department at MoEYS had set out comprehensive strategy on education as expressed in detail in the education sector support program for 2001–2005.

He said that the strategy aimed to enhance capacity of human resources with high technical and scientific skills that effectively respond to labor market needs in terms of entrepreneurships, high creativity, responsibility, discipline, morality, virtue, professional ethics, and honesty in an effort to promote development.

The ministry would also continue to strengthen its partnerships with the private sector and the national and international community to enhance and improve the quality of education services both technical and technical training and in higher education consistent with international standards and development needs of the nation, he added.

Chhieu Veyara, Program Assistant of the ILO, noted that due to the continuous progress and political stability, more Cambodian people were getting employed.

He said that, “If the peace and political stability remained better and the flow of foreign investments continued to increase every year, many Cambodian people will be benefiting from the development and every one will have work in future.”

Oum Mean said that according to MoLVT’s reports, currently, there are millions of Cambodian people had jobs with local and foreign companies in Cambodia, in which more than 600,000 people had jobs with the industry companies, 400,000 people had works with garment factories, 300,000 people working with tourist sector and others hundred of thousands of the people working with agro-industrial companies (rubber plantation), transportations and constructions, and other NGOs.

According to Sok An, about 5,000 people were employed with the government’s ministries per year while another 3,000 people were retired every year in Cambodia.

However, he said that due to the growth and increasing of big foreign investors, more Cambodian people would have works in Cambodia by 2015.

Furthermore, Sok An said that government planned to establish a “Working Professional Agency” for the people in the forth mandate of the Cambodian government.

He pointed out that the “Working Professional Agency”, which consisted of the involved ministries, especially the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and MoLVT aimed to find out the works for all Cambodian people.

He said that the Council of Ministers would also helped MoEYS and MoLVT to seek for information about requirements, people demands and skillful people from foreign investment companies.

More Cambodian People Benefit from State’s Medical Services

By Buth Reaksmey Kongkea

Cambodians now increasingly go to get medical services and treatment at public hospitals and health centers, according to government officials and NGO officers.

They said Cambodian patients realized that public hospitals and health centers employed qualified doctors that could provide quality medical services and treatment. For the less well to do, they were indispensable as the services they offered were free.

Dr. Kdan Yuvatha, Deputy Director of the National Pediatric Hospital, one of the public hospitals in Phnom Penh, confirmed the trend, both in the Capital and the provinces.

Yuvatha continued “It is a good decision to choose our state’s hospitals and health centers for their treatment because our personnel are highly qualified and experienced practitioners.”

Previously, the people of Cambodia relied on traditional medicines and superstition. When they were sick, they went to seek treatment from the traditional healers or bought medicines at the local pharmacies. However, since the Ministry of Health, the hospital and health center personnel worked so hard on promoting the government’s treatment policy the people are increasingly aware of the benefits of state medical treatment.

He told the Cambodia Weekly that according to reports, this year, up to 300 children per day were brought to get medical treatment from the National Pediatric Hospital. Of these young patients, at least 15 of them required overnight treatment. He added that in 2007, there were between 100 and 150 people receiving medical checks and treatment from his hospital per day.

He also pointed out that according to the Ministry of Health’s decrees and the Cambodian government’s policy as a whole, the hospital was organized along lines that minimized the financial impact of receiving treatment. According to statistics, only 5 percent of those patients could pay for both medical treatment and accommodation. 45 percent of patients could pay only treatment fees, whilst the remaining 50 percent could pay for neither treatment nor accommodation. In those cases, medical treatment free.

Dr. Koum Kanal, Director of the National Maternal and Child Health Center in Phnom Penh, said that the trends were equally applicable in his hospital. Referring to a recent report, 42 percent of Cambodia’s mothers-to-be delivered their babies in state hospitals. This compares favorably to the 15 percent of deliveries recorded in 2005.

Dr. Meng Lee, Chief of the Roung Chrey Health Center in Battambang province, also reported consistent annual increases in the number of patients visiting his center since 2000.

Sum Sok, Program Officer of UNICEF based in Kampong Speu province, warned that in the opinion of a minority of patients, private clinics offered a faster service with reduced waiting times for medical procedures, compared to state hospitals.”

In reply, Dr. Kdan Yuvatha said that buying medicine from pharmacy shops for self-treatment was a potentially dangerous habit.

“Some doctors who own pharmacy shops in Phnom Penh and other provinces are not qualified. They dispense medicines to patients motivated by profit rather than sound diagnostic procedures.’

Dr Yuvatha explained that all sickness required examination by qualified doctors before a prescription be written out and that further monitoring was often necessary. Again, he urged parents to bring their family to the state hospitals or nearby health centers for treatment where there are qualified doctors, appropriate medicines, modern equipment and laboratories.

He added, “Our doctors care very much about our patients and are concerned for their wellbeing, not their wealth. There is good service and treatment for all who need it.”

Uy Ry, 45, a farmer living in Kandal Stung district, Kandal province, has a son at the National Pediatric Hospital in Phnom Penh. As a consumer of medical services, he had nothing but praise for the system.

“I turned to this hospital because it is a professional and well run organization, with the needs of the individual patient at the forefront of its activities; and the fees are very much cheaper than private alternatives. They have saved my son’s life and for that they have my eternal gratitude.’

Cambodia’s Petanque Team Excels in International Competition

By Buth Reaksmey Kongkea

The Phnom Penh Municipality has reviewed and committed to continue with its 2005-2015 Master Plan to clean the city up by 2015. As the economic and industrial center of the nation, this is an imperative, according to Pa Socheate Vong, Deputy Governor of Phnom Penh Municipality.

Socheate Vong said in order to reach the goal, the Phnom Penh Municipality has now implemented the 2005-2015 Master Plan, forming part of Phnom Penh’s Second Vision. Under this vision, the city’s healthcare infrastructure and waste management systems will be improved.

He continued, “It is obviously our duty now to develop our city for the people in this country. In order to make this a success, it is very important that all government institutions, private organizations and members of the public be involved.”

He told the Cambodia Weekly that today, the Phnom Penh Municipality has been working very hard on developments. This work includes managing sewage and other hazardous wastes, ensuring regular water supplies, canal renovation, traffic calming measures and environmental education.

“With these activities, we hope that Phnom Penh will become as clean a city as any other in the region by 2015, free from waste and pollution problems. We also expect by the end of 2015 to be attracting many more tourists and investors.”

Mann Chhoeurn, Deputy Governor of Phnom Penh Municipality, tied these developments to greater development across the nation as a whole.

Chhoeurn said that in order to manage the wastes of Phnom Penh, the Municipality planed the introduction of technology to sift solid from liquid waste as well as machinery to deal effectively with hazardous medical wastes.

He added, “Yet before we get too ambitious, we need to educate the people that black plastic bin bags are the proper receptacles for rubbish, not the streets. To that end, any individual or organization caught polluting Phnom Penh will have to pay the price.”

He pointed out that normal wastes must put in bags provided by the CINTRI Company. Hazardous waste must be packaged properly and stored in safety boxes. Records are also to be kept before the eventual incineration or cremation is undertaken.

In addition, he said that in order to stunt the growth of Stung Meanchey’s garbage dump and improve the health of the people in the area, the Municipality planned to transport the wastes to a new site in Dangkor District by 2009. This new site will cover an area of over 30 hectares and will mark the destination of the entire city’s trash prior to incineration.


Var Moeurn, Executive Director of Mlup Baitong, a non-profit environmental organization in Phnom Penh, said that in his opinion, marked improvements had been achieved in the last year alone.

However, he went on to say that the quickest comparison with Cambodia’s near neighbors showed that Phnom Penh still had a long way to go, compared to Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City, let alone Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. He sited the prevalence of syringes and every other imaginable form of solid waste on the streets, the poorly maintained roads and the tendency of the city to flood at the first sight of rain.

“I believe that if the Phnom Penh Municipality is given the means, it has more than enough commitment to see the job through to the end. I look forward to seeing Phnom Penh becoming a cleaner, more welcoming city in the future,” he said.

Mann Chhoeurn said May 21 that according to the Phnom Penh Municipality Report of 2008 about 1.5 million people are living in Phnom Penh. This figure increases by about 10,000 families of new inhabitants each year. About 1,000 tones of waste are thrown into Stung Meanchey Garbage site per day, with an increase of about 20% in volume every year.

“Lok Krou” Buth Savong, Dharma Expert and Councellor

By Buth Reaksmey Kongkea

Every morning from 7am to 9:30am, upwards of 300 people gather at Wat Sampov Meas and Wat Ounalom in Phnom Penh to listen to Lok Akak Bandith Buth Savong’s interpretations of Buddha’s dharma and advice.

Lok Akak Bandith Buth Savong is famous throughout the country for his teaching. He can read Sanskrit, Pali and is also able to explain the contents of the Tripitaka (the three collections of Buddhist texts), commentaries and Pathakatha (lectures).

Puth Narith, an official at the Ministry of Cults and Religions, estimated that about 500,000 people throughout Cambodia listen to Lok Akak Bandith Buth Savong over the airwaves. Narith said that people listened to his advice and considered his teaching of dharma because he had a reputation for having applied himself to generating a solid understanding of the sacred texts.

He said that Lok Akak Bandith Buth Savong’s reputation was established nationwide. He is affectionately known as “Lok Krou” (Guru/Teacher) Buth Savong.

At interview with the Cambodia Weekly, Lok Akak Bandith Buth Savong, 49, who was born in Battambang Province, said that he could read Pali and Sanskrit well, the keys to a deeper understanding of the Tripitaka. With this knowledge, he delights in choosing a text relevant to the context of the day, translating it into Khmer and broadcasting it to the Buddhists of Cambodia.

Kim Veng, 45, is a regular at Lok Akak Bundith Buth Savong’s Wat Sampov Meas sermons.

“I like Lok Krou Buth Savong’s advice very much. It soothes my soul as I believe he has received knowledge of Buddha’s Dharma that is as free of distortion as a living man can make it” she said.

“He is very gentle. His advice on Dharma is based on reality, real situations and people. So, it is completely relevant to me,” she added.

Taing Hap, 56, a Phnom Penh businessman and student of Lok Krou Buth Savong Thought, said he had been listening to Akak Bandith Buth Savong’s for 6 years.

“Lok Krou Buth Savong is an authority in spreading the Buddha’s advice and precepts in Cambodia. The Buddha’s Truth appears to sit enthroned upon his tongue.” he said. “Since listening to him I feel as if I have been helped towards a wealth of Dharma understanding. Ambition and anger no longer find fertile soil to root themselves in my mind. His voice is as a gentle hurricane, that has blown the dust away, as if it never existed.”

Lok Krou Akak Bandith Buth Savong, who lost six close relatives during the Khmer Rouge Regime, lived in Chek III Village, Ratanak Mondul Commune, in Battambang Province. Lok Krou Buth Savong, who is still single, said that, “In literally every aspect of life, the Buddha has presented clarifications in the Dharma and Tripitaka. Essentially, when one understands that all more or less sentient animal as well as human life, is worthy of very sincere respect, then you are on the right path. For no matter who you are, your thinking is very much distorted if you believe yourself to be in some way better than the lowest of the low. This belief is creative, but it creates division, where there should be solidarity. This is the lesson all must and will learn. Fortunately, there is no shortage of time in infinity and the individual can take as many “Life Skills Classes” here on Mother Earth as he likes, just as long as he arrives at this basic understanding. Any time will do. There’s no hurry. Nirvana will look all the more appealing to those who have struggled over numerous incarnations to get there.

The Teacher continued “One of the benefits of looking at life like this is the peace of mind it brings. When the owner makes the effort to properly adjust his mind, this instrument becomes more clear-sighted. It serves the owner better then, as it is open to taking creative advantage of opportunities, in a manner that brings honour and a sense of having behaved well to both. Buddha, Jesus and Mohammed knew these things and walked in enlightenment. Their respective followers would be well advised to end claims to a monopoly on Truth and concentrate on the unity of message.”

“These are not my own opinions, but they are the words and dharma of the Buddha, quoted in the Tripitaka. What is unfortunate is that so very many of our Buddhist followers do not know about these things.” he added.

“I think that if the people understand, practice and follow these teachings of the Buddha, there would be no argument in their minds, their society would be pleasant and there would be no more war.” he said.

Lok Krou Savong has been a student of the Dharma and Tripitaka in 1988, during his monkhood in Battambang province. He left the monkhood after three years, but continued to study the Texts.

“I chose this path because I think it is the only way that I can promote the teaching of Buddha to the people.” he said.

Once he had mastered Bali and Sanskrit, with help from his Venerable friends, his course of study began, fuelled by enthusiasm and the desire to spread the word.

“When I started preaching to people, I noticed that my words seemed to have effect. From that moment on, I was invited on regular occasions to preside over ceremonies organized in Battambang,” he told the Cambodia Weekly when interviewed at Wat Sampov Meas on May 28. From there I was able to speak about the value of the Buddha’s words across Cambodia.

For 25 years now, I have been serving Buddhism and the people of Cambodia. I believe it has been my destiny to do so, and it has filled the vacuum in my heart, following the murder of my Grandfather and Father in the Pol Pot Regime.”

Buth Savong has produced 20 books and produced hundreds of cassettes in his Buddha’s Teaching Series and these are made freely available to followers and monks at pagodas throughout the country and beyond. The material is also broadcast over national and private radio stations across the nation.

He said, “I think that the promotion of Buddha’s dharma in Cambodia I will continue with me until my very last breath.”

Cambodian Local NGO Plans to Produce Solar Vehicles

By Buth Reaksmey Kongkea

Kong Pharith, President of Local Capacity Builder (LOCAB), which is a non profit organization founded in 1997, proposed to produce solar vehicles next year. He said it is good for Cambodia to use solar vehicles while the oil price is very high and more over it could prevent the climate change and provide the sustainable development in Cambodia.

Kong Pharith, 48, who is also the founder of LOCAB and engine and electricity expert, told the Cambodia Weekly that, “Until today, I know that no one is able to produce this kind of solar vehicle in the world yet. But for me, I hope and I am confident that I can do it for the use in Cambodia in future.”

“Now, I have already designed the solar vehicle that I would produce for the use in this country,” he said. “It is made from the second hand of the imported vehicles and is consisted of four energies: the solar use, earth pulling, engine charging controller, and small engine reserved. It can run as fast as the engine cars which imported from oversea.”

Trac Thai Sieng, Deputy Governor of Phnom Penh Municipality, said that the use of solar bikes and cars would reduce the peoples’ expenditures in the families and pollution reduction in Phnom Penh.

He said, “I am really appreciated with LOCAB’s solar bikes and its activities. I think that this initiated project is very useful for our Cambodian people. It can help them to reduce their over expenditures in their family as well as for environmental sake and sustainable development in Phnom Penh.”

Keo Rottanak, Cabinet Chief at the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, said that he supported the solar bikes and vehicles productions made by the LOCAB.

He said, “It is good that our Cambodian people are able to produce these kinds of good things for using in Cambodia. It is appropriate choice in response to the needs of Cambodian people while the oils price is very high in Cambodia.”

But Pharith said he does need financial supports to research as well as produce those solar vehicles.

He said, “Now, I am looking for the financial assistance from donors to begin the works. I think that if I get fund about US $20,000, I can start the project of the solar vehicle improvement research and by the end of year 2009, I can produce two qualified cars which used the solar system and earth pulling.”

“I hope that if I received the financial assistance from the donor as above raised, for the first year project I can produce two solar cars per year and for the next following years I can produce more cars every year.”

He pointed out that when the solar system car was produced, its price would be US $10,000 per car and its quality was guaranteed up to 25 years.

He said in order to promote the use of solar home system and to provide the sustainable development in Cambodia, in 2005 his organization took initiative to research and develop the solar bicycle. It was very successful. The bike can run 18 kilometer per hour and can run up to half an hour.

He added that in 2006, UNDP provided fund US $3,798 for doing more research to improve the quality of the solar bike. Two new models with difference technology were made and displayed at LOCAB office and Cambodia UNDP office.

He said, “Nowadays, I also can produce the quality of solar bikes. I think that if there are more demands from buyers, I will produce more for them for sale in the future.”

He added that a solar bike was from 400 to US $600 in accordance to the bicycle categories and was qualified up to 20 years of use.

He said that since the operations of solar project in 2005, a total of 45 students who were from the poor have been trained on new innovation of solar bikes production, solar home system installing, and solar home system skill training by LOCAB. The trainings are free of charge.

Cambodia’s Sports Famous in Petanque

By Buth Reaksmey Kongkea

Petanque is recognized as one of Cambodia’s sports which gained more medals from Sea Games and international competitions comparing to others.

According to Em Heang, Deputy Director of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, Petanque which is a French sport and was established in Cambodia in French colony in 1950s has become a great sport of Cambodia which has brought Cambodia’s reputation to the world’s recognition.

Heang, who is also a Petanque Coach and Secretariat of Cambodian Petanque and Sport Boules Federation at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, said that since 1993 till present, the national Petanque players had brought the honors and victories for Cambodia from competitions including SEA Games and other international competitions.

He told the Cambodia Weekly that, “Now, I am very proud of our Petanque. It is only one sport among other Cambodia’s sports which has brought a lot of medals and successes in SEA Games Competitions for our nation.”

He pointed out that the national Petanque players were firstly sent for SEA Games Competition in 2001 and since then, they were won medals every SEA Games competition.

“In 2004 when attended international competition in France, Cambodian Petanque players won number three among 53 countries who attended the competition. Thus, I think that they are really capable on playing at international competitions, in the world,” he said.

Since 1993 until present, he said, Cambodian Petanque players gained a total of 95 medals (30 golden, 35 silver and 31 bronzes) from national and international competitions. And 19 medals (4 golden, 10 silver and 5 bronze) of those medals won from SEA Games Competitions that celebrated in Malaysia (2001), Vietnam (2003), Philippines (2005), and Thailand (2007).

Hor Nannra, Coach of the National Petanque Team in Cambodian Petenque and Sport Boules Federation, said that the success was from hard training, discipline and efforts of the players, and with supports from Cambodian government.

He said, “All the players are disciplined and trained very hard every day. They trained eight hours per day and from Monday to Saturday. They all have experiences both national and international competitions.”

He said that in the National Petanque Team, there were 21 Petanque players in total including 11 males and 10 females.

Duch Sophorn, 32, one of national Petanque players who won four medals (1 golden and 3 silvers) from the SEA Games Competitions, said she was so happy that she won the medals from international competitions for her country.

She said, “I started training Petanque in 1999. I participated in competing Petanque in ASEA Games competitions for four times in Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines and Thailand. I gained four medals from these competitions.”

“Nowadays, I have been training very hard in order to be ready for the next SEA Games Competitions. However, I will try my best to bring more medals from the Competitions for my country,” she added.

According to Em Heang, the next SEA Games competition would take place in Laos in 2009.

He said that recently, the Cambodian Petanque and Sport Boules Federation was invited by a Thailand’s Mekong River Committee and Ho Chi Minh Sport Committee to be sending its players to participate in the friendship competitions in Thailand and Vietnam in late September 2008.

Through these invitations, he said the Cambodian Petanque and Sport Boules Federation would lead a team of three national Petanque players to attend the Petanque friendship competition in Thailand in September this year and will also prepare other eight national players to attend the competitions in Ho Chi Minh City.

He said that, “I think that this is a good opportunity for our players to play with foreign competitors in order to build up their high ability before attending the SEA Games competitions next year.”

“I hope that due to hard training, disciplined and international competitions experiences in the overseas, the National Cambodian Petanque Players will gain more playing experiences, and will win more medals from the SEA Games Competitions which will be taken place in Laos in 2009 and in future,” he added.

MoEYS: 80-90 Percent of Private Universities Have High Education Quality

By Buth Reaksmey Kongkea

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports evaluated late last year that about 80-90 percent of private universities and institutes throughout Cambodia have high quality in education, according to Sou Sophath, Deputy Secretary General of the Accreditation Committee of Cambodia (ACC) at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS).

In Cambodia today, there are 66 universities and institutions, but among those university only 80-90 percent of them are qualified and accreditation. And the University of Cambodia (UC) is one of those qualified universities and institutes, he said.

Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, President of UC, said that the University of Cambodia has gained more popularity and became the best quality of education in Cambodia.

The UC President, who is also the Secretary of Sate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, told about 100 participants who attended at the 5th Anniversary Ceremony of the Founding of UC held on June 22 that, “It is a historical opportunity since we have been established the University of Cambodia. Just five years, like the trees, we have grown and flourished.”

He said that, “UC has produced the best quality of education in supporting the education system in Cambodia. And the profile of UC has been reaching out in Cambodia as well as other universities in overseas.”

“I am very proud of our UC’s students here. They are the best products and can compete with foreign students who are from overseas,” he said.

Dr. Kao Kim Hourn said that in order to help Cambodian students taking the advantage of benefit of the higher education, for this year study (2008), UC has offered 600 full scholarships to the students who were able to pass high school exams, as well as the universities’ entrance exams. And for next year, the university will continue to offer another 600 full scholarships to the new students who will able to pass the high school exams.

Por Malis, Deputy Vice-President for Operations in the University of Cambodia, said that, “In just five years, there has already been a significant development for UC. There is no doubt that UC will continue to progress and expand into becoming Cambodia’s truly leading university, giving its aspiration, vision, commitment to quality higher education, and its networks with overseas universities, in accordance to UC’s strategic plan.”

She said the UC has been active and generous in providing full scholarships by working closely with donors in order to raise funds to help the poor students who could afford to pay for their education. And for the future, UC will continue to focus on strengthening the quality of all its academic programs in order to ensure that it would become the number-one university.

She added that UC will expand its academic programs and majors into other areas where is less demand, particularly in the areas of science and technology. And in addition, it will continue to reach out to the Cambodian community as well as to the international arena in order to keep the UC well connected with its own people on the one hand, and the world at large, on other hand.

Dr. Angus Munro, Vice-President for Academic Affairs in the University of Cambodia, said until today, UC has been offering the Honorary Doctorates to many high-ranking government officials in Cambodia as well as other former leaders in world such as Keat Chhon, Senior Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance; Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Council of Ministers; Professor Katherine Marshall, former Counselor to the President of the World Bank; Tea Banh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the National Defense; Cham Prasidh, Senior Minister and Minister of Commerce; E. Dyck, President of TSC-Japan; Samdech Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodian Government; and Mr. Rikhi Thakral, a Singaporean Businessman and Philanthropist.

Kim Chantha, a BA student of UC said that, “I am a UC working student and I have been here studying since 2004. Through the time I spent and various encounters I came across with the guest speakers, lecturers and fellow students, UC became my third home, after my actual home and my work place.”

He said, “I do not wish to be criticized by others as someone who admired his or her own university. But the truth is still the truth, UC is one of the best organized and disciplined universities in Cambodia that I ever came across.”

He said that, “UC policy in teaching in English has brought real benefit to the students and I strongly support it. I saw how my classmates’ knowledge of English language improved over the time they spent at UC. I also see those graduated from other universities with their English knowledge are only comparable to those second year students at UC.”

Lakhaon Bassac Remains Popular Among Cambodians

By Buth Reaksmey Kongkea

Despite the growth in the cinema and video industry, Lakhaon Bassac, a form of theatre that dramatizes subjects of a folkloric nature, remains popular among Cambodian people in provinces throughout the country. As a measure of the influence of fine traditions on modern life, Cambodians are as happy to watch a Lakhaon Bassac performance as they are to watch the latest blockbusting production from Hollywood.

According to Sek Savuth, Vice Director of the Theatre Department at the Royal University of Fine Arts, Lakhaon Bassac continues to attract the affectionate attention of the nation because it deals with subjects that speak directly to the heart of the populace.

Savuth, a former Lakhaon Bassac actor who, since 1982 has created a “Giant” reputation as both actor and teacher, said, “The source of these dramas is often found in Khmer history and the culture of the past. Often, the plays are chosen for their emotional content, sad stories proving popular with the audience.”

“Through the medium of dramatic performance, those who are not familiar with Khmer history can learn about the nation’s kings, understand traditional ways and culture and enhance their sense of national identity,” said Savuth, who is also a Lakhaon Bassac Trainer. “The players educate the people about morality and civic education, through the corrective lens of Dharma. The Theatre is an excellent place and plays are an enjoyable way to learn about the subtle balances between good and evil. It also educates the people how to be good people, about the benefits of solidarity and hard work in developing the country.”

Yin Yean, Deputy Chief of the Office and Study (?) at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, said that the Lakhaon Bassac tradition was at its strongest during the time of Sangkum Reastr Niyum and Lon Nol’s regimes.

Yean, who used to perform as a “model actor” within the Lakhaon Bassac tradition as far back as 1979, said that the majority of the veteran play actors fell victim to the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979).

He said that from 1979 to 1993, the Lakhaon Bassac tradition was able to pick herself up, brush the mud of the Killing Fields from her skirts and then attempt to regain her former popularity in the hearts of Cambodians. However, he said that due to the rapid growth of the movie industry in Cambodia, the art-form had, and continues to face some very stiff challenges.

“When I played as a model actor in the 1980s, there were hundreds of thousands of people coming to see my performance every night in Phnom Penh as well as in other provinces. Lakhaon Bassac was very interesting for the people at that time,” he said. “But now, audience numbers continue to decline compared to the 1980s.”

According to his observations, Lakhaon Bassac is no longer as attractive as it was in the past because there are fewer opportunities to present regular Lakhaon Bassac performances, compared to other types of theatrical entertainment. However, he said that till today, lower audience figures should not be interpreted as a complete lack of interest in the art form amongst Cambodian people.

Moeung Vutha, 53, living in Russey Keo district, Phnom Penh, said that even though there are fewer Lakhaon Bassac performances, he still likes watching it.

Vutha said, “My family and I watch Lakhaon Bassac whenever it is televised on TVK and Apsara. It is still very interesting for us.”

“I like watching Lakhaon Bassac because it concentrates on the sad stories of old Khmer history and culture. In addition, the actors sing beautifully,” he said.

Yeang Sarun, 34, of Kampong Speu province, said she also watched Lakhaon Bassac and had done since she was a child.

“I like watching Lakhaon Bassac because I want to see the actors who perform comedy roles and the “giant” actors are quite simply fantastic. Their dresses are so colorful and they always have an interesting comment to make and a belly-laugh to create with an old but always amusing joke or comic routine,” she said.

According to Sek Savuth, Lakhaon Bassac originated with the itinerant river-borne theatre groups of Cambodia and southern Vietnam in the early years of the 20th century—traveling up and down the Bassac-Hậu Giang River in large sailing boats, these troupes would pull in to give performances at major centers of population.

He said that currently, there are about 100 Lakhaon Bassac groups throughout Cambodia, and this year, about 300 students are being trained in the Lakhaon Bassac tradition.