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Stories

Do you know? There are 19 indigenous languages in Cambodia.

by Surya Narayan September 3, 2022

written by Surya Narayan

The spoken languages reflect the diversity of the cultures.

In Cambodia, there are at least 19 indigenous languages. They can be divided roughly into the Austronesian language family, which includes the Jarai people, and the Mon-Khmer language family, which includes the Brao, Kreung, Tumpoun, Bunong, and Kui people.

Some native languages are only spoken. Initiatives are already in place to allow indigenous students to receive an education in their native languages, allowing a larger number of them to complete high school and move on to further education.

Although there are more than a dozen languages spoken in Cambodia, Khmer is the only official language and is spoken by about 97% of the population.

Photos: Cambodia Indigenous Youth Association-CIYA

September 3, 2022 0 comments

Pottery making: Cambodia’s oldest and most living craft tradition.

by Surya Narayan August 29, 2022

written by Surya Narayan

The reuse is emerging as a viable alternative to our inefficient industrial model, in which raw materials are exploited to produce goods that appease today’s excessive commercialism hunger before being destroyed.

Simple actions like repairing, recycling, refurbishing, and reusing are at the heart of a circular economy.

The goal of all these tactics is to keep things in use for as long as possible, whether as finished products or as their raw materials.

One of Cambodia’s oldest and most prevalent living craft traditions is pottery. A trip to the “potter’ villages” in Cambodia highlights the value of this industry on the economy.

Cambodia’s Pottery point: Kampong Chhnang

Jars, vases, incense burners, piggy banks, traditional cookers, and pots are all common sights in front of practically every house in the area of Phnom Krang Dei Meas Mountain, which is surrounded by a terrain rich in red clay.

In the Kampong Chhnang provincial village of Andong Russei, the majority of the inhabitants still create pottery using the traditional method.

According to research, Kampong Chhnang residents have revived ancient Angkorian pottery by combining traditional knowledge with modern techniques.

Chhnang!, which means “pot,” tells the story of how villagers battle to uphold their traditions and way of life while simultaneously making their products more marketable.

Despite obstacles, a shortage of resources, and a pandemic, villagers are revamping traditional chhnang-making methods to better meet people’s needs.

Benefits of using an Earthen Pot for cooking.

All other types of utensils are nothing compared to the flavor of food cooked in a clay pot. Earthenware has been a vital part of the kitchen in the past, when people could slowly cook their food to preserve all of its nutrients and flavors.

The art of clay pot cooking has lost significance in the modern age, when everyone is so busy that they are rapidly switching to instant food items.

Earthen pots retain the oil and add moisture to food, avoiding the need for extra fat to enhance flavor. According to scientific studies, cooking in clay pots increases the amount of essential nutrients in food, including calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and sulfur, all of which are very healthy for our bodies.
The ability of clay pot cooking to circulate steam throughout the cooking process provides the majority of its health benefits. As a result, you may cook with less oil and fat and yet get plenty of moisture.
Since clay naturally neutralizes the PH balance of food when it is cooked and since it has an alkaline composition, it functions as a natural detox. You might be shocked to learn that mud includes all major vitamins, including Vitamin B12.

Food cooked in clay pots retains its nutrients, which improves the meal’s flavor overall. According to research, cooking meals in clay pots adds nutrients that are good for the body, including calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and sulfur.

Challenges

In order to preserve this traditional pottery-making culture, government and private organizations are assisting the community by providing the necessary tools and holding workshops.

In one of the workshops, locals are taught in a more modern technique that makes use of a throwing wheel. The technique entails molding the jar using a wooden paddle that is supported by a round wooden knob within and used to whack the clay.

In spite of the fact that these families do make pottery, it is not their main source of income. By opening travel businesses, several people capitalized on the region’s growing tourist industry.

Most likely, this is because there is a lack of marketing strategy, poor logistics, and little support from e-commerce businesses in connecting with customers.

With increased environmental awareness, many people are replacing their steel and aluminum cookware with traditional vessels made of clay. From cooking food to storing water, they aim to be self-sustainable and eco-friendly.

Our historic earthenware industry must be preserved. To create new designs and styles in line with market demand, training must be provided. It’s also crucial to educate people about the benefits of using clay pots.

To market these products, young Cambodians must develop an effective e-commerce strategy. The people who make the clay pots will have more jobs if buyers purchase more of them. It will assist in safeguarding Cambodia’s cultural heritage for coming generations.

“Turn, turn, my wheel! Turn round and round / Without a pause, without a sound: / So spins the flying world away! / This clay, well mixed with marl and sand, / Follows the motion of my hand; / For some must follow, and some command, / Though all are made of clay!“
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

August 29, 2022 3 comments

Cambodian Brands Entertainment Stories Unsung Heroes/ Impact

If you are happy and you know it: KlapYaHandZ

by Surya Narayan August 28, 2022

written by Surya Narayan

Music is everywhere in Cambodia, with karaoke bars appearing to be on every street corner, loud melodies filling the air, and speakers blasting songs from every direction. No matter where one is—on a bus, in the street, or having lunch—hear the sound of Cambodian music, with love and modern pop songs being the favorite genre.

Hip-hop gives you energy and happiness.

There are several fast-paced tracks in pop music that promote confidence. Pop music is what you listen to when things are bad. You listen to an upbeat song—most likely a hip-hop tune that is categorized as pop—when you’re down and need to feel better.

Hip-hop is a style of music that is most frequently defined by a powerful, rhythmic beat and a rap vocal track. A cultural exchange between Black, Latino, and Caribbean youth took place in New York City in the 1970s, and as a result, the music evolved and became one of the most popular in the world.

Hip-hop is an energetic way of life. It now goes beyond music into popular culture, with effects visible in numerous aspects around the world.

KlapYaHandZ more than music.

Since 2004, KlapYaHandZ has been reshaping modern music in Cambodia as an independent Hip Hop and Alternative Music brand. It has reintroduced originality and creativity to the Cambodian entertainment and music industry.

Songs like “Kromom 3 Styles” (29 million YouTube views), “Oun Sas Ey” by Vuthea, and their first big hit, “Sday Snae Aphorp” (22 million YouTube views), have helped the group KlapYaHandz gain popularity in Cambodia. Reezy and DJ Chee, two hip-hop artists from KYH, have earned millions of YouTube views from enthusiastic young fans.

Knowing KYH’s history requires understanding Visal’s background, who was raised in France before spending some time in the US and imbibing Western Pop culture. In 1993, Visal came back to Cambodia.

Sok Visal is a music and film producer at KlapYaHandz, 802 Films, and Mekong Movies who doesn’t want to be well-known or caught on camera. With such a passion for this, Visal returned from France and set out on a mission to revitalize the film and music industries in Cambodia.

When Visal began sampling classic Khmer Pop albums and fusing them with Hip Hop beats, KYH is almost entirely recognized as launching the Cambodian Hip Hop movement and creating a new vibe. The initial response from the locals was negative, but later his music began to connect with young artists who saw it as a way to respect the past while creating something new and significant.

“ My most sincere thanks for all your efforts to promote the wonderful Kingdom of Cambodia.
After 10 years living here, I am still discovering some splendid views and remarkable people.
Us, At KlapYaHandz Records, we also try our best to promote the modern as well as traditional musical culture.
We just released a couple of days ago, a clip video that we think is a great tool to promote both Cambodian Culture and Tourism.“
Steven Gargadennec
Managing Partner at Klapyahandz music label and 802 films Prod, freelance photographer

Even if one says the identical thing twice, people will understand it differently based just on the voice inflection and tone. When your experience or the story of another person is told, it makes a significant impact in terms of being heard. KYH is an expert in this.

An enormous number of Cambodian rappers and hip-hop artists have been impacted by KYH music, and many Cambodians living overseas have been inspired to pursue careers in music. To accurately depict their lives in modern Cambodia, KYH urged people to contribute their personal stories, experiences, and goals. This section captures the core of hip-hop, and his label began to flourish as soon as its musicians began expressing their realities over a beat.

SIN Setsochhata, a well-known singer and writer of the team, was featured in the prestigious Rolling Stone Magazine. For the first time that a modern Cambodian artist has achieved it.

The KYH family, which is now a fully functional brand, has introduced extra people and new faces, but it is still committed to reinventing and experimenting creatively with Khmer music and artists, whether in Hip Hop, Reggae, Rock & Roll, Soul, or Funk.

Hip-hop is a major force in the market for many different things when it comes to developing culture. Hip-hop is responsible for many of the reforms and changes that have taken place in recent years.

The brand’s core, hip hop, is still the finest avenue for the upcoming talent to express themselves and draw from the rich culture that is rooted in the persistent spirit of Cambodians.

Through their incredible music, the KlapYaHandZ team has helped the Cambodian people find happiness, peace, and brotherhood. They are also helping to promote Cambodia positively on the international stage.

People in the Hall of Fame tend to clap their hands and say, ‘OK, I’ve done it all,’ but for me, it was a new beginning.
Jimmy CliffFavorite

August 28, 2022 0 comments

History Must Read Stories

The Mediaeval History of Cambodia

by Surya Narayan August 8, 2022

written by Surya Narayan

The mediaeval history of Cambodia starts roughly in the 10th century, when the Khmer Empire had established its strong foothold in Cambodia, and ended in the 19th century, when Vietnamese attacks started happening in Cambodia.

The mediaeval history of Cambodia is mainly split into two parts: Khmer Empire and the Post-Angkor period.

Under the Khmer empire, Cambodia reached its zenith and established its rule in neighbouring countries, including Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, etc.

This was also the period when Hindu culture grew to a great extent and then declined, giving rise to Buddhism in this region. The most important city in this empire was Angkor.

The Khmer Empire was active until the 15th century. After the 15th century, the Khmer empire started to decline. The period from the 15th century to the late 19th century is called the Post-Angkor period.

Many factors, including pressure from neighbouring regions of Ayutthaya, ecological hazards, and cultural breakdown, led to the decline of this empire.

Khmer empire

The Khmer Empire is considered to be the most powerful empire in Cambodia. It was named so because of the Khmer ethnicity of the rulers of this empire.

Its most prosperous region was Angkor. Due to this, the Khmer empire is also called the Angkor empire.

It started in 802 CE under its ruler, Jayavarman II. The empire lasted till 1431 CE. The notable rulers of this empire are Jayavarman II, Yasovarman II, Suryavarman II, Jayavarman VII, and Ponhea Yat.

In his self-proclaimed role as a Chakravartin, he performed coronations in Hindu rituals. He was declared a universal monarch through this ceremony.

Indrapura, which is said to have been located in today’s Kampong Cham, founded by Jayavarman II, was the first capital of the Khmer empire.

After some time, he shifted his capital to Mahendraparvata, which was located in the northwest region of Cambodia.

The most popular religion was Shaivite Hinduism, with small proportions of Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism.

Sanskrit was still the language of the court, and it was mainly used for religious purposes. Khmer was the common language.

In 889, Yasovarman I became king. He founded the city of Yasodharapura, the first city in the Angkor region. The main temple in this city was Phnom Bakheng, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

In 1113, Suryavarman became king. Under his reign, the golden age of the Khmer empire started.

He built the most famous and most important temple in Cambodia, which was the Angkor Wat temple. It was dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

In 1181, Jayavarman VII became king and adopted Buddhism as the core religion of the Khmer. Under his reign, Hinduism started declining and Buddhism gained the majority.

He built many famous Buddhist temples, such as Preah Khan, Banteay Kdei, Neak Pren, etc.

In the 15th century, the Khmer empire declined as a result of the conversion of the masses to Buddhism, which resulted in social and political unrest and also some natural hazards that took place, such as the plague of the 14th century.

Post-Angkor Period

Until the 13th century, Buddhism had become the majority religion in Angkor, and today, it is the state religion of Cambodia.

The Post-Angkor period saw many military invasions from neighbouring kingdoms, which led to the decline of prosperous Angkor City.

The Sukhothai kingdom and the Ayutthaya kingdom of Thailand attacked the city of Angkor in the mid-14th century.

Also, the Chams, or Champas, attacked repeatedly in the region of Angkor.

By the 17th century, Vietnamese kingdoms had also started invading the Khmer empire and conquering the Mekong river.

In 1555, Gaspar Da Cruz, a Portuguese religious preacher, started sending Christian missionaries to Cambodia. It was also the period when Islam was also introduced to Cambodia by Arab merchants.

August 8, 2022 3 comments

Editors Pick History Stories The Better Asia

Nehru was the first head of state to travel to Cambodia after it gained independence.

by Surya Narayan August 8, 2022

written by Surya Narayan

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India, had a close friendship with King Norodom Sihanouk. According to Sihanouk, Nehru was his greatest friend and he considered Nehru as his political mentor.

In reality, Nehru was the first head of state to travel to the Cambodia after it gained independence.

The street known now as Phsar Depo (also known as Nehru Boulevard) carries Jawaharlal Nehru’s name, first Prime minister of India.

A 2000-year-old cultural exchange exists between India and Cambodia. Indian culture and religion have traditionally had a significant impact on South East Asia. The only country where it might still be distinctly recognisable in people’s traditions, practices, and way of life is Cambodia.

Norodom Sihanouk (R) and Jawaharlal Nehru in Phnom Penh in October 1954. Photograph The Phnom Penh Post

Prince Norodom Sihanouk (Left) With Indian Prime Minister,Shri Jawaharlal Nehru (Right),At Delhi Airport,When The Indian Premier Greeted The Prince,Who Is Also Prime Minister Of Cambodia, Arriving On An Official Visit India.4 January 1960

Nehru, had a special affection for King Sihanouk and used to give him advice as a younger brother because of their age gap.

In Bandung, Indonesia, Nehru introduced Zhou Enlai to Prince Sihanouk, kicking off the beginning of another enduring friendship.

Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was smart enough to visit Banteay Srei when it was practically unheard-of back in 1954.

King Norodom Sihanouk was extremely proud of Cambodia and its people, but he also always felt a strong connection to India.

He said, “We (India and Cambodia) are cousins” and “Khmer civilisation is the offspring of India’s civilisation, and we are proud of it,” during his visit in 1955.

Sihanouk accepted historical Indian influence without hesitation, notwithstanding his claims about the greatness of the Khmer civilization.

Indian Prime Minister NEHRU (right) greeting the Cambodian head of state, Prince NORODOM SIHANOUK (leaning, foreground), at Palam airport in New Delhi, India, on January 29, 1963. (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)

Between 1986 and 1993, India restored Angkor Wat at the request of the Cambodian government, in accordance with a bilateral agreement. India was the first country to offer such support after the Khmer Rouge regime was toppled.

The Ministry of External Affairs, India funded project, which had an approximate $4 million cost, was the biggest ever launched by India under its Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program at the time.

As the then-Minister of Culture for Cambodia, Cheng Phon, had elegantly put in 1988, “By restoring Angkor Wat, the Indian team is in fact healing our souls.”

Since 2003, India has been working for the restoration of the Ta Prohm temple.

Sourc: The Phnom Penh Post and Google

August 8, 2022 0 comments

Cambodian Brands Editors Pick Health Must Read Stories Sustainability

IBIS Rice: Cambodia’s 100% organic and sustainable Rice

by Clemy Balasoto August 7, 2022

written by Clemy Balasoto

IBIS Rice initiative improves farm life while protecting wildlife throughout the Kingdom.

The non-profit IBIS Rice Project was started to link livelihoods with wildlife conservation in rural Cambodia and is run in conjunction with the Wildlife Conservation Society Cambodia (WCS Cambodia) and the Ministry of Environment, Cambodia.

The project encourages farmers in protected rural areas of unique biodiversity to abide by conservation agreements by providing a financial incentive. These farmers, who were previously reliant on hunting and trapping protected wildlife along with farming to survive, are paid a premium for their naturally grown (non-chemical) fragrant rice in return for following closely monitored conservation agreements that regulate both hunting and land use.

IBIS Rice has been certified by the Wildlife Friendly Program.

IBIS Rice was launched in 2009 by the Wildlife Conservation Society in Preah Vihear province. Stung Treng, Ratanakkiri, and Mondulkiri are the three more provinces that it has recently expanded to.

This project uses a sustainable supply chain to help conservation, the protection of wildlife, and a decrease in poverty for the communities involved. The Ministry of Environment, Cambodia has given it its full support.

The WCS Cambodia team trains farmers in rice farming methods and gives them specific contracts to guarantee that their rice will be purchased from them.

Before the organization buys their rice, those who accept to carry out this project must also abide by the terms outlined in the contract.

It is prohibited to use any form of chemical pesticides, clear forest areas, cut down trees, hunt or trap wild animals. The organization won’t accept the rice produced if they don’t adhere to the contract precisely.

The rice that the farmers grow is of high quality and is sold for a price that is 50% higher than the market price. This is due to the fact that the people respect the concept of protecting natural resources.

Today, around 1,500 smallholder farmers engaged in the IBIS Rice initiative cultivate rice using practices that are wildlife-friendly.

August 7, 2022 2 comments

Stories Sustainability Sustainability

Eco-Soap Bank: The Organization That Uses Waste Soap to Save Lives

by Surya Narayan August 3, 2022

written by Surya Narayan

Soap is fun; it feels nice and slippery, we can blow bubbles with it and it often smells lovely.

“Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.” That is what the medical professionals have recommended us all to do in order to stop the spread of COVID-19.

This is sensible advice.

Germs can be either good or bad. Good germs live on the skin to keep it healthy. Bad germs – what scientists call “pathogens” – can make us sick.

Soap keeps us healthy because it makes it easy for us to remove germs. Germs are removed from the skin by water after being lifted off by the surfactants in soap.

Soap History

Evidence from an excavation in ancient Babylon indicates that the inhabitants of Babylon began producing soap approximately 2800 B.C. The art of manufacturing soap was first mastered by the Babylonians. They used melted fats and ashes to make soap.

The first people to produce soap were the Babylonians, Mesopotamians, Egyptians, ancient Greeks, and Romans. The first concrete evidence of soap-like substance dates to around 2800 BC. By mixing fat, oils, and salts, they all produced soap.

The cost of soap remained high despite the development of soap-making processes over time. At that time, plant byproducts, animal fats, and vegetable oils were the main ingredients in soap.

The price of soap was significantly reduced in 1791 when a Frenchman by the name of LeBlanc discovered a chemical process that made it possible to sell soap for considerably less money.

For many, soap is still a luxury product.

Those of us who are lucky enough to have access to clean, running water and soap now have a greater respect for them as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

Now, it feels natural for us to wash our hands with soap more frequently. However, millions of families throughout the world continue to be unable to perform this most basic act, risking their lives as a result.

Three billion people do not now have access to soap, water, and basic hygiene facilities. Hand hygiene facilities are missing in one out of every three healthcare facilities worldwide.

Eco-Soap Bank: Educating children, saving lives, and reducing waste.

Have you ever wondered what happens to the soap bars left in a hotel room after you check out? We usually believe that the wrapped bars were left for the next visitor while the open bars were sent to the landfill.

That’s not always the case, though, and in a culture where recycling is trying to take the place of waste, that’s a positive thing!

It is also true that every day, millions of bars of hotel soap and soap factories that haven’t quite been used are disposed of in the trash and eventually end up in landfills.

However, an NGO called Eco-Soap Bank is trying to change this by collecting and recycling soap from partnering businesses and giving it to families and kids in Cambodia and other countries.

In order to educate people about the need for hand hygiene in rural regions, the Eco Soap Bank (ESB), which began in Siem Reap before expanding to 11 nations, has been giving recycled soap to needy kids.

How it started?

The organization was founded by Samir Lakhani, who first came to the Kingdom in 2014 as a volunteer and was inspired to launch the program after seeing a mother wash her child with laundry detergent.

Samir “was stunned when he saw the scene” and when he arrived back at the hotel where he was staying, he observed room staff discarding partially used soap bars.

He developed the concept of collecting used soap for reuse based on the incidents he witnessed and he founded Eco-Soap Bank.

Eco-Soap Bank is a humanitarian and environmental non-profit organization working to save, sanitize, and supply leftover soap from manufacturers for the developing world.

How does Eco-Soap Bank engage with the community?

Since 2014, ESB has donated about 125 tons of soap. 600,000 soap bars have been distributed to children in Cambodia and 1.1 million kids worldwide.

Overall, ESB’s mission is divided into two parts. First, to collect and recycle the soap that is often discarded by the hospitality industry and other industries that generate environmental waste.

Then, the distribution of these to those in need and the reduction of illnesses associated with poor cleanliness and promoting healthy childhood development.

Primary school enrollment is as low as 4% among the poorest people in developing nations. Eco-Soap Bank wants to reduce the number of children who skip school because of illness so that their education can continue without interruption. To do this, Eco-Soap Bank is providing soap in both the home and school bathrooms.

ESB produces soaps in the shapes of butterflies, dolphins, and other creatures in an effort to catch the attention of kids. Additionally, it educated students in 25 different countries and created curriculum for teachers on the importance of handwashing and the advantages of soaps.

Empowering women and local community.

Johan Botha, Director of Eco-Soap Bank Cambodia said,

“When people use recycled soap, they will become more concerned about their local environment, which will help to improve the environment on our world. For this reason, we aim to promote increased production and usage of recycled soap”

Eco Soap Bank employs a total of 30 people in Siem Reap and out of them, 18 are soap makers. Interestingly, most of them are women. To help the local community, ESB also collects discarded boxes, newspapers, and clothes from locals, hotels, and stores to use for soap packaging.

Additionally, ESB is registered as an organization in the United States. Laos, Nepal, Bangladesh, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Lebanon, Fiji, Ghana, and India are among the 11 countries where the NGO is active.

For his exceptional work towards society, Samir Lakhani, the founder, was honored with a 2017 CNN Heroes Award.

So, a huge THANK YOU to Eco Soap Bank, who is contributing to the fight against diseases and spreading hygiene awareness among children and families.

If you’re interested in soap supplies for WASH programs or schools, get in touch with ESB or send an E Mail : contact@ecosoapbank.org

August 3, 2022 0 comments

Business Invest In Cambodia Stories Success Stories Tour Guides Unsung Heroes/ Impact Visit Cambodia

The Power Of Kim: Transforming The World While Driving A Tuk-Tuk

by Surya Narayan July 31, 2022

written by Surya Narayan

It can be very difficult to go more than a few feet in Southeast Asia’s busiest tourist areas without being stopped by a driver who offers to take you where you’re going.

Tuk-tuks are without a doubt the most well-known of the region’s many unique types of transportation.

Tuk Tuks, the Khmer version of remorks, are common on the streets of the country’s major cities in Cambodia.

The remork, which is a real four-wheeled trailer pulled by a motorbike or motorcycle, resembles a luxury car more than its well-known counterpart, which is a three-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle’s seats are quite soft and cozy. All the Khmer tuk-tuks have something in common: they are commonly driven by men.

The city of Siem Reap in northern Cambodia is home to the magnificent Angkor Temples and is home to the majority of tuk-tuks in the entire country.

Kim Sokleang is considered as Cambodia’s first ever female Tuk Tuk driver.

I had the wonderful pleasure to meet Kim, who is thought to be the first female Tuk-Tuk driver in Cambodia. She is a strong, positive and self-made woman who inspires a lot of other people.

Kim is from a rural village like many Cambodians. She was raised in the central province of Kampong Cham, which is 350 kilometers from Siem Reap.

Kim had an abusive relationship, and when she decided to separate from her husband, she did not have anything to support her life. She had to raise two children.

Despite doing a variety of odd jobs, she was unable to provide for her family. With great bravery and effort, Kim decided to become the first female Tuk Tuk driver in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, in an industry that is still heavily dominated by men. She made the decision to get a driver’s license and buy a motorcycle and a remork.

Kim proudly says, “Having my own transportation, I was able to take my sons to school and to move wherever I required.” But in Phnom Penh, things did not go as planned. The city was not at all the popular tourist destination but, it is today, and the Cambodian people who used the tuk-tuks saw it merely as a man work.

She traveled to Siem Reap in 2014 with only 10000 riel in her pocket and decided to start a new life here.

Her friends helped her to buy a Tuk Tuk. A Canadian couple helped her by developing a website for her. Since then, she has started enjoying her job and living a happy life.

Kim works from sunrise to late at night. It shows that Cambodia is safe for women.

Kim, the Entrepreneur

“Siem Reap Tourist Remorque Driver Asscociation,” formed by Kim, now employs mostly female tuk-tuk drivers and intends to grow that number.

Sring Meng, one of the female Tuk Tuk drivers who works with the association, says she used to be a cloth seller before but Kim inspired her to be a Tuk Tuk driver, and now she is able to earn more under Kim’s guidance and she is happy.

Kim gave me a Krama as appreciation for highlighting Cambodia’s positive aspects. This is the first present I’ve received for showcasing the positive side of Cambodia, and I’m pleased with it.

Kim’s contact details:

Mobile: +855 96 6282 557

E mail: tuktukladyinsiemreap@gmail.com

Website: www.tuktuklady.com

July 31, 2022 0 comments

Stories Success Stories Unsung Heroes/ Impact

First all-female demining crew in Cambodia broke down barriers to carry out a mission.

by Surya Narayan July 29, 2022

written by Surya Narayan

Dozens of young women work daily in eastern Cambodia to clear away some of the remnants left behind from the Vietnam War, including millions of unexploded ordnances (UXO).

In 2017 Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) employed the only all-female survey teams in Cambodia to search the eastern Ratanakiri area for the remains of the bombs as part of an international cleanup effort.

UXO still have an effect on Cambodians since 30% of them left scattered over the countryside. Among the millions of bombs dropped on Cambodia, cluster bombs are among the most hazardous and problematic since each one each one released 600 “bombies,” or smaller submunitions making the cleanup work much more challenging.

Although less unstable than landmines, UXO can still result in fatalities or serious injuries, especially when struck by a plow or hoe.

In an effort to speed Cambodia’s elimination of all landmines by 2025, the government has also launched a fundraising campaign.

Tycoons, officials, and artists have all contributed to the project’s funding, which totals roughly $13.50 million so far.

In appreciation for the initiative to raise funds for demining efforts, Heng Ratana, Director-General of the Cambodian Mines Centre (CMAC), praised Mr. Hun Sen.

“Prime Minister Hun Sen has saved the nation, ended the war, continues to assist in easing the suffering of the people, and strives to release the Cambodian people from the threat of war since 1979,” he said.

Recently, Cambodia and Norway have reiterated their shared commitment to bilateral and multilateral cooperation, particularly in the field of mine clearance.

April 26, 2017 – Banlung (Cambodia). Team leader Phorn Chan cracks a joke with the rest of the team at NPA’s headquarters. © Thomas Cristofoletti / Ruom

Heng Ratana, the director general of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), and Rune Kristian Dale Anderson, the head of Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) in Cambodia, recently met at the CMAC’s offices in Phnom Penh to reconfirm their commitment.

The official statement of the two sides’ continuous collaboration to eliminate mines from the Cambodian-Thai border and mine-free some Cambodian districts by 2022 was also welcomed.

Source:Thomas Cristofoletti

July 29, 2022 0 comments

Stories Unsung Heroes/ Impact

Do you recall the multilingual Cambodian boy?

by Clemy Balasoto July 25, 2022

written by Clemy Balasoto

Who can forget the young Cambodian 14years old, Thaksin, a souvenir seller in Ta Phrom, who became a social media sensation in 2018 due to his remarkable linguistic prowess?

In a 3-minute conversation, Thaksin shows off his ability in selling souvenir in 9 different languages including Japanese, Cantonese, Mandarin, French, Bahasa Melayu, English, Filipino, Spanish, and German. He reportedly speaks 15 different languages while his brother Tol Thitya can speak 11 languages.

Thaksin receives support, compliments, and admiration for making a living at such a young age.

The Cambodian Red Cross Society provided the family with financial aid and food items and also supported them to continue schooling. On the other hand, in a media interview, a producer of a Chinese television station also provided Thaksin a chance to sing.

The video was captured by Venus GWC, a tourist from Penang, Malaysia, while Thaksin was trying to sell souvenirs to her, and from that day, Thaksin’s life has changed.

July 25, 2022 0 comments

Newer Posts

Older Posts

Stories

Do you know? There are 19 indigenous languages in Cambodia.

Pottery making: Cambodia’s oldest and most living craft tradition.

If you are happy and you know it: KlapYaHandZ

The Mediaeval History of Cambodia

Khmer empire

Post-Angkor Period

Nehru was the first head of state to travel to Cambodia after it gained independence.

IBIS Rice: Cambodia’s 100% organic and sustainable Rice

IBIS Rice initiative improves farm life while protecting wildlife throughout the Kingdom.

Eco-Soap Bank: The Organization That Uses Waste Soap to Save Lives

Soap History

For many, soap is still a luxury product.

Eco-Soap Bank: Educating children, saving lives, and reducing waste.

How it started?

How does Eco-Soap Bank engage with the community?

Empowering women and local community.

The Power Of Kim: Transforming The World While Driving A Tuk-Tuk

Kim Sokleang is considered as Cambodia’s first ever female Tuk Tuk driver.

Kim, the Entrepreneur

Kim’s contact details:

First all-female demining crew in Cambodia broke down barriers to carry out a mission.

Do you recall the multilingual Cambodian boy?

The Better Cambodia

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