Success stories and the Cambodians making a difference. · 116 articles
In the rich tapestry of Cambodian cultural history, few figures shine as brightly — or as poignantly — as Kong Nay. Born into a world of music and shaped by a life of extraordinary resilience, Kong Nay became the undisputed master of the Chapei Dang Veng, Cambodia’s ancient long-necked lute, earning the title the “Ray Charles of Cambodia.” He…
Eyes fixed on her carving of Angkor Wat, Sarin handles her tools with quiet precision. A brief, confident stroke and the wood yields, cut cleanly and evenly. In Cambodia, craftsmanship is carefully studied, preserved, and passed down. It carries the cultural identity of the Kingdom, inherited from its imperial era, with Siem Reap as its capital. After the civil…
Dr. Haing S. Ngor is one of the most extraordinary people Cambodia has ever produced. A surgeon who survived three Khmer Rouge prison camps, he went on to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor — with no acting experience whatsoever — becoming the first Asian actor to win an Oscar on a debut performance.…
Cambodia’s landscapes stretch from the rich ecosystems of the Tonlé waterways to the forested highlands. These living environments support biodiversity, local communities, and sustainable tourism while reflecting the country’s unique natural heritage.
Phnom Penh – Around Orussey Market, tailors bloom on every street corner. Walking through the streets of Phnom Penh, one thing quickly strikes you: most trades tend to cluster in specialized neighborhoods. Alleys of sportswear shops, market corners dedicated to clothing, or streets where scooter sellers line up one after another. This concentration is not accidental, especially in the case…
Every corner of Phnom Penh is steeped in stories. They hide in the curves of its streets, in the old façades of its restaurants, and in the smiles of those who live there. Personal stories that sometimes become part of history. We had the opportunity to meet Vannak, who, through his profession, happens to be…
There are voices that fade with time, and then there are voices that defy it. One such unforgettable voice is that of Pen Ran—Cambodia’s daring, dazzling songstress whose music still pulses with energy decades after her tragic disappearance. Born around 1944 in Battambang, Pen Ran (often spelled Pan Ron) came of age during a vibrant…
Published in April 2024, originally authored by Doug Johnson in the Khmer TimesAdapted for The Better Cambodia In Cambodia’s long battle against malaria, one man’s lifelong dedication has left an indelible mark—Yeang Chheang. For more than seventy years, he worked tirelessly behind the scenes, driven not by accolades but by a deep commitment to saving…
Originally reported by The Phnom Penh Post. Adapted for The Better Cambodia. In a landmark moment for Cambodia and women around the world, Lieutenant Colonel Sorm Leangy has made history as the nation’s first female unit commander deployed to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. At just 33 years old, her journey from a…
Leng Dei is a surreal, quaint, green spot in the heart of the bustling Phnom Penh. It offers the urban inhabitants of the city a refreshing change by drawing them close to nature. I had the wonderful opportunity of attending one of their fantastic workshops on a bright Saturday morning. This place was recommended by…
In a historic achievement, Stephen Dariddh Nall has become the first Cambodian cadet to graduate from the esteemed Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) in the United Kingdom. After completing a rigorous 44-week training course, Nall not only received the prestigious “Sandhurst Medal,” adorned with the cypher of the newly-crowned UK King Charles III but also…
In the Svay Leu district of Siem Reap, a young Cambodian named KimChang is cultivating a thriving chili farm. What started as a small-scale enterprise has now evolved into a global project, as Kim successfully exports his top-quality chilies to markets in Korea and Malaysia. Beyond mere farming, Kim’s journey exemplifies the incredible potential of…
In the heart of Long Beach, a city pulsating with diverse stories and cultures, Tidawhitney Lek, a gifted painter born and raised in this vibrant community, is capturing the surrealism of the Cambodian American experience with an unparalleled artistic flair. Through her unique use of double exposure, Lek weaves a visual tapestry that transcends time,…
