• My Saves
  • My Feed
  • My Interests
  • Governing Body
  • From The Founder's Desk
  • Contact Us
The Better Cambodia
  • News
    NewsShow More
    Wing Bank Names La Cima Cartel as New Brand Ambassador – A Celebration of Khmer Spirit and Innovation
    Wing Bank Names La Cima Cartel as New Brand Ambassador – A Celebration of Khmer Spirit and Innovation

    Wing Bank, Cambodia’s leading digital bank, proudly announced its new brand ambassador—La Cima…

    By
    TBC
    MISTI Launches Training on Public Procurement to Enhance Efficiency and Accountability
    MISTI Launches Training on Public Procurement to Enhance Efficiency and Accountability

    The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) has launched a…

    By
    TBC
    Wing Bank Achieves PCI DSS v4.0.1 Certification
    Wing Bank Achieves PCI DSS v4.0.1 Certification

    Certification Upgrade Underscores Wing Bank’s Ongoing Leadership in Customer Data Protection Since…

    By
    TBC
    Cambodia and Vietravel Airlines Boost Cross-Border Tourism Cooperation
    Cambodia and Vietravel Airlines Boost Cross-Border Tourism Cooperation

    Ho Chi Minh City – Vietravel Airlines has pledged to deepen its…

    By
    TBC
    Cambodian Cashews Enter Japan’s Market Through Mirarth Partnership
    Cambodian Cashews Enter Japan’s Market Through Mirarth Partnership

    Cambodia is poised to capture a greater share of Japan’s cashew nut…

    By
    TBC
  • Editors Pick
    Editors PickShow More
    Cambodia’s Law on Stripping Citizenship for Treason in a Global Context

    Al Jazeera's report about Cambodia's new citizenship law made it sound like…

    By
    Surya Narayan
    The Human Cost of the Cambodia Thailand War
    The Human Cost of the Cambodia Thailand War

    By Surya NarayanSpecial Editorial | August 30, 2025 In Preah Vihear province,…

    By
    Surya Narayan
    Cambodia and Thailand are at the Crossroads of Peace and Sovereignty.
    Cambodia and Thailand are at the Crossroads of Peace and Sovereignty

    By Surya NarayanSpecial Editorial | August 30, 2025 Witnessing the Struggles of…

    By
    Surya Narayan
    SEVA Cambodia: Nurturing Growth, Knowledge, and Community

    In Cambodia, an inspiring initiative is transforming the way schools and communities…

    By
    Surya Narayan
    Cambodia and Thailand Reach Unconditional Ceasefire, Effective Midnight July 28
    Cambodia and Thailand agree to an unconditional ceasefire, which gives people in the area hope for peace and stability.

    The tense and possibly deadly war along the Cambodia–Thailand border seems to…

    By
    Surya Narayan
  • Stories
    StoriesShow More
    The Timeless Tale of Vorvong and Sorvong: A Glimpse into Khmer Folklore

    The epic Khmer folklore of Vorvong and Sorvong stands out, weaving a…

    By
    Surya Narayan
    Empowering Cambodian Youth: Anjali House’s Mission to Shape Futures

    In the heart of Siem Reap, Anjali House, a community learning center…

    By
    Nadalena DeJulio
    Life’s Journey: A Bike Ride Around Tonle Sap Lake

    In a remarkable display of strength and determination, Pheak Keo embarked on…

    By
    Surya Narayan
    Phare Creative Studio: 15 Years of Cambodian Creations for Social Good

    Phare Creative Studio (PCS) is a social business that has been operating…

    By
    Surya Narayan
    Dieng Dorm: The Muffin Man of Siem Reap

    Have you ever heard of the Muffin Man, SiemReap? He lives in…

    By
    Pisey Roeurm
  • Business
    BusinessShow More
    Cambodia’s Customs – The Gateway to Trade and Opportunity

    Cambodia’s economic story is one of resilience, reform, and ambition. While many…

    By
    Surya Narayan
    True North Lean: Transforming Pharma’s Workflow for Speed, Quality, and Value

    The pharmaceutical industry is at a critical juncture. Scientific advances in biology,…

    By
    Surya Narayan
    Cambodia Powers Ahead with Nearly 6% Growth in First Half of 2025
    Cambodia Powers Ahead with Nearly 6% Growth in First Half of 2025

    Despite a turbulent global environment marked by trade protectionism, armed conflicts, and…

    By
    TBC
    Minebea Mitsumi Expands Operations in Cambodia with MISTI Support
    Minebea Mitsumi Expands Operations in Cambodia with MISTI Support

    Phnom Penh, August 14 — H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science,…

    By
    TBC
    US-Based Argentem Creek and Salmon Group Eye Cambodia’s Booming Fintech Sector
    US-Based Argentem Creek and Salmon Group Eye Cambodia’s Booming Fintech Sector

    Phnom Penh, August 6, 2025 — Cambodia’s fast-moving fintech landscape has caught…

    By
    TBC
  • Opinion Piece
    Opinion PieceShow More
    Wastewater Treatment – The Lifeline of Sustainable Development

    In the 21st century, the world faces a paradox. While more than…

    By
    Jas Sohl
    Cambodia’s Automotive Rise: A New Chapter in Industrial Transformation

    Over the past few decades, Cambodia has undergone a remarkable transition from…

    By
    Jas Sohl
    How Cambodian Entrepreneurs Can Successfully Set Up a Business in the United Kingdom, A Strategic Guide to Growth and Bilateral Benefits

    The United Kingdom continues to be a global leader in business, innovation,…

    By
    Jas Sohl
    Cambodia’s Trade Framework: A Gateway to Global Markets

    Over the past two decades, Cambodia has methodically established a robust regulatory…

    By
    Jas Sohl
    Cambodia’s Cashew Industry, A Future of Growth and Prosperity

    Cambodia’s agricultural sector is experiencing a strong rise in cashew production, making…

    By
    Jas Sohl
  • Press Release
    Press ReleaseShow More
    Wing Bank Names La Cima Cartel as New Brand Ambassador – A Celebration of Khmer Spirit and Innovation
    Wing Bank Names La Cima Cartel as New Brand Ambassador – A Celebration of Khmer Spirit and Innovation

    Wing Bank, Cambodia’s leading digital bank, proudly announced its new brand ambassador—La Cima…

    By
    TBC
    Wing Bank Achieves PCI DSS v4.0.1 Certification
    Wing Bank Achieves PCI DSS v4.0.1 Certification

    Certification Upgrade Underscores Wing Bank’s Ongoing Leadership in Customer Data Protection Since…

    By
    TBC
    Within One Month Alone, Wing Bank, Royal Group, and Khmer Artist Association Delivered Vital Aid to Over 2,000 Families Affected by Border Conflict
    Within One Month Alone, Wing Bank, Royal Group, and Khmer Artist Association Delivered Vital Aid to Over 2,000 Families Affected by Border Conflict

    In a powerful demonstration of solidarity and compassion, Wing Bank, the Royal…

    By
    TBC
    Wing Bank and Members of Royal Group of Companies Deliver Relief to Soldiers and Displaced Families in Siem Reap
    Wing Bank and Members of Royal Group of Companies Deliver Relief to Soldiers and Displaced Families in Siem Reap

    Wing Bank has waived nearly USD 50,000 in loans for injured soldiers

    By
    TBC
    Wingmall Drops Fees, Empowers Local Shoppers and Sellers
    Wingmall Drops Fees, Empowers Local Shoppers and Sellers

    Wingmall, Cambodia’s homegrown e-commerce platform, has launched a new national campaign focused…

    By
    TBC
  • Visit Cambodia
    Visit CambodiaShow More
    India and Cambodia Sign Fifth MoU on Sanskrit and Buddhist Studies
    India and Cambodia Sign Fifth MoU on Sanskrit and Buddhist Studies

    PHNOM PENH — India and Cambodia have further strengthened their cultural and…

    By
    TBC
    Cambodian Bakers Dominate New Zealand’s Pie Scene
    Cambodian Bakers Dominate New Zealand’s Pie Scene

    Dominating New Zealand’s Pie Awards At the 2025 Bakels New Zealand Supreme…

    By
    TBC
    How to Read Khmer | A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide with Examples
    How to Read Khmer | A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide with Examples

    The Khmer script, used to write the Cambodian language, is one of…

    By
    TBC
    Khmer Ancestral Cakes | Traditional Cambodian Sweets for Festivals and Spiritual Celebrations
    Khmer Ancestral Cakes | Traditional Cambodian Sweets for Festivals and Spiritual Celebrations

    Khmer ancestral cakes are an integral part of Cambodia’s spiritual and cultural…

    By
    TBC
    Khmer Weddings Explained | Traditions, Rituals, and Their Meanings
    Khmer Weddings Explained | Traditions, Rituals, and Their Meanings

    A traditional Khmer wedding is much more than a personal celebration; it…

    By
    TBC
  • History
    HistoryShow More
    Srutavarman: The Legendary First King of Chenla

    Srutavarman (Old Khmer: ឝ្រុតវម៌្ម; Khmer: ស្រុតវរ្ម័ន, Shrutavarman) is remembered in Cambodian tradition…

    By
    Surya Narayan
    The Rise of Yasodharapura and the Flourishing of Early Angkor Civilization

    The Khmer Empire, one of Southeast Asia’s most powerful and artistically influential…

    By
    Surya Narayan
    Timeline of Life in Cambodia | From Permian Seas to Dinosaurs
    Timeline of Life in Cambodia | From Permian Seas to Dinosaurs

    When most people think of Cambodia, their mind jumps to Angkor Wat…

    By
    TBC
    Jayavarman II: Founder of the Khmer Empire and Architect of Angkor’s Rise

    Jayavarman II (c. 770–850 CE) is revered as the founder of the…

    By
    Surya Narayan
    Jayarajadevi: The Compassionate Queen Who Helped Shape the Khmer Empire’s Golden Age

    Queen Jayarajadevi, the first consort of the great Khmer ruler Jayavarman VII,…

    By
    Surya Narayan
  • 🔥
  • Invest In Cambodia
  • Unsung Heroes/ Impact
  • The Better Asia
  • Agriculture
  • Technology
  • Places to Visit
  • Sustainability
Font ResizerAa
The Better CambodiaThe Better Cambodia
Search
  • Home
  • Stories
  • News
  • Startups
  • Cambodian Brands
  • Unsung Heroes/ Impact
  • Sustainability
  • Artisans of Cambodia
  • Invest In Cambodia
  • Guests Posts
  • The Better Asia
  • Governing Body
  • From The Founder’s Desk
  • Contact us
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • My Saves
  • My Interests
  • My Feed
© 2025 TBC Media. All Rights Reserved.
The Better Cambodia > Blog > Editorial > Editors Pick > Try to be master of your strength rather than focusing on the unseen.
Editors PickStoriesUnsung Heroes/ Impact

Try to be master of your strength rather than focusing on the unseen.

Surya Narayan
Last updated: September 22, 2022 1:02 am
Surya Narayan
301 Views
Share
3 Min Read
SHARE

How Krom Ngoy outsmarted Phirum Yu with a clever response!

There was a story that when Krom Ngoy traveled via Battambang to return to Cambodia, he met Phirum Yu, a talented poet and language master. Phirum Yu asked Krom Ngoy to participate in a competition because he had heard that Krom Ngoy was a great poet and singer.

Where is Meru Mountain? Pirum Yu asks Krom Ngoy in the song. What location is it in? What is the height? What’s the distance from here? “If you are so curious like this, do you want me to tell you the truth or do you want me to lie,” Krom Ngoy replied. 

Phirum Yu responded, “I asked in a bona fide manner; so, you must answer in a bona fide manner.” When Phirun Yu asked how big, how tall, and how far Meru Mountain was from Battambang, Krom Ngoy said that if he didn’t believe him, he should go see it for himself.

Phirum Yu replied that he agreed with what Krom Ngoy had just told him. In response, Krom Ngoy questioned Phirum Yu, “How far is Battambang Market from Phnom Penh by road? And how many kilometers, if one takes the Tonle Sap River route? Phirum Yu couldn’t respond.

- Advertisement -

Later on, Krom Ngoy sang, “A place and a country where you used to live, you cannot answer me,” and targeted sarcastic comments at Phirum Yu. You also asked me a question about a location I had never gone to. Even if I lied to you, you wouldn’t know if I lied or not.”

The criticism and sarcasm from Krom Ngoy towards Phirum Yu continued until he left the stage in shame. The poetic discussions were well received by the audience, who also applauded Krom Ngoy when Phirum Yu left the stage. The winning prizes—a white horse and 400 riels in cash—were given to Krom Ngoy by the governor of Battambang (a huge sum at that time).

Since then, a lot of prose singers have been hesitant to compete against him. The only person who could match his poetic ability was Sann, the village chief of Pleung Chhess Rotess commune in the Phnom Penh district, who was also his close friend and regular duet partner. 

Everywhere these two performed, a large audience of spectators traveled from near and far to hear them sing.

Source: A Biography of Krom Ngoy, the Father of Khmer Poetry: http://khmerization.blogspot.com

TAGGED:Cambodia

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up for The Better Cambodia's newsletter to receive the latest articles and stories. Stay informed and inspired with our positive content!

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any buzzstream.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Telegram Email Copy Link Print
BySurya Narayan
Follow:
Founder at The Better Cambodia | Communication Advisor to the Minister attached to the Prime Minister of Cambodia | Marketing Director at True North Lean
Previous Article In October, Siem Reap will unveil a new $70 million tourism product.
Next Article Warm welcome for the PM in New York
1 Comment
  • Solomon Czyz says:
    May 9, 2023 at 2:35 pm

    Greetings from Colorado! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to check out your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I love the information you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m surprised at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, awesome site!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

- Advertisement -

You Might Also Like

EntertainmentUnsung Heroes/ Impact

Laura Mam: The Cambodian-American Trailblazer Pioneering Original Music and Empowering Artists

By
Surya Narayan
Editors PickInvest In CambodiaThe Better AsiaVisit Cambodia

How do you promote a country?

By
Surya Narayan
CambodiaEditors PickHealthSustainabilityThe Better Asia

The Survival of Traditional Khmer Medicine in the Modern World

By
Surya Narayan
Unsung Heroes/ Impact

Dara Dy Saveth: The First Miss Cambodia Winner

By
Surya Narayan
© 2025 TBC Media. All Rights Reserved.
  • Home
  • News
  • About Cambodia
    • Provinces of Cambodia
  • Tours
  • Things to Do
    • Adventure
    • Events
    • Festivals
    • Fun & Games
    • Landmarks
    • Markets
    • Museums
    • Parks
    • Shopping
    • Shows
    • Temples
    • Villages
    • Water Fun
    • Wildlife
    • Workshops
    • Zoos & Aquariums
  • Eat & Drink
    • Khmer Cuisine
    • Bars & Pubs
    • Cafés & Bakeries
    • Fine Dining
    • Street Food
  • Natural Attractions
    • Beaches
    • Botanical Sites
    • Caves
    • Cliffs & Rock Formations
    • Coral Reefs
    • Forests
    • Hot Springs
    • Islands
    • Lakes
    • Mountains
    • Parks
    • Rivers
    • Scenic Spots
    • Waterfalls
    • Wetlands
    • Wildlife Areas
  • Services
  • Travel Guide
  • Stays
    • Boutique Stays
    • Eco Lodges
    • Guesthouses
    • Homestays
    • Hotels
    • Resorts
No thanks.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

Not a member? Sign Up