By Soy Sophea
Switzerland has provided one million Swiss Francs (US $1.15 million) in aid for repairs to Banteay Srei temple in Siem Reap province. A signing agreement was held on January 26, in Phnom Penh, signed by Sun Saphoeung, Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Swiss Ambassador to Cambodia Rodolphe S. Imhoof.
The agreement between Switzerland’s Banteay Srei Temple Maintenance Team and Cambodia’s Apsara Authorities will help in the development of international cooperation a Foreign Ministry official said, adding that the Swiss side is responsible for preparation, implementation and financing the project.
Samraing Kamsan, Under Secretary of State and Representative of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, welcomed the Swiss fund as the ancient temple as a crucial component of Cambodian culture.
“Cooperation between the two nations assures the conservation of the temple,” Kamsan said during an interview with the Cambodia Weekly January 28. “I believe the Swiss government will consider providing more aid to the Kingdom of Cambodia,” he added.
Romana Redeschi, Project Manager and architect of the Banteay Srei Conservation Project, said that the fund will support the project for one year starting from March 2008, aiming for completion in February 2009.
She said that this project was a continuation of another started in 2002 and will safeguard and add to the convenience of tourists. There will be a car park and commercial stands which should help ensure the sustainability of the project.
“I do not know whether the funds will continue or not,” she told the Cambodia Weekly by telephone.
The Banteay Srei Conservation Project involves architects, engineers and archaeologists, specialists and students. They are continuously trained in the methods and techniques of monumental conservation within the context of an SDC – APSARA collaboration. Further more, they take advantage of the expertise that UNESCO provides at its annual ICC conference, according to the Apsara Authority website.
The website said that there are two main phases to the conservation project: diagnosis and restoration. During the first phase, architectural and archaeological studies were conducted inside the monument and around its perimeter for to assess the site as a whole. The comparative analysis of the surveys carried out on different levels and scales and the progressive interpretation of the disorders will allow for the diagnosis to be completed and for a detailed restoration program to be established appropriate to the site.
This diagnosis revealed the extent of the damage to the structures and the importance of environmental issues. Subsequent analysis produced four main categories of architectural disorders. Category 1 refers to structural disorders caused by the effects of water and the weakness of the foundation. Category 2 refers to structural and accidental disorders caused by surrounding trees. Category 3 refers to degradation of the stone due to the effects of water and micro fauna and flora. Category 4 refers to damage caused by human influence (looting, mechanical stress, and so on).
During the Cambodia Development Cooperation Forum held in Phnom Penh in late 2008, Switzerland had pledged to provide 7,498,750 US dollars in aid for national development in Cambodia from 2009 to 2011.
In February 2007, Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey visited Cambodia and pledged to help Cambodia in welfare and cultural matters. Calmy-Rey, who is also Swiss Foreign Minister, visited the Swiss-funded restoration works at the Banteay Srei temple of the Angkor Wat complex in the north of the country. There she saw children’s hospitals set up by Swiss doctor Beat Richner during the visit, which coincided with the 50th Anniversary of diplomatic relations first being established between the two nations.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Good Qualifications and High Pay go Hand-in-Hand
By Soy Sophea
It took 29-year-old Te Sok Sreng upwards of eight years to complete his Master’s in Business Law and earn his Doctorate in International development. His dream of postgraduate study was formed as he studied at primary schools in Cambodia. Then news of his scholarship to study in Japan arrived on his doorstep.
Sok Sreng, who studied at the Yokohama National University in a scholarship of Monbusho from 2001 to 2008, realized that his current employability was a result of the knowledge and experience he gained abroad.
He is now employed as a Reserve Civil Servant with the Department of Economic Development, Investment Affairs and International Relations at the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning & Construction (MoLMUPC). He arrived at the department in September 2008 and will become a fully fledged Civil Servant after one years’ probationary service.
He said that he has found the right professional position working as a civil servant and is able to apply theory to the practice of national development and law. Here, he has found the right match between his qualifications and the requirements made of him, but he is aware that he could out his skills to even greater use.
Sok Sreng, who was recently elected as Vice President of Japan Alumni Association in Cambodia, said that he wants to share his knowledge which he gained from Japan.
Based on his experience, he has developed a full appreciation for the life of an academician, and finds that the knowledge he had gained is of great practical value. He is now in a position to share this information with the rest of the nation as it follows the path of development.
Sok Sreng, who is also a close secretary to a Secretary of State of MoLMUPC, has never thought to enter business for himself; his thoughts have centered on bringing benefits to his own country, formed in the light of his international experience. His position in the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning & Construction is a stepping stone towards work for the community. However, he refused to reveal the limits of his ambitions.
“Other scholars want to use their qualifications to open a profitable business for themselves. I think differently. I am on constant lookout for ideas that will help the nation develop,” he told the Cambodia Weekly during a personal interview.
Nhean Tola, who recently graduated with a Master’s Decree from Japan in International Business, said that Sreng is an active student, one with reserves of friendliness and patience. Tola, who has known Sreng for the last ten years, said his friend’s intention is to work with the government ministry as a preliminary to a leadership role in the Cambodian Community.
Tola said that Sok Sreng will reach his goal one day, but he will need time to practice his social skills. He is a program officer at Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Cambodia.
“I wish him all the success in the world in his plans to gain promotion with the government. He is the most patient and hardworking person I have ever met and I am honoured to call him a friend,” he said.
Fresh graduates from an internationally-recognized educational institute tend to find well paid work in a short space of time. However, Tola noted that not everybody is willing or able to put in the many hours of hard work to gain the qualifications. But the rewards can be compelling, with private companies and NGOs all offering attractive salaries.
“Even though Cambodian Scholarship students have little option but to start from scratch, we always catch up with other students from different countries,” he said. “We seldom see any Cambodian scholarship students return To Cambodia empty handed.”
“I want the Cambodian government to identify Cambodian students who have studied abroad and offer them priority packages for work in government offices,” Sok Sreng said. “If our government does so Cambodia will be soon progress with the infusion of fresh talent and new ideas.”
Sok Sreng said that he welcomes all who want to apply for a Japanese study scholarship. He can be contacted at 012 867 557 or via email, tesoksreng@yahoo.com.
It took 29-year-old Te Sok Sreng upwards of eight years to complete his Master’s in Business Law and earn his Doctorate in International development. His dream of postgraduate study was formed as he studied at primary schools in Cambodia. Then news of his scholarship to study in Japan arrived on his doorstep.
Sok Sreng, who studied at the Yokohama National University in a scholarship of Monbusho from 2001 to 2008, realized that his current employability was a result of the knowledge and experience he gained abroad.
He is now employed as a Reserve Civil Servant with the Department of Economic Development, Investment Affairs and International Relations at the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning & Construction (MoLMUPC). He arrived at the department in September 2008 and will become a fully fledged Civil Servant after one years’ probationary service.
He said that he has found the right professional position working as a civil servant and is able to apply theory to the practice of national development and law. Here, he has found the right match between his qualifications and the requirements made of him, but he is aware that he could out his skills to even greater use.
Sok Sreng, who was recently elected as Vice President of Japan Alumni Association in Cambodia, said that he wants to share his knowledge which he gained from Japan.
Based on his experience, he has developed a full appreciation for the life of an academician, and finds that the knowledge he had gained is of great practical value. He is now in a position to share this information with the rest of the nation as it follows the path of development.
Sok Sreng, who is also a close secretary to a Secretary of State of MoLMUPC, has never thought to enter business for himself; his thoughts have centered on bringing benefits to his own country, formed in the light of his international experience. His position in the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning & Construction is a stepping stone towards work for the community. However, he refused to reveal the limits of his ambitions.
“Other scholars want to use their qualifications to open a profitable business for themselves. I think differently. I am on constant lookout for ideas that will help the nation develop,” he told the Cambodia Weekly during a personal interview.
Nhean Tola, who recently graduated with a Master’s Decree from Japan in International Business, said that Sreng is an active student, one with reserves of friendliness and patience. Tola, who has known Sreng for the last ten years, said his friend’s intention is to work with the government ministry as a preliminary to a leadership role in the Cambodian Community.
Tola said that Sok Sreng will reach his goal one day, but he will need time to practice his social skills. He is a program officer at Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Cambodia.
“I wish him all the success in the world in his plans to gain promotion with the government. He is the most patient and hardworking person I have ever met and I am honoured to call him a friend,” he said.
Fresh graduates from an internationally-recognized educational institute tend to find well paid work in a short space of time. However, Tola noted that not everybody is willing or able to put in the many hours of hard work to gain the qualifications. But the rewards can be compelling, with private companies and NGOs all offering attractive salaries.
“Even though Cambodian Scholarship students have little option but to start from scratch, we always catch up with other students from different countries,” he said. “We seldom see any Cambodian scholarship students return To Cambodia empty handed.”
“I want the Cambodian government to identify Cambodian students who have studied abroad and offer them priority packages for work in government offices,” Sok Sreng said. “If our government does so Cambodia will be soon progress with the infusion of fresh talent and new ideas.”
Sok Sreng said that he welcomes all who want to apply for a Japanese study scholarship. He can be contacted at 012 867 557 or via email, tesoksreng@yahoo.com.
Cambodian National Television to open Branch Office in Beijing
By Soy Sophea
A Cambodian government officer said that Cambodian National Television will soon open its first office in Beijing, China, in line with the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two nations.
Khieu Kanharith, Minister of Information and spokesman for the Cambodian Government met with Yao Shihong, Executive Producer of China Central Television in Phnom Penh on January 13. He said that discussions focused on establishment of the Cambodian National Television's (TVK) office in Beijing, People's Republic of China.
The Minister expressed his full thanks to China Central Television representatives for their help in setting up the TVK Beijing office. He also said that TVK was prepared to produce a series of movies in 2009 and added that if CCTV wishes to produce a film in Cambodia, the government will cooperate with pleasure.
“Under bilateral cooperation, China will give financial support to TVK’s office in Beijing. The operation will assist TVK in reporting directly from China to Cambodia by satellite,” he said. “We will have at least two stringers working for TVK in Beijing, all willing and able to send reports from China to Cambodia.” he told the Cambodia Weekly.
He added, “We are proud that China has given us help to set up offices in Beijing, I believe that in the future Cambodian national television will broaden its programming to make entertainment for the entire nation of China.”
The Minister said that however, Cambodia and Chinese experts will have further discussion to finalize the opening date. Cambodian National radio also established Chinese language programs in 2008 as it celebrated the 50th anniversary of Cambodia-China diplomatic relations.
Cambodian-owned state television, TVK and private television stations can be seen internationally as they broadcast by satellite. They bring a real view from Cambodia to the world, especially to Cambodians overseas who live in Canada, the United States, France and Australia, said the minister.
A Cambodian government officer said that Cambodian National Television will soon open its first office in Beijing, China, in line with the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two nations.
Khieu Kanharith, Minister of Information and spokesman for the Cambodian Government met with Yao Shihong, Executive Producer of China Central Television in Phnom Penh on January 13. He said that discussions focused on establishment of the Cambodian National Television's (TVK) office in Beijing, People's Republic of China.
The Minister expressed his full thanks to China Central Television representatives for their help in setting up the TVK Beijing office. He also said that TVK was prepared to produce a series of movies in 2009 and added that if CCTV wishes to produce a film in Cambodia, the government will cooperate with pleasure.
“Under bilateral cooperation, China will give financial support to TVK’s office in Beijing. The operation will assist TVK in reporting directly from China to Cambodia by satellite,” he said. “We will have at least two stringers working for TVK in Beijing, all willing and able to send reports from China to Cambodia.” he told the Cambodia Weekly.
He added, “We are proud that China has given us help to set up offices in Beijing, I believe that in the future Cambodian national television will broaden its programming to make entertainment for the entire nation of China.”
The Minister said that however, Cambodia and Chinese experts will have further discussion to finalize the opening date. Cambodian National radio also established Chinese language programs in 2008 as it celebrated the 50th anniversary of Cambodia-China diplomatic relations.
Cambodian-owned state television, TVK and private television stations can be seen internationally as they broadcast by satellite. They bring a real view from Cambodia to the world, especially to Cambodians overseas who live in Canada, the United States, France and Australia, said the minister.
Hun Sen Meets Thai Defense Minister on Border Issues
By Soy Sophea
The Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has expressed his opinions regarding the border settlement. He looks forward to a resolution of the issue as soon as possible and believes that the next generation of leaders will have no need to return to the matter.
The Premier delivered these remarks to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, following the one-day visit of Thai Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan on February 6.
The Prime Minister considers the visit of the Thai Defense Minister, Prawit Wongsuwan to be highly significant as Wongsuwan is the most senior representative of the Thai armed forces. The Thai Defense Minister was also accompanied by other senior military officials.
“I told the Thai Defense Minister that we should solve the problem today so that nothing pollutes the relationship between the next generation of Cambodians and Thais. Neither side wants to prolong this dispute,” he said. “I advised both sides of the Cambodian-Thai Joint Commission to work together and avoid armed conflict,” he added.
The Premier said that the disputed border area will become a much more welcoming venue once the agreement in principle becomes a reality. The only military presence will be joint patrols, working together to clear landmines.
“There is no more armed confrontation but a number of unarmed observers remain. This is in joyful contrast to the armed confrontation of last year,” said the Prime Minister. And the area will become a safe and enjoyable place for all people to visit,” he added.
The Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Banh said that the two defense ministers have agreed to find a peaceful resolution and find compromise over the few remaining points.
“We will continue to use the existing mechanisms to resolve this matter,” said the Minister. However, the Defense Minister Tea Banh refused to say when any redeployment of forces will happen.
Importantly, the meeting of the Joint Commission on Demarcation of Land Boundaries (JCB), held on February 4, failed to reach agreement on border demarcation issues and neither could it decide the official name of the ancient temple.The two sides announced at a JBC press conference that they could not sign an MOU concerning these two points which were initially discussed at the meeting organized in Bangkok.
"We tried hard to find a compromise in the interests of both countries. But, we don't agree on some points which need to be discussed and clarified," said Var Kim Hong, Cambodia’s Senior Minister in charge of Border Affairs.
The Senior Minister said that the two sides could not agree on the name of the ancient temple, known as Preah Vihear by Cambodia, while Thailand calls it Phra Viharn.Thailand has proposed to use both names, said co-chair of the Thai side Vasin Teeravechyan.Also, the meeting failed to generate a mutually acceptable title for the joint patrols around the ancient temple.
Thailand has proposed to call them "Military Monitoring Groups" while Cambodia has suggested the title "Temporary Coordinating Team."Vasin said the next JBC meeting will be held during the second week of April this year in Cambodia. Previous rounds of meetings have failed to find common ground on the border issue to break the stand-off. The two countries have a 790-km-long border line, delineated by 73 border posts.
The Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has expressed his opinions regarding the border settlement. He looks forward to a resolution of the issue as soon as possible and believes that the next generation of leaders will have no need to return to the matter.
The Premier delivered these remarks to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, following the one-day visit of Thai Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan on February 6.
The Prime Minister considers the visit of the Thai Defense Minister, Prawit Wongsuwan to be highly significant as Wongsuwan is the most senior representative of the Thai armed forces. The Thai Defense Minister was also accompanied by other senior military officials.
“I told the Thai Defense Minister that we should solve the problem today so that nothing pollutes the relationship between the next generation of Cambodians and Thais. Neither side wants to prolong this dispute,” he said. “I advised both sides of the Cambodian-Thai Joint Commission to work together and avoid armed conflict,” he added.
The Premier said that the disputed border area will become a much more welcoming venue once the agreement in principle becomes a reality. The only military presence will be joint patrols, working together to clear landmines.
“There is no more armed confrontation but a number of unarmed observers remain. This is in joyful contrast to the armed confrontation of last year,” said the Prime Minister. And the area will become a safe and enjoyable place for all people to visit,” he added.
The Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Banh said that the two defense ministers have agreed to find a peaceful resolution and find compromise over the few remaining points.
“We will continue to use the existing mechanisms to resolve this matter,” said the Minister. However, the Defense Minister Tea Banh refused to say when any redeployment of forces will happen.
Importantly, the meeting of the Joint Commission on Demarcation of Land Boundaries (JCB), held on February 4, failed to reach agreement on border demarcation issues and neither could it decide the official name of the ancient temple.The two sides announced at a JBC press conference that they could not sign an MOU concerning these two points which were initially discussed at the meeting organized in Bangkok.
"We tried hard to find a compromise in the interests of both countries. But, we don't agree on some points which need to be discussed and clarified," said Var Kim Hong, Cambodia’s Senior Minister in charge of Border Affairs.
The Senior Minister said that the two sides could not agree on the name of the ancient temple, known as Preah Vihear by Cambodia, while Thailand calls it Phra Viharn.Thailand has proposed to use both names, said co-chair of the Thai side Vasin Teeravechyan.Also, the meeting failed to generate a mutually acceptable title for the joint patrols around the ancient temple.
Thailand has proposed to call them "Military Monitoring Groups" while Cambodia has suggested the title "Temporary Coordinating Team."Vasin said the next JBC meeting will be held during the second week of April this year in Cambodia. Previous rounds of meetings have failed to find common ground on the border issue to break the stand-off. The two countries have a 790-km-long border line, delineated by 73 border posts.
CATA Wants to Bring New Travel Destination in Cambodia
By Soy Sophea
Ho Vandy, 36, has a wealth of experience related to the tourism industry in Cambodia. These experiences lead him to be nominated President of the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents (CATA) in 2003. He will forfeit this position at the end of 2008.
“It was an amazing position with lots of responsibilities,” he said during an interview with the Cambodia Weekly December 24, at his office in Phnom Penh.
Pointing to the Cambodian tourism promotion banners, Vandy described himself as being lucky and looked back with affection on his years of service to the cause of Cambodian tourism.
Ho Vandy, 36, has a wealth of experience related to the tourism industry in Cambodia. These experiences lead him to be nominated President of the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents (CATA) in 2003. He will forfeit this position at the end of 2008.
“It was an amazing position with lots of responsibilities,” he said during an interview with the Cambodia Weekly December 24, at his office in Phnom Penh.
Pointing to the Cambodian tourism promotion banners, Vandy described himself as being lucky and looked back with affection on his years of service to the cause of Cambodian tourism.
The President said that Cambodia is rich in cultural materials and tourism facilities including thousands of ancient temples that are valued worldwide, for they represent some of the finest examples of such ancient architecture.“The Angkor complex is just one reason why I expect Cambodia to become a top flight cultural and eco-tourist destination in the next five to ten years,” he told the Cambodia Weekly. Vandy, who has run World Express Tours & Travel Company since 1999, said that he would be of little value to his nation if he could not promote its tourist attractions.
He noted that Japan is the one of the strongest of the G7 economies and would play a key role in strengthening the tourist sector in Cambodia, within the wider context of other ASEAN nations. He noted that nation’s rich record in trading, investment and of course tourism. He believed that any investment from Japanese entrepreneurs in this sector would pay some very healthy returns.
In describing his job, he said that tourism provides a link that connects a wide range of professional and social activities including farming, fishing, transport services and souvenir manufacture and sale. They are all connected by the opportunities for development offered by a healthy tourist sector.
“What I want now is to encourage all Cambodian people to take part in both visible and invisible tourist activities to encourage visitors to the “Kingdom of Wonder,” he said. “As everyone knows, tourism is an industry which creates employment opportunities in all corners of the nation; that is why we want to encourage local communities to play their part in attracting tourists.”
Vandy said that based on world tourism figures described in a recent report published by the World Tourism Organization, there are 900 million regular tourists, flying the holiday routes to various destinations. 150 million of these are regular visitors to East Asia and the pacific region. In conjunction with current trends in world tourism, Cambodia welcomed over 2 million International Visitors in 2008, an increase of 20% compared to 2006.
“At the same time, there is a noticeable increase in domestic tourism. This comes as a result of mighty efforts on the behalf of the Royal Government. They have ensured security, stability and social order undertaken a program of infrastructure development. This includes improvements made to the national road system, bridge building and port and airport improvement works,” he said.
There are also efforts being made to strengthen the quality of services to keep abreast of accepted world standards adopted by the tourist sector. Cambodia being a country of 14 million people has much potential and a ready made market for internal tourism. The skilled and experienced officers of CATA are trying hard to develop the travel sector so that it excels in all aspects.
CATA has promised explore the possibility of new tourist destinations within Cambodia. The organization is making the most of information technology to make sure that as many world travelers as possible have access to information on the attractions of Cambodia.
Vandy also Co-Chairs the Tourism Working Group (Government & Private Sectors Forum) and is an Advisor to the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC). He holds qualifications in Management and postgraduate qualifications in Political Science. He is the proud father of two.
He noted that Japan is the one of the strongest of the G7 economies and would play a key role in strengthening the tourist sector in Cambodia, within the wider context of other ASEAN nations. He noted that nation’s rich record in trading, investment and of course tourism. He believed that any investment from Japanese entrepreneurs in this sector would pay some very healthy returns.
In describing his job, he said that tourism provides a link that connects a wide range of professional and social activities including farming, fishing, transport services and souvenir manufacture and sale. They are all connected by the opportunities for development offered by a healthy tourist sector.
“What I want now is to encourage all Cambodian people to take part in both visible and invisible tourist activities to encourage visitors to the “Kingdom of Wonder,” he said. “As everyone knows, tourism is an industry which creates employment opportunities in all corners of the nation; that is why we want to encourage local communities to play their part in attracting tourists.”
Vandy said that based on world tourism figures described in a recent report published by the World Tourism Organization, there are 900 million regular tourists, flying the holiday routes to various destinations. 150 million of these are regular visitors to East Asia and the pacific region. In conjunction with current trends in world tourism, Cambodia welcomed over 2 million International Visitors in 2008, an increase of 20% compared to 2006.
“At the same time, there is a noticeable increase in domestic tourism. This comes as a result of mighty efforts on the behalf of the Royal Government. They have ensured security, stability and social order undertaken a program of infrastructure development. This includes improvements made to the national road system, bridge building and port and airport improvement works,” he said.
There are also efforts being made to strengthen the quality of services to keep abreast of accepted world standards adopted by the tourist sector. Cambodia being a country of 14 million people has much potential and a ready made market for internal tourism. The skilled and experienced officers of CATA are trying hard to develop the travel sector so that it excels in all aspects.
CATA has promised explore the possibility of new tourist destinations within Cambodia. The organization is making the most of information technology to make sure that as many world travelers as possible have access to information on the attractions of Cambodia.
Vandy also Co-Chairs the Tourism Working Group (Government & Private Sectors Forum) and is an Advisor to the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC). He holds qualifications in Management and postgraduate qualifications in Political Science. He is the proud father of two.
Russia and Kuwait, New Tourism Destinations for Cambodia: Tourism Minister
By Soy Sophea
Cambodian government tourism officials said that Cambodia has targeted Kuwait and Russia as new sources of inbound tourists to Cambodia. These two nations appear to be weathering the global economic crisis well and targeting them should help to avoid a sharp drop in foreign arrivals to the kingdom.
Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, said that no tourism destination could expect to avoid a decrease in the number of foreign tourists, citing the United Nations’ World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) prediction that the global economic crisis would affect the tourism industry.
The Minister’s remark was made at the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents (CATA) Management election on January 21 at the Imperial Garden Hotel.
Thong Khon urged CATA and relevant agencies to do their best in promoting Cambodia’s tourism, saying. “I want all of you to cooperate with the tourism industry in targeting advertisements at Kuwait and Russia.”
“Although we lack Russian speaking guides we will try our best with Russian tourists this year,” he said. “Nevertheless, we have no time to waste in producing Russian-speaking guides.”
He said that Cambodia had a history of good relations with Russia, citing Phnom Penh’s Russian Market to illustrate his point. This background will help Cambodia convince Russians to pay a visit.
In order to sustain Cambodian tourism, the minister also urged local tourism agencies and relevant stakeholders to take care of local tourists who are regular visitors, to offset the decline in international visitors.
He said Cambodia expects to receive 50,000 Kuwaiti arrivals in 2009, following the introduction of direct flight links between the two nations and agreements to strengthen relations.
CATA Board of Governor Elections
Ho Vandy, former President of CATA said that his mandate included many reputable achievements including providing tourism law consultation, work with the Marketing Council, and creating the slogan “The Kingdom of Wonder.”
As his 3-year mandate came to a close, he said that he has increased sector transparency in management, created a website and directory and increased Association membership from 107 to 171 members.
“Our team has built international relationships,” Handy said. “Two Memorandums of Understanding have been signed with China and Indonesia which will help maintain the boom in the tourist industry.”
The former president said that he had increased the tourism budget, though none of this would have been possible without the cooperation of all CATA members and relevant agencies, including foreign embassies to Cambodia.
However, Handy note there was room for even more cooperation as some concession companies needed to improve certain areas such as the non-smoking policy.
He suggested the newly-elected president Ang Kim Eang should continue CATA principles and pay attention to the negative points.
As the new President, Ang Kim Eang, told the Cambodia Weekly that he would manage the Association to the best of his ability and cooperate with members, the Cambodian Government and relevant stakeholders.////
Cambodian government tourism officials said that Cambodia has targeted Kuwait and Russia as new sources of inbound tourists to Cambodia. These two nations appear to be weathering the global economic crisis well and targeting them should help to avoid a sharp drop in foreign arrivals to the kingdom.
Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, said that no tourism destination could expect to avoid a decrease in the number of foreign tourists, citing the United Nations’ World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) prediction that the global economic crisis would affect the tourism industry.
The Minister’s remark was made at the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents (CATA) Management election on January 21 at the Imperial Garden Hotel.
Thong Khon urged CATA and relevant agencies to do their best in promoting Cambodia’s tourism, saying. “I want all of you to cooperate with the tourism industry in targeting advertisements at Kuwait and Russia.”
“Although we lack Russian speaking guides we will try our best with Russian tourists this year,” he said. “Nevertheless, we have no time to waste in producing Russian-speaking guides.”
He said that Cambodia had a history of good relations with Russia, citing Phnom Penh’s Russian Market to illustrate his point. This background will help Cambodia convince Russians to pay a visit.
In order to sustain Cambodian tourism, the minister also urged local tourism agencies and relevant stakeholders to take care of local tourists who are regular visitors, to offset the decline in international visitors.
He said Cambodia expects to receive 50,000 Kuwaiti arrivals in 2009, following the introduction of direct flight links between the two nations and agreements to strengthen relations.
CATA Board of Governor Elections
Ho Vandy, former President of CATA said that his mandate included many reputable achievements including providing tourism law consultation, work with the Marketing Council, and creating the slogan “The Kingdom of Wonder.”
As his 3-year mandate came to a close, he said that he has increased sector transparency in management, created a website and directory and increased Association membership from 107 to 171 members.
“Our team has built international relationships,” Handy said. “Two Memorandums of Understanding have been signed with China and Indonesia which will help maintain the boom in the tourist industry.”
The former president said that he had increased the tourism budget, though none of this would have been possible without the cooperation of all CATA members and relevant agencies, including foreign embassies to Cambodia.
However, Handy note there was room for even more cooperation as some concession companies needed to improve certain areas such as the non-smoking policy.
He suggested the newly-elected president Ang Kim Eang should continue CATA principles and pay attention to the negative points.
As the new President, Ang Kim Eang, told the Cambodia Weekly that he would manage the Association to the best of his ability and cooperate with members, the Cambodian Government and relevant stakeholders.////
Cambodia-Japan Inks to Extend Its Cooperation Center
By Soy Sophea
Cambodian government officers and Japanese Development Agency representatives have signed an agreement aimed at extending the 5-year Cambodian Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC) project. It is hoped the center will continue to be a facilitator of Japanese investments in Cambodian in the future. The Signing Ceremony of the Minutes of Meetings took place between the Japanese Preparatory Survey Team and Ministry of Education Youth and Sports representatives.
Pit Chamnan, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS), said during the signing ceremony on January 23 at the center located in the Royal University of Phnom Penh that, Cambodia and Japan agreed to extend the project to train people in the Japanese language and promote cultural exchanges between the two nations.
“We want the CJCC to become a useful center for Japanese investors in the forthcoming year and the focus for the relationship between Cambodia and Japan,” Chamnan said.
The Secretary of State added that nationals of both countries have received benefits from the center.
“Japanese government officers have told me the Cambodian Center is more effective and efficient compared to other centers in other countries in the region,” he told the Cambodia Weekly. “We will do best to sustain the center throughout the five-year extension.”
Nakagawa Hiroaki, Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), said that the Japanese government and people are happy to extend the project as they have seen progress in Cambodian and Japanese relations as a result of the center. The center’s first phase cost 8 million USD.
He said that phase II which costs US $8 million will pave the way for Japanese investors to operate in the Cambodian investment environment and will encourage them when they hear Cambodian nationals speaking Japanese as fluently as the Mother Tongue. He noted that it would also promote tourism to the region.
The Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC) was established between Cambodia and Japan in April 2004. It encourages Human Resource Development and further strengthens mutual understanding and cooperation between Cambodia and Japan through three main pillars: the Human Resource Development Course, the Japanese Language Course and an Exchange Program.
In the phase 2 of project, the 3 main activities will be strengthened and the Center will extend the activities and scale in order to provide knowledge, skills to students, company staff and the other concerned authorities. It aims to promote private sector development in Cambodia and become a human resource and information center. The extension will start as of April 2009.
Cambodian government officers and Japanese Development Agency representatives have signed an agreement aimed at extending the 5-year Cambodian Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC) project. It is hoped the center will continue to be a facilitator of Japanese investments in Cambodian in the future. The Signing Ceremony of the Minutes of Meetings took place between the Japanese Preparatory Survey Team and Ministry of Education Youth and Sports representatives.
Pit Chamnan, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS), said during the signing ceremony on January 23 at the center located in the Royal University of Phnom Penh that, Cambodia and Japan agreed to extend the project to train people in the Japanese language and promote cultural exchanges between the two nations.
“We want the CJCC to become a useful center for Japanese investors in the forthcoming year and the focus for the relationship between Cambodia and Japan,” Chamnan said.
The Secretary of State added that nationals of both countries have received benefits from the center.
“Japanese government officers have told me the Cambodian Center is more effective and efficient compared to other centers in other countries in the region,” he told the Cambodia Weekly. “We will do best to sustain the center throughout the five-year extension.”
Nakagawa Hiroaki, Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), said that the Japanese government and people are happy to extend the project as they have seen progress in Cambodian and Japanese relations as a result of the center. The center’s first phase cost 8 million USD.
He said that phase II which costs US $8 million will pave the way for Japanese investors to operate in the Cambodian investment environment and will encourage them when they hear Cambodian nationals speaking Japanese as fluently as the Mother Tongue. He noted that it would also promote tourism to the region.
The Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC) was established between Cambodia and Japan in April 2004. It encourages Human Resource Development and further strengthens mutual understanding and cooperation between Cambodia and Japan through three main pillars: the Human Resource Development Course, the Japanese Language Course and an Exchange Program.
In the phase 2 of project, the 3 main activities will be strengthened and the Center will extend the activities and scale in order to provide knowledge, skills to students, company staff and the other concerned authorities. It aims to promote private sector development in Cambodia and become a human resource and information center. The extension will start as of April 2009.
Cambodia Welcomes All Honest Forms of News Media
By Soy Sophea
Cambodia’s Ministry of Information has issued a statement to reaffirm that the ministry will not impose sanctions or censorship leading to a shut down of websites critical of the Cambodian government.
According to the Ministry of Information’s statement dated January 13, the ministry has not considered monitoring news publication on the internet and has no plans to do so. The statement said that currently it has been making a draft law to moderate the output of radio and television stations and printing houses. The draft makes no mention of Internet controls.
A 19-year-old student, Vin Sophannary, an English Literature student at the University of Cambodia (UC), said that the internet is a vital source of information for Cambodians, given the trend towards globalization.
“I always want to know what is happening to my country everyday, and I am equally concerned about regional and international breaking news,” said Sophannary, who spends her free time at internet cafés.
Sophannary said that she can strengthen her English language reading and writing abilities through her intelligent use of the web. She said that she was very happy to hear that the Cambodian government would not monitor nor censor news on websites, despite the critical tone of some of the information.
Chhreav Sovanny, another UC student said that she would be concerned if she were to learn that the government would shut down any anti-government websites. She said that if the government were to do so, it would tarnish the government‘s image as a supporter of freedom of expression.
“I think it is a reasonable thing to want access to the full spectrum of opinion, including sites that espouse unflattering views of our Royal Government,” she said. “I really want the government to retain the status quo order to arrive at a balanced picture of the political situation and read about the impact of the latest policies and activities,” she added.
Sovanny fully supported the nation’s information and broadcast policies despite the fact that the allowed the expression of critical views.
“I like to live in a country like Cambodia where the government takes steps to ensure the freedom of the press.” She concluded that the internet had become a welcome part of her life as both a source of information for her classes and as a form of entertainment.
Sen Rachana, a student at another private university in Phnom Penh, said that his degree in Political Science depended on his having access to a broad range of opinion, be it supportive of his government or otherwise. “I know that the government is strong enough to turn a blind eye to unflattering articles or cartoons on the internet,” he said. “We need all kinds of information so as to create a balanced picture. It helps us exercise our own critical thinking skills as we assess this negative information.”
He said that internet news providers played a vital role for Cambodian newshounds, interested in conditions at home and abroad.
Information Ministry officials said earlier in January that the laws, which are due to be passed later this year, were designed to prevent potentially defamatory or libelous material from appearing on the internet.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Information has issued a statement to reaffirm that the ministry will not impose sanctions or censorship leading to a shut down of websites critical of the Cambodian government.
According to the Ministry of Information’s statement dated January 13, the ministry has not considered monitoring news publication on the internet and has no plans to do so. The statement said that currently it has been making a draft law to moderate the output of radio and television stations and printing houses. The draft makes no mention of Internet controls.
A 19-year-old student, Vin Sophannary, an English Literature student at the University of Cambodia (UC), said that the internet is a vital source of information for Cambodians, given the trend towards globalization.
“I always want to know what is happening to my country everyday, and I am equally concerned about regional and international breaking news,” said Sophannary, who spends her free time at internet cafés.
Sophannary said that she can strengthen her English language reading and writing abilities through her intelligent use of the web. She said that she was very happy to hear that the Cambodian government would not monitor nor censor news on websites, despite the critical tone of some of the information.
Chhreav Sovanny, another UC student said that she would be concerned if she were to learn that the government would shut down any anti-government websites. She said that if the government were to do so, it would tarnish the government‘s image as a supporter of freedom of expression.
“I think it is a reasonable thing to want access to the full spectrum of opinion, including sites that espouse unflattering views of our Royal Government,” she said. “I really want the government to retain the status quo order to arrive at a balanced picture of the political situation and read about the impact of the latest policies and activities,” she added.
Sovanny fully supported the nation’s information and broadcast policies despite the fact that the allowed the expression of critical views.
“I like to live in a country like Cambodia where the government takes steps to ensure the freedom of the press.” She concluded that the internet had become a welcome part of her life as both a source of information for her classes and as a form of entertainment.
Sen Rachana, a student at another private university in Phnom Penh, said that his degree in Political Science depended on his having access to a broad range of opinion, be it supportive of his government or otherwise. “I know that the government is strong enough to turn a blind eye to unflattering articles or cartoons on the internet,” he said. “We need all kinds of information so as to create a balanced picture. It helps us exercise our own critical thinking skills as we assess this negative information.”
He said that internet news providers played a vital role for Cambodian newshounds, interested in conditions at home and abroad.
Information Ministry officials said earlier in January that the laws, which are due to be passed later this year, were designed to prevent potentially defamatory or libelous material from appearing on the internet.
Men Sam An, the First Women Deputy Prime Minister
The Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Men Sam An has spent 40 minutes in the company of Cambodia Weekly reporters on January 20, 2009. The interview took place at her office in the National Assembly of Cambodia.
Life before and during Battle Field
The Deputy Prime Minister wanted to become a nurse for her country during the civil war in Cambodia during the late 1960s. During that time, she saw airplanes drop bombs into her home village in Sambo district, Kratie province, about 315 kilometers from Phnom Penh. She recalled her emotions when she saw her fellow villagers wounded and killed.“I decided to take part in the resistance movement to fight against the US-backed Lon Nol regime, hoping to find peace for my home village,” she said. “I devoted my life to my country. If I did not join the movement I would have regretted it for life,” she added.
The Deputy Prime Minister said there was little chance to relax in the middle of a battlefield. She remembered that when she started to work in the resistance movement she was asked what she wanted to do. She replied that she wanted to serve as a nurse to help her people.
She received a three-month political science course during that time, before graduating to the resistance movement. After this training, she felt more confident and felt she could leave her family behind and strike out for herself. Being a nurse, she wanted to serve her villagers and community rather than fight, but there was little chance of that.
“It was very dangerous if we were careless,” she said.
Life after the Civil War
After the US-backed Lon Nol regime and the Pol Pot regime collapsed in 1979, she stood as the Managing Police Commissioner and chairwoman of the Cambodian Women for Peace and Development Association (CWPD). Bun Rany Hun Sen, Prime Minister Hun Sen’s wife, was honorary president. She is also the President of the Cambodian Association of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (CAPPD).
In the new assignment to rebuild human resources, she said it was hard to court the Cambodian intelligentsia following the collapse of the Khmer Rouge, because they were afraid to publicize their identities after the Killing Field abominations. She said that it took time to get the remaining intellects to work in concert after Pol Pot.
Current life
Men Sam An, is now the first Cambodian woman to be appointed as Deputy Prime Minister under the fourth mandate of the Royal Government of Cambodia, and also the first Cambodian woman to become an honorary 4-star general.
She thanked Cambodian Prime Minister Hunn Sen, Senate President Chea Sim, and Heng Samrin, President of National Assembly, top leaders of ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), for their support.
Thanks to the CPP government, she said that Cambodian women are encouraged to take a key role in Cambodian society as set out in the government’s Rectangular Strategy and Gender Policies. She noted that “To be a successful woman in Cambodia, one has to devote their life to all of society, work hard, be patient, have a strong sense of commitment, be kind, but follow the orders,” she said.
She noticed that in the fourth government mandate, qualified women are present in the national, provincial and district administrations, and also at the Senate and the National Assembly.
“I am proud to see Cambodian society develop out of little or nothing, rebuilding our country from zero,” she said. “You see full peace, political stability, economic growth, better infrastructure, annual income up to 500 USD per capita, and a long list of other improvements.”
Future Ambitions
“What I want most is to see my people live in peace with prosperity dignity and happiness,” Sam An said.
However, she added that as a result of Gender policies, she wanted to eliminate the environment in which “a woman’s work is never done”. She said it was not a matter of working harder, but smarter and with a sense of personal responsibility.
Political Peace Maker
As a standing member of the Cambodian People’s Party, Men Sam An joined fully to find a reasonable political resolution to the Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who is the CPP’s Vice President to implement the peaceful political willingness.
“All top leaders of the party and I have taken care when finding peaceful political compromises,” she said. “We know how bad the alternatives can be. The Win Win Policy helps prevent further civil war.”
Life At Home
“I have never forgotten my duty as housewife although I am now the deputy prime minister,” she said. “As a Cambodian woman, I need to have spare time for my family and now I am a grand mother with two grandchildren so I am kept very busy.”
She said that although she has more jobs and responsibilities to cover for the nation she still finds time to manage her family. She suggested that Cambodian women who serve in high positions either in government agencies or companies should spend time with their families. She said that, “You [women] are now the back bone of the society but you should not forget your duty at home. It is your source of happiness.”
“I always take care when doing my housework despite my high position in the government,” she said. “But, I never forget my duty as a housewife.”
She noted that a lady who can create domestic tranquility as well as hold down a job were precious. “You [women] are much appreciated if you can deal them both.”
Her Favorite Food
As a Cambodian woman from Kratie province, the high ranking officer loves traditional Khmer fish dishes. “I do like dried fish,” she said. “It might be simple and basic but I have not forgotten it.”
Men Sam An married Senator Peng Pat. They have two sons. She serves at national level as Senior Minister and Minister with the Senate & National Assembly Relations. She is also Chairwoman of the National Assembly’s Health, Social and Women Affairs Commission, Chairwoman of Education and Propaganda and President of the Cambodia Union Federation.////////
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