Cambodia to host ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2011
by Chhorng Long Heng
Cambodia will host the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in January in 2011 with expecting to attract hundreds of delegates from state and privates and other stakeholders to attend the event in boosting regional tourism field to be large destination for foreigners under the theme of "ASEAN - A World of Wonders and Diversity", senior tourism officials and experts said on August 18.
“We are proud and honored for Phnom Penh capital to be chosen once again to host ATF. There has been a lot of development in infrastructure and facilities since Phnom Penh first hosted ATF in 2003. Siem Reap province, home of world heritage and the archeological sites, and Preah Sihanouk province, the most beautiful and pristine beach, have been selected for pre- and post-tours,” H.E.Thong Khon said in his message before working group for preparation of the host event.
Cambodia will host ATF 2011 and is all geared up to welcome over 1,600 delegates which includes 400 international buyers and 100 international media, Dr. Thong Khon said, adding that ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) is a cooperative regional effort to promote the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region as one tourist destination. This annual event involves all the tourism industry sectors of the 10 member nations of ASEAN: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia , Indonesia , Lao PDR, Malaysia , Myanmar , Philippines , Singapore , Thailand and Vietnam .
“On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Host Committee of the 30th ASEAN Tourism Forum, it is my great honor and pleasure to extend our cordial invitation to you to participate in the upcoming 30th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2011) to be held at the newly built Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Center, Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia from 15 to 21 January, 2011 under the theme of "ASEAN - A World of Wonders and Diversity". Dr. Thong Khon and Chairman of ATF 2011 Host Committee said.
He added that as host of ATF 2011, it is my great pleasure to warmly welcome all distinguished delegates and guests to ATF 2011 in Cambodia with our gracious hospitality and we wish you a great success and pleasant stay in Cambodia- Kingdom of Wonder. Each year, the hosting of ATF is rotated among the member countries. ATF 2011 marks the 30th anniversary of this event since its inauguration in Malaysia in 1981.
Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia has appointed TTG Asia Media event organizer for TRAVEX, the Travel Exchange component of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2011 in Cambodia . This will be the second time TTG organizes TRAVEX for Cambodia ; the first time was in 2003 when Cambodia first hosted ATF.
TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd is the region's leading travel and tourism business information and access provider, as well as a leading organizer and event manager of travel trade shows in Asia, including IT&CMA (Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia), IT&CM China, CTW (Corporate Travel World) Asia-Pacific, ITS (International Travel Show) Thailand 2004 and 2005, Thailand Travel Mart (TTM) Plus 2005.
TTG also has a good track record of organizing the TRAVEX component of ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 1998, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2009 and 2010. It also publishes five titles targeted at distinct sectors of the travel trade: TTG Asia, TTG China, TTG India, TTGmice and TTG-BTmice China . These trade shows and publications provide the best marketing access to Asia-Pacific's travel marketplace, influencers and deciders. Last month, Cambodia hosted the land transport for tourists in greater Mekong sub -region (GMS) to facilitate the administrative and legal procedures for tourists who crossed the border in the region and visa exemption is a core thing that needs to deal for these countries in attraction of the foreigners to see this region.
The ministry is trying to develop more resorts to attract the tourists and attract the investors to expand tourism industry in the country and job creation for local people, and provide benefits for economic revenue,” Keo Phoung, director general of tourism resorts department of tourism ministry told SEAW by phone. Keo added that some tourism investors sometimes created matters because some of them did not follow the contract with development council. That is our concern,” he said, adding that some island in offshore of Sihanouk was granted or rented by the investors from the government to develop but the investors did not process the project. Tourism industry is one of four pillars for economic growth of the country after agriculture, garment sector and construction.
The data from ministry said that in 2010, Cambodia will get about 2.4 million visitors with collecting 1.8 billion US dollars revenue. In 2015, it expected to get 3.5 million foreign tourists with money of $2.8 billion. In 2009, the country gained about 1.5 billion US dollars from tourism industry with 2.16 million foreigners increasing 2 per cent. For the first semester this year, it raised about 12 per cent if comparing with last year standing about one million tourists. On august 18, with support form Australian side, Cambodia strengthened the conservation of Tonel Sap Lake for eco-tourism to protect biodiversity and help poor living there. The ministry created 170 local communities in contribution of new tourism product of Tonle Sap Lake , a largest fresh water lake in region.
Bun Tee, the head of tourism guide association said that generally the number of the tourists arrived here this year is good perspective. “The economic recovery of the world is improved and the visitors also started to make the trip to see other places in country and region, he explained. Eco-tourism is a key for green tourism industry, he noted. Siem reap is home of Angkor wat temple, coastal region like Preah Sihanouk and forest plains of northeastern region of the country, Phnom Penh are still attractive places for foreigners to see. Tourism industry is directly providing money to local people to help poverty reduction,” Tee added.
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Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Cambodia’s Climate Change is cross –sectoral issue
Cambodia’s Climate Change is cross –sectoral issue
by Chhorng Long Heng
The Royal Government of Cambodia and its development partners on August 18 stressed in the inception work of climate change project that on the need for integrated efforts under different climate change-related initiatives is to ensure high efficiency in helping the country to respond to the impact of this global problem.
The message came during the inception workshop of the Cambodia Climate Change Alliance (CCCA) which was held today. The event marked the beginning of a new implementation phase of the CCCA following its launch on 25 February this year. The aim of the workshop was to assist the team to understand and take ownership of the objectives and the expected results of the programme. It will also include, among other issues, review of the progress made during the inception phase, discussion of grant guidelines, discussion of capacity development approach and harmonization and expected results of the work of the CCCA initiative first year, 2010-2011.
H.E. Dr. Mok Mareth, Senior Minister and Minister of Environment, Chairman of the National Climate Change Committee, said in opening remark that the workshop by reiterating the high attention of the Royal Government of Cambodia is tackling impacts of climate change as a strategic priority for reducing poverty.
“We are undertaking this task at a time when climate change-related issues are becoming more and more serious, requiring the utmost attention in our national development agenda,” the minister said in the occasion of opening session.
“Because climate change is a cross-sectoral issue directly concerning ministries and institutions that are charged with tasks of national development, the Royal Government of Cambodia has recognised the need to streamline climate change issues into the national policy and the socio-economic development plan at national and sub-national levels, as well as into other relevant sectors,” he added.
Cambodia, where some 80 percent of the population live in the countryside and depend on agriculture for livelihoods, is deemed vulnerable to impacts of climate change events such as drought, erratic patterns of rain falls, and flooding. However, along with these challenges there are also opportunities for funding to least developed countries like Cambodia. But Cambodia needs to prepare and strengthen its institutional capacity to make use of those opportunities for sustainable socio-economic development.
The CCCA, a multi-donor funded initiative, was created for this objective. The CCCA will strengthen the key institutions – including the National Committee on Climate Change, the Climate Change Department, and key climate change functional units within sectors at national and sub-national levels. The aim is to support the integration of climate change considerations into policy and planning processes to build a national adaptation system.
The CCCA initiative is supported by the Climate Change Trust Fund of US$8.9 million – which covers the period 2010-2012 – from the European Union, UNDP, SIDA, and DANIDA, the representatives of which also attended the workshop on Wednesday.
For climate change impacts are too big for any single project, ministry or development partner to act alone, it is crucial to consolidate and harmonise different initiatives through the promotion of a National Programme for climate change, Rafael Dochao-Moreno, Chargé d’Affaires, European Union Delegation to Cambodia, said in his speech on behalf of all the CCCA donors. “The CCCA is NOT a programme of the Ministry of Environment; it is a programme of the National Climate Change Committee and as such requires commitment and engagement from all ministries,” Rafael said.
“We propose that a consolidated effort be made by all involved in climate change to support the establishment of a National Programme for climate change – to be established by the Government, with the support of development partners and civil society organizations – to align climate change initiatives and donor support with national strategies and priorities,” he said.“A programmatic approach can reduce transactions costs, strengthen national ownership and leadership, and enhance efficiency and effectiveness in order to promote greater impacts,” he added.
Climate change in the country also is concern on the issue of fish product and danger on Mekong dolphin after it affected the level of water of Mekong River. To contribute in climate change, Cambodia also will plant the forest to 60 per cent of land area by 2015,” Cheav Kim Srun, head of forest administration said previously.
. ###
by Chhorng Long Heng
The Royal Government of Cambodia and its development partners on August 18 stressed in the inception work of climate change project that on the need for integrated efforts under different climate change-related initiatives is to ensure high efficiency in helping the country to respond to the impact of this global problem.
The message came during the inception workshop of the Cambodia Climate Change Alliance (CCCA) which was held today. The event marked the beginning of a new implementation phase of the CCCA following its launch on 25 February this year. The aim of the workshop was to assist the team to understand and take ownership of the objectives and the expected results of the programme. It will also include, among other issues, review of the progress made during the inception phase, discussion of grant guidelines, discussion of capacity development approach and harmonization and expected results of the work of the CCCA initiative first year, 2010-2011.
H.E. Dr. Mok Mareth, Senior Minister and Minister of Environment, Chairman of the National Climate Change Committee, said in opening remark that the workshop by reiterating the high attention of the Royal Government of Cambodia is tackling impacts of climate change as a strategic priority for reducing poverty.
“We are undertaking this task at a time when climate change-related issues are becoming more and more serious, requiring the utmost attention in our national development agenda,” the minister said in the occasion of opening session.
“Because climate change is a cross-sectoral issue directly concerning ministries and institutions that are charged with tasks of national development, the Royal Government of Cambodia has recognised the need to streamline climate change issues into the national policy and the socio-economic development plan at national and sub-national levels, as well as into other relevant sectors,” he added.
Cambodia, where some 80 percent of the population live in the countryside and depend on agriculture for livelihoods, is deemed vulnerable to impacts of climate change events such as drought, erratic patterns of rain falls, and flooding. However, along with these challenges there are also opportunities for funding to least developed countries like Cambodia. But Cambodia needs to prepare and strengthen its institutional capacity to make use of those opportunities for sustainable socio-economic development.
The CCCA, a multi-donor funded initiative, was created for this objective. The CCCA will strengthen the key institutions – including the National Committee on Climate Change, the Climate Change Department, and key climate change functional units within sectors at national and sub-national levels. The aim is to support the integration of climate change considerations into policy and planning processes to build a national adaptation system.
The CCCA initiative is supported by the Climate Change Trust Fund of US$8.9 million – which covers the period 2010-2012 – from the European Union, UNDP, SIDA, and DANIDA, the representatives of which also attended the workshop on Wednesday.
For climate change impacts are too big for any single project, ministry or development partner to act alone, it is crucial to consolidate and harmonise different initiatives through the promotion of a National Programme for climate change, Rafael Dochao-Moreno, Chargé d’Affaires, European Union Delegation to Cambodia, said in his speech on behalf of all the CCCA donors. “The CCCA is NOT a programme of the Ministry of Environment; it is a programme of the National Climate Change Committee and as such requires commitment and engagement from all ministries,” Rafael said.
“We propose that a consolidated effort be made by all involved in climate change to support the establishment of a National Programme for climate change – to be established by the Government, with the support of development partners and civil society organizations – to align climate change initiatives and donor support with national strategies and priorities,” he said.“A programmatic approach can reduce transactions costs, strengthen national ownership and leadership, and enhance efficiency and effectiveness in order to promote greater impacts,” he added.
Climate change in the country also is concern on the issue of fish product and danger on Mekong dolphin after it affected the level of water of Mekong River. To contribute in climate change, Cambodia also will plant the forest to 60 per cent of land area by 2015,” Cheav Kim Srun, head of forest administration said previously.
. ###
Mekong River countries increases cooperation with China and Burma
MRC countries increase cooperation with China and Myanmar
by Chhorng Long Heng
Representatives from the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Member Countries of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam on August 27 met with Chinese and Myanmar officials in Phnom Penh.
“They discuss opportunities for increased levels of cooperation in managing the upper and lower Mekong River Basins. The meeting discusses expansion of cooperation in data and information sharing; further cooperation in assessing the opportunities and impacts of proposed upstream and downstream hydropower schemes; increased initiatives for joint environmental management; and enhanced navigation between the MRC Member Countries and the two upstream countries says the inter-governmental Mekong river basin organization,” Khy Lim, communication officer of MRC in Phnom Penh told SEAW
He added that today’s meeting is the first since the Hua Hin Summit in April this year. At the Summit, representatives of the Chinese and Myanmar governments indicated a strong willingness to work at a much closer level with downstream countries.
“We have already made a lot of progress since the Summit and will be discussing a range of options that have been explored in the past few months for increasing the areas where we can further work together,” said Jeremy Bird, CEO of the MRC Secretariat at the opening of the meeting quoted as saying in the statement.
“For example, the training course on flood and disaster risk management organized by China in June 2010 for Mekong countries was an excellent first step to future capacity building in the region,” said Mr. Bird.
China and Myanmar have a long-standing agreement on cooperation with the MRC and have been Dialogue Partners with the organization since 1996 with China providing upstream hydro-meteorological data during the wet season since 2002 that the MRC says plays an important role in its flood forecasting.
China says at the meeting that “its government is ready to continue to deepen its cooperation with the neighbours to promote common progress and development in the region.” “I’m confident that a prosperous Mekong region is not far away, given our joint efforts,” said Mr. Diao Mingsheng, head of delegation of the People’s Republic of China to the meeting.
“Our continued cooperation has brought substantial benefits to all the people in the riparian countries, and the Chinese government always attaches much importance to the dialogue with the MRC and will continuously offer our strong support to contribute to the sustainable development of the Lancang-Mekong sub-region,” added Mr. Diao.
The MRC says that China in particular has intensified its cooperation with downstream Lancang/Mekong countries. In June a delegation of MRC Member Countries and its Secretariat officials visited the recently built Xiaowan and Jing Hong dams on the Lancang River in Yunnan and met officials in Beijing where the MRC says that China provided information on the planning and design of its hydropower projects and confirmed that the natural minimum flow downstream will not be reduced and that adequate standards of water quality will be maintained.
The visit followed on from two visits made to Yunnan by MRC modeling and hydropower experts who, together with Chinese agencies, providing inputs to the on-going Strategic Environmental Assessment of proposed mainstream dams in the mainstream of the Lower Mekong Basin.
“China is increasingly recognizing the mutual benefits of adopting a more open approach to the trans-boundary management of water resources in the basin and today’s meeting, as well as the joint efforts that have continued throughout the year, are examples of an increasingly strong cooperation that will lead to a better understanding and awareness of both the risks and opportunities associated with upstream developments on downstream countries,” said Mr. Bird.
The cooperation with Myanmar, the MRC says, has been furthered by recent mission of the MRC Member Countries and the MRC to Yangon and Naypyidaw to follow up on areas of cooperation as committed at the MRC Summit in April.
“We would like to reaffirm our continuous cooperation with the MRC through the well-established mechanisms in areas of drought management, navigation and climate change,” said H.E U Nyunt Hlaing, Ambassador of the Union of Myanmar to Lao PDR who led Myanmar delegation to the meeting.
He said Myanmar is willing to further cooperate with the MRC and China in human resource development, technical cooperation, information sharing and active participation in MRC-facilitated events.
The Dialogue Meetings are an annual event whereby the MRC engages with its Dialogue Partners on its cooperation framework and discussions on how the four Member Countries of the MRC can increase their cooperation with the upstream neighbors. ##
by Chhorng Long Heng
Representatives from the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Member Countries of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam on August 27 met with Chinese and Myanmar officials in Phnom Penh.
“They discuss opportunities for increased levels of cooperation in managing the upper and lower Mekong River Basins. The meeting discusses expansion of cooperation in data and information sharing; further cooperation in assessing the opportunities and impacts of proposed upstream and downstream hydropower schemes; increased initiatives for joint environmental management; and enhanced navigation between the MRC Member Countries and the two upstream countries says the inter-governmental Mekong river basin organization,” Khy Lim, communication officer of MRC in Phnom Penh told SEAW
He added that today’s meeting is the first since the Hua Hin Summit in April this year. At the Summit, representatives of the Chinese and Myanmar governments indicated a strong willingness to work at a much closer level with downstream countries.
“We have already made a lot of progress since the Summit and will be discussing a range of options that have been explored in the past few months for increasing the areas where we can further work together,” said Jeremy Bird, CEO of the MRC Secretariat at the opening of the meeting quoted as saying in the statement.
“For example, the training course on flood and disaster risk management organized by China in June 2010 for Mekong countries was an excellent first step to future capacity building in the region,” said Mr. Bird.
China and Myanmar have a long-standing agreement on cooperation with the MRC and have been Dialogue Partners with the organization since 1996 with China providing upstream hydro-meteorological data during the wet season since 2002 that the MRC says plays an important role in its flood forecasting.
China says at the meeting that “its government is ready to continue to deepen its cooperation with the neighbours to promote common progress and development in the region.” “I’m confident that a prosperous Mekong region is not far away, given our joint efforts,” said Mr. Diao Mingsheng, head of delegation of the People’s Republic of China to the meeting.
“Our continued cooperation has brought substantial benefits to all the people in the riparian countries, and the Chinese government always attaches much importance to the dialogue with the MRC and will continuously offer our strong support to contribute to the sustainable development of the Lancang-Mekong sub-region,” added Mr. Diao.
The MRC says that China in particular has intensified its cooperation with downstream Lancang/Mekong countries. In June a delegation of MRC Member Countries and its Secretariat officials visited the recently built Xiaowan and Jing Hong dams on the Lancang River in Yunnan and met officials in Beijing where the MRC says that China provided information on the planning and design of its hydropower projects and confirmed that the natural minimum flow downstream will not be reduced and that adequate standards of water quality will be maintained.
The visit followed on from two visits made to Yunnan by MRC modeling and hydropower experts who, together with Chinese agencies, providing inputs to the on-going Strategic Environmental Assessment of proposed mainstream dams in the mainstream of the Lower Mekong Basin.
“China is increasingly recognizing the mutual benefits of adopting a more open approach to the trans-boundary management of water resources in the basin and today’s meeting, as well as the joint efforts that have continued throughout the year, are examples of an increasingly strong cooperation that will lead to a better understanding and awareness of both the risks and opportunities associated with upstream developments on downstream countries,” said Mr. Bird.
The cooperation with Myanmar, the MRC says, has been furthered by recent mission of the MRC Member Countries and the MRC to Yangon and Naypyidaw to follow up on areas of cooperation as committed at the MRC Summit in April.
“We would like to reaffirm our continuous cooperation with the MRC through the well-established mechanisms in areas of drought management, navigation and climate change,” said H.E U Nyunt Hlaing, Ambassador of the Union of Myanmar to Lao PDR who led Myanmar delegation to the meeting.
He said Myanmar is willing to further cooperate with the MRC and China in human resource development, technical cooperation, information sharing and active participation in MRC-facilitated events.
The Dialogue Meetings are an annual event whereby the MRC engages with its Dialogue Partners on its cooperation framework and discussions on how the four Member Countries of the MRC can increase their cooperation with the upstream neighbors. ##
Australia builds Cambodian Police Facilities in Battambang Province
Australia builds Cambodian Police Facilities in Battambang Province
by Chhorng Long Heng
Ministry of interior and Australian Embassy to Phnom Penh on 24 August 2010 opened new judicial police facilities at Battambang Police Commission Compound under highly presiding over the ceremony by H.E. Prum Sokha, Secretary of State, Ministry of Interior and H.E. Ms Margaret Adamson, the Australian Ambassador to Cambodia.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, HE Ms Margaret Adamson said “This new building will provide better working conditions for police officers, enabling them to work in a more effective and efficient manner. It has also been designed to provide better conditions for accused persons, for victims and for the local residents who are working with the police to report and reduce crime”.
She added that the new facilities are part of Australia’s support for better infrastructure through the Cambodia Criminal Justice Assistance Project (CCJAP). Through CCJAP, Australia has provided AU$4million for capital works to improve provincial; police, court and prison buildings in five provinces including Battambang, Prey Veng, Banteay Mean Chey, Kampong Thom and Kampong Cham provinces.
H.E. Prum Sokha, Secretary of State, Ministry of Interior, said “This physical infrastructure is a good example of a strong effort of both governments toward supporting reform in Cambodia. “ Now, with competent police officers and new infrastructure, I strongly believe our police officers will be able to perform their duties more efficiently and professionally to ensure security and safety to our communities and will gain more confidence and trust from communities.” Sokha added.
“This building will enable provincial police commissioner to link important activities to the strategic objectives of Cambodian National Police accordingly and will improve the infrastructure of provincial police in order to expand technical-scientific and development training programs related to the key points of the interview and the trainings in order to support criminal and sexual abuse investigation especially related to women and juveniles”, said General Sar Thet, Provincial Police Commissioner of Battambang Province.
Australia has supported reform across the criminal justice system in Cambodia since 1997. The Cambodia Criminal Justice Assistance Project Phase 3 (2007 – 2012) works with the Royal Government and NGOs and communities to improve prisons, policing, courts, crime prevention and community safety in six provinces. Both sides also strengthen bilateral cooperation with varied fields from health, education to anti-terrorism for security and safety in region and to provide mutual benefits. Under the support from Australia, Cambodia trained more than 550 people, including judges, prosecutors, senior police officers and soldiers, for anti-terrorism law. The Cambodian government considered terrorism act as a cruel crime in the history of humanity, and it makes turmoil in the society especially politically.
The Cambodian government also considered terrorism act as an international matter. Australia is very happy to see the contribution of Cambodia in fighting against the terrorism acts.###
by Chhorng Long Heng
Ministry of interior and Australian Embassy to Phnom Penh on 24 August 2010 opened new judicial police facilities at Battambang Police Commission Compound under highly presiding over the ceremony by H.E. Prum Sokha, Secretary of State, Ministry of Interior and H.E. Ms Margaret Adamson, the Australian Ambassador to Cambodia.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, HE Ms Margaret Adamson said “This new building will provide better working conditions for police officers, enabling them to work in a more effective and efficient manner. It has also been designed to provide better conditions for accused persons, for victims and for the local residents who are working with the police to report and reduce crime”.
She added that the new facilities are part of Australia’s support for better infrastructure through the Cambodia Criminal Justice Assistance Project (CCJAP). Through CCJAP, Australia has provided AU$4million for capital works to improve provincial; police, court and prison buildings in five provinces including Battambang, Prey Veng, Banteay Mean Chey, Kampong Thom and Kampong Cham provinces.
H.E. Prum Sokha, Secretary of State, Ministry of Interior, said “This physical infrastructure is a good example of a strong effort of both governments toward supporting reform in Cambodia. “ Now, with competent police officers and new infrastructure, I strongly believe our police officers will be able to perform their duties more efficiently and professionally to ensure security and safety to our communities and will gain more confidence and trust from communities.” Sokha added.
“This building will enable provincial police commissioner to link important activities to the strategic objectives of Cambodian National Police accordingly and will improve the infrastructure of provincial police in order to expand technical-scientific and development training programs related to the key points of the interview and the trainings in order to support criminal and sexual abuse investigation especially related to women and juveniles”, said General Sar Thet, Provincial Police Commissioner of Battambang Province.
Australia has supported reform across the criminal justice system in Cambodia since 1997. The Cambodia Criminal Justice Assistance Project Phase 3 (2007 – 2012) works with the Royal Government and NGOs and communities to improve prisons, policing, courts, crime prevention and community safety in six provinces. Both sides also strengthen bilateral cooperation with varied fields from health, education to anti-terrorism for security and safety in region and to provide mutual benefits. Under the support from Australia, Cambodia trained more than 550 people, including judges, prosecutors, senior police officers and soldiers, for anti-terrorism law. The Cambodian government considered terrorism act as a cruel crime in the history of humanity, and it makes turmoil in the society especially politically.
The Cambodian government also considered terrorism act as an international matter. Australia is very happy to see the contribution of Cambodia in fighting against the terrorism acts.###
Chhorng Long Heng: Cambodia to host regional ASEAN seminar on fighting against corruption
Cambodia to host regional ASEAN seminar on fighting against corruption
by Chhorng Long Heng
The Anti-corruption Unit (ACU) of Cambodia announced on 23 August that it will host the regional ASEAN seminar on fighting against corruption late this year.
“Cambodia will host the regional ASEAN seminar on combating corruption late this year,” H.E Om Yenteing, head of ACU said in the seminar on fighting corruption to achieve development.
“To contribute in fighting against corruption, we need clean our staff at the ACU first, we will create a small group to investigate our staff about where they go and eat something with who at where to ensure that they are not making any corruption,” HE Om Yenteing added.
They need to declare their assets in advance before they started working and stop working at ACU, he said, adding that we will have annual polygraph test to assess our officials. He said previously that over 100,000 governmental officials must declare their asset accordance with to the law of anti-corruption which was passed by the national assembly in March. We have to join together to fight against corruption to contribute development and fulfill the commitment of millennium development goals, he stresses.
“We set up the strategies in countering corruption and sooner we will install our website for our agency in collecting the information and post the documents from ACU, and officials could download the documents to fill in forms,” He said, adding that local people could report the information to ACU through the website, they provided exclusive information for us to investigate the cases of corruption related at somewhere or other public officials.
Speaking at the sideline of symposium on fighting against corruption to achieve development, Prof Pil Hwan Oh, chairman of Korean Association for Corruption studies (KACS) said that the purpose of this symposium is to discuss the impact of corruption on economic development on developing countries.
“I hope that this opportunity will be a new beginning for meeting number challenges lying ahead and opens a window for the international cooperating system,” he said, adding that corruption is global as well as diverse and it had become an issue of major political economic significance in recent years in many countries across the globe including a number of developed countries.
He stated that corruption affects policy making process negatively, distorting the allocation of national resources, he said, adding that throughout decrease in investment impact and increase in political instability and transaction costs, corruption began to emerge, giving a negative impact on economic growth. Thus, fighting corruption should be the priori policy for economic development in developing countries particularly.
Honorary Congressman Shin-Bom Lee, the Blue Korea Foundation (BKF) and former member of the national assembly of the republic of Korea said that with the blooming of democracy, South Korea has faced many new challenges, but has successfully overcome them. I am certain that South Korea’s experience of democracy and fight against corruption by reforming the system over the past 20 years was a success story. “I am convinced that Cambodia can achieve far greater success in the future, He added.
The Cambodia- Transparency International of South Korea conducted joint Symposium on “Fighting Corruption to Achieve Development” on August 23 in Phnom Penh with the aim to review corruption issues as a key challenge for economic and social development based on the global understanding that with the existence of a high level of corruption and poor governance, the Millennium Development Goals cannot be achieved.
The Cambodian advocates in turn shared their experience in fighting corruption, the challenges they face as well as new opportunities in light of recent development and the enabling environment following the adoption of the Anti-Corruption law and the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Unit as well as the related institutions.
Transparency International Secretariat presented the Development Pact, a tool that works with political and administrative “champions” keen to demonstrate their commitment to higher benchmarks of integrity and performance on development promises.
The symposium also discussed some key recommendations to all stakeholders in Cambodia and in Korea such as: the government, parliament, civil society organizations, international donors and the media in order to promote integrity and transparency more effectively
“The participants appreciated the government’s commitment to the fight against corruption and wish to form a coalition with the government, the private sector and international stakeholders to take more proactive steps towards reducing corruption and achieving the MDGs, the joint statement from the symposium said, adding that the establishment of integrity system should be promoted through good governance process. The political parties should put democratic interest before party interests through practicing and adhering to democratic principles. “To reduce collusion among politicians and businessmen, transparent policy making and administrative processes are essential.
Strengthen democratic development at local government,” the statement added.
The executive, legislative and judiciary should promote and guarantee freedom of expression and access to information, particularly with regard to public services; Promote transparent revenue, budget and procurement processes; Citizens should be encouraged to submit complaints on corruption issues. Encourage greater religious involvement such as ethical and moral values to enhance social integrity. Focus on both preventing and fighting corruption through raising public awareness, integrating Develop a comprehensive anti corruption strategy with focus on education on integrity at schools, it stresses. ###
by Chhorng Long Heng
The Anti-corruption Unit (ACU) of Cambodia announced on 23 August that it will host the regional ASEAN seminar on fighting against corruption late this year.
“Cambodia will host the regional ASEAN seminar on combating corruption late this year,” H.E Om Yenteing, head of ACU said in the seminar on fighting corruption to achieve development.
“To contribute in fighting against corruption, we need clean our staff at the ACU first, we will create a small group to investigate our staff about where they go and eat something with who at where to ensure that they are not making any corruption,” HE Om Yenteing added.
They need to declare their assets in advance before they started working and stop working at ACU, he said, adding that we will have annual polygraph test to assess our officials. He said previously that over 100,000 governmental officials must declare their asset accordance with to the law of anti-corruption which was passed by the national assembly in March. We have to join together to fight against corruption to contribute development and fulfill the commitment of millennium development goals, he stresses.
“We set up the strategies in countering corruption and sooner we will install our website for our agency in collecting the information and post the documents from ACU, and officials could download the documents to fill in forms,” He said, adding that local people could report the information to ACU through the website, they provided exclusive information for us to investigate the cases of corruption related at somewhere or other public officials.
Speaking at the sideline of symposium on fighting against corruption to achieve development, Prof Pil Hwan Oh, chairman of Korean Association for Corruption studies (KACS) said that the purpose of this symposium is to discuss the impact of corruption on economic development on developing countries.
“I hope that this opportunity will be a new beginning for meeting number challenges lying ahead and opens a window for the international cooperating system,” he said, adding that corruption is global as well as diverse and it had become an issue of major political economic significance in recent years in many countries across the globe including a number of developed countries.
He stated that corruption affects policy making process negatively, distorting the allocation of national resources, he said, adding that throughout decrease in investment impact and increase in political instability and transaction costs, corruption began to emerge, giving a negative impact on economic growth. Thus, fighting corruption should be the priori policy for economic development in developing countries particularly.
Honorary Congressman Shin-Bom Lee, the Blue Korea Foundation (BKF) and former member of the national assembly of the republic of Korea said that with the blooming of democracy, South Korea has faced many new challenges, but has successfully overcome them. I am certain that South Korea’s experience of democracy and fight against corruption by reforming the system over the past 20 years was a success story. “I am convinced that Cambodia can achieve far greater success in the future, He added.
The Cambodia- Transparency International of South Korea conducted joint Symposium on “Fighting Corruption to Achieve Development” on August 23 in Phnom Penh with the aim to review corruption issues as a key challenge for economic and social development based on the global understanding that with the existence of a high level of corruption and poor governance, the Millennium Development Goals cannot be achieved.
The Cambodian advocates in turn shared their experience in fighting corruption, the challenges they face as well as new opportunities in light of recent development and the enabling environment following the adoption of the Anti-Corruption law and the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Unit as well as the related institutions.
Transparency International Secretariat presented the Development Pact, a tool that works with political and administrative “champions” keen to demonstrate their commitment to higher benchmarks of integrity and performance on development promises.
The symposium also discussed some key recommendations to all stakeholders in Cambodia and in Korea such as: the government, parliament, civil society organizations, international donors and the media in order to promote integrity and transparency more effectively
“The participants appreciated the government’s commitment to the fight against corruption and wish to form a coalition with the government, the private sector and international stakeholders to take more proactive steps towards reducing corruption and achieving the MDGs, the joint statement from the symposium said, adding that the establishment of integrity system should be promoted through good governance process. The political parties should put democratic interest before party interests through practicing and adhering to democratic principles. “To reduce collusion among politicians and businessmen, transparent policy making and administrative processes are essential.
Strengthen democratic development at local government,” the statement added.
The executive, legislative and judiciary should promote and guarantee freedom of expression and access to information, particularly with regard to public services; Promote transparent revenue, budget and procurement processes; Citizens should be encouraged to submit complaints on corruption issues. Encourage greater religious involvement such as ethical and moral values to enhance social integrity. Focus on both preventing and fighting corruption through raising public awareness, integrating Develop a comprehensive anti corruption strategy with focus on education on integrity at schools, it stresses. ###
Chhorng Long Heng: Mekong River commission officially opens permanent office in Phnom Penh
Mekong River Commission Secretariat officially opens permanent office in Phnom Penh
The Mekong River Commission secretariat on August 26 officially opened permanent and arm office in Phnom Penh after long discussion among the members of countries, and other stakeholders in a move to facilitate the management of the various programs related the river.
“This secretariat is the operational arm of the MRC and responsible for implementing MRC decisions on cooperation for the sustainable management and development of the Mekong River Basin,”H.E. Lim Kean Hor, minister of water resources and meteorology, member of the MRC council of Cambodia and Chairman of Cambodian National Mekong Committee said in the ceremony of opening the permanent office of MRC in Phnom Penh.
“We mark this major formative step in the life of the Mekong River Commission secretariat. The journey to get here today, to the agreement on a permanent co-hosted solution to the location of the MRC, has been a long one,” he noted.
“I am confident that decision to locate it in two capitals cities, Phnom Penh of Cambodia and Vientiane of Lao PRD on the banks of the Mekong is a good one,” he said, adding that both cities and countries will benefit from hosting such an important inter-governmental organization. He highlighted that and all four member countries benefit from the capacity building benefits that the organization brings to the region to help us build our own national expertise. In this respect the needs of Cambodia and Lao PRD are proportionately more than other countries and we look forward to working closely with MRC to narrow the gap.
“The real beneficiaries of MRC’s work will be every people who gain from better management of the Mekong’s impressive water resources, those people living in the basin that depend on it for their livelihoods,” He stresses. By establishing permanent seats for MRC’s various programs in both Phnom Penh and Vientiane, we have moved on from the previous 5-yearly rotation of the headquarters, which in this day and age is seen to be inefficient and disruptive.
“Hence, with an approach that embraces modern technology, we hope that the co-hosting arrangement will lead to greater efficiency and effectiveness for the MRC in the long term, he said, adding that The cross-cutting nature of the MRC’s work and its ability to take an integrated and sustainable approach to water resources development remains a key priority, although it is also important to recognize that some of the MRC’s work has strong geographical linkages.
He added that although floods do occur upstream in both the Mekong mainstream and it tributary rivers, Cambodia and the Mekong delta in Vietnam are historically more likely to face regular annual flooding than the northern part of the basin, which is why the MRC located its regional flood management and mitigation center in Phnom Penh several years ago.
Similarly, the proportion of people that rely on the vast Mekong Fishery for their main source of protein is higher in the southern part of the basin, than further north, hence the MRC’s fisheries programs has joined the flood management and mitigation program in Phnom Penh.
“The agriculture and irrigation program, drought management program, information and knowledge management program and navigation program have already relocated to Phnom Penh or will have completed their move by the end of this year,” He emphasized.
He added that that The office of the chide executive officer and heads of corporate services sections, together with director of two divisions will remain in the office of secretariat in Vientiane along with other programs that are related to long term basin –wide planning, such as the basin development plan program, the Mekong integrated water resources management project, the initiative on sustainable hydropower, the environment program and climate change adaptation initiative. Now, that question of the location of the MRC has been decided, the organization can concentrate wholly on the key development opportunities and challenges facing basin.
“The decision on the location of any international organization can be politically sensitive, he stresses. “But this decision-which we commemorate today with this official opening means that Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam-the four countries of the MRC will be a stronger position to implement the 1995 Mekong Agreement, he added. It means better joint management of the shared water resources of the basin, and inevitably –increased prosperity through sustainable development of the economic potential of the river while protecting its vital environment resources.
He noted in 2008, we opened the regional flood management and mitigation center here and see now the benefits of other programs joining it under the umbrella of the office of the secretariat in Phnom Penh. On behalf of the government of Cambodia as the host country, we are committed with our readiness to help facilitate towards the smooth operation of the office of the secretariat in Phnom Penh.
Mr.Jeremy Bird, Chief Executive Officer of The Mekong River Commission Secretariat said that one year after the signing of 1995 Mekong agreement, the MRC council agreed that the secretariat was to be moved between Phnom Penh and Vientiane every five years. Although this original co-hosting agreement was designed to try and balance the role of Cambodia and Lao PDR-that together make up the majority of the land area in the lower basin- it was a compromise in the absence of consensus on the location of secretariat between the two candidates cities.
“Let me first express my gratitude to the government of Cambodia and the Cambodian national Mekong Committee secretariat for graciously hosting this important event, for hosting the office of the MRC secretariats here as well as for their long term commitment to institutional and logistical support the MRC,” He said.
“The MRC secretariat now officially has two permanent offices, one in Vientiane and the other here at these premises-formerly the home of the MRC’s existing regional flood management and mitigation center built with the assistance of the government of Japan which remains a key part of the office of secretariat in Phnom Penh, Bird said, adding that so I am pleased to celebrate the end of this long process and at the same time we are planning a new ear for the organization in implementing the Hua Hin Declaration agreed at the first MRC Summit.
“I trust that you will continue to render your assistance and support to the MRC as we strengthen the organization and keep their spirit of the 1995 Mekong Agreement alive,” Bird added.
Mr.Bird noted that the MRC has been very fortunate to have received significant support from development partners throughout this process and over past years in general. With the opening of this Phnom Penh Office we can now look forward to focusing fully on the serious and important work of helping the people of the Mekong Basin to cope with the pressing challenges ahead, and in developing methods and systems to address them.
Besides political dimension, all member countries were anxious that this was a decision based on careful consideration of the linkages between programs and geographical areas and its inter-programs synergies. “it was decision that ensured the MRC will be able to fulfill its mandate most efficiently, effectively and in the best interests of a board range of stakeholders-not just those that work with and in the secretariat, but development partners, our dialogue partners, government line ministries and of course those that rely on the river system for their live livelihood and day –to-day survival,” he stresses.
“I also wish to thank member countries and dialogue partners for their support. I am pleased that so many representatives are present today to mark the fulfillment of article 29 of the 1995 Mekong Agreement in relation to our permanent locations,” Bird said, adding that indeed, it took November last year for a final decision to be made by the governments of the four member committees, Cambodia, Lao PRD, Thailand, and Vietnam. As to just how the permanent solution for location of MRC was to take shape. Secretariat moved from its previous headquarters in Bangkok on the days of the interim Mekong Committee to Phnom Penh in 1998 and first “rotating” move from Phnom Penh to Vientiane took place in 2004.
Khy Lim, communication officer for MRC told the SEAW that if there was relocation, meaning complete move to Phnom Penh, it would cost the MRC around one million for building and extra expenses for human resource, shipment, equipment and other costs.
The cost could be more than one million US dollar,” he added.
###
The Mekong River Commission secretariat on August 26 officially opened permanent and arm office in Phnom Penh after long discussion among the members of countries, and other stakeholders in a move to facilitate the management of the various programs related the river.
“This secretariat is the operational arm of the MRC and responsible for implementing MRC decisions on cooperation for the sustainable management and development of the Mekong River Basin,”H.E. Lim Kean Hor, minister of water resources and meteorology, member of the MRC council of Cambodia and Chairman of Cambodian National Mekong Committee said in the ceremony of opening the permanent office of MRC in Phnom Penh.
“We mark this major formative step in the life of the Mekong River Commission secretariat. The journey to get here today, to the agreement on a permanent co-hosted solution to the location of the MRC, has been a long one,” he noted.
“I am confident that decision to locate it in two capitals cities, Phnom Penh of Cambodia and Vientiane of Lao PRD on the banks of the Mekong is a good one,” he said, adding that both cities and countries will benefit from hosting such an important inter-governmental organization. He highlighted that and all four member countries benefit from the capacity building benefits that the organization brings to the region to help us build our own national expertise. In this respect the needs of Cambodia and Lao PRD are proportionately more than other countries and we look forward to working closely with MRC to narrow the gap.
“The real beneficiaries of MRC’s work will be every people who gain from better management of the Mekong’s impressive water resources, those people living in the basin that depend on it for their livelihoods,” He stresses. By establishing permanent seats for MRC’s various programs in both Phnom Penh and Vientiane, we have moved on from the previous 5-yearly rotation of the headquarters, which in this day and age is seen to be inefficient and disruptive.
“Hence, with an approach that embraces modern technology, we hope that the co-hosting arrangement will lead to greater efficiency and effectiveness for the MRC in the long term, he said, adding that The cross-cutting nature of the MRC’s work and its ability to take an integrated and sustainable approach to water resources development remains a key priority, although it is also important to recognize that some of the MRC’s work has strong geographical linkages.
He added that although floods do occur upstream in both the Mekong mainstream and it tributary rivers, Cambodia and the Mekong delta in Vietnam are historically more likely to face regular annual flooding than the northern part of the basin, which is why the MRC located its regional flood management and mitigation center in Phnom Penh several years ago.
Similarly, the proportion of people that rely on the vast Mekong Fishery for their main source of protein is higher in the southern part of the basin, than further north, hence the MRC’s fisheries programs has joined the flood management and mitigation program in Phnom Penh.
“The agriculture and irrigation program, drought management program, information and knowledge management program and navigation program have already relocated to Phnom Penh or will have completed their move by the end of this year,” He emphasized.
He added that that The office of the chide executive officer and heads of corporate services sections, together with director of two divisions will remain in the office of secretariat in Vientiane along with other programs that are related to long term basin –wide planning, such as the basin development plan program, the Mekong integrated water resources management project, the initiative on sustainable hydropower, the environment program and climate change adaptation initiative. Now, that question of the location of the MRC has been decided, the organization can concentrate wholly on the key development opportunities and challenges facing basin.
“The decision on the location of any international organization can be politically sensitive, he stresses. “But this decision-which we commemorate today with this official opening means that Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam-the four countries of the MRC will be a stronger position to implement the 1995 Mekong Agreement, he added. It means better joint management of the shared water resources of the basin, and inevitably –increased prosperity through sustainable development of the economic potential of the river while protecting its vital environment resources.
He noted in 2008, we opened the regional flood management and mitigation center here and see now the benefits of other programs joining it under the umbrella of the office of the secretariat in Phnom Penh. On behalf of the government of Cambodia as the host country, we are committed with our readiness to help facilitate towards the smooth operation of the office of the secretariat in Phnom Penh.
Mr.Jeremy Bird, Chief Executive Officer of The Mekong River Commission Secretariat said that one year after the signing of 1995 Mekong agreement, the MRC council agreed that the secretariat was to be moved between Phnom Penh and Vientiane every five years. Although this original co-hosting agreement was designed to try and balance the role of Cambodia and Lao PDR-that together make up the majority of the land area in the lower basin- it was a compromise in the absence of consensus on the location of secretariat between the two candidates cities.
“Let me first express my gratitude to the government of Cambodia and the Cambodian national Mekong Committee secretariat for graciously hosting this important event, for hosting the office of the MRC secretariats here as well as for their long term commitment to institutional and logistical support the MRC,” He said.
“The MRC secretariat now officially has two permanent offices, one in Vientiane and the other here at these premises-formerly the home of the MRC’s existing regional flood management and mitigation center built with the assistance of the government of Japan which remains a key part of the office of secretariat in Phnom Penh, Bird said, adding that so I am pleased to celebrate the end of this long process and at the same time we are planning a new ear for the organization in implementing the Hua Hin Declaration agreed at the first MRC Summit.
“I trust that you will continue to render your assistance and support to the MRC as we strengthen the organization and keep their spirit of the 1995 Mekong Agreement alive,” Bird added.
Mr.Bird noted that the MRC has been very fortunate to have received significant support from development partners throughout this process and over past years in general. With the opening of this Phnom Penh Office we can now look forward to focusing fully on the serious and important work of helping the people of the Mekong Basin to cope with the pressing challenges ahead, and in developing methods and systems to address them.
Besides political dimension, all member countries were anxious that this was a decision based on careful consideration of the linkages between programs and geographical areas and its inter-programs synergies. “it was decision that ensured the MRC will be able to fulfill its mandate most efficiently, effectively and in the best interests of a board range of stakeholders-not just those that work with and in the secretariat, but development partners, our dialogue partners, government line ministries and of course those that rely on the river system for their live livelihood and day –to-day survival,” he stresses.
“I also wish to thank member countries and dialogue partners for their support. I am pleased that so many representatives are present today to mark the fulfillment of article 29 of the 1995 Mekong Agreement in relation to our permanent locations,” Bird said, adding that indeed, it took November last year for a final decision to be made by the governments of the four member committees, Cambodia, Lao PRD, Thailand, and Vietnam. As to just how the permanent solution for location of MRC was to take shape. Secretariat moved from its previous headquarters in Bangkok on the days of the interim Mekong Committee to Phnom Penh in 1998 and first “rotating” move from Phnom Penh to Vientiane took place in 2004.
Khy Lim, communication officer for MRC told the SEAW that if there was relocation, meaning complete move to Phnom Penh, it would cost the MRC around one million for building and extra expenses for human resource, shipment, equipment and other costs.
The cost could be more than one million US dollar,” he added.
###
Cambodia promotes culture of reading and writing
Cambodia promotes Culture of Reading and Writing
by Chhorng Long Heng,
Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia and Australian Embassy to Phnom Penh on August 26 cooperated to conduct the opening of a Public Forum on Reading and Writing, held at National Library of Cambodia under Theme of the “open up their world through reading” to promote culture of reading and appreciate good writing among more Cambodians after they have paid much attention on the entertainment programs.
“ Reading is an easy and inexpensive way to expand one’s knowledge of one’s own and others’ cultures,” Australian Ambassador H.E. Margaret Adamson to Cambodia said in opening remark of the ceremony. She added that today’s donation of books will provide Cambodian students and researchers with direct access to Australian society and culture.
“I hope that through the books and resources in the National Library, Cambodians will discover more about the riches of their own cultural heritage, as well as that of other countries,” she said.
She added that Australia is continuing its long-standing support for national library that is one core of Cambodia ’s national cultural institutions. In the event, Ms Adamson also presented the National Library of Cambodia with a collection of books on contemporary aspects of Australia, including its biodiversity, climate change, media, literature, history, indigenous art and politics. We the readers can find new knowledge, new perspectives and new horizons. We become open to new ideas and new ways of seeing that we did not have before, she added.
“We the readers support the flourishing of the creative thinking and imagination of writers, poets and playwrights for collective enrichment of our minds,’ she stresses.
Australia ’s donation also included a complete record in hard copy and CD-ROM of all the Khmer language materials held in the National Library of Australia. The National Library of Australia houses one of the world’s largest and most actively developed research collections of Asian materials.
One of its rarest and most valuable holdings is a complete Khmer language translation of the Tripitaka, or Buddhist scriptures. The Public Forum also included displays of rare materials held by the National Library of Cambodia, as well as displays by Cambodian publishers, booksellers and other organizations involved in the promotion of reading and writing.
H.E. Thai Noraksatya, secretary of state for the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts said “ Reading and writing are core pillars to achieve academic success, increasing confidence in self-expression, which leads to continuous self-development.
“Today’s event is a mechanism for students, readers and researchers from all spheres to understand the importance of reading and writing.” He said., adding that the government has always supported in fields of reading and writing in the country and encouraged the people to dos so to strengthen the ability of human resources in literature areas for developing the country.
The ministry would like to thank to the Australian embassy’s contribution and support for works of culture, and literature in the country. At the same time, we also thanked to the UNESCO to Cambodia that always supported the fields of education as well as promoting culture of reading and writing in the country. He added that the ministry also has supported the national library to compile documents for researching and studying for learners. The ministry urged and encouraged the national institutions, NGOs and international partners to open more libraries for children and teenagers to promote reading and writing.
“The ministry also organized the annual competition of composition, writers, and authors, poet to promote the literature,” He said, adding that reading is culture of collecting new ideas and writings culture of producing ideas with experiences and own knowledge from reading and see real society in daily life. The reading is absorbing the ideas to develop readers themselves to get the prosperity in life.
In the debate forum, Ms Khlot Vibolla, director of the national library of Cambodia noted that number of readers is still limited number in the library. “Young learners do not like to read and write and they like entertaining,” she said, adding that that is also our concern in literature. “I hope this precious event will contribute strengthening the power of reading and writing in the country and tie the relationship between institutions and other institutions as well as exchanging the experiences and cooperation, culture of professionals. It will encourage young generation to read and write more,”she added.
She added that now, the national library has over 120,000 books written in Khmer English, French and other documents including magazines, newspapers, electronic documents, CD-Rom and Audio and they are available for readers and researchers.
Sok Heng, a student of University of Cambodia said today is globalization and IT time, we surf on internet for study work like assignments at school without going to library. We do not have enough time to read and do homework, he said. We like reading topic that needs for school and personal understanding only, he added.
According to census in 2008, number of Cambodian population is 14,494,293 in 2008 and the literacy rate of stood 73.6% among total population and people’s age in 15 and over can read and write and male literacy rate is 84.7% and female: 64.1%. Cambodian government and development partners is trying to help education system in the country and build schools near communities being easy for people to send their children to schools. ###
###
by Chhorng Long Heng,
Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia and Australian Embassy to Phnom Penh on August 26 cooperated to conduct the opening of a Public Forum on Reading and Writing, held at National Library of Cambodia under Theme of the “open up their world through reading” to promote culture of reading and appreciate good writing among more Cambodians after they have paid much attention on the entertainment programs.
“ Reading is an easy and inexpensive way to expand one’s knowledge of one’s own and others’ cultures,” Australian Ambassador H.E. Margaret Adamson to Cambodia said in opening remark of the ceremony. She added that today’s donation of books will provide Cambodian students and researchers with direct access to Australian society and culture.
“I hope that through the books and resources in the National Library, Cambodians will discover more about the riches of their own cultural heritage, as well as that of other countries,” she said.
She added that Australia is continuing its long-standing support for national library that is one core of Cambodia ’s national cultural institutions. In the event, Ms Adamson also presented the National Library of Cambodia with a collection of books on contemporary aspects of Australia, including its biodiversity, climate change, media, literature, history, indigenous art and politics. We the readers can find new knowledge, new perspectives and new horizons. We become open to new ideas and new ways of seeing that we did not have before, she added.
“We the readers support the flourishing of the creative thinking and imagination of writers, poets and playwrights for collective enrichment of our minds,’ she stresses.
Australia ’s donation also included a complete record in hard copy and CD-ROM of all the Khmer language materials held in the National Library of Australia. The National Library of Australia houses one of the world’s largest and most actively developed research collections of Asian materials.
One of its rarest and most valuable holdings is a complete Khmer language translation of the Tripitaka, or Buddhist scriptures. The Public Forum also included displays of rare materials held by the National Library of Cambodia, as well as displays by Cambodian publishers, booksellers and other organizations involved in the promotion of reading and writing.
H.E. Thai Noraksatya, secretary of state for the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts said “ Reading and writing are core pillars to achieve academic success, increasing confidence in self-expression, which leads to continuous self-development.
“Today’s event is a mechanism for students, readers and researchers from all spheres to understand the importance of reading and writing.” He said., adding that the government has always supported in fields of reading and writing in the country and encouraged the people to dos so to strengthen the ability of human resources in literature areas for developing the country.
The ministry would like to thank to the Australian embassy’s contribution and support for works of culture, and literature in the country. At the same time, we also thanked to the UNESCO to Cambodia that always supported the fields of education as well as promoting culture of reading and writing in the country. He added that the ministry also has supported the national library to compile documents for researching and studying for learners. The ministry urged and encouraged the national institutions, NGOs and international partners to open more libraries for children and teenagers to promote reading and writing.
“The ministry also organized the annual competition of composition, writers, and authors, poet to promote the literature,” He said, adding that reading is culture of collecting new ideas and writings culture of producing ideas with experiences and own knowledge from reading and see real society in daily life. The reading is absorbing the ideas to develop readers themselves to get the prosperity in life.
In the debate forum, Ms Khlot Vibolla, director of the national library of Cambodia noted that number of readers is still limited number in the library. “Young learners do not like to read and write and they like entertaining,” she said, adding that that is also our concern in literature. “I hope this precious event will contribute strengthening the power of reading and writing in the country and tie the relationship between institutions and other institutions as well as exchanging the experiences and cooperation, culture of professionals. It will encourage young generation to read and write more,”she added.
She added that now, the national library has over 120,000 books written in Khmer English, French and other documents including magazines, newspapers, electronic documents, CD-Rom and Audio and they are available for readers and researchers.
Sok Heng, a student of University of Cambodia said today is globalization and IT time, we surf on internet for study work like assignments at school without going to library. We do not have enough time to read and do homework, he said. We like reading topic that needs for school and personal understanding only, he added.
According to census in 2008, number of Cambodian population is 14,494,293 in 2008 and the literacy rate of stood 73.6% among total population and people’s age in 15 and over can read and write and male literacy rate is 84.7% and female: 64.1%. Cambodian government and development partners is trying to help education system in the country and build schools near communities being easy for people to send their children to schools. ###
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