The Foreigner Who Introduced Koh Rong to the World
The Foreigner Who Introduced Koh Rong to the World
SIHANOUKVILLE â Bora Uzturk first visited Koh Rong in 2007. The Turkish man returned a year later but not as a visitor. This time, he guided tourists to the âisland paradiseâ.
He was the first to introduce the island to tourists, earning him the nickname as the founder of Koh Rong.
Located near the coast of Preah Sihanouk province, Koh Rong is known for its white sand beaches and beautiful landscape with an abundance of natural destinations. Many less busy beaches on the island give tourists a perfect escape.
âItâs a paradise,â he told Cambodianess and recalled the time he set foot on the island.
His Cambodian wife was not happy at first with his intention to open a business on the island. She later changed her mind and supported him along the way.
Warship Visit for Friendship Not Anti-China: US Commander
Cambodianess journalist Teng Yalirozy is in Sihanoukville to report on the port visit by the littoral combat ship USS Savannah, which has a crew of 103.
With eight years of absence of such a visit, analysts see this port call as an attempt to re-establish US-Cambodia relations after years of tensions and an opportunity to project neutrality.
Read more: https://cambodianess.com/article/warship-visit-for-friendship-not-anti-china-us-commander
Report by Teng Yalirozy
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US Warshipâs Port Call Boosts Cambodia-US Ties
US Warshipâs Port Call Boosts Cambodia-US Ties
On Dec. 16, the USS Savannah, a littoral combat ship carrying a crew of 103, docked in Sihanoukville for a five-day visit.
Samuel J. Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, stated that the visit is not aimed at countering anyone; rather, it is a first step towards enhancing cooperation and strengthening a 75-year relationship between the nations.
On the development of the Ream Naval Base, he said the US respects Cambodia's choices and regards it as a matter of respect for Cambodia's sovereignty.
"Cambodia has its own choices to build out Ream Naval base and its own relationship through the region," he said. "The US has great respect for Cambodia's choices and has great respect for it."
A total of 27 US warships have visited Cambodia since 2007.
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An aerial video captures the fireworks display during Cambodia's Water Festival in Phnom Penh.
Footage by Moeurn Makthong
Experience winter fun in Northeast China! From DIY curling with pots to ice billiards with frozen fruit, locals turn the freezing cold into endless joy. #NortheastChina #WinterFun #IceBilliards #HomemadeCurling
Lomphat the Elephant Relishes her New Home
Lumphat the Elephant Relishes her New Home
TAKEOâLumphat was named after her birthplace to remind people where she comes from. She sleeps several times daily and is fed every two and a half hours with 1.5 liters of milk each.
According to Wildlife Alliance, it will take her five to six months to fully recover from her leg wound.
The donation of milk is welcomed. Lumphat is fed with Dumex Dupro formula.
Lumphat, whose leg was cruelly ensnared in a hidden trap in Mondulkiri province, was rescued by park rangers in the Koh Nhek district of Mondulkiri Province on December 8. As she has been separated from her herd and mother, she continues to receive temporary care until she can be safely reintroduced into the wild.
Video and text by Meng Seavmey
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Second Angkor Dictation: Full House
Second Angkor Dictation: Full House
The second annual Angkor Dictation Competition in Siem Reap province has already reached capacity, with registration closing before the deadline.
Around 1,214 astounding individuals have signed up to test their Khmer language skills at the iconic Causeway Bridge of Angkor Wat Temple on January 19, 2025, beginning at 7 AM.
Lim Bunhok, a Khmer language enthusiast and one of the organizers, said that the early closure reflects the growing enthusiasm among the Cambodian people for preserving and promoting the Khmer language, particularly its spelling.
Minister of Education, Youth, and Sports Hang Chuon Naron will read the competition's text next year.
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My Experience of the Prahok Season: A Flavor, A Tradition, A Way of Life
PHNOM PENH--This year's first fishing period ran from Dec. 8 to 13 along the Tonle Sap Lake in Kandal province and Phnom Penh. So villagers from nearby provinces, such as Takeo and Kampong Speu, have flocked there in recent days to purchase fish to make prahok and pa'ork, this fermented fish paste essential in Cambodian cuisine.
This fishing season has featured more fish but less buyers. Most fish sellers and buyers agreed that this fishing season had fewer buyers although the price of fish is low, ranging from 900 riel ($0.215) to 1,000 riel ($0.25) per kilogram.
However, more buyers were expected to come during the weekend as many work on weekdays, and some are still busy with farming work.
Video produced by Rin Ousa
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Mao Sreng: Celebrating Three Decades of Australian Scholarships Empowering Cambodia
Mao Sreng, the Country Director for IDP Cambodia, reflects on the 30-year journey of the Australia Awards Scholarship Program as he joins over 1,000 alumni who were granted the opportunity to pursue their studies in Australia in celebrating this milestone.
He noted that it has been a privilege to witness the many changes among the generations of alumni he has met, many of whom are now leaders across various sectors and industries in Cambodia.
âIt is also a clear reflection of what it was like 30 years ago and how far weâve come, as well as how we are shaping the future with the talent, expertise, and knowledge gained from Australia, which continues to grow as alumni return and contribute to their communities,â Sreng said.
He expressed his gratitude to the Australian government and its people for their continued support of Cambodia through this scholarship program, which enhances skills and develops the knowledge and potential of the countryâs human resources.
Graduating in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University in South Australia in 2007, Sreng has dedicated the past 24 years to advancing the education sector.
âEducation is the foundation for change. Some might say education is a tool for positive societal transformation. I am deeply honored to have worked in the education sector for the past 24 years, particularly in English language development,â he emphasized.
When asked to share advice with young Cambodians aspiring to further their education in Australia, Sreng encouraged them to focus on their genuine academic interests and improve their English skills. Beyond academic preparation, he suggested that they engage with their local communities through work and volunteer activities to gain exposure to diversity.
Australia began offering scholarships to Cambodians in the 1950s under the Colombo Plan. The program was reintroduced in 1994 as th
US Kun Khmer Fighters Fought in Siem Reap
SIEM REAP - Kim Song, Kun Khmer trainer from Rogue Island Combat Club, Rhode Island, US, brought in three fighters in the categories of two amateur men and one semi-professional women for the 5th Kun Khmer World Championship.
Kieran Rodning, Andrew Oliveira, and Gage Dasilva were confident in their fight regardless of this new experience in Cambodia. Kim Song tells Cambodianess more on his training and his expectations from the event. The championship will conclude today for the final rounds.
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Foreign Kun Khmer Trainees Enjoy the Kun Khmer Competition
SIEM REAP - Kun Khmer trainees from Poland, Italy, and Belgium made their way to Siem Reap province to learn the Kun Khmer martial art.
As spectators and martial art students, they enjoy watching the 5th Kun Khmer World Championship held from Dec. 6 to 8 with 18 countries joining.
Grew up near a martial art club, Mateusz from Poland expressed that martial arts help him challenge himself physically.
Tim and Chiara, from Belgium and Italy respectively, choose to learn Kun Khmer because of the different techniques and to know the tradition behind it.
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