The main goal of this annual event is to reinforce ties between Cambodian graduates of French higher education institutions, outgoing students with a France Excellence scholarship, companies, NGOs, and institutional partners. The event highlighted the academic and professional opportunities offered by studying in France, as well as the added value of the French language on the Cambodian job

Co-organized with the French-Cambodian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFC), this year’s edition brought together 30 exhibitors, providing a privileged space for dialogue on employment opportunities, networking, and cooperation in strategic sectors such as engineering, health, economics, law, and new technologies. The event was made possible thanks to the mobilization of the CCIFC and its members, the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS), and sponsors France Volontaires, Cambodia Airports, Decathlon, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, and BRED Bank Cambodia.

In his speech, Mr. Jacques Pellet, Ambassador of France to Cambodia, praised the remarkable journeys of the alumni and their significant contributions to Cambodia’s development and to strengthening Franco-Cambodian relations. “By choosing French higher education, you have acquired language skills, academic knowledge, openness, and experience, which open up unique employment and career prospects, both in Cambodia and internationally,” Mr. Pellet emphasized, adding that the French language and studying in France are powerful levers for employability.

France ranks as the 4th host country for international students worldwide and also as the 4th destination for Cambodian students. In an increasingly competitive global environment, it maintains strong attractiveness, supported by the combined momentum of the Francophonie and France’s Indo-Pacific strategy launched in 2018.

This year, thanks to the support of the French Embassy and the commitment of Cambodian higher education institutions, 17 new France Excellence scholarship recipients (12 master’s and 5 PhDs—including 8 women) will begin their studies in France this fall.

Since 2021, 555 Cambodian students have chosen to pursue their studies in France through France Excellence, Eiffel, DFMS (Specialized Medical Training Diploma), and DFMSA (Advanced Specialized Medical Training Diploma) scholarship programs, as well as through public and private co-funding (Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of Cambodia, Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology—CADT, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Minthacare). Hundreds of others are continuing their studies in France through private funding.

The French Ambassador also recalled that alumni who obtained a master’s or PhD degree in France—along with their spouses and minor children—are eligible for a short-stay Schengen circulation visa valid from 1 to 5 years. This visa allows them to stay for up to 90 cumulative or non-consecutive days per semester in 29 European countries, within the validity of their passport. Visa applications can be submitted directly via the TLScontact center.

France Alumni Day is part of the “Bienvenue en France” strategy, which aims to welcome 500,000 international students by 2027 and to promote a Francophonie focused on employment and cooperation. Supported by a fund called “Equipe France,” the event showcased the journeys of former French-speaking students and their impact on the Cambodian job market through a roundtable discussion and an interactive quiz that fostered community cohesion. The event also benefited from the support of several private partners.

France Alumni Day Cambodia stands as a key moment of French-speaking network mobilization, ahead of the 20th Summit of the Francophonie to be held in Cambodia in 2026. It reflects the Francophonie’s capacity to unite talents, institutions, and partners around shared values and common prospects. This commitment also embodies a joint ambition: to make French a language of concrete opportunities and to make alumni lasting actors of cooperation between France and Cambodia.

Photo by: Supplied

In a stunning display of resilience and determination, Team Singapore has emerged triumphant in the 32nd SEA Games, securing a resounding victory in the water polo tournament.

For the players and the nation, this victory symbolizes redemption and the restoration of their rightful place at the pinnacle of the sport. With unyielding spirit and unwavering commitment, Team Singapore showcased its undeniable skill and a remarkable match of character against the host city, Cambodia.

Although Cambodia formed a new team for this year’s SEA Games, Singapore approached the match with utmost respect and empathy, recognizing the importance of nurturing talent and fostering the growth of the sport in the region. They embraced the opportunity to provide a spirited competition, one that would inspire Cambodia to continue its journey toward future SEA Games.

As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard lit up in favor of Singapore, reading 22-14. The reverberating cheers of the Singaporean supporters mingled with heartfelt applause from the Cambodian spectators, painted a picture of unity, camaraderie, and mutual respect. It was a moment that epitomized the true essence of sportsmanship and the power of sports to bridge cultural divides.

Photo by: Supplied 

Photo by: Tuy Engly (Sakura)

In collaboration with Singapore Club Cambodia and Himawari Hotel Apartments organized a traditional Lion Dance performance for their guests to bring good luck and bestow blessings in the new year.

With opening speeches from Her Excellency Teo Lay Cheng, Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to Cambodia, and Mr. Andrew Tay, President of the Singapore Club Cambodia, followed by a Prosperity Yu Sheng toss and a toast to the new year. With live music, a couple of lucky draws from sponsors, and delicious Chinese cuisine, guests enjoyed exciting dance numbers performed by Duan Hua Chinese School to welcome the year of the rabbit with luck, prosperity, and good fortune.

Photo by: Engly Tuy (Sakura)

This year Himawari Microbrewery also celebrated its recent win at the Asia Beer Championship in Bangkok. Himawari Microbrewery took home two awards at the competition: the Asia Beer Championship 2022 Gold Award and the Cambodia Country Champion Award 2022.

All thanks to the microbrewery team who specially crafted the Sunny Pilsner, which won this year’s Asia Beer Championship. And to preside over these awards, Himawari had the honor to invite H.E. Moul Sasnak from the Council of Ministers to have a photo session with Himawari Director, Mr. Andrew Tay, and his team at the Singapore Cambodia Club (SCC) “Shiok” Night Christmas Charity event.

Also, in the spirit of Christmas giving, Himawari Hotel Apartments, SCC members, and donors from the public have donated cash to St John Phnom Penh to purchase first-aid kits for the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA).

To end the evening with the season of Christmas, the St John cadets staged several performances singing and dancing to Christmas tunes livening the festive affair to everyone’s delight.

Photo by: Tuy Engly (Sakura)

Tribal Visual Lab offers businesses and production companies new opportunities to explore the possibilities that xR brings. From corporate events to advertising and even short film production, with a studio that represents Cambodia’s first dedicated xR space – and with a forward-thinking ethos to match.

In addition to the xR technology, Tribal Visual Lab will demonstrate some of its broad selection of xR technologies in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) at the CTX Startup area to be leveraged for activation events.

On speaking about the potential of these technologies Ilham Fajar Hadi, Disguise Expert and Managing Partner of Tribal Visual Lab, “New creative technologies are increasingly popular and are being brought into the market, it is about time to take the competitiveness in Cambodia on to the next step. As brands are constantly trying to outdo their rivals with innovations and creativity with other studios. As much as we want to compete in the market, we also want to invite them to join in collaboration works and developing the Cambodia Creative Industry.”

The creative content creator team, made up of international members with a combined industry experience of more than ten years, aims to produce content rivaling regional neighbors and global studios at a competitive rate. As a driving force behind Tribal Visual Lab, is business partner and Cambodian events industry legend Osman Omar, he explained: “our team’s goal is to work towards uplifting the Cambodian creative industry, and we are calling on industry peers to harness the infinite possibilities made possible with this groundbreaking technology.”

xR technologies are becoming increasingly popular as virtual production is adopted more widely across a variety of industries. Utilizing LED screens, virtual production offers producers a way to bring CD elements to life in camera rather than with green screen post-production. Productions benefit from realistic lighting and immersive environments which can be easily altered, while previse movement tracking allows visual effects to be edited with ease.

Interested in experiencing xR technologies and VFX in turning your fantasies idea into a reality? Come visit their booth at the CTX at Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Center (A-F) and stay tuned for their official launch early next year as there will be more activities and technologies to explore in Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality. They also provide services such as Research and Development, consulting, and production services.

Photo by: Supplied

In an opening speech, Mr. Peter Ng Meng Cheng, former President of SCC, mentioned that in 1995, there was a transition from the Singapore Business Association of Cambodia (SBAC) to Singapore Club Cambodia (SCC) into a social club. At the same time still function as a business networking avenue. The objective of SCC was to create a cohesive and interactive socializing platform for Singaporean business people and other nationalities. Mr. Ng added that the committee always aims to be more family-orientated and strives to create an atmosphere of a “home away from home” for families and businesses.

Mr. Ng complimented Mr. Andrew Tay, the 13th President of SCC, for his hard work and commitment to serving the Singapore community. And he stresses that our SCC lives by its slogan and has never changed, and will emphasize that “Unity is our strength” is our core value for our Singaporean community in Cambodia.

Photo by: Supplied

Every Friday and Saturday between 8 pm and 2 am, guests can complete their night out with an exceptional dining experience, complete with appetizing salads, cold and hot condiments, and many other local dishes such as Cha Tra Kuon, Cha Kdaw Sach Muan, Nhoam, an egg station and so much more.

Chef John explains, “The idea of our Borbor Buffet came from the story of Borbor Phek, Battambang Province’s famous porridge, which is widely known as Cambodia’s rice soup. Our Borbor is made from healthy ingredients, such as vegetables, chicken, and fish.”

The night owl who loves Cambodian cuisine can now head to The Mekong Restaurant at Courtyard by Marriott Phnom Penh, which is offering the new Borbor Buffet at the special introductory price of just US$15++ (normal price at US$19++).

For more information about Borbor Buffet with Marriott Bonvoy and to book your table at Courtyard by Marriott Phnom Penh, Cambodia please contact us at +855 23 238888 or email us at Enquiries.CYPNH@Courtyard.com.

Photo by: Engly Tuy (Sakura)

Oknha Lim Bunsour Chairman and President of AZ Group said, “To transform Cambodia’s manufacturing sector to become internationally competitive with modern technology and solutions, the latest signing (MoU) between AZ Group and TKK Corporation is now ready to come together to change the face of the industrial and service sectors. With Total Industrial Solution Technology that can be used in all types of industrial production and service sectors for Cambodia”.

Niwat Kongsomjit CTO and Co-founder of TKK Corporation said, “With expertise in being a leading supplier of automated production control systems in factories and service sectors as well as years of industry experience. Combined with the strength of our business partner AZ Group for Cambodia”.

He added, “Moreover, with the readiness of us and our partners with a common goal of raising the level of Cambodia industry to the next level by bringing technology to enhance work, understand the problem and truly meet the needs”.

AZ Group  was incepted in 1993 initially it was started as a family-run business-like environment in which it was focused primarily on trading-related business activities. Since its inception, AZ  conglomerate has gradually and strategically transformed into a more commercialized and technology-focused business development process where it has invested, nurtured, acquired, and merged with various businesses operating in a broad range of industries including but not limited to the following fields: Equity Investment, Investment Holding; Infrastructure, Property & Real Estate Development; Smart-City project, ECO Tourism, Port Logistics, Construction & Machinery Equipment, Trading, Clean Energy, PV, Energy storage, EV/Electric Busses, Automotive, Aviation, Agriculture Manufacturing, Banking, Financial Services, E-Commerce, E-Learning, Telecommunication, Insurance, Healthcare.

TKK Corporation is a leading provider of procurement and distribution of products in factory automation control systems as well as solutions for entrepreneurs in the industry. At present, there is a service in the procurement of products, equipment, and industrial tools according to the needs of customers. and has been appointed as an official distributor and service provider of industrial products in Thailand from more than 50 leading brands. There is also a system integration service for industrial plants.

Photo by: Engly Tuy (Sakura)

Labuan Bajo is one of Indonesia’s five tourism super-priority destinations. Besides promoting and supporting the Indonesian creative economy, the event will also introduce coffee products from East Nusa Tenggara.

The era of the industrial revolution 4.0 has made the creative economy a strategic issue that deserves to be mainstreamed to win global competition, marked by continued innovation and creativity to increase economic added value through the capitalization of creative ideas.

The creative economy can be said as an economic concept in the new economic era that intensifies information and creativity by relying on ideas and stock of knowledge from Human Resources (HR) as the main production factor in its economic activities. The creative economy with its 16 derivative sectors including fashion, art, culinary, product design, online games, films, animation, and others deserves to be a strategic choice to continue to be developed.

Film as one of the creative economic sectors can support the tourism sector, by utilizing tourist destinations as a background of the story. By utilizing film as a tourism promotion medium, film connoisseurs, film industry businessmen, media, and the public will become more familiar with the Indonesian tourist destinations.

Promotion of Indonesian tourism through the movie can also be implemented in Cambodia, considering that Cambodia’s economy continues to grow even though it was rocked by a pandemic, like other countries in the world. The Asian Development Bank estimates that the Cambodian economy will grow again by 3.0% in 2021 after experiencing a 3.1% contraction in 2020. The Cambodian government is seen as having succeeded in implementing policies that can mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19 on businesses, and people’s income and support economic recovery.

In the tourism sector, in 2019 (before the pandemic) the number of tourists from Cambodia was 13,843 people or an increase of 56.59 percent from 2018. This shows Cambodia’s high interest in tourist destinations in Indonesia. In addition, there is also interest in Indonesian films by showing several Indonesian films in Cambodian cinemas and Indonesian series on local Cambodian TV stations.

To increase product penetration and promote the creative economy and Indonesian tourism in Cambodia, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh will organize the Promotion of Indonesian Tourism Destinations and Creative Economy Cooperation.

This activity is expected to encourage and facilitate business persons, creative industries, and the Indonesian tourism industry to seriously consider Cambodia’s economic opportunities, both bilaterally and regionally, as well as encourage people-to-people contacts. The current introduction of tourist destinations is to focus on 5 (five) super-priority destinations that have been announced by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, one of which is Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara.

The selection of the Labuan Bajo destination is due to the famous marine tourism, where there is also the Komodo Biosphere Reserve Area and Komodo National Park which have been registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In addition, it is planned that Labuan Bajo will be the location of the 2023 ASEAN Summit. It is hoped that the introduction of this destination will be a kick-off for 4 (four) other destinations.

Photo by: Indonesian Embassy Phnom Penh