Initially conceived to celebrate 25 years of French architectural presence in Cambodia, the exhibition has gradually evolved into a broader perspective, in line with the values of the Francophonie: dialogue, diversity, and co-construction. In the lead-up to the Francophonie Summit, scheduled for November 2025 in Phnom Penh, Adaptation(s) highlights the ability of Francophone and Cambodian stakeholders to collaborate in addressing contemporary challenges—urban, environmental, and social.

The exhibition is structured around three main themes guiding the visitor’s journey:

Private and public spaces: how does contemporary Cambodian architecture negotiate the boundary between intimate and shared spaces? In Southeast Asia, thresholds expand, façades engage with the street, and collective space is shaped through use and proximity.

Preservation and reinvention of heritage: from Angkorian monuments to colonial architecture, including the modernist legacy of the Sangkum era and post-war constructions, these layers are not static relics but resources to be activated. Transforming, adapting, and reusing become both ecological and cultural acts.

Adaptation to climatic conditions: in a tropical climate, designing first means working with air, shade, rain, and materials. Architecture becomes a climatic device when it fully integrates these parameters, favoring contextual responses over technical accumulation.

To illustrate these themes, the gallery presents a variety of media: models, photographs, plans, and materials drawn from the projects of participating firms. The exhibition design, created by Melon Rouge Agency, offers an immersive and accessible experience for all audiences, inviting visitors to take a fresh look at both everyday buildings and landmark projects, revealing the invisible dynamics shaping our built environment.

“This exhibition was born from a simple desire: to showcase what is being built here in Cambodia by architects who design in constant dialogue with their environment. It is a conversation between cultures, heritages, and practices. In the perspective of the Francophonie Summit, adaptation(s) is a concrete illustration of our commitment: Franco-Cambodian cultural cooperation is not just a statement—it is a demanding and vibrant collective construction.”  Fanny Pagès, deputy director of the French Institute of Cambodia and cultural attaché.

 As with each exhibition, the French Institute of Cambodia offers a rich accompanying programme designed to broaden audiences and deepen the themes explored: guided tours for school groups and NGOs; roundtable discussions on the exhibition’s topics; as well as a film series on architecture, including a screening of the documentary Moriyama-San by Ila Bêka and Louise Lemoine, followed by a discussion with architect Antoine Miennel (Bloom Architecture), scheduled for 30 May.

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The tournament brought together male and female athletes from the Phnom Penh Kendo Club, alongside the participation of international coaches. Notably, the competition featured respected referee Shigeru Imamura and resident coach Shota Nakagawa, ensuring high standards of judging and technical accuracy.

After an intense and hard-fought morning of matches, the Phnom Penh Kendo Club proudly recognised the emerging talents of the beginner division, where Leap Sambath and Chhuon Chanmolika rose to distinction through determination and discipline. In the women’s singles category, Heng Chhenglinh claimed first place with a performance marked by strength and composure, while Dy Sopha secured second place, demonstrating resilience and refined technique throughout the competition.

In the men’s championship division, Veng Seavlong emerged victorious, demonstrating remarkable focus and precision to claim first place. Nikolay Kuchkin secured second place with a strong and resilient performance, while Veng Senghot earned third place, showcasing determination and competitive spirit throughout the matches.

In the senior (dan) category, experience and mastery took centre stage. Japan’s Masahiro Yagi, 4th dan, claimed the top honour with composed and skilful execution. He was followed by 21-year-old Hiroto Aoki, a 4th dan practitioner, whose performance reflected both discipline and technical excellence. Third place was awarded to Ryota Ishihara, a 3rd dan competitor, whose display of control and sharp technique embodied the essence of high-level kendo.

Kendo, a modern Japanese martial art rooted in the traditions of Kenjutsu, is practised using bamboo swords and protective armour. Once a discipline of the samurai, it has evolved into a dynamic sport that preserves the spirit and philosophy of swordsmanship while adapting to the modern world. Today, kendo is widely practised across Japan and has steadily expanded its presence internationally, inspiring practitioners from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Beyond its physical demands, kendo cultivates mental resilience, discipline, and clarity of mind. It fosters strength not only in the body but also in character, encouraging wisdom, respect, and perseverance. Through its practice, kendo contributes to the development of individuals and, ultimately, to the growth of a disciplined and harmonious society.

Photo by: Kumneth Srey & Santerio Julian Baker

A Filipino artist who arrived in Phnom Penh in 2006, Mikey spent years shaping visual narratives as a storyboard artist in advertising before dedicating himself fully to his art practice in March 2024. Working primarily in watercolor, he captures fleeting, intimate moments with softness and emotional depth.

Since late 2024, Mikey has developed a series of ambitious exhibitions exploring food, culture, and daily rituals. Eat, Pray, Love continues this journey. It is a heartfelt love letter to Cambodia and its people.

Through delicate brushstrokes and luminous washes of color, Mikey portrays incense curling in temple air; the rhythm of wet markets at dawn; shared meals beneath humming ceiling fans; children playing in narrow streets; neighbors cooking; and monks chanting in the distance. His work does not simply document life. It honors it. Each piece reflects a profound sense of gratitude and belonging.

Having lived in Cambodia for nearly twenty years, Mikey’s connection to the country is both personal and deeply rooted.

“Cambodia has shaped me, not only as an artist but as a person,” shares Michael Santiago. “In the simplicity of daily life, I found endless beauty. The acts of cooking, praying, gathering, and celebrating hold quiet magic. Through watercolor, I try to paint not just what I see but also what I feel. This exhibition is my thank you.”

Curated by Don Prostasio, Eat, Pray, Love invites guests and art lovers to rediscover the extraordinary within the ordinary and to see Cambodia through the eyes of someone who has truly made it their home.

“At Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, we are deeply committed to celebrating the culture that surrounds us,” says Marc Emmanuel, General Manager of Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra. “Michael’s work reflects the Cambodia we experience every day. It is vibrant, intimate, spiritual, and profoundly human. Through his watercolors, he captures the quiet poetry of daily life and reminds us that true luxury is found in connection, memory, and belonging. We are proud to share this exhibition with our community and our guests from around the world.” Marc Emmanuel, General Manager of Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra.

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During the conference, he presented the community’s evolution and its signature Kampot cuisine, outlining a roadmap for 2026 that includes significant infrastructure improvements and the launch of a major new event: the Mlech Camping Festival.

From Roadside Booth to National Recognition, the journey to national recognition began in 2019 at the Kampot Sea Festival. Dara, owner of The Safari, partnered with Vanna of Mlech Adventure to promote the region from a small booth situated outside the main event area. Their persistence caught the attention of the Director of the Kampot Provincial Department of Tourism, leading to the first public broadcast of the Mlech story on Kampot city screens.

Today, Mlech Dam has evolved from two isolated operators into the Mlech Ecotourism Community, a cohesive ecosystem where attractions, restaurants, local residents, fishermen, and boat operators collaborate. The community is dedicated to protecting the lake, preventing illegal fishing through annual fish releases, and connecting diverse local activities into a unified destination.

A Vision for 2026: Infrastructure and International Appeal While Mlech has secured its place among local travelers, Dara’s strategic focus for 2026 is to prepare the destination for regional and international markets, including Europe and the United States.

He also mentions the key initiatives for 2026 include the ongoing advocacy for the improvement of the remaining 4 km of rural road access. Activity development for the creation of designated community walking and cycling routes and navigation through the installation of standardized signage to seamlessly connect the four main activity zones.

Additionally, he is introducing the Mlech Camping Festival. That is also thrilled to announce the upcoming Mlech Camping Festival. This signature community event will serve as the highlight of 2026, designed to showcase Mlech’s unique outdoor lifestyle and solidify its status as a next-level eco-adventure destination.

“Joining exhibitions is not only about promotion. It is about continuing a long journey to make Mlech visible to people who have never heard of this place before and to show that a small rural community can grow into a real, sustainable destination,” Dara said.

Driving force behind the development of the Mlech Ecotourism Community in Kampot, Cambodia. By uniting local stakeholders—from boat operators to conservationists he aims to create sustainable tourism experiences that support local livelihoods and preserve the natural beauty of Mlech Dam.

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Phnom Penh: Plantation Urban Resort & Spa is pleased to present the first exhibition in Cambodia by acclaimed Vietnamese artist Bui Hoang Duong, offering audiences a rare opportunity to engage with a rich and evolving body of work from one of Vietnam’s most compelling contemporary voices.

Born and based in Vietnam, Bui Hoang Duong’s practice explores emotional and existential themes through expressive compositions that reflect on vulnerability, joy, love, and the complexities of human experience. His work functions both as an intimate refuge and as a reflection on the society and environment that shape us.

Duong received formal training at the Music and Fine Art College of Guangxi Normal University in China. His career includes numerous solo exhibitions in Vietnam, notably Forever (VICAS Art Studio, Hanoi), Tarot Journey of Duong (Art Gallery 29 Hang Bai, Hanoi), Mo Muong (Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum, Hanoi), and Duong’s Verse (Fine Arts Museum, Ho Chi Minh City).

The exhibition at Plantation Urban Resort & Spa will present a curated selection of works from Duong’s Forest, a contemplative series in which the forest is envisioned as both a physical landscape and an inner realm. The presentation offers insight into the artist’s evolving visual language and reflective approach to painting. The works will be displayed within Plantation’s distinctive gallery spaces, set amid lush greenery and surrounding the resort’s iconic koi pond.

“We are pleased to welcome an artist of international standing to our gallery,” said Alexander Scheible, General Manager of Plantation Urban Resort & Spa. “His work encourages reflection and dialogue across cultures, values that align closely with Plantation’s ongoing commitment to supporting artists’ voices across a wide range of styles and practices.”

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Phnom Penh: Artist and illustrator Seyfried Raphael has announced a limited-edition reissue of his illustrated Map of Cambodia, with proceeds dedicated to humanitarian assistance for communities displaced by ongoing conflict along the Thai–Cambodian border.

Originally created in 2015–2016 as part of the inaugural Travel Roll series, the map was first printed in 4,000 copies in 2016 and has been sold out for several years. The artist had previously stated the work would never be reprinted. The current reissue marks an exceptional decision prompted by the escalation of border conflict since July 2025.

“For a long time, this map belonged to a specific moment in my work, and I never imagined bringing it back,” Raphael said. “But the current situation along the border is urgent. When people are being displaced and humanitarian needs are growing, it feels necessary to act in the most direct way I can.”

For more than a decade, Raphael has consistently donated a portion of his artistic income to NGOs and humanitarian projects in Cambodia. The reissue aims to extend this long-standing commitment by directing financial support toward refugee camps and displaced communities affected by the current crisis.

“This is not a commercial relaunch,” Raphael emphasized. “It’s a solidarity project. The map is simply a vehicle to channel support toward people who urgently need it.”

The special edition will be limited to 1,000 copies, printed on 250 g ivory paper, measuring 50 × 37.5 cm, folded in four, and presented in a custom-made kraft envelope with a gold logo. The retail price is £20 per copy, with 50 percent of proceeds allocated to humanitarian causes. The edition is expected to be available by mid-January 2026.

In addition, Raphael has made the rare decision to offer the original hand-drawn illustration of the map for sale.

“Letting go of an original work is something I almost never do,” he said. “But given the circumstances, it felt appropriate. If it can help extend support further, then it’s worth it.”

Should the conflict be resolved in the near term, Raphael confirmed that profits from the reissue would continue to be donated to NGOs and humanitarian organizations, consistent with his long-standing practice.

“My commitment to supporting humanitarian work in Cambodia doesn’t depend on the news cycle,” he said. “If peace returns quickly, the donations will continue, just as they always have.”

Transparency remains a priority for the project. Updates on the distribution of funds will be shared regularly via Raphael’s official website and social media platforms.

“This project is being managed independently,” Raphael added. “I want supporters to know exactly where the funds are going, and I thank everyone for their patience and trust.”

The reissue is intended for individual collectors, as well as partners, clients, organizations, and institutions seeking to support humanitarian relief efforts through this initiative.

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“I paint while I travel, and I travel while I paint.” The exhibition features Aceves’ paintings created during his travels across Southeast Asia. Each work captures landscapes, portraits, and scenes of everyday life, reflecting his sensitivity to place and culture. Using a portable studio, Aceves engages with the world in real time. “Through my work, I aim to share both the vision of a place and the essence of its people,” he explains. His art is a testament to curiosity, dedication, and the capacity to rediscover wonder in the everyday.

Born in Mexico City in 1969, Aceves studied at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and specialized in engraving at the School of Fine Arts in Rome. He has received numerous awards and residencies, including the French Artistic Excellence Scholarship, first prize at the 2023 International Engraving Biennial in Sarcelles, and a creative residency at the National Museum of Natural History and Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris. His works have been exhibited internationally and are held in collections at the Irish Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Panama, and the Kunstmuseum Bern.
He has co-founded the Char RUFA printmaking workshop, the first metal engraving workshop in Cambodia, and continues to share his expertise with students and emerging artists.

In addition to his paintings, Aceves is bringing lithographs created both by himself and by artists from La Buena Impresión, his workshop in Mexico. Founded together with fellow artists and inspired by the experience of the Char RUFA workshop, La Buena Impresión has become a vibrant centre for contemporary printmaking.

These works form part of the exhibition Stone and Image, previously presented at the Instituto de Artes Gráficas de Oaxaca (IAGO), where it was displayed for four months and viewed by more than 7,000 visitors. The artists represented in Stone and Image have strong professional trajectories and are well recognised across Mexico.

Aceves shares that it is “very moving that the students of RUFA and Char will be able to see the works produced by their sister workshop in Mexico.” The team behind La Buena Impresión is equally enthusiastic about exhibiting at Plantation Urban Resort & Spa in Phnom Penh.

This collaboration between Plantation and RUFA reflects Plantation Urban Resort & Spa’s ongoing commitment to supporting art and was initiated together with H.E. Chan Vitharin of the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh. Plantation is grateful for his support in making this exhibition possible, providing a platform for international artists to engage with local creatives and communities.

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Adding a unique dimension to this partnership, the workshop takes place adjacent to the historic Royal Villa, once the residence of Cambodia’s beloved Princess Norodom Buppha Devi. This iconic landmark embodies elegance and tradition, making Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh not just a destination for dining but a hub for creativity, community, and cultural connection.

Market Café Restaurant & Lounge is Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh’s vibrant all-day dining venue, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and light snacks. It offers a social dining space where Khmer cuisine meets Western dishes, crafted with locally sourced ingredients. With its warm ambiance and natural light, Market Café is the perfect backdrop for lifestyle experiences and creative gatherings.

This masterclass will be available once a month, on selected Saturdays, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Market Café Restaurant & Lounge. To learn more about upcoming classes, visit Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh or Salanum by Dav.

Salanum by Dav is founded by visionary young Cambodian entrepreneur Mao Zalynn. Salanum by Dav is a dedicated culinary school specializing in cakes, desserts, and the art of sweet creations. With a mission to elevate pastry culture, Salanum by Dav focuses on creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation in the world of desserts. Through this partnership, Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh and Salanum by Dav aim to uplift and promote culinary art, supporting local talent and fostering a vibrant community of food enthusiasts.

Mao Zalynn, the founder of Salanum by Dav, recently featured in Prestige’s 40 Under 40, each session offers an immersive journey into the art of cake-making. Known for her bold flavors and innovative designs, Zalynn brings her signature style to inspire participants in a relaxed, interactive setting. Every month, guests will discover a surprise cake concept, learning techniques that transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary creations.

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This special exhibition honors Cambodia’s life-giving rivers, the Tonle Sap Lake and the Mekong River, portraying them as vital arteries of the nation’s heart and soul. Through vivid paintings and immersive mixed media works, “Breath of the River” explores the beauty, fragility, and cultural richness that flow along these sacred waterways. It also sheds light on urgent environmental issues and invites reflection on conservation and sustainability.

Aligned with Sofitel’s commitment to celebrating art, culture, and the local community, the exhibition invites guests and the public to reconnect with nature and heritage through the lens of contemporary Cambodian art.

Channy Chhoeun is one of the children who sketched in the dirt with a stick. Channy’s art today speaks for the birds he loves and the ecosystems they inhabit. A graduate of Phare Ponleu Selpak, he creates deeply emotional work centered on environmental awareness and wildlife protection.

Bor Hak was rescued from human trafficking, and Hak found healing in sculpture. His carvings in wood and stone explore trauma, strength, and memory. Now an animator at Phare Creative Studio, he crafts visual narratives that advocate for justice, resilience, and humanity.

Sophy Sou originally aspired to be a dancer, and she discovered her calling in illustration. Her work ranges from exhibitions to children’s books, blending Khmer tradition with modern storytelling. She now mentors young artists and aims to one day open her own drawing school.

Kakada Soeurm was inspired by picture books as a child; Kakada pursued art and education. He now works with Room to Read, producing creative resources for Cambodian students. His latest artworks use reclaimed wood to reflect the connection between people and the natural world.

Born in hardship and trafficked in his youth, Chhorvorn Van turned to art as salvation. He studied at Phare while working during the day, eventually becoming an internationally exhibited artist known for his spiritual, symbolic, and emotionally raw creations.

“As a hotel deeply rooted in Khmer heritage and proudly committed to the arts, we believe it is our responsibility to support platforms that inspire dialogue and awareness. ‘Breath of the River’ not only showcases Cambodian talent but also reminds us of the lifelines we must protect for future generations.” Charles-Henri Chevet, Area General Manager of Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra.

Photo by: Engly Tuy & Supplied