thursday, january 7, 2021 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent Issue Number 3579 / 4000 RIEL 19K students to SECC: in-principle WHO calls for get Vocational nod given to five solidarity amid scholarships securities firms rising Covid risks national – page 3 business – page 6 World – page 10 Tariffs anew for exports to US as GSP lapses

May Kunmakara and territories – Cambodia included been to extend the programme ret- ary 6: “Buyers will have to pay import The US’ GSP programme expired – the Garment Manufacturers Asso- roactively from the original expira- tariffs for some time. Once US Con- on December 31 as per US Code Title CAMBODIAN importers and buyers ciation in Cambodia (GMAC) stressed tion date, so that importers are gress reauthorises the programme, 19 Customs Duties Section 2465, of the Kingdom’s travel goods to the in a January 6 notice. refunded [without interest] for the they can claim refunds. But this won’t according to the Office of the US US are now required to pay import It said: “Past the latest expiration duties incurred during the lapse. impact our producers here who will Trade Representative (USTR). duties as the latter’s Generalised Sys- date, goods that entered the US after “We hope Congress reauthorisation continue to export as normal. “Congress will make any decisions tem of Preferences (GSP) preferential December 31, 2020, will be subject to will come soon, and we’ll keep all “It’s not just Cambodia facing the on whether or when to extend tariff system expired on December 31 MFN [most-favoured nation] duty members updated as new informa- lapse of the US’ GSP programme – it’s authorisation of GSP. The 117th Con- and is awaiting renewal by Congress. rates, but claims for GSP treatment tion becomes available.” 119 beneficiary countries. We’ll receive gress convenes on January 3, 2021,” The US Congress’ delay affects all should continue to be made. GMAC deputy secretary-general [preferential tariff treatment again] once 119 designated beneficiary countries “Past Congressional practice has Kaing Monika told The Post on Janu- US Congress renews it [the GSP].” Continued – page 7 Quarantine site in north Phnom Penh inaugurated

Mom Kunthear administration to rapidly com- plete preparations for the quar- FOUR-building quar- antine centre because on Janu- antine centre in Phnom ary 11 schools will reopen to Penh’s Prek Pnov dis- begin the new academic year. trict was formally Sreng continued that each inauguratedA on January 6. building can house up to 126 The centre can house up to people in quarantine. The 500 people, according to rooms were designed according Phnom Penh municipal gov- to ministry’s specifications. ernor Khuong Sreng. “Out here, the air quality is At the inauguration ceremo- good and the location is good ny, Sreng said the municipal for quarantine purposes hall had cooperated with the because the buildings are far Steel going strong Ministry of Health to construct from any residences,” he said. Workers lift a cylindrical steel interior-frame for a utility pole along Hun Sen Boulevard in Phnom Penh’s Meanchey district. Cambodia imported 217,151 tonnes of steel worth $140.8 million in the first half of 2020.HEAN RANGSEY the centre because in the past Ministry spokeswoman Or quarantine accommodations Vandine called on the public had to be improvised using to exercise heightened caution locations like schools, military and to adapt to the “new nor- barracks and hotels. mal” amid the pandemic. “Flight passengers from “The most important Most nations miss climate deadline abroad arriving in Cambodia instructions from the govern- via Phnom Penh International ment must be followed con- MORE than half the world’s below” two degrees Celsius deadline approached, sev- 70 out of nearly 200 nations Airport have two options – sistently – practice the three nations failed to submit compared to pre-industrial eral large emitters said they had filed updated commit- they can spend their own do’s and three don’ts’ to stay upgraded commitments by levels, and 1.5C if possible. would achieve net-zero out- ments, according to the Unit- money quarantining at a hotel safe because that’s the new year’s end to reduce their green- The first raft of so-called put this century, but many ed Nations, with some coun- or a guesthouse, or for those normal,” she said. house gas emissions, straggling “nationally determined con- nations allowed the year end tries blaming delays on the who have less money or want Citing a Battambang health behind the schedule of acceler- tributions” (NDCs) would – if to pass without publishing Covid-19 pandemic. to quarantine without having department official, the Minis- ated climate ambitions set out fulfilled – still see Earth details of their renewed Climate advocates are par- to spend money, they can stay try of Information said that as in the Paris Agreement. become 3C hotter, but nations short-term targets. ticularly eager to see the latest at this centre,” he said. of January 4, a total of 106 Cam- Almost every country on the pledged to intensify their Most NDC pledges run to plans from China, the world’s He added that Prime Minister bodian migrant workers in planet signed up to the 2015 emissions cuts, with revised 2030, with a few – including that largest emitter. Hun Sen ordered the health Paris deal, which calls for cap- plans due every five years. of the US – ending in 2025. ministry and the municipal Continued – page 5 ping global warming at “well As the December 31, 2020, As of January 1, only around Continued – page 10

THE PHNOM PENH POST Artefacts set to be displayed National in Pursat museum exhibition Inside page 5 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National Gov’t scraps deals on Boeung Tamok Lake

Long Kimmarita tion of new facilities for the Phnom Penh Municipal De- National Committee for Di- partment of Land Manage- HE Council of Min- saster Management (NCDM), ment, Urban Planning and isters has decided the Cambodian Human Construction. to annul the prakas Rights Committee (CHRC) The letter also said: “The which were previous- and the Cambodian Mine government allocates the cur- lyT issued to carve out roughly Action and Victim Assistance rent facilities occupied by the 30ha in total size from an area Authority (CMAA). Ministry of Mine and Energy currently encompassed by The letter also stated that the for joint use by the NCDM, Boeung Tamok Lake on the government had annulled two CHRC, and CMAA.” outskirts of Phnom Penh. other prakas, numbered 897 Chak Sopheap, executive di- The reversal came follow- and 834, that would have seen rector of the Cambodian Cen- ing a direct order from Prime land swaps among the above- tre for Human Rights, said the Minister Hun Sen. mentioned institutions. annulment of the earlier sub- According to a letter dated This will therefore void an decrees was the correct move January 4 and signed by Coun- agreement with TP Moral and long overdue. cil of Ministers permanent sec- Construction and Develop- In a Facebook post, she said Boeung Tamok Lake has a surface area of approximately 3,000ha. HENG CHIVOAN retary of state Hing Thoraksy, ment Co, Ltd, which had been the government must ensure the government has annulled contracted to construct new that the remainder of the lake [through the filling-in] of this the lake, which is public tablish a public garden and its previous prakas, num- buildings and warehouses for is conserved as state property lake should behave respon- property, would no longer be natural park, and for a new bered 790, giving permission those institutions. and will not be completely sibly and ensure that their of any benefit to the public National Police headquarters to carve out 15ha of the lake In light of these annulments, filled-in. plans won’t negatively affect should it remain as a lake, in as well as new buildings for in Prek Phnov district which the letter said the government Refilling the natural lake, society or the environment. order to fully justify any deci- other government entities. was to be used to construct had decided to hand over the she said, will pose dangers “The government should sion made to privatise it or fill Council of Ministers spokes- new facilities for the Ministry buildings of the Ministry of and the government should show the public its [environ- it in,” Sopheap said. person Ek Tha said the gov- of Rural Development. Land Management, Urban consider reclaiming other mental] impact assessment Boeung Tamok Lake has a ernment only makes decisions The government also an- Planning and Construction to portions of the lake that have and be truthful about their rea- surface area of approximately that serve public interests. nulled prakas number 791, the rural development min- been privatised. sons for carving out portions of 3,000ha. A few hundred hect- “Everything that the govern- which would have carved out istry. And the current build- “Both state and private the lake one after another. ares of its surface have thus far ment has decided is all in the another 15ha of the lake to ings of the rural development institutions seeking to ben- “They should be able to been granted to the Phnom best interests of the people of make way for the construc- ministry will be given to the efit from the use of the land provide some evidence that Penh Municipal Hall to es- our nation,” said. Universities set to offer over 9,000 full scholarships

Voun Dara ing 5,490 seats to be awarded universities will automatically ships to in accordance with to general students. be granted a scholarship from the determined apportion- A TOTAL of 9,130 full scholar- The ministry announced that the group of seats for general ment of seats, and interested ships are being offered by 39 students who excel at mathe- allocation. applicants may consult a pam- state and private higher educa- matics, physics and Khmer Ministry spokesperson Ros phlet published by the minis- tion institutions for the 2020- literature would be automati- Soveacha encouraged students try for details. 2021 academic year. The Minis- cally entitled to scholarships to hurry in submitting applica- Cambodian Independent try of Education, Youth and Sport from the general group if they tions, noting that late appli- Teachers’ Association president urged students – all of whom choose to major in one of those cants would lose the opportu- Ouk Chhayavy said the ministry have been allowed to skip Grade subjects. nity to other candidates. should instead provide scholar- 12 national exams – to rush to In certain cases, students On December 30 last year, ships to students according to apply for these seats. may be entitled to special con- education minister Hang the demonstrable needs of the A press release from the min- sideration based on hardships. Chuon Naron instructed all institutions which are seeking istry detailed apportionment Applicants who have lost a eligible students to select their new students. of the scholarships into four parent may attach a death cer- preferred majors and apply to “If the ministry would do groups, prioritising an alloca- tificate, or those whose par- institutions of higher learning this, students could easily tion of 1,324 seats to female ents have divorced may in a timely manner. choose and apply for scholar- students, 1,738 to poor stu- include a court decision. The ministry explained that ships at the institutions where High school graduates can now apply for full scholarships offered by 39 dents and 578 to students from Disabled students who apply each institution would select they want to continue their state and private higher education institutions. hean rangsey remote areas with the remain- to study a primary subject at students to award scholar- studies,” she said. THE PHNOM PENH POST january 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 3 National ‘Beware of Labour ministry set to provide WhatsApp over 19K vocational scholarships fraudsters’ Long Kimmarita Soth Koemsoeun THE Ministry of Posts and Telecom- HE Ministry of Labour and munications warned members of Vocational Training will the public who use WhatsApp to award 19,179 scholarships vigilantly guard against a new trick for bachelor’s, master’s and employed by hackers that involves technicalT degree courses at 38 tech- the use of six-digit codes sent to po- nical and vocational education and tential victims via the popular mes- training (TVET) institutions across saging app. the country. The ministry said hackers could Labour minister Ith Sam Heng an- take control of their WhatsApp ac- nounced the availability of the scholar- count using this method and engage ships for the 2020-2021 academic year in activities that are detrimental to on his Facebook page on January 6. the interests of the owners of the Courses available for study under hacked accounts. the scholarships will primarily deal The ministry also requested that with vocational skills, particularly WhatsApp users report any suspi- relating to engineering and fields cious activity they encounter and using specialised technologies. seek technical support from the TVET institutions offering schol- ministry’s Department of Informa- arship seats include the National tion and Communication Technology Technical Training Institute, the Na- (ITC) Security if they think they may tional Institute of Business, the In- have been hacked. dustrial Technical Institute and the The ministry’s January 5 announce- National Institute of Entrepreneur- ment said: “Recently, cyber-attacks ship and Innovation. via WhatsApp have been taking place Also included are the Cambodian- at an alarming frequency. Messages Thai Skills Development Institute, the hackers send to a potential victim national and Preah Kossomak poly- via the app include, among others: technic institutes as well as regional Technical and vocational students at Cambodia’s 38 TVET institutions can apply for over 19k available scholarships. Fresh News ‘Sorry! I sent a 6- digit code to your polytechnic institutes in Battambang, number via SMS by mistake. Can you Kampot, Takeo and Siem Reap. “Students have gradually started An official from Prey Veng Voca- enter the workforce immediately af- forward it to me? It is urgent.’ “Candidates should apply for to apply for scholarships. Our in- tional Training Centre who asked ter graduation,” he said. “These messages are sometimes scholarships at the TVET institutes stitution has a wide range of skills not to be named said on January 6 Cambodian Independent Teach- sent from accounts belonging to where they will study full-time. Each for students to choose from like that the centre had announced the ers Association (CITA) president friends of the intended victim who institute will announce their respec- electrical engineering, electronics pre-selection of 700 students who Ouk Chhayavy applauded the schol- have already been hacked them- tive closing dates,” the notice said. and motor repair and mechanical would be given an entrance exam. arship allocations to poor students selves,” the ministry warned. Pen Pat, an admissions official at servicing for cars, motorcycles and Priority would be given to poor and and other youths, urging vocational To avoid being hacked, the min- the Ratanakkiri Provincial Vocation- other vehicles,” Pat said. indigenous students. training centres to process applica- istry said WhatsApp users should al Training Centre, said on January 6 After graduation, all students are “We have this scholarship pro- tions in a transparent and fair man- check the content and the source of that the centre had already selected able to work effectively in their fields, gram every year. This time it’s a bit ner without corruption. any messages sent to them and ig- nearly 500 students for enrolment in he said, adding that private compa- late due to the Covid-19 crisis. The “For individuals who are not prop- nore any message requesting a six- various courses. nies often contact the centre seeking curriculum offers different skills and erly qualified for higher education, digit code. There is a selection of short-term to recruit outstanding students to course durations. There are short- we must allow them to learn tech- According to the ministry, if users and long-term skills courses for stu- work for them. Many students, how- term programmes of four to eight nical and vocational skills. Rather suspect that someone they know has dents awarded with scholarships to ever, prefer to create their own busi- months and long-term programmes than give them fish to eat, we should been hacked, they should make a choose. nesses in their local villages. from 10 to 18 months. Students can teach them how to fish,” she said. voice or video call to them to check. If the account has been compro- mised, then users should block it for now and the account owner should contact WhatsApp customer sup- port, the ministry said. Public warned of money-laundering scam “Do not forward any six-digit number messages to other users; no Niem Chheng Sopheak explained that Cambodia matter what and even if you are in is often asked by other countries to daily communication with them. ANTI-money laundering police have cooperate with investigations of “That includes six-digit numbers urged the public to be alert when fraud and other offences committed from WhatsApp, Telegram, Messen- using their identity cards, warning abroad where products of those ger, Viber, Line, or online banking that they should not allow other peo- crimes have been transferred into the apps,” the ministry said. ple to use their bank accounts for Kingdom. He said police might The ministry’s warning is due to money transfers as such actions could receive one or two such requests each the fact that the six-digit codes are be connected to money laundering. week, amounting to 50 or 60 per year, password reset codes, two-factor According to National Police inves- from around the world. authentication codes or mobile tigator Phan Sopheak, money laun- “Our leaders within the National number confirmation codes. dering occurs in many forms, usu- Police, especially His Excellency Dy Hackers who obtain these codes will ally stemming from other crimes Vichea, are always open to coopera- use them to log in the potential victims’ such as fraud and drug trafficking. tion with friends of Cambodia. We existing account or to create a new ac- Illicit gains from crimes committed take immediate action. With some count using their personal details. abroad could also be transferred to countries, it is challenging because Moses Ngeth, an independent tech- Cambodia, and the public should be they require many documents like nology security adviser, told The Post wary, he cautioned. court verdicts or letters from the for- on January 6 that hackers constantly Sopheak stressed that people eign ministry,” he said. change their methods to make users should not let others use their iden- Transparency International Cam- fall for their tricks and the hackers then tity cards, particularly to open bank bodia executive director Pech Pisey use their account access to steal mon- accounts, and those who have a bank said that in today’s era of advanced ey or data or documents and other pri- Officials said one should not allow other people to use their bank accounts for money account should avoid letting others transfers as such actions could be connected to money laundering. HENG CHIVOAN technology, criminals have many vate information from their victims. make use of it because of the risk of tricks to defraud people, especially in “These hackers never stop look- inadvertently participating in crimi- “When someone considers a prop- many cases in which people were asked countries with weak legal systems ing for new ways to trick people nal activity, including facilitating the osition to act on behalf of someone by others to open accounts or lend use and where the public has limited because the method they are using laundering of money. else in a business matter, they of existing accounts. Sometimes, people understanding of such risks. now won’t work once people learn “If someone has been asked to lend should ask themselves whether they have been asked to receive bailments “It is important that we raise about it through others who have their identity or stand in as a proxy would be abetting money launder- – taking temporary custody of another’s awareness among the people on already fallen victim to it. to register a business or open a bank ers. Those who ask for such assist- property. Police warn that such requests these matters. People must be care- “When we are targeted by their at- account, regardless of whether it is ance could be criminals who are could entail parcels of contraband or ful to protect themselves. Fraud tacks, they can then use our phone by a family member or friend, they involved in corruption or drugs. funds being laundered. happens in many forms – under the number or account or identity online should be very cautious. “Whatever the amount, helping He sternly warned against all such guise of high-return investments or to trick our friends and family too if “They should ask what the business someone to launder money can shift activities. shareholding, for example. they aren’t warned,” Moses said. will be – what product or service, and the legal consequences to an unsus- “Please don’t stand on behalf of “All of these may be fraudulent. Pub- He warned users to be cautious why they need someone to stand on pecting victim and enable the real others to open a business, don’t lic institutions and NGO partners need when online, especially employees their behalf. They should also inquire criminals to clear their tracks and get accept bailments, don’t send things to continue educating members of the of state and private institutions or how the money would be processed,” away,” he added. on behalf of others and don’t let oth- public with regard to these problems companies that use these applica- Sopheak said. Sopheak noted that police have seen ers use your bank account,” he said. and how to avoid them,” Pisey said. tions in the workplace. 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National Koh Kong land title applications examined

Voun Dara to equipment while conduct- ing their work. However, our ORE than 20,000 officials have remained pa- families have reg- tient and professional with- istered to apply out retaliating,” he said. for land titles in According to Phalla, crimes Mdesignated conservation and of encroachment on protected protected regions in Koh Kong forests occur in almost all dis- province, according to deputy tricts of the province. At present, provincial governor Sok Sothy. there are only 110 rangers in the The families’ applications entire province responsible for followed recommendations patrolling nearly one million by Prime Minister Hun Sen hectares of protected land. during a Cabinet meeting on Thong Chandara, the pro- July 3 last year instructing the vincial coordinator for rights relevant ministries – Environ- group Adhoc, observed a ment; Land Management, Ur- common theme among on- ban Planning and Construc- going land dispute cases, de- tion; and Agriculture, Forestry scribing situations in which and Fisheries – to make official rich and powerful people hire allocations of land to people others as proxies to encroach who have actually been liv- on state forest land in order to ing and relying on it in several file for land allocation titles. protected areas. “We have recently found in- “We will conduct individual stances of fences erected on case studies for each regis- state land, as well as people tered family. Results will be having poured soil into canals determined by actual circum- and flooded mangroves. We stances. The principle assert- are unsure if the instigators ed by the head of government of these actions are locals or if . . . is to prevent people from they are coming from outside lacking land on which to live. the province,” he said. “We will make allocations ac- More than 20,000 families have applied for land titles in conservation and protected areas in Koh Kong province. botum sakor administration According to Chandara, he cording to whether people have has received requests for inter- actually resided on the land for not registered their names on “The main purpose of this es. There were 733 total cases closed with individuals sign- vention from people in more some years rather than having formal requests. programme is to resolve land recorded with 83 having been ing cease and desist orders. than 10 ongoing cases. Previ- recently cleared it,” Sothy said. Provincial Department of disputes for people and en- referred to the court. “The most difficult situa- ously, he said, provincial au- He explained that the land Environment director Morn sure their proper rights to Of those, 69 were cases tions our rangers face when thorities had arrested some allocation registry was pre- Phalla said the ministries have control the land,” he said. where only evidence was sent dealing with encroachment people with regard to minor liminary data which would be made efforts to expedite the For the whole of last year, to court with no suspects, in protected areas are in- land disputes, but there had not amended according to find- technical work for submission Phalla said provincial envi- and the other 14 were cases stances when people gather yet been arrests of perpetrators ings, and titles would also be to the Council of Ministers for ronment department rangers where suspects were referred in groups to protest against in major cases of encroachment provided to people who had a final decision to issue a royal had made 1,083 patrols to ad- to court along with evidence. enforcement of the laws. on state forest land or the illegal lived on and utilised it for decree or sub-decree officially dress and prevent any illegal Thirty-one cases resulted “At times, our officials have clearing or filling-in of lakes, many years even if they had allocating the land. exploitation natural resourc- in fines, and 119 cases were sustained injuries or damage streams and mangroves. THE PHNOM PENH POST january 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National Artefacts to be displayed in Pursat museum

Orm Bunthoeurn rotate what it puts on display according to which province HE Ministry of Culture is hosting it. and Fine Arts plans to He told The Post that the make Pursat province objects in the exhibition will the first to host a mu- change as it tours the country seumT exhibition displaying to keep things fresh so that Cambodian antiquities. tourists and locals will want For the exhibition in Pur- to visit it more than once if sat, specifically, the items on they are able. display will be Buddhist an- “In order to attract interna- tiquities dating to the Middle tional and local tourists to [re- Ages, collected from locations turn to] the exhibition, we need across Cambodia. to plan it carefully. For example, Provincial culture depart- when the exhibition comes to ment director Lach Phengly Kampong Chhnang province’s said historians and archaeolo- beautiful museum, we may fo- gists from the provincial mu- cus on jugs and pots. seums were now collecting a “When we start in Pursat prov- variety of antiquities to display, ince, our focus is on antiquities such as Buddhist stone and from the Middle Ages. When wooden sculptures along with we arrive in Banteay Meanchey other objects of cultural or his- or Battambang provinces, we torical importance from vari- will again have something dif- ous sites across the province. ferent [to display],” he said. “Currently, Pursat province According to Visoth, the cul- alone has a collection of over ture department had decided 700 lintels, sandstones, Bud- Pursat would be the first stop dhist statues and other items for the exhibition and so the from the Middle Ages, the focus would be on Buddhist Angkorean and pre-Angkore- Centuries-old antique stone objects are displayed at the Pursat museum. Pursat Museum antiquities from the Middle an periods. Ages, the earliest era for the “They have often been found the museum for repairs. self, and a variety of different history known in Europe as the Buddhist faith,” he said. religion in Cambodia. broken or fractured, so we have “Many of [Cambodia’s] an- techniques must be utilised Middle Ages. Trasak Pa’em (the Concerning religious and “We wanted to start from collected all of the pieces of tiquities are found in pagodas according to item type. namesake of Street 63 in Phnom spiritual beliefs, Sovathy Pursat province first, as we each one we find, and we’ve because ordinary people as He said each display should Penh) – head of the royal gardens added that Cambodia had know that it’s an important been working hard at assem- well as the monks and pagoda include any important infor- who assassinated Jayavarman a variety of sources for their location [where we’ve found] bling them for years,” he said. chiefs have come across them mation known about the ob- IX – married his daughter and traditional beliefs besides antiquities from the Middle Milya Sovathy, deputy direc- by chance [over the years] ject that helps put it in a his- replaced him on the throne – Brahmanism and Buddhism. Ages. That period in our his- tor of the culture department and then brought them in to torical and cultural context, converted from Brahmanism to He said that before Brah- tory isn’t one that the younger in charge of the museum in be looked after and protected especially for tourists who Buddhism in 1441. manism arrived in Cambodia, generation is well-informed Pursat, said everything they in a sacred place. may not know much about “Our country had previously the people here had practiced about and, therefore, we had was being prepared for “We have yet to list them all Cambodia. embraced Brahmanism as the [a less organised] form of reli- wanted to mention it first. display later this year. together, hence, we have to pre- Additionally, he said they official state religion. When gion known today by scholars “So we will start the discus- “Most of the antiquities pare a [comprehensive] inven- will provide support staff that Buddhism became the official as animism, which involves sion [with antiquities related have been collected from tory [of the entire collection] and can answer general questions state religion, its history here the belief in guardian spirits to] Buddhist beliefs in the era various pagodas. Before re- record them again,” he said. and a map or guide for people was then recorded through and the spirits of ancestors. of the Middle Ages, and as we moving them, we prepare an Sovathy added that put- to find their way around the the building of statues and pa- Chhay Visoth, director of prepare for the next [tour stop], inventory to distinguish state ting antiquities on display in exhibition. godas and through other sa- the Department of National we will continue to think about property from pagoda prop- a museum was a specialised Buddhism in Cambodia began cred offerings that took place Museum, said the exhibition the potential [themes] for oth- erty, and then they’re sent to field of knowledge unto it- toward the end of the period of in the course of practicing the on Cambodian Buddhism will er provinces,” he said. Cop-killer hiding in forest; claims of identity disputed Soth Koemsoeun SFC soldier holding a rank of forest, leading police forces to Brigadier General. arrest the murderer,” he said. THE prime suspect in the “These claims affect the In connection with the case, shooting death last week of a reputation of our organisation. police arrested a 24-year-old senior Phnom Penh munici- Therefore, we urge the owners Cambodian man named Ke pal police officer has report- of those Facebook accounts Chanmean on January 4. He edly fled into the forests of to correct what has been pub- was allegedly the driver of a Mondulkiri province where lished as we wait for the author- Lexus crossover carrying the authorities are in pursuit. ities to arrest the perpetrators shooter when the skirmish Responding to social media and punish them according to occurred. claims that the alleged shooter the law,” the letter said. Reth Sineth, deputy chief of was one of their elite soldiers, “If there remain any Face- the municipal police’s minor the military’s Special Forces book accounts sharing disin- crime bureau, died of gun- Command (SFC) has denied formation without citations shot injuries sustained after that any of its members were of specific sources – which a verbal dispute arising from involved in the December 29 detrimentally affect our repu- the car accident. Phnom Penh Quarantine Centre opens in​ Prek Pnov district on Wednesday. city hall incident stemming from a car tation – the SFC will file com- In Facebook posts dated accident in the capital’s Po plaints with the relevant min- January 5 and 6, a user named Sen Chey district. istries, including inquiring “Vannak Thanin” accuses Na- Migrants home after quarantine The denial came after an with authorities in the infor- ren of being the perpetrator, online news story reported mation technology sector to further identifying him as a Continued from page 1 Provincial hall spokesman oversees matters related to Cam- Facebook users claiming determine the owners of such former commando living in Soeum Bunrith said 120 Cam- bodia’s migrant workforce in to identify the assailant as accounts for prosecution un- Village 16 of Phsar Kandal I Thailand had tested positive for bodian migrant workers had Thailand, could not be reached 38 year-old Ear Naren, also der the law,” it added. commune in Phnom Penh’s Covid-19 and were being treated been allowed to return home for comment on January 6. called Rin Phan, describing SFC chief Chap Pheakdey Daun Penh district. in hospitals in Thailand. after testing negative for Cov- Separately, a 28 year-old him as a general in the SFC. said on January 6 that he had The user also wrote that in However, provincial health id-19 at the end of their 14-day Cambodian man from Pailin A special letter to The Post no further comment beyond early 2003, Naren and accom- department deputy director quarantine as of January 5. province’s Sala Krao district on behalf of the senior lead- the official statements which plices shot and killed one vic- Ouk Vichea told The Post on He further said that 1,369 who arrived in Cambodia from ership of the SFC, dated Janu- had already been issued. tim, Om Rath Sady, an adviser January 6 that this news was Cambodian migrant workers Thailand on January 2 had ary 5, unequivocally denied Mondulkiri provincial po- to the late Prince Norodom not yet confirmed and that he have been quarantining at 10 tested positive for Covid-19 that the suspect in question lice chief Lor Sokha said on Ranariddh, and stole a mobile could not yet provide verifica- different quarantine centres and is now being treated in the was a member of their ranks. January 6 that he was leading phone near the Kab Ko market tion of the details. across the province. provincial referral hospital. “We strongly dispute any several police units to appre- in the capital’s Tonle Bassac “We have a meeting scheduled Ministry of Foreign Affairs and As of January 6, Cambodia Facebook posts which con- hend the suspect who was commune. Naren and his ac- for January 7. I will ask about this International Cooperation had recorded a total of 383 tinue to fabricate and spread believed to be hiding in Koh complices were sentenced to problem specifically and get spokesman Koy Koung and Kim Covid-19 cases, with 21 patients disinformation asserting that Nhek district. prison, and he was released in back to you on this,” he said. Chamroeun, an official who remaining hospitalised. the perpetrator has been a “Right now, I am deep in the 2018, the posts alleged. 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Business

USD / KHR USD / CAD USD / CNY USD / JPY USD / MYR USD / SGD USD / THB AUD / USD EUR / USD GBP / USD 4,055 1.2645 6.4557 102.84 4.0105 1.3165 29.89 0.7814 1.2343 1.3658

Trading Information on Cambodia Securities Exchange Date: JANUARY 6, 2021 Auction Trading Method (ATM) No Stock Closing Price Opening Price High Low 1 ABC 16,800 16,860 16,860 16,800 2 GTI 3,300 3,300 3,300 3,300 3 PAS 14,100 14,100 14,100 14,100 4 PEPC 2,750 2,900 2,900 2,750 5 PPAP 11,700 11,700 11,700 11,700 6 PPSP 1,180 1,190 1,190 1,140 7 PWSA 6,080 6,100 6,100 6,000 In-principle Ministry, Japan agri-firm ink MoU nod given Thou Vireak He proposed they should set up medium- and long-term co- to securities HE Ministry of Com- ordination system and mecha- merce on January 6 nism to ensure that technical signed a memoran- assistance and benefits are pro- companies dum of understand- vided to participating compa- ingT (MoU) with Japan’s Yam- nies, SMEs and farmer groups. in Kingdom ato Green Co Ltd to develop He called on Yamato Green value chains for agribusiness to help bring agro-commer- Thou Vireak products. cial products from smallhold- Having registered with the er farmers to large markets, THE Securities and Exchange Ministry of Commerce on increase investment volume Commission of Cambodia April 22, Yamato Green has and provide development (SECC) on January 5 approved had relative success in growing techniques at all stages of the in principle a handful of appli- safe vegetables in Battambang agribusiness production cycle cations for licences. and Mondulkiri provinces. from cultivation, processing, In a press release on the The deal was signed be- packaging to delivery. minutes of an SECC meeting tween Samrith Sakura, acting Cambodia’s total exports led by chairman and Minister director-general of the minis- reached $16 billion this year, of Economy and Finance Aun try’s Domestic Trade General marking an increase of more Pornmoniroth, the securities Directorate, and Yamato Green than 14 per cent compared regulator said it had approved founder and CEO Katsuhito to 2019, Prime Minister Hun in principle Moongunghwa Nabeshima at the ministry. Sen told a live press briefing (Cambodia) Trust Plc’s appli- The signing was witnessed on December 29, citing pre- cation for a trustee licence. by minister Pan Sorasak and liminary data. VMoney Co Ltd received in- Japanese ambassador to The prime minister noted principle approval as a deriva- Cambodia Masahiro Mikami. that exports of the Kingdom’s tive broker, while Amara Cap- Speaking at the ceremony, The commerce ministry signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Japan’s Yamato Green Co Ltd to seven key agricultural prod- ital Plc and HCFM Fund develop value chains for agribusiness products on Wednesday. COMMERCE MINISTRY Sorasak said the MoU was a ucts clocked in at $3.881 bil- Management Plc have been result of government policy various procedures to increase advantage for market pene- agreement as a boon for the lion. Milled rice accounted approved in principle as fund to promote the agribusiness opportunities to effectively tration and broad diversifica- Kingdom’s farmers with ex- for 675,000 tonnes (up 11.11 managers. sector in Cambodia. supply the domestic and ex- tion,” Sorasak said. posure to global markets. per cent year-on-year) worth Phnom Penh Derivative He said the agreement port markets,” Sorasak said. Tropicam Fruit and Vegeta- “Our potential vegetables, $514 million. Exchange Plc has been given would establish fruitful coop- He said Yamato Green’s in- ble Co Ltd CEO Hun Lak told such as lemongrass, Moringa Shipments of cassava, ca- the in-principle nod to trade eration, address challenges in volvement in developing a The Post that the partnership oleifera, ginger and pepper, shew nuts, mango, yellow additional products. the value chain and strength- state-of-the-art production arrangement resulting from are resistant to shipping stress bananas and Pailin longan SECC director-general Sou en productivity and quality in model will boost current local the MoU was a ministerial ef- and are not widely produced weighed in at seven mil- Socheat told The Post that the response to market trends. production and address the fort to re-direct more of Cam- abroad. We can grow a lot of lion tonnes, 218,884 tonnes, greater involvement of the “As an industrial and agro- challenges associated with bodian vegetable production these vegetables and at high 850,000 tonnes, 313 tonnes companies would make the business development part- sustainable business model towards exports. standards,” Lak said. and 174 tonnes, respectively, market further grow step-by- ner, Yamato Green will be a production in the digital age. “Teaming up with a Japa- At the same time, Sorasak valued at “more than $1 bil- step from year-to-year. suitable partner for the devel- “Small and medium-sized nese firm will help tune our suggested that the two par- lion”, $288 million, $473 mil- He said: “Now we have more opment of sustainable agri- enterprises [SMEs] and farm- agricultural products up to ties have a detailed informa- lion, $551 million and $57 interested players and this business production and the ers’ groups will be able to standards and make them tion management system in million, he said. market is growing a little bit, provision of processing and establish an inclusive supply more exportable going for- place to share tasks and data Peppercorn exports were thus what we need to do next packaging techniques and chain and gain a competitive ward,” he said, lauding the in a timely manner. worth $25 million, he added. is to strengthen public trust to make the market work bet- ter.” While the Kingdom’s securi- ties market has made substan- tial progress in its over a dec- CBC wins consumer credit reporting award ade-long history, 2020 marked significant headway for the May Kunmakara tional terms, created great value, busi- the country that was upgraded to re- 47 commercial banks operating in the nascent sector. ness edge and market recognition.” flect the most recent trends and needs Kingdom comprising 17 local banks, To date, SECC has licensed INDEPENDENT financial informa- CBC CEO Oeur Sothearoath said the of the market to enable more reliable 17 subsidiaries and 13 foreign branch and granted accreditation to tion provider Credit Bureau (Cambo- award reflects the company’s efforts and predictive credit risk assessment. banks, according to the National Bank eight companies as fund man- dia) Co Ltd (CBC) scooped an award to enhance risk management in the “Earlier in 2020, CBC launched the of Cambodia (NBC). agers, 10 as trustees and three for “Excellence in Consumer Credit Kingdom’s financial sector, which is new version of Data Analytics Report There were 15 specialised banks, under its “registrar, securities Reporting”, CBC said in a January 5 enjoying a years-long boom. which enables member financial in- seven microfinance deposit-taking transfer agent and paying press release. He said: “The award recognises CBC’s stitutions to track and monitor their institutions (MDIs), 76 microfinance agent” category. UK-based “reputed international contribution to industry-wide credit performance and risk levels compared non-deposit-taking institutions, 245 To boot, five central counter- business magazine” Global Business risk management by filling in critical to their sector and the industry. rural credit institutions and 15 finan- parties, 31 derivatives brokers Outlook (GBO) honoured the locally- information gaps between lender and “CBC was established in 2012, currently cial leasing companies. and 94 derivatives agents have owned CBC for its “exceptional per- borrower. CBC’s solutions promote provides credit reporting solutions cov- Deposits and outstanding loans rose been permitted by SECC to formance” in Cambodia’s consumer credit market transparency and effi- ering more than six million consumers sharply by 25 and 26 per cent respec- carry out derivatives trading reporting landscape, CBC said. ciency which contributes to overall fi- catering to credit risk assessment and tively in 2019 over 2018, the NBC said in – with there now being some It said: “CBC is the only company from nancial sector stability in the country.” data analytics needs of 167 financial in- its Macroeconomic and Banking Prog- 4,744 trading accounts. Cambodia to receive a GBO award un- CBC added: “In November 2020, stitutions. CBC has been directly contrib- ress 2019 Report and 2020 Outlook. der the ‘Finance’ category in 2020. GBO CBC launched the second generation uting to financial inclusion and enabling Outstanding loans reached $19.6 bil- www.phnompenhpost.com awards recognise companies around of K-score which is the only compre- business environment in Cambodia.” lion and deposits at Cambodia’s seven check the post website the world that have performed in excep- hensive industry-wide credit score in As of December 31, 2019, there were MDIs reached $22 billion in 2019. for breaking news THE PHNOM PENH POST january 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business Travel goods World Bank warns global recovery exports up could erode if coronavirus worsens 20-fold with HE World Bank on Malpass said the inequal- GSP regime January 5 downgrad- ity of the downturn and the Continued from page 1 ed its outlook for the recovery was “dramatic”, and global economy, and drove a “devastating rise in it said in an announcement. warnedT the situation could extreme poverty. Kaing explained that the GSP deteriorate if Covid-19 infec- “People at the bottom of the programme has lapsed prior tions accelerate or the vac- income scale were hardest hit” to its reauthorisation in 10 of cine rollout is delayed. by the recession, and “unfortu- the 14 times it was extended. The coronavirus pandemic nately will likely be the slowest Export and investment in also has worsened the risks sur- to regain jobs, get health care, travel goods has seen dramat- rounding the rising debt load vaccinations and adjust to the ic growth over the years since in developing nations, and it post-Covid economy”, he said. the US granted them duty free will take a global effort to avoid The pandemic also exacer- access in 2016 under the pro- a new crisis in those econo- bated the debt risks of devel- gramme, pointing out that the mies, the bank cautioned. oping nations. value of exports jumped “dra- After shrinking 4.3 per cent “The global community matically from just $50 million in 2020, the world economy needs to act rapidly and force- in 2016 to about $1 billion is projected to grow by 4.0 fully to make sure the recent n ow ”. per cent this year, two-tenths debt accumulation does not Established by the Trade Act lower than previously fore- end with a string of debt cri- of 1974, the GSP is the US’ larg- cast, as more than half of ses,” said Ayhan Kose, acting est and oldest trade preference countries were downgraded World Bank vice-president programme, according to the in the semi-annual Global for Equitable Growth and Fi- USTR. Economic Prospects report. nancial Institutions. It said the GSP “promotes China was a bright spot with “The developing world can- economic development by a surprisingly fast recovery in not afford another lost decade.” eliminating duties on thou- 2020, but advanced countries Malpass said the situation sands of products when which did better last year will fare is a “red alert” with some low- imported from one of 119 des- worse in 2021, the bank said. Malpass said policymakers cent below pre-pandemic Malpass said that would in- income countries facing deep ignated beneficiary countries The report warns the outlook face “formidable challenges levels, the bank said. clude phasing out fossil fuel debt distress, and the more and territories”. remains “highly uncertain”, … as they try to ensure that And, further out, the “lasting subsidies and providing incen- they are forced to pay to ser- An amendment to the GSP and gross domestic product this still fragile global recovery damage to health, education tives for green technologies. vice pre-pandemic debt, the that went into effect in July (GDP) growth could be as low gains traction and sets a foun- and balance sheets” may lower The Chinese economy is less they have for health care 2016 removed US customs tar- as 1.6 per cent this year if the dation for robust growth”. the global economy’s potential expected to expand by nearly and investment. iffs on Cambodian-made trav- downside risks materialise. He told reporters that the output, the report said. eight per cent this year, after China, which holds 65 per el products such as luggage, With millions driven into pov- expectation for a subdued re- Focus on policies to boost two per cent growth in 2020, cent of the debt of the lowest- backpacks, handbags and wal- erty by the coronavirus recession, covery “assumes that vaccine investment will be needed to while US GDP is projected to income countries, has a key lets. countries will need to find a way rollout becomes widespread” counter “the pandemic’s last- gain 3.5 per cent – a half point role to play in addressing the The items, which previously to move beyond direct aid and and the economic reopening ing scars”, including through lower than the June forecast. challenge, and Malpass again faced tariffs of between 4.5 reignite investment to stimulate continues. investment in green infrastruc- Excluding China, develop- called on the country to pro- and 20 per cent, were allowed growth, the Washington-based But even if the pace of ture which can boost growth ing nations as a group will see vide transparency on the terms duty-free entry into the US development lender urged. growth holds steady, global while at the same time address- growth of just 3.4 per cent, of the loans, including collat- under the expanded pro- World Bank president David GDP in 2022 will be 4.4 per ing climate change, it added. the report said. eral and interest rates. AFP gramme. Experts: Vietnamese South Korea’s chip exports to surpass dragon fruit needs to find new export markets $100B this year, says trade ministry SOUTH Korea’s chip exports VIETNAMESE dragon fruit ex- it used to cost 50,000-60,000 are expected to grow 10.2 per ports fell by 10 per cent in the dong per kg, fetching great cent and surpass $100 billion first 11 months of 2020 because benefit to growers. this year, which would be the of the Covid-19 pandemic but Compared to rice, it was very nation’s second-best perfor- still dominated the country’s profitable, and farmers mas- mance since 2018, according fruit exports with shipments of sively increased the area un- to the Ministry of Trade, Indus- more than $1 billion. der the fruit and output, and try and Energy on January 5. But the story Vietnam- the inevitable consequence Korea will again become the ese consumers know about has been lower prices. world’s second-largest semi- dragon fruit is not its billion- According to the Ministry of conductor provider this year, dollar export, but the need for Agriculture and Rural Devel- following the US, according to rescue almost every year by opment, the area under the the ministry’s first-ever mar- authorities as they land in the fruit now is about 57,000ha ket report focusing solely on market at dirt cheap prices. and output is more than semiconductors. In Ho Chi Minh City the 500,000 tonnes, both up 20- The report said Korea’s fruit would then sell for 7,500 fold from 10 years ago. shipments of chips last year dong ($0.33) per kg or even To increase the value of the bounced back to $99.2 billion 6,600 dong. fruit, achieving excellence at from $93.9 billion in 2019, This is because of the over- every step in the value chain largely backed by increasing whelming dependence on is critical to the long-term global demand for 5G network the Chinese market. While it commercial success of pre- facilities, personal computers is now also exported to new mium fruits, experts said. and mobile devices, the min- markets such as the US, the This year five tonnes of red- istry explained.

EU, Japan, Australia and South flesh dragon fruit were taken During the last four months, A chip fabrication line of Samsung Electronics in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi province, South Korea. Samsung Electronics Korea, China still accounts for to Australia for a promotional monthly gains in chip exports 92.3 per cent of exports. event. were in the double digits. of the global semiconduc- ment Bank and the Korea In- Korea’s investment in semi- Thus, whenever there is any Australia permitted import In December, year-on-year tor market announced by stitute for Industrial Econom- conductor equipment and problem in the Chinese mar- of Vietnamese dragon fruit in growth stood at 30 per cent. three international market ics and Trade said they would facilities will increase four per ket such as Covid-19, the re- July last year after more than Minister Sung Yun-mo said: researchers – Omdia, World increase by 9.4 per cent and cent to mark $72 billion, al- percussions will immediately nine years of negotiations. “Exports of semiconductors Semiconductor Trade Statis- 13.1 per cent, respectively. lowing the country to reclaim be felt in Vietnam. It is the first and still only propped up the nation’s econ- tics and Gartner – reached 8.7 Korea’s exports of DRAM the number one spot taken by Moreover, it is not a favou- country to sell this fruit to omy amid the fallout from the per cent, the ministry said. chips will remain strong. Ex- China and Taiwan in recent rite fruit in Vietnam. Australia. Covid-19 pandemic and sanc- Local research institutions ports of memory chips this years, the ministry added. But people in China espe- The promotion of the fruit tions on Huawei.” also offered improved outlooks year will reach $70 billion, Meanwhile, industry sourc- cially like the fruit thanks to was meant to grasp an oppor- The upward trend is to con- for the nation’s chip exports. growing 12 per cent year-on- es said the profitability of the its beautiful red colour, which tunity to create a sustainable tinue this year in line with the The Korea International year, the ministry said. nation’s semiconductor ex- makes it suitable for worship- position in one of the most global semiconductor indus- Trade Association predicted Exports of non-memory ports could fall if the Korean ping. demanding markets in the try’s growth, the ministry’s re- that the nation’s chip exports chips are expected to improve won continues to fall against In the past the supply of world. VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS port added. would increase by 5.1 per cent seven per cent year-on-year to the greenback. THE KOREA HERALD/ dragon fruit was limited, and NETWORK The average growth rate this year. The Korea Develop- surpass $31 billion in 2021. ASIA NEWS NETWORK 8 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Business Property Singapore New real estate training programme HDB resale Hin Pisei prices up HE University of Economics and Finance and the Cambo- dian Valuers and Estate Agents 2.9% in Q4 Association (CVEA) have SINGAPORE’S Housing and jointlyT established an Associate Degree Development Board (HDB) programme in real estate this year to resale market remained promote professionalism in the cur- strong despite macroeconom- rently booming sector. ic uncertainties caused by the CVEA president Chrek Soknim told Covid-19 pandemic and an in- The Post on January 6 that while Cam- creasing supply of flats. bodia’s real estate sector has grown HDB resale prices rose 2.9 per steadily over the past 20 years, the num- cent quarter-on-quarter in the ber of professionals in the field is still fourth quarter of 2020, accord- dwarfed by neighbouring countries. ing to the latest HDB flash esti- In fact, Singapore, with a population mates released on January 4. of about 5.7 million, has some 45,000- It is the third consecutive quar- 50,000 well-trained real estate profes- ter of increase and the biggest sionals, he said. To bulk up the sector, quarterly increase in over nine instil trust and establish a reputation years, where the last high record- for legal excellence, experts must re- ed was the third quarter of 2011 ceive proper training. when HDB resale prices climbed “As the president of CVEA, I am ambi- 3.8 per cent over three months. tious to push for an Associate Degree in The fourth quarter of 2020 also ‘Real Estate and Finance’ to take shape recorded the steepest year-on- in early 2021. I don’t want time wasted year increase in HDB resale pric- in procrastination,” Soknim said. es since the third quarter of 2013, He said more poorly trained real which saw a 6.5 per cent jump. estate professionals flocking into the For the whole of 2020, resale field will only create extra disputes prices rose 4.8 per cent, higher and lead to consumer confidence than the 0.1 per cent growth in Cambodian Valuers and Estate Agents Association (CVEA) president Chrek Soknim. hENG CHIVOAN plummeting. 2019 and the 0.9 per cent “Of course, we have now made some ing general knowledge in the sector. According to Soknim, the pro- Meanwhile, investment in the decline in 2018. improvements, but as industry veter- More properly trained people in the gramme offers short courses such as construction sector in the first nine The final figures, with more ans, we genuinely wish to further en- field will translate into more transpar- “Real Estate Agent” and “Property Eval- months of 2020 fell 9.6 per cent to detailed public housing data, hance Cambodia’s image by providing ent competition and a foundation of uation and Property Management”. All $5.868 billion from $6.494 billion in will be released on January 22. real estate services up to par with na- trust and confidence in clients, He said. training arrangements are made in the corresponding period in 2019, the OrangeTee and Tie’s head of tional and international standards. “With most of those who do business line with the law under the Ministry of Ministry of Land Management, Urban research and consultancy Chris- “This is another new step for Cam- in real estate merely emulating what oth- Education, Youth and Sport. Planning and Construction reported. tine Sun said HDB resale market bodia towards creating a clear-cut ers do, the market has yet to blossom. He noted that the professors will It said it approved 3,739 construc- recovery can be attributed to set of skills and ethics for people em- “We really want the sector to prog- be locals and internationals and that tion projects (covering 12.91 million the slew of policy changes made ployed in the industry,” Soknim said. ress seamlessly and its professionals many stakeholders have expressed sqm) during the period, up 306 or 8.9 over the past two years to make Syvun Realty Co Ltd CEO Sy Ratna to be valued as lawyers are, who as interest in the programme. The next per cent from the 3,433 (on 13 million public housing more affordable said real estate skills and financial man- a general rule garner trust by doing step for CVEA will be to launch a Bach- sqm) given the green light during the and enhance the attractiveness agement courses are crucial in improv- what they do,” Ratna said. elor’s degree programme, he said. same time in 2019. of older flats. This includes allowing buy- ers greater flexibility in using their Central Provident Fund (CPF) to buy older flats and the introduction of the Enhanced Phu Quoc realty market forecast to grow CPF Housing Grant (EHG) for eligible buyers, which has a THE real estate market of Phu because the potential was real. raised income ceiling and sim- Quoc in the Vietnamese Cuu According to Vietnam Real plified grant structure. Long (Mekong) River Delta of Estate Club deputy president Sun said: “Many new flats Kien Giang was forecast to be Pham Thanh Hung, it is neces- which command higher prices robust as the island district has sary for Phu Quoc to have inno- have also been transacted over just been given the green light to vations to develop property the past few months, which may be upgraded to the country’s first products of high quality, meet- have ‘uplifted’ the overall price island city in March this year. ing international standards and index in the last quarter.” According to Vietnam Real setting new living standards. A record 72 HDB resale flats Estate Association deputy Former Deputy Minister of were sold for over S$1 million president Nguyen Manh Ha, Natural Resources and Envi- (US$760,000) in the first 11 the upgrade into an island city ronment Dang Hung Vo said months of 2020. It exceeded would create a new push for Phu Quoc was in an invest- the previous full-year record the real estate market of Phu ment process. of 71 units transacted in 2018 Quoc, especially as the island Vo believed that the land and 64 units in 2019. was among top tourist desti- prices in the island could be This include a HDB resale flat nations in recent years. two to three times higher in at Pinnacle @ Duxton that was Ha cited statistics that Phu the next 10 years. sold for a record price of S$1.258 Quoc welcomed more than Still, experts said that inves- million in September last year. five million tourist arrivals in tors should pay attention to Sun expects the prices of HDB 2019, a 27 per cent increase the legality of property projects resale flats to rise another two to over 2018. and products before making five per cent this year as the Sin- In 2020 when the Covid-19 The current land prices in the island’s centre ranged from 100-400 million dong ($4,300-17,300) per sqm. In investment decisions. gapore economy gradually recov- pandemic heavily affected the other areas, the prices fluctuated around 20-50 million dong per sqm.VIETNAM NEWS AGENCY The potential of the Phu Quoc ers in the second half of 2021. tourism industry, the island real estate market was in over “Couples who are still doing also saw significant increase of infrastructure system which Quoc was changing rapidly oped infrastructure system cou- the long term, Vo stressed. well in their jobs may proceed around 50 per cent in tourist made travelling to the island and becoming a tourism hub. pled with a favourable admin- Recently, Phu Quoc People’s with their upgrading plans, while arrivals in November and easier and more convenient. The developed infrastructure istrative mechanism means the Council approved the medi- those who are still affected by the December when domestic Ha said: “Tourism property system also created a launch- real estate market in Phu Quoc um-term public investment pandemic may downgrade from travel resumed as the pandem- is the most attractive segment ing pad for the island to make would develop rapidly. plan in the 2021-2025 period. private housing to HDB flats. ic was brought under control. in Phu Quoc which is oriented breakthroughs, Thinh said. The current land prices in the Accordingly, more than 17 tril- “This may result in more flats It was estimated that Phu to become a tourism city.” The inland road system had island’s centre ranged from lion dong would be raised for being put on the market as well Quoc received more than three Ha predicted that the Phu Quoc very good connectivity while 100-400 million dong ($4,300- the state budget and land auc- as more flats changing hands in million tourist arrivals in 2020. real estate market would see sig- there were high-speed ships 17,300) per sqm. In other areas, tions to invest in the transport the coming months,” she said. Ha pointed out that the favour- nificant increases in prices. from Rach Gia city and Ha Tien the prices fluctuated around infrastructure system. The long completion period able weather conditions and Economic expert Dinh Trong town to Phu Quoc and flights 20-50 million dong per sqm. In 2020, Kien Giang province for recent Build-To-Order (BTO) beautiful scenery made Phu Quoc Thinh said that since the pen- from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Dinh said there was still large attracted a total of 23 projects launches and rising private home an attractive destination for etration of large developers Can Tho and Vinh to the island. room for land price increases. with a total investment of prices may also divert some investment in tourism property. into Phu Quoc with heavy According to Vietnam Associa- He stressed that this wouldn’t nearly 20.5 trillion dong, 20 of demand to the HDB resale mar- Another important factor investment in infrastructure tion of Realtors secretary-general be a market bubble but would which came to Phu Quoc. VIET ket, she added. THE STRAITS TIMES was Phu Quoc’s developed like airport and roads, Phu Nguyen Van Dinh, the devel- be increases in real land value NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK (SINGAPORE)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK thursday, january 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com World Climate expert: 2021 WHO calls for solidarity will be ‘critical test’ for amid rising Covid-19 risks major carbon emitters Continued from page 1 are not necessarily increased HE head of the World commitments. Health Organisation President Xi Jinping last year According to Climate Action (WHO) stressed that outlined new ambitions to Tracker (CAT), Brazil, Japan, the novel corona- achieve carbon neutrality by Russia, New Zealand, Switzer- virusT is still a major public 2060. But the country has yet land and Vietnam have sub- health crisis and it is “a race to formally submit proposals. mitted updated plans that are to save lives, livelihoods and Another notable omission is no more ambitious than their end this pandemic”. the world’s second largest initial commitments. In the organisation’s first press emitter, the US, which was Even among the nations that briefing of 2021, WHO director- yanked out of the Paris Agree- have improved upon earlier general Tedros Adhanom Ghe- ment by President Donald pledges, experts have warned breyesus said the pandemic Trump. of a paucity of ambition. has “shown us once again how Incoming President-elect The EU bolstered its target a new infectious virus puts those Joe Biden has however pledged to cut greenhouse gas emis- with underlying conditions at carbon neutrality by 2050 and sions at least 55 per cent by highest risk of dying” and that a return to Paris commit- 2030 – up from 40 per cent. extra stress has been put on the ments. But this still will not be suf- health system in countries with The UN has estimated that ficient to meet the Paris cli- high numbers of people with emissions need to be cut by 7.6 mate goals, according to CAT. health conditions. per cent a year in the 10 years The NDCs that were submit- He said: “In the year ahead, to 2030 if there is to be a hope ted on time will come under scientists and public health ex- of limiting heating to 1.5C. the scrutiny of the UN Con- perts from inside and outside Earth’s surface has already vention on Climate Change, WHO will continue to work warmed nearly 1.2C on aver- which will assess progress on with us to break down the latest age, intensifying extreme February 21. science and innovations and weather and making it more The picture may become putting forward solutions so World Health Organisation (WHO) Ethiopian director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during a press deadly. clearer only later in the year, at briefing on Covid-19 via video link from the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. WHO/Afp that we can build back greener In his new year’s message, a major UN climate meeting and stronger health systems. ing contacts in this critical facturers channel supply to vices are up and running and UN secretary-general Antonio in Glasgow that has been post- “We have entered a new period, governments must Covid-19 Vaccines Global Ac- that a truly global economic Guterres said building a global poned to November. phase of the pandemic [and support people who have to cess (COVAX) Facility quickly recovery can take place. coalition for net zero emis- World Resources Institute that solidarity is] needed like isolate or quarantine. so rollouts can begin and those “I urge all governments to sions by mid century would be international climate director never before . . . Caseloads are “Just as governments have at high-risk are protected. work together and live up to the “central ambition” of the David Waskow said there had so high in several countries generated stimulus to keep COVAX, the WHO’s global their commitments to equita- world body in 2021. been some “important head- that hospitals and intensive economies going, it’s impor- programme for the fair distri- ble distribution globally and He said: “Every government, way” made on climate action care units are filling up to tant to find innovative ways bution of future vaccines, is all pharmaceutical groups city, business and individual in recent weeks, particularly dangerous levels. to offer people the chance to backed by 190 countries. to boost supply as quickly as can play a part in achieving with upgraded 2030 targets “For some countries, during isolate safely away from oth- Tedros said: “We owe it mor- possible and to fully partici- this vision.” from Britain and the EU. the recent holiday period and ers,” Tedros said. ally to health workers every- pate in COVAX,” he said. According to the most recent But much more would need cold weather, people mixed Last week the WHO issued where who have been fighting Also at the online briefing, appraisal by Climate Action to be done this year. indoors more, which we know its first emergency use listing the Covid-19 pandemic around Alejandro Cravioto, chairman Tracker, the 49 states that had Waskow said: “A number of is riskier and will have conse- for the Pfizer-BioNTech vac- the clock for the best part of a of WHO’s Strategic Advisory submitted their new proposals major emitters still need to quences. New variants, which cine, and the director-general year, to vaccinate them all as Group of Experts on Immu- by mid-December – which come forward with greater appear to be more transmissible, said it was encouraging to see soon as possible . . . People must nisation (SAGE), said Covid- included the then 27-nation ambition, especially to follow- are exacerbating the situation.” the AstraZeneca vaccine roll- come first over short-term prof- 19 patients should take two EU – only represented 23.7 per through on their net-zero He called on all countries to out on January 4. its. It’s in countries self-interest doses of the Pfizer and BioN- cent of global greenhouse gas commitments with 2030 tar- increase testing and sequenc- Tedros said: “The scientific to shun vaccine nationalism.” Tech vaccine within a period emissions. gets that match their long- ing of the virus in order to community has set a new He pointed out that vac- of 21-28 days. Since that assessment, a fur- term vision. This year will be a monitor and respond effec- standard for vaccine develop- cinating health workers and “We deliberated and came ther 20 states have filed their critical test.” AFP tively to any changes. ment. Now the international those at high risk of serious out with the following recom- plans, including large econo- “We must act for the most community must set a new disease is “the fastest way to mendation – two doses of this mies such as South Korea and www.phnompenhpost.com vulnerable that need help standard for access.” stabilise health systems, en- vaccine within 21-28 days.” Argentina. check the post website for breaking news right now. As well as minimis- He wants to see all manu- sure all essential health ser- CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK But revised commitments N Korea’s Kim admits mistakes as party congress opens: KCNA North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un delegates packed into the cavernous fraction of the usual level, while many admitted the country’s economic hall, none of them wearing masks. foreign embassies have closed or dras- development plan had fallen short in On the first day of his work review, tically reduced their representations. “almost all areas” as he opened a rare Kim said the results of the last five- Pyongyang insists that it has not congress of the ruling Workers’ Party, year economic development strategy had a single case of the disease – state media reported on January 6. “fell extremely short of our goals in observers doubt the claim – but The gathering is the first of its kind almost all areas”, KCNA reported. summer floods put further strain on in five years, only the eighth in the The plan was quietly scrapped its finances. nuclear-armed country’s history, and ahead of schedule last year. Analysts say the congress will largely comes weeks before US President- “We intend to comprehensively ana- focus on domestic issues, reaffirming elect Joe Biden takes office. lyse in depth . . . our experiences, les- the importance of “self-reliance” and Relations with Washington have sons and the errors committed,” added proclaiming a new economic plan. been deadlocked since talks between Kim, who wore a black suit and a lapel The Rodong Sinmun on January 3 Kim and President Donald Trump badge of his father and grandfather. called for unwavering loyalty to Kim, stalled over sanctions relief and what KCNA’s transcript did not specify any saying that a “united spirit” was nec- Pyongyang would be willing to give of the mistakes, and gave no indication essary to ensure a “victorious” year. up in return. Kim mentioned either Washington or The congress is the top ruling par- At the same time the North is more Seoul in his speech, which is expected ty meeting, a grand political set-piece isolated than ever after closing its to continue on January 6. that reinforces the regime’s authority borders last January to protect itself The coronavirus pandemic has and is closely followed by analysts for against the coronavirus. added to the pressures on the North, signs of policy shifts or elite person- The congress opened on January 5 with Pyongyang blockading itself far nel changes. in the capital, the official Korean Cen- more effectively than even the most Kim’s sister and key adviser Kim Yo- tral News Agency (KCNA) reported. hawkish backer of sanctions could jong was among the officials elected Pictures in the Rodong Sinmum ever hope to achieve. to the presidium of the congress, in a North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (centre) speaks during the first day of the 8th ruling party newspaper showed 5,000 Trade with key ally China is at a tiny sign of her increasing standing. afp Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) in Pyongyang. KCNA/KNS/afp THE PHNOM PENH POST january 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 ASEAN Thai Cabinet VN faces US criticism for jailing critics okays $334M ietnam faced criti- cism on January 6 to take over from the US and rights groups after jailingV three pro-democracy land for rail bloggers weeks ahead of the Thailand’s Cabinet on communist government’s par- January 5 approved a draft ty congress. law for expropriation of land The run-up to a leadership to build the 336km Northeast transition later this month is railway between Khon Kaen a particularly tense period for and Nakhon Phanom. the state as candidates jostle The plan hands the State for power behind closed doors. Railway of Thailand (SRT) In recent months, the au- a budget of 10 billion baht thoritarian regime has stepped ($334 million) to requisition up its crackdown on dissent land along the route linking and has arrested numerous Ban Phai in Khon Kaen, Maha critics. Sarakham, Roi Et, Mukdahan At a quick trial on January 5 in and Nakhon Phanom. Ho Chi Minh City, three critics The Cabinet has approved of the state who belong to the a total budget of 66.84 billion outlawed Independent Jour- baht for the project, which nalists Association of Vietnam includes expropriation ex- (IJAV) were sentenced to jail for penses. “making and disseminating in- Residents whose homes are formation against” Vietnam. expropriated will be compen- High-profile writerP ham Chi sated with affordable rental Dung, 54, founding member housing at an eight-storey and president of IJAV, was jailed project of 360 units on Kam- for 15 years, while military vet- phaeng Phet 6 Road in Don eran Nguyen Tuong Thuy, 69, Mueang district, Bangkok. was sentenced to 11 years. Construction of the project is A younger member of the due to begin in April next year group, Le Huu Minh Tuan, was for scheduled opening in Oc- also handed an 11-year term. tober 2022. The US said it was “disap- The SRT will negotiate com- pointed” by the sentences. pensation payments for house- A State Department spokes- Vietnamese bloggers Pham Chi Dung (right), Nguyen Tuong Thuy (left) and Le Huu Minh Tuan (back) during their trial at the courthouse in Ho Chi holds who do not take up the person said in Washington: Minh City. Vietnam on Tuesday jailed three independent bloggers on anti-state charges, one of their lawyers said, weeks ahead of the communist affordable housing option. government’s party congress. STR/VIETNAM NEWS AGENCY/AFP “These harsh sentences are the Separately, the Cabinet latest in a worrisome trend of Lawyer Nguyen Van Mieng agencies with “the purpose of cuss politics and other matters There are more than 170 pris- heard performance results arrests and convictions aimed said they admitted writing ar- changing Vietnam’s political of public interest.” oners of conscience currently from the SRT and the Bang- at Vietnamese citizens exercis- ticles “to support freedom of system”, it said. Radio Free Asia (RFA), the US imprisoned in Vietnam, ac- kok Mass Transit Authority ing rights enshrined in Viet- speech and other democratic The defendants’ behaviour government-funded broad- cording to Amnesty. (BMTA) bus agency for fiscal nam’s constitution. rights”, but denied spreading posed “a danger to society . . . caster where Thuy contributed Last month, writer and poet year 2019 and the first half of “We urge the Vietnamese information against the com- causing separation in social commentary, called for his im- Tran Duc Thach was sentenced 2020. government to ensure its ac- munist regime. unity and people”, it added. mediate release. to 12 years for his articles criti- The SRT reported a loss of tions are consistent with the According to the court’s ver- Amnesty International dep- RFA president Stephen Yates cal of the government posted 2.893 billion baht in 2019 and human rights provisions of its dict cited by state-run media, uty regional director Emerlynn said: “The harsh sentencing of on Facebook, nearly a decade 1.494 billion baht in the first constitution and its interna- the three “had regularly been Gil said the sentences showed Thuy and two other indepen- after being released from pris- half of 2020. The BMTA re- tional obligations and commit- in contact with regime oppo- the depths of Vietnam’s censor- dent journalists is a blatant on for a similar offence. ported losses of 2.255 billion ments.” nents” prior to their arrests in ship “even by its own deeply assault on basic freedoms and The Communist Party Con- baht and 996 million baht, The imprisoned trio are well- late 2019 and mid-2020. repressive standards”. flies in the face of the freedom gress will take place from Janu- respectively, for the two pe- known for calling for greater IJAV leader Dung had writ- She said: “These journalists’ of expression enshrined in ary 25 to February 2 in Hanoi. riods. THE NATION (THAILAND)/ASIA democracy in Vietnam. ten articles for foreign media only crime was daring to dis- Vietnam’s constitution.” AFP NEWS NETWORK Seven of 19 arrested Singapore admits data collected for migrants in Bangkok contact-tracing accessible by police test Covid-19 positive Singapore has admitted data collected Singaporean freelance journalist and He said: “We want to be completely for contact-tracing can be accessed by activist Kirsten Han said she was disap- above board and transparent.” Seven out of 19 illegal im- police despite earlier assurances it would pointed but not surprised. But there was much anger online, with migrants to Thailand arrested only be used to fight the coronavirus, Han said: “Looking at the government’s some Singaporeans saying they felt be- following a tip-off have tested sparking privacy concerns on January 5 record, I felt that it would be quite pre- trayed. The city-state has only suffered a positive for Covid-19, a senior about the scheme. dictable that if they can do it, they will. mild outbreak, with about 58,000 cases Bangkok administration offi- The city-state has a programme called “It’s unfair and shows how little protec- and 29 deaths. cial said. “TraceTogether” for tracking close con- tion we have for our privacy against the Many countries have rolled out con- At the meeting of Bangkok’s tacts of Covid-19 patients, that works via government.” tact-tracing programmes that work via Centre for Covid-19 Situation both a phone app and a dongle. Speaking in parliament on January 5, a smartphone app, but take-up has been Administration on January 5, Take-up was initially slow due to privacy Balakrishan said the government was just low in some due to privacy concerns. Bangkok Metropolitan Admin- worries but rose to almost 80 per cent of being open when it made the admission. AFP istration (BMA) deputy gover- BMA deputy governor Police residents after government assurances and nor Police Lieutenant-General Lieutenant-General Sophon a decision to make its use mandatory for Sophon Phisutthiwong said Phisutthiwong. SUPPLIED/THE NATION accessing some public places like malls. that since the second wave of The meeting on January 5 However, a senior official admitted in the Covid-19, BMA has urged also urged district officials to parliament that police could “obtain any people in the Thai capital and inspect restaurants in metro- data” – including information gathered its peripheries to report to au- politan areas and advise din- through the contact-tracing programme – thorities if they have informa- ing business owners to com- in the course of a criminal investigation. tion about illegal migrants in ply with BMA rules that allow Foreign minister Vivian Balakrishan said their communities. customers to eat in restaurants later that, to his knowledge, police had so “Thanks to the tip-off from only until 9pm. far only accessed contact-tracing data on people, so far the authori- “Restaurants need to arrange one occasion, during a murder probe. ties have arrested 19 illegal their tables in line with social- Human Rights Watch accused the gov- migrants and tested them,” distancing practices to prevent ernment, which is regularly criticised for he said. “Seven have tested the spread of Covid-19,” he curtailing civil liberties, of “undermining positive for Covid-19, while 12 said. “Tables must be spaced the right to privacy”. people remain in quarantine at a distance of at least 1.5m The group’s Asia deputy director Phil and are closely observed. After in case there is no barrier be- Robertson said the admission “exposes the 14-day mandatory period tween them, or 1m if they have how the government has been covertly has passed, they will be tested a barrier.” THE NATION (THAILAND)/ASIA exploiting the pandemic to deepen its sur- again to confirm the result.” NEWS NETWORK veillance and control over the population”. People wearing face masks walk along a street in Chinatown, Singapore on Tuesday. AFP 12 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Opinion Economic outlook 2021: www.phnompenhpost.com

EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Ly Tayseng Beware of prolonged recession Managing Editor Post Khmer Sam Rith Opinion Deputy Chief of Staff Phak Seangly Lili Yan Ing Business Editor HE year 2020 has been very May Kunmakara challenging, but 2021 is not Deputy Business Editor going to get better anytime Sangeetha Amarthalingam soon. In 2020, global econom- Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk icT growth was projected to contract by Pan Simala 4.9 per cent with the US suffering neg- Senior Reporters ative growth of eight per cent, Europe Meas Sokchea, Niem Chheng minus 10.2 per cent, Japan minus six Reporters per cent and Indonesia minus two per Khouth Sophak Chakrya, Kim Sarom, cent. China is probably the only coun- Long Kimmarita, Hin Pisei, Mom Kunthear, try that will record positive growth, Hong Raksmey, Pann Rethea, Voun Dara, projected at 1.2 per cent. Roth Sochieata, Orm Bunthoeurn, The invention of vaccines may help Soth Koemsoeun, Thou Vireak, Nov Sivutha one-third of the population to return Photographers to their normal activities but only at Heng Chivoan, Hong Menea, Hean Rangsey the rate of 60 to 70 per cent compared Web Editor to before the pandemic. In addition, Leang Phannara the incoming Joe Biden administra- Digital Teams tion may embrace the multilateral Sous Chanthy, Pang Vichea, Suy Sovandy system. But these will not necessarily SIEM REAP BUREAU solve all the problems. The world is Offi ce Manager facing one year of a serious economic Sophearith Blondeel downturn, and it will take at least PRODUCTION & PRINTING three years for the world to recover. Head of Desktop Publishing Covid-19 has brought the worst eco- A general view shows Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta, Indonesia. afp Nhim Sokphyrak nomic impacts in the modern era, hit- Desktop Publishing ting the world from both the demand Second, FDI has not improved. FDI decisions, which will not help the rapid ensure fiscal and monetary stimulus Suon Savatdy, Chum Sokunthy, Danh Borath and supply sides simultaneously. As of totalled only $20 billion in 2017 and recovery of world trade. is well targeted and well disbursed. Tep Thoeun Thyda, Tim Borith, Than Veasna the end of 2020, Covid-19 has infected 2018, and up slightly to $23 billion in In the meantime, while 15 East Indonesia should also prepare to more than 1.2 million people in 2019. Domestic investment is still Asian countries just sealed the big- provide another significant fiscal stim- Southeast Asia, with a mortality rate struggling. gest regional trading block with the ulus in 2021 given the fact that unem- of 2.43 per cent. Indonesia recorded a Last, it is true that Indonesia recorded signing of the Regional Comprehen- ployment will remain the same and mortality rate of three per cent – a trade surplus of $13.5 billion between sive Economic Partnership (RCEP), business will not be not back to nor- HEAD OFFICE among the highest in the world. January and September last year, but the US seems unlikely to join Com- mal; and we have to increase the dis- Post Media Co, Ltd. It has caused more than 30 million the surplus was driven by a sharp prehensive and Progressive Agree- bursement rates of fiscal and monetary The Elements Condominium Level 7, people in ASEAN to become unem- decline in imports instead of an ment for Trans-Pacific Partnership stimulus, and ensure the programmes Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, ployed, pushing about 18 million peo- increase in exports. Imports declined by (CPTPP). While there may be a strong are “purely social and not political”. Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom ple into poverty, of which three million 18 per cent and exports declined by 5.8 willingness from Japan, Australia, Second, Indonesia needs to Penh, Cambodia are in extreme poverty. Covid-19 has per cent. What concerns us is that the Singapore and Vietnam to bring back improve its trade and investment cli- Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 hit the ASEAN economy from at least decrease in imports was largely driven the US into the CPTPP, US domestic mate by streamlining export-import Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 three channels: lower global demand by decreases in imports of machinery pressures may be strongly against it. and investment procedures. We Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 has decreased ASEAN’s exports; dry and raw materials, which will be trans- Given Indonesia’s domestic issues should also optimise the use of the SIEM REAP lated into decreased industrial produc- of rising NPLs, stagnant FDI and No 629, Street 6 Dangkum Commune capital markets have reduced foreign Preferential Trade Agreements (PTA). Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 direct investment (FDI) into ASEAN; tion this year and may cause a signifi- domestic investment, declining Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT and sluggish tourism has hit the servic- cant number of workers to be laid off. imports of machinery and raw mate- have been looking for FDI relocation Chief Operating Offi cer es sector and many small and medium The Biden administration may help rials, as well as a global economic and have considered Indonesia as a James Ong Soon Teck enterprises (SMEs). bring the US back onto the right track of slowdown and the fact that world good alternative. However, we have Advertising Department Most ASEAN countries have experi- multilateralism, but this does not mean trade is not going to be better soon, not seen any success stories of these Chap Narith, 017 996 241 enced recession in 2020. In the best that world trade will be back to the lev- the Indonesian government should reallocations so far. Indonesia should Hun Channet, 017 578 768 scenario, the ASEAN economy would els seen prior to the crisis anytime soon. not do business as usual, but should make massive reforms, not only Prach Monnyreak, 015 239 293 contract by 2.7 per cent in 2020, and President-elect Biden could take conduct a massive transformation. online procedures and obtaining cer- Keo Puthy, 012 966 605 will only grow by three to four per immediate action to restore the multilat- First is stimulus. It is crucial to tificates of origins, but also the auto- Phon Sok Chea, 012 717 404 cent in 2021 when global growth is eral trading system including: (1) remov- improve the implementation of stimu- matic licensing systems in place. Jessa Piastro, 092 445 983 expected to be about three per cent. ing Section 232 of the national security lus to revive domestic consumption Lastly, at national and regional levels, CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION Although Indonesia recorded a slight measures including health measures and thus trigger a return of business we need to work on streamlining Non- Acting Distribution Manager pickup in the third quarter of 2020 as it imposed by Donald Trump, which will back to normal. Stimulus is key to boost Tariff Measures (NTMS). In the 10 Thenh Rithy, 087 888 854 decreased the negative growth to 3.5 facilitate trade in goods, and (2) vetoing domestic consumption until next year. ASEAN countries, applied tariff rates Circulation Supervisor per cent from minus 5.3 per cent in the a new judge in order to give life to the It is vital to target the right benefici- have declined from nine per cent in Nou Chanthy, 096 999 2828 second quarter, this should not make currently not-functioning Dispute Set- aries. If we fail to make good correc- 2010 to 4.3 per cent in 2020, but the Yim Veasna, 015 814 499 us complacent for three reasons. tlement Body as well as appointing Ngo- tions, we will be trapped in a pro- number of NTMs increased from 1,635 ADMINISTRATION First, nonperforming loans have zi Okonjo-Iweala as the director-general longed recession. We should ensure to 9,502 measures over the same peri- Admin & HR Manager been increasing, reaching the highest of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Covid-19 social safety nets work effec- od. THE JAKARTA POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Pich Socheat level since the global financial crisis. However, the key principle embodied in tively and efficiently, but only tempo- the WTO of “a single undertaking – noth- rarily. We should allocate tax incen- Assistants to Admin & HR Manager The nonperformance rate went from The writer is lead adviser for Southeast Asia Nhel Soaphea 2.6 per cent of total loans in 2010 to ing is agreed, until everything is agreed” tives to productive activities, not region, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN Financial Director 3.2 per cent in September 2020. has resulted in slow progress in all WTO consumption goods. It is a must to and East Asia (ERIA). Heang Tangmeng Chief Accountant Sren Vicheka Treasurers Sok Sophorn, Yon Sovannara, Cheam Sopheak, Huy Hamsovannary IT Manager Seng Nak, Vong Oun

TO CONTACT US [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.phnompenhpost.com © Post Media Co, Ltd The Phnom Penh Post is wholly owned and printed by Post Media Co Ltd. The title The Phnom Penh Post in either English or Khmer languages, its associ- ated logos or devices and the contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of Post Media Co Ltd. www.phnompenhpost.com THE PHNOM PENH POST january 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 13 Lifestyle ‘Most Innovative Teacher’ pursues maths, programming skills to develop AI tech

Hong Raksmey

HOL Chanthorn was just a high school teacher who had earned a degree in mathematics and had taughtT within his major for several years. While working as a teacher he has further developed his skills in maths and studied computer programming as part of his lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Chanthorn has dreamt of building an artificially intelligent machine since he was a child and understands that maths plays a very important role in all aspects of technology. That’s what led to his decision to declare maths as his major at university and learn how to code as a practical application of that knowledge. “To start out, I learned how to build websites. Now I’ve gotten further into coding and technology through ArrowDot [a computer/electron- ics store] by experimenting with electronic modules like Arduino [an open-source electronics platform] and ESP Projects. Then in 2019 I stud- ied Python with Cisco. Right now, I am working on completing a masters Students are studying electronic robotics and Arduino Programming at ArrowDot. supplied degree in maths at Royal University of Phnom Penh,” says Chanthorn. the alcohol spray and reduce the what they encounter in everyday life. It The Most Innovative Teacher contest school administration’s attention so Chanthorn has also been develop- risk of Covid-19 infection,” he says. also focuses information technology was sponsored by the ministry as part they would give my projects [like the ing a bot that can speak Khmer and He admitted that coding for Arduino [IT] and use of the scientific method, of the Cambodian E-Learning Forum Science Club] additional support. he says he’d like to create an AI [artifi- was not an easy task for the first six scientific tools and technology to fa- 2020 which was held so that educators “I also believe that competition cial intelligence] adviser in the future. months since he wasn’t very familiar cilitate learning. could exchange ideas and strategies brings innovation and improvement “It’ll be a speech recognition based with its complicated coding language. Chanthorn says the “Cambodia’s about how to proceed in light of the and this experience helped me to [AI] bot that can converse in Khmer. I Arduino is an open-source elec- Most Innovative Teacher” competi- Covid-19 pandemic. Any teacher from better understand how that works am going to develop it for the educa- tronics platform consisting of both tion has provided benefits for edu- kindergarten through high school who and how we might be able to use tion field,” says Chanthorn. hardware (an electronics board with cators, students and the education had an innovative idea that used IT to contests [such as science fairs] with Chanthorn entered the Cambodia’s a micro-controller chip and inter- system as a whole. help students learn was encouraged to students to encourage them to pur- Most Innovative Teacher 2020 con- face ports) and software tools that “It encourages educators to get apply, according to a statement by the sue careers in engineering, electron- test last month and won first prize are used to write code to program involved in actively developing in- ministry. ics, mechanics, IT and so forth,” he for his research on “Best Practices the micro-controller chip, accord- novative strategies and technologies The ministry welcomes candidates explained. in Project-Based Learning [PBL]”, ing to the company’s website. for teaching and learning. Teachers from both private and public schools He wants as many teachers as pos- which focuses on utilising current Chanthorn says: “We write code can learn a lot by participating or to enter the competition, but Chan- sible to take part in next year’s com- technologies in the classroom. to program systems. For instance, just from the projects submitted by thorn says educators who don’t know petition so that they gain experience As the first place winner, Chan- say we are developing a small robot other teachers who are competing. how to use current technology won’t through first-hand research and to aid thorn took home five million riel and then decide that we want it to That could help improve the quality be able to take part in the event. in the professional development of ($1,250) in prize money and a new walk automatically. If it is to walk au- of education in Cambodia. “I don’t think it’s possible because Cambodia’s educators – in addition to laptop. The competition was held tomatically, it’ll definitely require a “It’s great for students because it teaching and learning in this era has the benefits gained from all of the new on December 3-4 by the Ministry of motor but also maybe some sensors finds new ways for them to learn to be up-to-date in order to be inno- ideas they might come up with. Education, Youth and Sport with IT that detect motion or light to trigger and it’s more about the process than vative. So educators should first learn “I also wanted to raise awareness Academy STEP Cambodia. movement and its orientation. An it is about the outcome. It also in- about the new technologies,” he says. and get more people to take part in Chanthorn tells The Post that he Arduino chip can be programmed to troduces students to project-based Chanthorn has also been the head coming up with new ideas and cre- won the Most Innovative Teacher respond to sensory input by activat- research which will help them in of the Science Club at Hun Sen Serey ative problem-solving. There are so award for a project where he led his ing the motor.” higher education and their future Pheap High School for the past three many problems that teachers and students in researching different He says his paper on “Best Practices careers. years. The club has faced many chal- even students could help solve like uses for Arduino modules. in Project-Based Learning [PBL]” fo- “Students love to learn from prac- lenges. During his first year, the club air pollution, access to education The learning objectives of the re- cuses on STEM [Science, Technology, tical knowledge that they can apply lacked the necessary materials to for the poor and many social is- search project were the discovery of Engineering, Maths] education and to their careers or other real-life pur- do hands-on work with electronics, sues,” says Chanthorn. new facts, examining the differences uses modern teaching methods that suit instead of just memorising facts such as the Arduino modules he has For more details, visit the website between events, processes and phe- are multi-disciplinary and that try to for an exam. They want to be able to been learning to program. of the Cambodian E-Learning Forum nomena to identify cause and effect create a link for students between what help their families and communities “One of the reasons why I took part at https://www.eforum.moeys.gov. relationships and the development they are learning in the classroom and after getting a job,” Chanthorn says. in this competition was to get the kh/most-innovative-teacher-2020. of skills necessary to use new scien- tific tools to understand both scien- tific and non-scientific problems. “I also like to teach my students about how to solve social problems or how to solve the problems that happen in everyday life,” he says. Chanthorn says, by way of exam- ple, that some students aren’t very good at maths. What should they do to help those students? A creative technological solution might be to develop a mobile app that assists them in their studies. “Another example, in order to avoid direct contact with the gel and alcohol-based hand sanitiser con- tainers, we came up with a sensor Chanthorn developed his skills in maths and studied computer programming while he (From left to right) Thol Chanthorn, Kim Mithona and Chao Vannak are the first, second that detects shadows to automate was working as a teacher. SUPPlied and third prize winners of Most Innovative Teacher 2020 awards. supplied 14 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Thinking caps

The Grammy awards slated for January 31 in Los Angeles have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has been rapidly spreading in California, US media said on January 5. AFP Virus pandemic forced Grammy awards delay

he Grammy music of those in our music com- the globe speaking via video awards slated for Jan- munity and the hundreds of chat. uary 31 in Los Angeles people who work tirelessly on Other awards shows, like have been postponed producing the show.” the Emmys and the Latin untilT March over Covid-19, The ceremony’s delay Grammys, have been forced which has been rapidly spread- comes less than a month be- to go partially or fully virtual “THE PRINCIPAL THING” ing in California. fore it was set to take place in in light of pandemic restric- The Recording Academy re- the shadow of the pandemic, tions on large gatherings. ACROSS 46 Feel like garbage 22 Spoken for leased a statement saying it re- which has dealt devastating The Oscars meanwhile are 1 Rabbit’s tail 47 “Social” starter 25 Like some finishes scheduled the show to March blows to the music industry. due to take place April 25, 5 Wild swine 49 Big-ticket item factor 26 Athena’s blood 14, a week earlier than the date The organisation had said the eight weeks later than previ- 9 “Mary, Queen of ___” 57 Money spent 27 Take the wheel briefly listed on its website. show set for late January would ously scheduled. 14 Theater section 58 Cold coating 28 Watch chains 29 Jannings of old films “The deteriorating pandem- be mostly virtual, but had not Los Angeles is now among the 15 Teen headache 59 Piece of farmland 30 Like some golfers’ clothes ic situation in Los Angeles, released specific plans. centers of the coronavirus pan- 16 Storied bear contingent 60 Writer Gertrude 31 Like a ballerina with hospital services being Beyonce, Dua Lipa, Taylor demic, with hospitals reeling 17 Insignificant, as chatter 61 Many microbrews 32 Diminishes in intensity overwhelmed, ICUs having Swift and rapper Roddy Ricch from record cases and residents 18 Ms. Horne 62 Predatory sea bird 34 Sweater, e.g. reached capacity, and new are the top nominees at the under a stay-at-home order. 19 Soapbox-derby entrant 63 Heavy volumes 35 Bustling activity guidance from state and local normally star-studded gala. The southern California 20 Most significant entitlement 64 Incubation station 36 Pistol pellets and such governments have all led us to Comedian Trevor Noah was surge follows Thanksgiving 23 Make sharper, as a blade 65 “The windows to the soul” DOWN 38 Palate lobe conclude that postponing our set to host the 2021 show, and and the holiday season, with 24 “Lemon” suffix 39 Super-smart people 1 Like some chances show was the right thing to it wasn’t immediately clear if reports of oxygen rationing 25 Social dud 44 Rock climbers’ spikes 2 Closing passage do,” organisers said. that was still the plan. and patients forced to spend 29 Barely manage (with “out”) 45 Optimally 3 Wrinkly-skinned fruit “Nothing is more important The nominations were rolled hours waiting in ambulances 30 Cat’s foot 46 Actress Harmon 4 Many a freshman than the health and safety out late last year by stars across for beds to open. AFP 33 Follow, as advice 47 Like a crone 5 X may mark it 34 Glacial sand deposit 48 Points the finger at 6 Neptune’s realm 36 Tiny aquatic plant 49 More than half 7 Lennox of Eurythmics 37 6-Down, in a famous song 50 Prefix for “pilot” 8 Paper quantity 40 Socks parts 51 Bookkeeping entry 9 Walked briskly 41 Fretted fiddle 52 Shah’s place, once 10 Make sore by rubbing 42 Zola or Griffith 53 Give off coherent light Giant vulva statue fuels 11 Whale of a movie? 43 Muff one 54 Repulsive 12 Pour out 55 Fifty-fifty test choice 44 “To ___ it mildly ...” 13 Like autumn leaves 56 Shows of support gender debate in Brazil 45 Positively charged electrodes 21 Cotton fabric for trousers An ENORMOUS bright-red with the help of more than 20 The six-metre deep, ce- Wednesday’s solution vagina sculpture on a moun- people, who excavated a rural ment-lined excavation took tain in northeast Brazil is in- sugarcane field in Pernam- nearly 11 months to com- tended to inspire intercourse buco state to make a crevice plete, but touches on issues – not the sexual kind but rath- which she says also resembles “that are becoming more and er a dialogue on gender issues, “a wound”. more urgent,” Notari said. particularly poignant under “In Diva I use art to engage Brazil is undergoing a wave the conservative government with questions that refer to of ultra-conservatism which of President Jair Bolsonaro. gender issues from a female swept Bolsonaro to power in Artist Juliana Notari created perspective,” Notari said on 2019 and has created polar- the 33m vulva, titled Diva, Facebook. ised discussion on gender is- sues, including on hot button topics such as abortion. Since 2003, Notari has been “working with the female anat- omy and seeks to provoke dis- Wednesday’s solution cussions around sexual taboos imposed on women,” official material on the sculpture said. “It’s also a wound, too,” No- tari said of the sculpture. The work has come under ridicule and garnered criti- cism, with one Facebook user posting that “if it was 15 min- utes of fame she wanted, she got it,” while others have ap- plauded the artist’s ability to Brazilian artist Juliana Notaria’s giant artwork Diva is pictured on a create space for reflection. hillside in the open-air museum Usina de Arte. AFP AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST january 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 15 Sport Premier League: 40 positive cases in a week

HE Premier League con- protocols by hosting a New Year’s firmed on January 5 that Eve party. 40 players and staff tested Reguilon and Mendy were in- positive for coronavirus in cluded on the bench for Tottenham twoT rounds of testing over the past and City over the weekend, leading week but insisted the season would to calls for stricter sanctions against continue as planned. players who put the future of the That figure is more than double season at risk by breaking the rules. the previous record of 18 positive “There are moments when young cases and comes as England enters people will stray from the rules and, a nationwide lockdown to halt soar- whether you’re a parent or the chief ing infection rates. executive of a football club, that’s a Three matches were postponed time when you have to be very strict last week due to outbreaks of Covid- and remind people of their respon- 19 at Manchester City and Fulham. sibilities,” said Aston Villa chief ex- However, the British government ecutive Christian Purslow. has given the go-ahead for elite Despite City’s issues with the vi- sport to continue despite the tighter rus, which left them without four restrictions. first-team regulars for Sunday’s 3-1 Twice-weekly testing, used during victory at Chelsea, manager Pep the “Project Restart” plan to com- Guardiola called for more under- plete last season, has resumed in the standing for players. Premier League after being scaled “It would be better if, before we down to once-a-week at the start of judge others, we judge ourselves,” said the season. Guardiola. “I’m not justifying that, he In the first round of testing last [Mendy] broke the rules. But don’t week, 28 positive cases were detect- give too many lessons to others.” ed from 1,311 tests, with a further 12 City face Manchester United in a positives from 984 tests in the sec- League Cup semi-final on January ond round of testing. 6 and United boss Ole Gunnar Sol- Despite the postponements, rising skjaer hopes football will be able case numbers and calls from some to continue to offer entertainment within the game for a circuit breaker Southampton goalkeeper Forster claims the ball as Liverpool midfielder Salah and Southampton defender Bertrand are knocked locked down in their homes. to buy time and bring infection rates aside in their English Premier League football match at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton on Monday. POOL/AFP “We are privileged to play foot- down, the Premier League said it re- ball under the protocols that we are mained confident the season could said in a statement on January 5. manoeuvre in the calendar. Lo Celso and West Ham’s Manuel working under,” said the Norwegian. proceed as planned. Due to the late end to last season, However, a number of embarrass- Lanzini attending a Christmas party “I think mentally, for many, it “With low numbers of positive the English top-flight is less than half- ing incidents have come to light with family and friends emerged would be a release to watch games tests across the overwhelming ma- way through the 2020/21 campaign. in which prominent players have over the weekend, prompting Spurs now, especially when we’re in full jority of clubs, the league continues The packed fixture schedule, with flouted coronavirus restrictions, to promise internal disciplinary lockdown again. to have confidence in its Covid-19 domestic leagues, cup and European doing little to aid English football’s proceedings. “We hope that we can continue, protocols, fully backed by the gov- competitions having to be finished case to keep going. City have also launched an inves- but we know that we have to work ernment, to enable fixtures to be before the delayed Euro 2020 start- Pictures of Tottenham trio Erik tigation after left-back Benjamin hard to stay within the rules and played as scheduled,” the league ing on June 11, leaves little room for Lamela, Sergio Reguilon and Giovani Mendy admitted to breaching Covid guidelines.”afp

English FA: Trippier told friends NZ’s paceman Jamieson takes to bet on Atletico Madrid move 10 as Pakistan face big defeat

England defender Kieran decision, the FA said Trippier, three laughing emojis. NEW Zealand paceman Kyle Trippier told a friend to “lump 30, exchanged WhatsApp And on July 12, Trippier tex- Jamieson was near unplayable on” his transfer from Tot- messages with friends about ted Hawley: “It’s happening”, as his second five-wicket haul tenham Hotspur to Atletico his impending move to Spain shortly before Hawley placed of the second Test pushed Madrid, according to a writ- in 2019. two further bets on the de- Pakistan to the brink of an in- ten statement by the English The commission rejected fender’s move to the Spanish nings defeat on January 6. Football Association’s inde- Trippier’s assertion they were capital club. Jamieson took three of the pendent regulatory commis- simply “banter” – a jokey claim Two days later, another four wickets to fall after lunch sion published on January 5. not to be taken seriously and friend, Matthew Brady, texted as Pakistan went to tea on day Trippier was banned for he was found guilty of four of Trippier to ask: “Shall I lump four in Christchurch at 134 10 weeks and fined £70,000 the seven charges he faced. on you going there (Atleti- for seven, needing a further ($94,000) in December for Trippier allowed the FA to co)?”. Trippier later replied: 228 runs to make New Zea- breaching betting rules, al- examine his mobile phone “Lump on if you want mate.” land bat again. though his punishment has and in July it was revealed More bets were place by The 2.3m Jamieson had fig- been suspended pending an that his friend, Oliver Hawley, Hawley and two other friends ures of five for 33 to go with his appeal. placed 10 separate bets, rang- before a transfer for a fee in five for 69 in the first innings The former Spurs star – who ing from £20 to £65, on the the region of £20 million was to become the first bowler was one of England’s stand- full-back joining Atletico. announced on July 17. to take 10 wickets in a Test at out performers in their run After placing one bet, Trippier’s ban related to Hagley Oval. to the 2018 World Cup semi- Hawley sent Trippier a mes- rule E8(1)(b), which states: Although he is the junior finals – denied the charges sage that said: “6/1 Athlet- “Where a participant pro- member of a pace attack head- against him. ico (sic) Madrid”, to which vides to any other person any ed by higher-ranked veterans In the written reasons for its Trippier responded with information relating to foot- Tim Southee and Trent Boult, New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson bowls during Day 4 of the second international cricket Test match against Pakistan at Hagley Oval in ball which the participant the 26-year-old Jamieson has Christchurch on January 6. AFP has obtained by virtue of his rapidly advanced to playing a or her position within the senior role. Masood the previous evening for four as he advanced to 37. game and which is not pub- Now in his sixth Test after and Pakistan were 69 for three The boundary clearly irked licly available at that time, making his debut against In- at lunch. the giant and in his following the participant shall be in dia 10 months ago, Jamieson In a potent middle session, over, without Azhar adding a breach of this rule where any has taken 35 wickets and has Jamieson had Haris Sohail further run, Jamieson made a of that information is used by four five-wicket hauls to his and Azhar Ali caught behind, ball rear up towards the ribs that other person for, or in re- credit. and bowled Pakistan captain and it was gloved to the wick- lation to, betting.” When Pakistan resumed the Mohammad Rizwan to have etkeeper. The commission said it took day at one down for eight, and the tourists at 98 for six. Rizwan was bowled for 10 into account witness state- needing to bat for the better Sohail did not get his feet by a full delivery as Jamieson ments on behalf of Trippier part of two days to salvage a moving as he poked at a ris- worked through his variations from, among others, England draw, Boult took the first wick- ing delivery on 15, the best to produce an inswinger that manager Gareth Southgate, et when he had nightwatch- score on what has been a dis- zipped between bat and pad. captain Harry Kane, adding man Mohammad Abbas out appointing tour for the left- Boult came back for his sec- that the player’s good disci- for three in the fifth over. hander. ond wicket of the day when plinary record, character and Since then it has been all Azhar had attempted to take he dismissed Fawad Alam for England defender Kieran Trippier takes a throw-in during the UEFA the remorse he demonstrated about Jamieson, who re- the fight back to Jamieson, 16, leaving Faheem Ashraf not Nations League group A2 football match between England and Iceland were also factors in its deci- moved Abid Ali for 26 to go moving into a short delivery out 21 and Zafar Gohar yet to at Wembley stadium in north London on November 18. POOL/AFP sion. afp with his dismissal of Shan and pulling it through mid-on score at tea. afp 16 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Sport Vanney returns to LA Son, Sissoko score to send Galaxy as head coach Greg Vanney was named “We’re thrilled that Greg is coach of the Los Angeles Gal- returning to the LA Galaxy,” team Spurs into League Cup final axy on January 5, returning to president Chris Klein said. the Major League Soccer club “Greg is focused on building ose Mourinho urged Tottenham to where he began his football a culture that will serve as the kick on after Son Heung-min fired career as a defender in 1996. foundation of this club.” them into the League Cup final with The 46-year-old American Vanney replaces Argentine Jthe decisive goal in a 2-0 win against spent the past six years as man- Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Brentford on Tuesday. ager of Toronto FC, guiding the who parted ways with the Gal- Moussa Sissoko put Mourinho’s team Canadian club to the 2017 MLS axy at the end of October after ahead in the semi-final at the Tottenham crown and being named 2017 two years in charge. Hotspur Stadium. Coach of the Year before leav- The squad boasts talent in But Tottenham were still searching for ing last month. Mexico internationals Javier the knockout blow against spirited sec- “I am extremely excited about “Chicharito” Hernandez and ond tier Brentford until Son netted with the opportunity to coach the Jonathan dos Santos. 20 minutes remaining. LA Galaxy,” Vanney said. Toronto reached the playoffs Tottenham will face Manchester United “The LA Galaxy are an iconic in five of the past six seasons or holders Manchester City, who meet in club with a rich history in Los under Vanney, who played for the second semi-final on Wednesday, at Angeles, MLS and North Amer- the Galaxy from 1996-2001. He Wembley on April 25. ican soccer over the last 25 also had stints at French side It will be the club’s first domestic final years. Bastia and MLS stops at Dallas, since losing the 2015 League Cup show- “I am committed to working Colorado and DC United before piece against Chelsea, and their first final tirelessly for this club, our fans closing his career in 2008 with in any competition since the 2019 Cham- and Los Angeles to win a cham- the Galaxy. pions League defeat against Liverpool in pionship. I look forward to this “Greg is a part of the history Madrid. new challenge in my career and of the LA Galaxy and we are con- “The final is now in a pocket for three am eager to get started.” fident that he is the right person months, we have to wait for the final so Tottenham Hotspur defender Davinson Sanchez (left) vies with Brentford striker Sergi Canos in Vanney, who went 112-82 to lead our team moving for- we have to focus on what we have coming their English League Cup semi final football match in London on January 5.POOL/AFP with 56 draws at Toronto, takes ward,” Galaxy general manager up,” Mourinho said. over a Galaxy squad that won Dennis te Kloese said. “We have the FA Cup, the Premier der control against a team that will prob- Tottenham pressed hard for a second only six of 22 matches in a Cov- “He has deep knowledge of League, the Europa league, so let’s forget ably be in the Premier League next year.” goal and Son’s long-range drive forced id-shortened 2020 campaign this club and Major League the final for now. But when April arrives The Tottenham boss had labelled a good save from David Raya, who had and missed the playoffs for the Soccer as a player and a coach we have to be ready and to fight for the Brentford’s visit to north London as the to stretch to tip away Lucas Moura’s de- third time in four seasons after and has proven to be a consist- trophy.” biggest game of his reign, so it was no flected header just before half-time. missing only three times in the ent winner with a champion- Mourinho, appointed in November surprise he picked Son and Harry Kane Son flashed a volley just wide from club’s first 21 years. ship pedigree.” AFP 2019, is hoping to lead Tottenham to their in a team featuring five changes from Sissoko’s cross, but Tottenham escaped first major trophy since the 2008 League their Premier League win over Leeds on in the 63rd minute when Ivan Toney’s Cup. January 2. equaliser was disallowed by VAR. He has already won the competition When Pinnock’s header was clawed four times, landing his first silverware Crucial moment away by Hugo Lloris, Toney stabbed in in English football in 2005 with Chelsea, Brentford, fourth in the Championship, the rebound from close-range, only for where he won it twice more before a had already beaten four Premier League the Brentford striker’s celebrations to be further success at Manchester United in clubs in Southampton, Newcastle, Ful- curtailed when his knee was seen to be in 2017. ham and West Bromwich Albion to reach an offside position. Mourinho is the third manager to reach their first domestic cup semi-final. That tight decision proved the crucial a League Cup final with three different But Tottenham needed just 12 min- moment as Son struck in the 70th minute. clubs, following Ron Atkinson and Ron utes to take the lead as Sergio Reguilon’s Kane fed Tanguy Ndombele and the Saunders. pin-point cross from the left evaded midfielder’s defence-splitting pass teed “This is a game that takes us to a final. Brentford defender Ethan Pinnock and up Son, who fired high into the roof of the Of course we are very, very happy with found Sissoko, who finished his burst net for his 16th goal of the season. this,” Mourinho said. into the six-yard box with a powerful Brentford’s Josh Dasilva was sent off in “We didn’t play brilliantly, sometimes header into the top corner. the 84th minute for a studs-up foul on wrong decisions, sometimes one more It was the French midfielder’s first goal Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg that left the furious touch, not with that soft control that allows since December 2019, ending a barren Tottenham midfielder with blood run- Toulouse mildfielder Emana vies with Bastia defender Vanney (right) in you to play fast but the game is always un- run that had stretched to 36 matches. ning down his shin. AFP their French L1 football match on November 20, 2004. AFP Kenin happy to travel as WTA season starts in bio-bubble

Defending Australian Open is top seed in the year-opening They will then be quaran- tions placed on the players. from Abu Dhabi’s mandatory Tennis Australia’s initial plan champion Sofia Kenin believes WTA event in Abu Dhabi which tined for two weeks when they “I’m hoping that this bubble 10-day quarantine but must was to have players arrive in the tough bio-secure limits on starts on January 6, will be kept will be allowed to leave their life will end very soon,” said adhere to strict rules limiting Melbourne by mid-December players at the start of the 2021 in a bubble along with her fel- hotel rooms for five hours per Tunisian Ons Jabeur, who is their movement to just the hotel but restrictions on interna- season are “harsh” but says she low competitors before they all day to train at Melbourne seeded 15th in Abu Dhabi. I’m and the tournament site at Zayed tional arrivals to the state of is “happy to be travelling”. move on to Melbourne for the Park. not sure when Covid is going to Sports City. Victoria prompted a change. The world number four, who delayed Australian Open. “It’s not the most ideal situa- be over but we want our free- The one-off event has no The Australian Open, which tion,” Kenin said at an online dom. sponsors and the WTA Tour is normally starts in the third press conference on January 5. “We are professionals and I providing the $565,530 prize week of January, was pushed “I wish we could go out and think we can have the respon- pot. back to February 8 and players walk around the city but we sibility to be in the tournament By mid-January, all players were forced to adjust their pre- can’t. It is what it is. I’m just but also be responsible at the participating in the Australian season training regimens happy to be here, I’m happy to same time. We don’t need this Open will board chartered accordingly. be travelling, I’m trying to keep kind of restriction, but what can flights from three locations – Ukrainian world number 5 it as normal as possible. you do? You have to accept Dubai, Los Angeles and Singa- Elina Svitolina responded to “The rules are quite harsh, them after all.” pore – directly to Melbourne the stress and uncertainty of but it’s for everyone.” and straight into quarantine. bubble life by hiring a mental Kenin is grateful for the addi- ‘Weird’ For the first week, players coach. tional time she has been able A last-minute decision was must pair up and stick to the “I think during the difficult to spend on court to prepare made to stage a 500-level same practice partner, before time right now, mentally it’s for 2021 and is happy there will women’s tennis tournament in adding two more to their closed very important to stay strong, at least be some fans – 20 pe r the UAE capital in order to give practice group in the second to stay fresh,” she said. cent capacity – allowed to players an opportunity to week of quarantine. “Also we have the Olympics attend the opening Grand Slam compete before they hop on “It’s a new thing, it’s a bit this year, so it’s very important of the season in Melbourne. special chartered flights to weird, but what can we do? to stay focused and to be ready Kenin hits a return against Muguruza in their women’s singles final Others, however, have been Melbourne. Safety first,” said world number for anything that comes my match of the Australian Open in Melbourne on February 1 last year. AFP less happy with the restric- Players were given exemptions 10 Aryna Sabalenka. way.” AFP