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Friday, june 19, 2020 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent www.phnompenhpost.com 4000 RIEL

Cambodia braces for worst Don’t miss our Special Report as travel restrictions ease Inside page 8-9 Rainsy charged with defamation

Khorn Savi tional Police chief and a son of Lundy. received from lawyers in France, Rainsy covered what was mentioned Hun Sen and Vichea brought the Rainsy, the self-proclaimed “act- an investigating judge of the Paris in Hun Sen’s complaint dated Au- two separate legal cases against FRENCH court has charged ing president” of the Supreme criminal court decided on June 8 to gust 20 last year. The letter further Rainsy with the French courts after former opposition leader Court-dissolved Cambodia National charge Rainsy with defamation. stated the prosecution of Rainsy in he wrote online that the prime min- Sam Rainsy with defama- Rescue Party (CNRP), lives in exile “Our Cambodian government law- Paris is inevitable. ister killed Lundy by ordering the tion for claiming that Prime in France to avoid a slew of charges yers received this news according to “A French investigating judge explosion of a helicopter that Lundy MinisterA Hun Sen ordered the killing against him in the Kingdom on top a clearly stamped letter in French found that there is sufficient evi- boarded from Phnom Penh to Svay of former National Police chief Hok of the defamation case in France. about the charge against Sam Rain- dence that Sam Rainsy committed Rieng in 2008. Lundy. Ky Tech, a lawyer representing sy, and this is true,” he said. the crime as accused. Rainsy didn’t Rainsy also alleged that Lundy’s Two separate complaints were filed by the government, told The Post on The one-page letter translated oppose the charge, according to the Hun Sen and Dy Vichea, the deputy Na- Thursday that according to a letter from French said the charge against letter,” Tech said. Continued – page 2 Cambodian from Malaysia gets Covid-19 Khorn Savi While no deaths from Covid-19 has been reported ONE OF the 204 Cambodian domestically, a Cambodian passengers who returned UN peacekeeper in Mali lost from Malaysia on Tuesday his life to the disease. tested positive for Covid-19, The Ministry of National the Ministry of Health said. Defence said 10 Cambodian The 21-year-old from peacekeepers in Mali and six Koh Kong province is being military trainees in Russia treated at the Khmer-Soviet have also contracted the virus, Friendship Hospital. all of whom have recovered. Ministry of Health spokes- The government has tried to person Or Vandine said the stop person-to-person trans- other 203 passengers who test- missions in the country with a ed negative are being quaran- focus on tightening measures tined at Hun Sen Champuvorn against passengers arriving High School in Phnom Penh from abroad, the ministry said. and at quarantine centres in All passengers are re- their respective home prov- quired to be sent to waiting inces. They are not allowed to facilities upon their arrival. Proud moment self-quarantine at home. They must have their sam- Deputy commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) Hun Manet presides over the handover of 290 mili- tary trucks bought from China to RCAF units and the National Police at Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh. HEAN RANGSEY sTORY > 4 “We are sending them to ples taken for testing before their respective quarantine self-quarantine at home or centres according to their at quarantine centres man- addresses,” she said. aged by the ministry. The Cambodian embassy Cambodia has cancelled the in Malaysia confirmed that requirements that Cambodian ‘Unsafe’ US food stalls trade talks 115 of the 204 passengers citizens who hold foreign pass- on board the flight had been ports and Visa K have $50,000 US TRADE talks with the EU told lawmakers on Capitol Hill. very difficult issues with the UK. With Britain, however, “we stranded there since April 7. in health insurance and pay and Britain have stalled in part “There is a sense in Europe, Also, I’m hopeful that we’ll work will have agricultural problems” The latest case brings the a $3,000 deposit for testing, due to suspicions of poor which I think is shared – hope- our way through them”. in negotiations, he warned. national total of confirmed treatment and quarantine. American food standards, fully not as deeply with [Brit- He said agriculture had been Lighthizer vowed that there Covid-19 cases to 129, most But they need to have certifi- Washington’s chief negotiator ain] as it is with Europe – that at the centre of all recent trade would be no compromise of which are imported. The cates confirming they are free said on Wednesday. American food is unsafe.” negotiations and was “a huge, regarding US agricultural health ministry said of the 129 of Covid-19 dated no later than “I think there’s a desire to make He dismissed the worries huge winner” for Americans in exports. patients, 126 had recovered. 72 hours before departure. things work through, but for however as “thinly veiled pro- the new US-Mexico-Canada “We either have fair access Two of the three who remain Foreigners, Vandine said, whatever reason, we haven’t tectionism”. free trade agreement (USMCA), for agriculture or won’t have to hospitalised recently had re- are required to pay other fees made much headway,” US Trade These are “very difficult issues and also in agreements reached deal with either one of them,” turned from Indonesia. for virus-related services. Representative Robert Lighthizer with Europe and they will be with China and Japan. he said. AFP

MONEY don’t miss our special MATTERS supplement today 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 19, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National New working group created to revamp immigration law

Voun Dara

INISTER of Interi- or Sar Kheng has requested former justice minister MAng Vong Vathana to lead the interior ministry’s working group in drafting a bill to re- place the existing immigration Officials inspect an illegal​ ​​​mine operation in Kratie province. The law, which he said is outdated Cambodia Time given technology advance- ments in the digital era. Sar Kheng made the re- National commitee quest at the 18th meeting of the National Committee for Sub-National Democratic probes gold mining Development (NCDD) at the ministry on Wednesday. “Almost everything needs to operations in Kratie change. If we want to amend all of that, then I think we should Khouth Sophak Chakrya tures from the gold. make a new law,” he said. “It is still illegal because To make a new law, he said, THE National Committee for those pits are owned by the a request must be sent to Hun Prevention and Crackdown Xing Yuan Kanng Yeak Co Sen. “I would like to inform The minister says the existing law is outdated given technology advancements in the digital era. interior ministry on Natural Resource Crimes Ltd, which received a licence you in advance that I have re- targeted an illegal gold mining from the government to mine quested that Ang Vong Vatha- aimed at ensuring the man- before the law came into on immigration, chaired by operation in Kratie, marking gold,” said Chamnan. na, chairman of the committee agement of all foreigners in force, it applies to all foreign- secretary of state Sok Phal. the fourth such investigation Roth Sola, the Kratie pro- on Immigration Law, revise it. Cambodia, and to determine ers entering, passing through Phal said the meeting was in the area within a week. vincial deputy director for the Sar Kheng said the immigra- the rules and conditions that and staying in Cambodia. held to exchange ideas to pre- Kratie deputy district gover- department of mines and en- tion law was written in 1994 apply to foreigners entering, “The immigration work has pare draft amendments to the nor Khan Chamnan, who also ergy, told The Post that he has and many changes have been passing through and staying been very successful, such as Law on Immigration, which heads the committee, told already sent the complaint made to it over the years, and in the Kingdom. noting foreigner statistics. We the working group passed on The Post on Thursday that in file to the Kratie provincial Cambodia just revised the law The law applies to all for- have done it well. There are to Sar Kheng. early rainy season gold min- prosecutor. on nationality. “The law on im- eigners, except in the case of perhaps more than 80,000 The group asked for more ing offences increase. The court charged the three migration has been changed a the application of the rules foreigners only in the coun- guidance at the Tuesday “On Thursday last week, I men involved in the O’ Salong lot, so we must form a commit- of international law to which try,” Sar Kheng said. meeting. That is when Sar led joint forces to investigate case on Tuesday for operating tee to prepare a proposal to re- Cambodia is a signatory. On May 8, the ministry held Kheng advised the group to four gold mining businesses a mining business without arrange the law,” he said. Even if the person has en- a working group meeting to submit a report to overhaul in O’ Rolong area at Svay permission from the authori- The ministry said the law is tered to live in the Kingdom draft an amendment to the law the law from scratch. Chreah commune, in Snuol ties. They are being held in district. We detained three pre-trial detention, Sola said. owners and built a court The men are Lach Kimheng, case,” Chamnan said. Lach Kimhorng and Eoeu With those gold mines shut Seng from the Svay Chreah ‘Rainsy only distorts truths, fabricates lies’ down, he said the authorities commune, Snuol district. The bulldozed a pit used for ille- mining pits were dug secretly Continued from page 1 Rainsy alleged that the criminal acts he “In fact, this complaint by Hun Sen gal gold extraction. They then at a location licensed to Rithy would reveal in court include the March brings us hope in our struggle to end im- found seven other mining op- Granite (Cambodia) Co. Ltd. son Vichea and Minister of Interior Sar Kheng 30, 1997, hand-grenade attacks on a punity in Cambodia,” he claimed. erations in the O’Tron area. Kratie provincial court were planning to take revenge on Hun Sen. demonstration in front of the National Government spokesperson Phay Siph- “The locations of the gold spokesperson Chea Sopheak Rainsy told The Post on Thursday that Assembly in Phnom Penh. an said what Rainsy wants is to distort the mining businesses in O’ told The Post that the court is he has not responded to the ruling. His revelations will also include the al- truth to mislead the public. He said the Tron are old pits that are no investigating the illegal min- However, he claimed Hun Sen had leged secret killing of beloved classical French court’s decision is based on facts. longer used. The residents ing case in O’ Trot. But in this fallen into his trap and that the case gave dancer Piseth Pilika in 1999 by Hun Sen’s “Sam Rainsy is a politician who has in this area have been dig- case, no one was detained him a “golden opportunity” to reveal the wife Bun Rany, and the killings of trade no shame. He only distorts the truths ging for underground mines while committing the offenc- criminal acts of Hun Sen and his family union leader Chea Vichea, forestry activist and fabricates lies to make [people] and using a type of acid to es and the suspects are sus- in front of an independent court. Chut Wutt and political analyst Kem Ley. confused. That’s his skill,” he said. remove some metal mix- pected of being migrants. Ministry gives $200K to Kantha Bopha

Soth Koemseoun

MINISTER of Public Works and Transport Sun Chathol has donated 800 million riel ($200,000) of proceeds from the sale of customised licence plates to the Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital. The ministry has sold about 1,400 specialised licence plates as part of its “Kampuchea 5” programme over the past six months, generating $4 million. Director of Information Technology and Public Rela- tions and ministry spokesman Heang Sotheayuth said the ministry started selling cus- tomised licence plates earlier this year, offering a wide array of options for citizens. Minister Sun Chathol (left) and the hospital’s board of directors chairman Aun Pornmoniroth. transport ministry Sotheayuth said the plates display Cambodian identity He said this was the govern- on Wednesday quoted Deputy tors at the hospital, called on all and can generate additional ment’s second donation to the Prime Minister Aun Porn- state institutions, private sector revenue for the state. hospital. It has recommended moniroth as saying that Cambo- members and the public to con- “We’ve sold about 1,400 per- contributions to the hospital’s dia has remained strong despite tinue supporting Kantha Bopha sonal special plates and gener- paediatric screening and treat- the Covid-19 pandemic. Hospital’s efforts to save and ated $4 million from January 7 ment units. Pornmoniroth, who is also the promote the welfare of infants until this month,” he said. A Kantha Bopha press release chairman of the board of direc- and children in Cambodia. THE PHNOM PENH POST june 19, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 3 National Kingdom’s teachers receive ICT training

Voun Dara improve teachers’ ability to tems during the Covid-19 pan- utilise electronic systems in demic, as the country heads HE Ministry of Edu- their work. towards a digital economy.” cation, Youth and At the opening ceremony for Ministry spokesman Ros Sport has organised the programme on Wednesday Soveacha said on Thursday a teacher training at the Prey Veng Teacher Train- that the ministry would focus courseT on information tech- ing Centre, Minister Hang on upgrading qualifications nology which will be avail- Chuon Naron said: “From now and improving living stand- able to 1,461 staff members in on, technology is a part of the ards for teachers who partici- the education sector. A group academic programme for pate in e-learning as stated in of educational professionals teacher training institutes. the education sector’s strategic will also travel to South Korea “The Ministry of Education plan for 2019-2023. to receive training. will promote quality remote He said the ministry is par- The programme aims to education using electronic sys- ticipating in the government’s plan to develop human Officials found 40 types of cosmetics sold by Atomy (Cambodia) Co Ltd in Sen Sok district’s Phnom Penh resources and develop a dig- Thmey commune and detained its Korean owner. facebook ital economy to raise the aver- age income to a high level in 2030 and be a developed coun- try in 2050. Cosmetics firm caught with He said teacher training institutions play an important role in promoting teachers’ unauthorised goods in PP quality and digital skills. Soveacha said the recruit- Long Kimmarita cosmetics that did not have goods. The company followed ment and training of effective legal permission from the the law. There is no punish- teachers is essential to reform- AN ANTI-COUNTERFEIT Ministry of Health. ment but a fine. From what I ing the training system and Products official has declared “The news about fake prod- know, the fine is between five also a mechanism to secure 40 types of cosmetics sold by ucts was not true. I just clarified and 10 million riel,” he said. teachers’ status as noble mem- Atomy (Cambodia) Co Ltd in that they did not have licenses The Post could not contact bers of society. Phnom Penh as illegal. from the Ministry of Health. the owner. He said the ministry sent 43 At 10:20am on Tuesday, police When I went to the location, the Phnom Penh Municipal managers from teacher train- checked an Atomy warehouse company had all its documents Court spokesman Kuch Kim- ing institutions and 240 teach- in Sen Sok district’s Phnom but the warehouse did not have long said he had not received ers specialising in information Penh Thmey commune and a legal licence,” he said. details about the incident. and communications technol- detained its Korean owner. Police told the owner to Yuthea said some confis- ogy to receive training in The Ministry of Interior’s apply for legal permission and cated products were returned Busan City, South Korea. Counter Counterfeit Com- pay a fine before being let go, to the owner, and that the Inside Cambodia, the minis- mittee deputy secretary Yuthea said. business will be allowed to A teacher training course on information technology which will be try arranged a training course Touch Yuthea told The Post on “I asked the owner about operate as normal if it receives available to 1,461 staff members in the education sector. Moeys for 1,178 education workers. Thursday that he found some storing and taking care of legal permission. 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 19, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National Cambodia calls for access to Military outfitted with new trucks affordable Covid-19 vaccine bought from China Ry Sochan Long Kimmarita He said the trucks will be INISTER of Foreign Affairs used by the armed forces if and International Coop- LIEUTENANT General Hun Cambodia faces natural disas- eration Prak Sokhonn told Manet, the deputy command- ters or needs intervention due ASEAN foreign ministers er-in-chief of the Royal Cambo- to Covid-19. They would not Mon Wednesday that all countries need to dian Armed Forces (RCAF) and be used for private purposes. have unhindered and timely access to commander of the army’s in- “Until this hour, we received quality, safe, and affordable medicines fantry, has hit back at critics who a lot of praise from the public. and vaccines as global common goods. claimed the recent purchase of They appreciate that we have He made his comment at the Special 290 military trucks was useless such modern trucks for use in ASEAN-Russia Foreign Ministers’ Meet- and a waste of state money. missions,” he said. ing via video conference on Covid-19. Manet said the trucks were RCAF infantry spokesman Sokhonn, who is also deputy prime useful and weren’t purchased Brigadier General Mao Phalla minister, said to combat future threats using state money. told The Post on Thursday that such as pandemics, multilateralism is He made the statement on 250 of the 290 trucks were given indispensable as countries need a more Thursday while presiding over to RCAF units and the other 40 coordinated and collective response the handover of the trucks to went to the General Commis- based on scientific data and evidence. RCAF units and the National sariat of the National Police. “All countries need to have unhin- Police at Olympic Stadium in Phalla confirmed that the dered and timely access to quality, safe, Phnom Penh. money to purchase the trucks and affordable medicines and vaccines Manet said: “[We] did not came from donors and bene- as global common goods,” a Ministry spend a single riel of the state factors called on by Hun Sen. of Foreign Affairs press release quoted budget. I want to stress that Cambodian Centre for Ap- him saying. Cambodian foreign minister Prak Sokhonn made his comment at the Special ASEAN-Russia Prime Minister Hun Sen’s appeal plied Philosophy and Ethics Sokhonn said all sides should contin- Foreign Ministers’ Meeting via video conference on Covid-19. cambodian foreign ministry to help the military is nothing director Pa Chanroeun said on ue to draw more support from regional new. He has done this for ages. Thursday that he agreed with partners to effectively implement the nity to put aside political differences and Thursday that all countries affected by “There is nothing new about the purchase of the trucks if Manila Plan of Action to advance the act collectively in a spirit of responsibili- Covid-19 had the common purpose to companies and generous do- they are used to solve social is- Phnom Penh Declaration on the EAS De- ty, solidarity and cooperation to support develop an affordable vaccine and medi- nors helping the military. They sues or help during the ongoing velopment Initiative (2018-2022) which each other in this difficult time. cal treatments to ensure that economi- have done so often to reduce the novel coronavirus pandemic. prioritised cooperation on global health “We foster people-centred policies cally weak countries can use them. burden on the government.” He said the trucks should be issues and pandemic diseases. in all efforts to respond to pandemics, “I believe that what Sokhonn said is He said the trucks were used transparently and with- “As the incoming country coordinator ensuring that people are provided with in the common interest of all countries purchased before the start of out discrimination. He also for ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Relations healthcare, treatment and consular affected by Covid-19 because if they the Covid-19 outbreak and called on the government to be (2021-2024), Cambodia will exert its ut- assistance,” according to a joint state- produce a vaccine and it is expensive, it wouldn’t have been purchased transparent with its spending. most effort to nurture dialogue for the ment released following the ASEAN- will be beyond the affordability of poor during the virus crisis. “In the past, some budget sake of peace, stability and prosperity Russia Foreign Minister’s Meeting. countries,” he said. Manet said he wanted to spending has been less than for all,” Sokhonn said. Kin Phea, the director of the Interna- He said the World Health Organisation explain the situation because transparent. Information The press release said ASEAN and Rus- tional Relations Institute at the Royal also wants a vaccine to be produced soon the government faced criti- was lacking [on the spend- sia had urged the international commu- Academy of Cambodia told The Post on at an affordable price for all countries. cism for the purchase. ing]. Quick access to infor- “Don’t think that the mili- mation should be tary has no consideration. We encouraged. ordered the trucks in 2019 Hopefully, they and booked the company to understand the build them. processes of “The outbreak of Covid-19 managing the was unexpected and unpredict- national able. The ceremony to receive bud- the trucks was scheduled to get,” he take place early this year, said. but it was de- layed because the trucks were stranded in China,” he said. ‘Violent’ man on run after murder of lover Kim Sarom Sophea did not live with her mother. KAMBOL district police are Mony said the suspect phys- searching for a suspect after ically abused Khoeun every his lover was found dead in a day. When she could not stand rented room in the capital’s the beatings any more, she Kouk Khsach village in Prateah filed a complaint with the po- Lang commune on Tuesday. lice, who released the suspect District police chief Hang after reprimanding him. Mony said the victim, 45-year- “The offender used to cause old Sok Khoeun, left behind violence, beating the victim two children. She worked at a until she suffered wounds,” garment factory and lived in he said. Kansom Ak commune’s Chruol Mony said on Tuesday at village in Prey Veng province’s around 11am, a homeowner Kampong Trabek district. smelled a stench coming from The suspect has been identi- the room where Khoeun was fied as a 43-year-old construc- killed. The owner of the build- tion worker who also came ing cut the lock on the door and from Prey Veng province. found Khoeun’s body. She then Citing Khoeun’s daughter, reported the crime to the police. 18-year-old Morn Sophea, he Police arrived at the scene said the suspect was Khoe- with forensic officials and doc- un’s second spouse and she tors to examine the body. They had lived with him for about concluded that Khoeun may three years. A previous mar- have been suffocated to death riage to Sophea’s father end- and that the murder occurred ed in divorce. three days before on June 13. THE PHNOM PENH POST june 19, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National Rescued wildlife set Oz lends support to Kingdom free in protected area Ry Sochan Soth Koemsoeun Tamao Zoo for three months USTRALIAN ambas- until they could fly and could sador to Cambodia THE Phnom Tamao Zoologi- feed themselves,” he said. Pablo Kang handed cal Park and Wildlife Rescue Provincial Fisheries Adminis- a letter of intent on Center (PTWRC) and the tration director Phum Vimol said WednesdayA to the president Pursat provincial Fisheries on Thursday that the released of Cambodia’s National In- Administration have released animals should be able to sur- stitute of Diplomacy and In- five smooth otters, six dark- vive in their new surroundings. ternational Relations (Nidir) grey monkeys and 250 lesser “We will continue to moni- Tean Samnang to support fu- whistling ducks to protected tor their survival for some ture cooperation and the next areas in Raingtoel Com- time to observe whether they generation’s up-and-coming mune’s Kaoh Ka’ek village in can hunt on their own. Will leaders and diplomats. Pursat’s Kandieng district. they be able to live with other The letter of intent outlines PTWRC director Nhek Ra- animals? If they can’t find food future cooperation between tanapich said the site, a for- or live with them, we will take Nidir and the Australian De- mer fishing area named Lot them back to Phnom Tamao, partment of Foreign Affairs and 6, was chosen because it is but if they can survive, we will Trade’s Diplomatic Academy. the largest protected area in leave them there,” he said. The Diplomatic Academy the province and is home to a Provincial Department of Ag- trains Australian officials in rich variety of wildlife. riculture, Forestry and Fisheries international engagement “The wildlife we released was director Lay Visith said govern- and trade in areas such as ad- taken by authorities from ar- ment officials protect the area. vocacy, negotiation and stra- Australian ambassador to Cambodia Pablo Kang (top left) in a meeting with Nidir leaders. NIDIR rested traffickers three months “There is no problem, the tegic planning, the Australian ago. They planned on trading place is safe and there are no Embassy in Phnom Penh said measures to ensure a resilient lia and Nidir cooperated to lishment of the cooperation those species but the lesser shooters because we have a in a Wednesday press release. and prosperous Indo-Pacific deliver training for Cambo- between Nidir and the Diplo- whistling ducks were small and group of mixed officials and “Through cooperation with region,” Kang was quoted in dian diplomats on develop- matic Academy of Australia. didn’t have proper feathers yet. fishermen working together Nidir, Australia is pleased to the press release ing foreign policy, conducting “In the meantime, the em- “After the crackdown, we to protect the wildlife in that support the next generation The cooperation between international negotiations, bassy also provided Nidir with kept them at the Phnom area,” he said. of Cambodian leaders and Nidir and the Diplomatic delivering continuous educa- the diplomatic training pro- diplomats. Academy includes sharing tion for diplomats and sup- gramme and some books relat- “As a diplomat myself, I materials of mutual interest porting women in leadership. ed to Australian foreign policy. believe we can only be truly such as reciprocal exchanges Retired senior Australian Kang wrote on Twitter that effective when we prioritise of senior foreign ministry of- diplomat Jean Dunn deliv- he was pleased to meet again continuous learning and pro- ficials, guest lectures from ered the training. with Samnang to hand over fessional development. senior Australian officials at Samnang could not be a formal letter of intent and “The role of Nidir is crucial Nidir, and Australia running reached for comment on some materials from the Dip- to ensuring future genera- short courses for Cambodi- Wednesday. However, Nidir lomatic Academy of Australia tions of Cambodians engage ans through Nidir. posted on Facebook on and Department of Foreign effectively in regional and “The letter of intent ce- Wednesday that Kang handed Affairs and Trade. global forums, successfully ments an existing relation- over the letter of intent from “Building diplomatic trade- negotiate with international ship between Nidir and Aus- Paula Ganly, executive direc- craft is an important goal partners, and develop stable tralia,” the release said. tor of the Diplomatic Acade- for any foreign service,” he and robust foreign policy In October last year, Austra- my of Australia, on the estab- tweeted. Officials release the wildlife in Pursat province. Forestry Administration

Police are investigating whether the Vietnamese man is linked to the drug trafficking case in Vietnam. nacd Vietnamese man in court for trafficking 31kg of drugs Kim Sarom “Vietnamese authorities also and confiscated another 19kg arrested suspects for traffick- of methamphetamine on ANTI-DRUG police sent a Viet- ing 31kg of drugs. But we can- Monday. The suspects told namese man to the Phnom Penh not say if they are part of the authorities they brought the Municipal Court on Thursday for same group,” Song said. drugs from Cambodia through allegedly trafficking in 31kg of He said police confiscated Takeo province. drugs. He was arrested on Mon- ketamine, methamphetamine, Meas Vyrith, the secretary- day in Daun Penh district. a car and phone from Qui on general of the National Author- In Vietnam, local police Monday in Daun Penh dis- ity for Combating Drugs arrested six Vietnamese sus- trict’s Chaktomuk commune. (NACD), told The Post on Thurs- pects for allegedly trafficking Vietnamese media reported day that Vietnamese police had in a total of 31kg of drugs from on Tuesday that 30 Vietnamese informed Cambodian officials Cambodia. border officials in An Giang Prov- about the matter. In Song, the deputy director ince, which borders Cambodia’s He said Vietnamese officials of the Anti-Drug Department, Takeo province, arrested three would send their findings to on Thursday identified the Vietnamese nationals on June Cambodia to assist in future Vietnamese national as Nguy- 13. They found 12kg of metham- investigations. en Ngoc Qui. phetamine in their possession. “When they finish question- He said police are investigat- With the information ing those suspects and send the ing whether Qui is linked to obtained from the three sus- information to us, we will search the drug trafficking case in pects, Vietnamese authorities for their syndicate members in Vietnam. arrested three more suspects Cambodia,” Vyrith said. 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 19, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Business

USD / KHR USD / CAD USD / CNY USD / JPY USD / MYR USD / SGD USD / THB AUD / USD EUR / USD GBP / USD 4,075 1.3553 7.0903 107.35 4.2805 1.3952 31.24 0.6868 1.1225 1.2526 Covid-19 demand E-wallet accounts skyrockets for milled rice could 64% last year to reach 5.22M mean record exports May Kunmakara Hin Pisei Lak said milled-rice exports showed remarkable perfor- HE number of active CAMBODIA could export be- mance in the first five months e-wallet accounts tween 800,000 and one mil- this year compared to last year. in the Kingdom hit lion tonnes of milled rice this He attributed this to two 5.22 million last year, year, buoyed by sustained de- main factors – increased do- aT marked 64 per cent surge mand stemming from Covid- mestic production and ex- from 2018, the National Bank 19 uncertainty, Ministry of panding stockpiles worldwide of Cambodia (NBC) said in a Agriculture, Forestry and in response to the pandemic. report on Wednesday. Fisheries senior official Ngin Lak said: “Looking at data It also noted that the num- Chhay said on Wednesday. over the past five months, ber of deposit accounts at fi- Chhay, the director-general of Cambodian milled-rice ex- nancial institutions reached the ministry’s General Director- ports will be no less than 7.62 million last year. ate of Agriculture, told a press 800,000 tonnes, but every- This, it said, is consistent conference that the Kingdom thing depends on the out- with its efforts to deepen fi- exported 350,000 tonnes of rice come of the auctions. nancial inclusion via finan- in the first five months of the “If everything runs as cial technology, or fintech. year, to more than 60 countries. smoothly as it is now, then ex- “One of the effective mea- He said: “I hope that this year, ports will hit the one million sures to promote financial in- according to estimates, rice ex- tonne target as predicted.” clusion is to ensure a cashless ports may near the one million CRF secretary-general Lun society where transactions tonne mark if the orders retain Yeng told The Post that Cam- could be performed digitally, their momentum, or at least bodia is now capable of ex- and money transfers/mobile exceed 800,000 tonnes.” porting milled-rice in excess The number of active e-wallet accounts in the Kingdom hit 5.22 million last year. UNSPLASH banking is accessible and af- At the same time, Chhay of one million tonnes per year fordable to every citizen. scribing the system as “the services via mobile or other In October, Prasac Microfi- urged farmers, investors and as paddy production contin- “So far, this has been done by national payment gateway devices are easy to onboard nance Institution Ltd senior exporters to work together ues to grow gradually. private sector players especial- for Cambodia”. and use at a fraction of the vice-president Say Sony, whose to ensure that the Kingdom’s The surge in exports, es- ly PSIs that have been paying “Bakong will play a central card scheme cost. institution become a mem- products meet quality stan- pecially of fragrant rice, will much effort to introduce inno- role in bringing all players in But global use is generally ber of the Bakong system that dards to maintain existing generate more revenue for vative products, that can better the payment space in Cambo- limited and transaction secu- month, said: “Bakong is one of markets and secure new ones. the Kingdom, he said. serve the market as a whole – dia under the same platform, rity risks abound, he warned. many projects in which Prasac The ministry’s Secretariat of “But I would not be so bold people in urban areas as well making it easy for end-users to Shin said: “Bakong will con- has collaborated with NBC to One Window Service for Rice as to formulate an estimate of as the unbanked through their pay each other regardless of the tribute to financial inclusion, streamline the payment sys- Export Formality reported that how much money we would large expansion of mobile and institutions they bank with. a cashless society and even tem such as Fast Service and milled-rice exports to the inter- bring in, as prices are subject agent network,” said the NBC. “Eventually, we hope to al- the de-dollarisation of the Cambodian Shared Switch.” national market in the first five to fluctuation. I do, however, The NBC will launch a Block- low cross border payment Kingdom. The volume of money months of this year skyrocketed expect we’ll make more than chain-based, peer-to-peer pay- through the Bakong system “Bakong is in its early stages transfers via banks and Pay- 42.34 per cent to 356,097 tonnes last year,” said Yeng. ment and money transfer plat- too,” she said. and has much room to de- ment Service Institutions from 250,172 tonnes during the Cambodia’s premium-grade form in the next few months, Bakong has the potential to velop and improve, but we (PSIs) constituted $57.99 bil- same period last year. fragrant rice sells for $920 per its director-general Chea Serey bring the unbanked popula- can expect the role of Bakong lion last year, or 213 per cent The European market ac- tonne on the international told The Post in January. tion into the formal financial eventually to be expanded as of the gross domestic product counted for 122,010 tonnes, market, while standard-grade Dubbed ‘Project Bakong’, sector. It will allow for real- a National Payment System (GDP), data compiled by the up 51.10 per cent year-on- fragrant rice fetches $830 and the scheme already has the time fund transfers and in- built on Virtual Fiat Money NBC show. year from 80,749 tonnes, standard-grade white rice support of 11 banks, with stant payment transactions integrating the currently frag- Meanwhile, mobile payments the Chinese market 136,825 goes for $550, he said. many more expected to join and incorporate QR code- mented market. via banks and PSIs equalled 22.9 tonnes, up 25.26 per cent, Premium-grade fragrant soon, she said. based transactions. “More importantly, Cam- per cent of 2019 GDP. ASEAN countries 45,825 rice accounts for more than Bakong, essentially a qua- Phnom Penh Commercial bodia as a sovereign country Despite remarkable tonnes, up 45.39 per cent, 80 per cent of Cambodia’s to- si-form of a central bank Bank (PPCBank) president should have an independent achievements, the develop- and other destinations 51,437 tal rice exports. digital currency (CBDC), was Shin Chang-moo, whose bank payment infrastructure readi- ment of payment services in tonnes, up 79.40 per cent. The government originally launched on a trial basis in connected to the system, told ly connected to those of other the Kingdom continues to Fragrant rice accounted for pledged in August 2010 to July last year, she said, de- The Post that wallet payment countries around the world.” face significant challenges. 289,287 tonnes, or 81.24 per export one million tonnes of cent, white long-grain rice rice by 2015. 62,779 tonnes and long-grain But the Kingdom exported parboiled rice 4,031 tonnes. 387,000 tonnes of milled rice in Last month alone, rice ex- 2014, 538,396 tonnes in 2015, ports reached 55,845 tonnes, an 542,144 tonnes in 2016, 635,679 SECC rolls out ID pilot programme increase of 53.38 per cent com- tonnes in 2017, 626,225 tonnes pared to May last year, of which in 2018 and 620,106 tonnes last May Kunmakara trading. From now on, investors large increase in the number securities firms and the SECC 51,683 tonnes was fragrant rice, year, CRF data show. can go on our online application of Investor IDs for the market to draw up a mechanism that 3,578 tonnes was white long- The Kingdom’s 2019 milled- THE Securities and Exchange and get the ID. It’s more conven- very soon. However, there is allows opening trading grain rice and 584 tonnes was rice exports were worth about and Commission of Cambodia ient, faster and omits the face- still KYC needed in the process accounts online, forgoing the long-grain parboiled rice. $501 million, down 4.3 per (SECC) has launched the to-face interactions required of trading account opening at need to deal with securities Cambodia Rice Federation cent compared to $524 mil- Investor ID Online programme during the process, especially securities firms,” he said. firms face-to-face. “We hope to (CRF) board chairman Hun lion in 2018. on a trial basis in a bid to draw now in these challenging times. KYC, or Know-Your-Custom- make it happen soon as well.” in more investors during pan- CSX vice-chairman Ha Jong- er procedure, refers to the The SECC’s Socheat said the demic times. weon told The Post that those process in which financial Investor ID Online programme SECC director-general Sou interested in the stock market service professionals authen- is “currently in its trial stages Socheat told The Post on may apply directly to the SECC ticate and assess the identity, and will be official launched Thursday that the initiative by for an Investor ID via https:// suitability and risks involved soon if everything goes the securities regulator will id.secc.gov.kh. with maintaining a business smoothly. Brokers will keep facilitate and enhance the Ha said: “We understand that relationship with a client. the public informed.” convenience for the public to there are many people inter- Ha added: “Therefore, they There are 12 listed firms in participate on the Cambodia ested in our market, but they still need to see a broker in the Kingdom – six stock-listed Securities Exchange (CSX). have not taken the time to see order to have the account to and six corporate bond-listed, Through the programme, he a broker and ask for an Investor trade in the market. After the according to the CSX. said, potential investors could ID or a trading account. This Investor ID is approved, they On May 25, CSX CEO Hong more easily “obtain an ID for initiative will make it easier for will have the trading account Sok Hour said more than trading on our market. them to apply for an Investor opened immediately after 25,000 individuals and compa- “Investors previously had to go ID online from anywhere. meeting with securities firm.” nies have opened trading Cambodia exported 356,097 tonnes of milled rice in the first five to a broker and request an ID for “Therefore, we will see a The CSX is also working with accounts at CSX. months of the year. HENG CHIVOAN THE PHNOM PENH POST june 19, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business Ray of hope for garments as HSBC growing in S’pore, despite job Adidas, H&M ‘vow support’ cuts worldwide Thou Vireak saga comes to a close, Cam- bodia will remain a valuable LONDON-BASED multina- redundancies because of the LOBAL retailer gi- trade partner for the EU, tional investment bank and Covid-19 pandemic. ants Adidas AG and more so now as Bangladesh, financial services holding “We could not pause the job Hennes & Mauritz the largest producer of tex- company HSBC Holdings Plc losses indefinitely – it was al- AB (H&M) have ex- tiles, struggles with a larger is resuming its plans to cut ways a question of ‘not if, but pressedG their commitment to number of Covid-19 infec- about 35,000 jobs worldwide when’,” said Quinn, adding restructuring their produc- tions than Cambodia.” in the medium term as part that the measures announced tion networks in the King- Garment Manufacturers As- of a major overhaul it had an- in February “are even more dom, Minister of Commerce sociation in Cambodia secre- nounced earlier this year. necessary today”. Pan Sorasak said on Tuesday. tary-general Ken Loo told The But there be no redundan- The bank now has to resume The two companies will Post that he could not put a cies in Singapore this year, The the cuts as profits fall and work more closely with the timeframe on when orders of Straits Times understands. economic forecasts point to government to improve the garments, footwear and travel A spokesman said Sin- a challenging time ahead, he garment industry’s situation, products would pick up steam. gapore remains one of its said, adding that he had asked which has been affected ad- “There will be orders again, growth markets. “Since 2018, senior executives to look at versely by the onset of the Global retail giants Adidas AG and H&M are committing to restructuring but on a smaller scale after HSBC Singapore has grown ways to cut costs in the second Covid-19 pandemic, he said. production networks in Cambodia, Minister of Commerce Pan Sorasak the US and the EU countries its headcount by 10 per cent half of the year, said Reuters. He said this at a meeting with (second right) said on Tuesday. supplied reopen,” he said. and has invested in our prem- Most of the job cuts are like- Adidas Sourcing Ltd Represen- the government to support Sereyvath said the garment A joint-statement between ises, digital capability and ly to be in the back office at tative Office in Cambodia pro- Cambodia’s garment sector sector would only revert to GMAC, the Cambodia Foot- propositions in order to grow global banking and markets, curement director Matthew post-Covid-19.” normal after a vaccine for wear Association (CFA) and our customer base and mar- which houses HSBC’s invest- Armstrong and H&M produc- Cambodia Chamber of Sars-CoV-2, the virus that European Chamber of Cam- ket share. These investments ment banking and trading, a tion manager for Cambodia Commerce vice-president causes Covid-19, is found. bodia in Cambodia (Euro- and growth ambitions will senior executive familiar with and Vietnam Christer Horn af Lim Heng expects orders of He expects the sector to Cham) that was submitted to continue.” the plans told Reuters. Aminne, at the ministry. the Kingdom’s textile prod- continue to reel from the fall- the European Commission on The lender has about 3,500 HSBC shares have fallen The minister outlined the ucts to gradually pick up as out of the pandemic over the June 2, said some 250 Cam- staff in Singapore. 27 per cent since the start of government’s drive to di- the US and European mar- next three to five months. bodian apparel, footwear and HSBC CEO Noel Quinn March, with the pandemic versify the garment market kets reopen. “We believe that consumer travel goods factories have told the bank’s 235,000 staff causing the lender to set aside through bilateral free trade “We’ve observed the US spending on clothing prod- had to suspend operations, around the world in a memo on $3 billion in bad loan provi- agreements (FTAs) with many and Europe open up cer- ucts will continue to decrease impacting more than 130,000 Wednesday that it will maintain sions in its first-quarter earn- countries. tain regions and announce during the period, no matter workers in the sector. a freeze on almost all external ings, the news agency added. He noted that an FTA with the reopening of the market how much we try to push or- In the first quarter of the recruitment, reported Reuters. Quinn, who was appointed China is set to be finalised where the Covid-19 situation ders.” year, the letter said, many In February, the bank had group CEO in March, has said later this year and that FTA has shown marked improve- However, he noted, Cambo- buyers had cancelled orders announced plans to cut in investor calls that Singa- negotiations with South Ko- ment. It would be boon for dia remained a leading export- after they were completed or 35,000 jobs, $4.5 billion in pore is a growth and invest- rea are scheduled to begin us if industry giants were to er of garments, footwear and while they were in process. It costs and $100 billion of as- ment market for the bank. next month. begin placing orders again,” travel products to the US and is estimated that in the sec- sets, while accelerating in- It is one of eight markets He said: “We would like to he said. EU markets during the pan- ond quarter of the year, trade vestments in Asia. where the lender wants to ex- ask the companies to con- Royal Academy of Cambo- demic period. will likely fall by 50 to 60 per But in March, it paused the pand. THE STRAITS TIMES (SINGAPORE)/ tinue placing orders and join dia economics researcher Ky He said: “As the Covid-19 cent compared to last year. vast majority of the planned ASIA NEWS NETWORK 8 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 19, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com S pecial​​ ReportReport Cambodia braces for the worst as arrivals rise on easing restrictions After a comparatively low number of Covid-19 cases, a slow uptick is noticed as more travellers land on Cambodian shores. But does the Kingdom have it all under control?

Sangeetha Amarthalingam

HE country is bracing for the second phase of Covid- 19 as the numbers creep up after a nearly 40-day hiatus. BeginningT May 20, new cases made up of air travel arrivals from overseas pushed the toll up to 129 with no fa- talities. Only three were hospitalised. US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Cambodia’s (US CDC) global health protection pro- gramme director Dr Michael Kinzer said: “It is a very small fraction so far, but we think this is typical of a second phase. “It is what we were expecting from the second phase of the epidemic which is testing arriving passengers who are infected, controlling them, quarantining them, following their contacts, and making sure we stop transmissions.” Unlike neighbouring countries, Cambodia’s borders were not closed per se, as air passengers trickled in mostly into Phnom Penh and via water transportations. With travel restrictions easing around the world, Cambodian health authorities are on alert as thousands are expected in the coming months. The government has imposed compulsory Covid-19 prerequisites on foreigners arriving in the coun- try, including the possession of a minimum $50,000 health insurance, Covid-19-free health certificate and a $3,000 deposit for health checks. Apart from that, an initial health system has been designed to screen Scientists and technicians at Institut Pasteur du Cambodge worked on shift rotations with additional staff to test up to 500 samples a day, working flat out Facebook and test arriving passengers in Phnom Penh, although this needs some ad- increase was seen in aircraft move- way there between May 23 and June ended up being infected were mostly a lower-middle-income country. justing to fit the current scenario. ment and passenger arrivals within 13, said provincial hall spokesman high-risk household contacts such as It has to make choices as to how it “I think there are still a lot of ques- two weeks of June compared to the Kheang Phearum. spouses and children,” said Kinzer. uses its resources,” he said. tions that the government is trying previous month. Business partners or regular inter- It is understood that earlier plans to answer, including where the sam- Last month alone, 20,818 passen- “Quarantine is quarantine” locutors fell into the medium-risk to put up travellers in additional ples are tested, how the results are ger arrivals were charted in all three Up to April 12, there were 122 cases category while the low-risk group hotels and other facilities to assist recorded, what tests are used, what airports in the Kingdom, with the in the Kingdom, most of them traced consists of anyone who was indoors in quarantines were shelved, apart percentage of passengers get tested, capital’s airport receiving the high- to someone who brought it in. with an infected person. from 3,000 rooms presently avail- and how it is paid for,” Kinzer said. est number of 17,796 travellers. “Basically, you have a case that “The vast majority, even if high- able, as Cambodia did not have the He notes that every country in the In Preah Sihanouk, some 1,066 comes back and they have contacts risk contact, did not get infected. resources to keep people in one world is going to be faced with these Chinese nationals comprising of or people who they were around with We can say that because we carried place for two weeks due to the high questions and no one is going to workers and investors made their at that time. Those contacts who out contact tracing with every single pace in arrivals. have the right answer. case and we tracked over 2,200 con- This makes the testing on Day 13 “Therefore, Cambodia is now in the tacts in total,” he said. essential, including for those who process of coming up with answers to Covid-19 cases Still, the authorities are aware of the are asymptomatic. those questions and I am sure they will challenges as the system to screen and An asymptomatic infection ac- have something. They will try, decide test passengers is only present at the quired overseas or on a plane would it does not work well enough, and they 140 Phnom Penh International Airport. most likely be picked up on arrival will try something else. Again, every There are no laboratories to con- or during quarantine if symptoms country on earth is going to be faced 120 duct testing outside the city. There are develop or on the Day 13 test. with the same problems,” he said. also few resources in Sihanoukville, “We have had people who tested In the meantime, close coopera- even though arrivals are rising there. negative on arrival, and then posi- tion with Cambodia Airports, and 100 For now, airline passengers are tive on Day 13. [However] it is true other agencies in the government tested for Covid-19 upon arrival and that there have been asymptomatic stay on track so that they know what 80 ordered to self-quarantine for 14 days transmissions, but we think it is in is coming. in their lodgings if they test negative the minority of cases. “Because, if every passenger is go- 60 before being re-tested on Day 13. “The current system can detect ing to be tested, whatever lab that What if they breach the order by go- cases and react quickly to track con- is being used to test needs to know ing out? Are their activities monitored? tacts and isolate them for testing,” that suddenly they are going to get 40 “No. Quarantine means quaran- he said. 500 samples. tine. They [must] stay home. Cam- “They would need to assign staff and 20 bodia currently does not have the “No surveillance is perfect” prepare reagents. So there is a whole capacity to police self-quarantines,” To date, Cambodia has been some- system that needs to be prepared to Kinzer said, adding that the absence what fortunate, having recorded a follow up on any kind of decision as 0 of monitoring might not necessarily negligible number of cases – a phe- to how we are going to screen arriving 27-Jan 16-Mar 23-Mar 31-Mar 11-Apr cause problems but it is not ideal. nomenon that has elicited scepticism airline passengers,” he said. “A lot of what we do in Cambodia on the people’s susceptibility level. An uptrend is already visible – because of resources and insuffi- In contrast, Thailand charted 3,135 based on State Secretariat of Civil cient feasibility – is not ideal. There cases as of June 17, Indonesia (41,431 Source: World Bank sta using Ministry of Health data. Aviation’s record where a 30 per cent is no perfect system. Cambodia is cases) and Malaysia (8,515 cases). THE PHNOM PENH POST june 19, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 9 Special​​ Report

However, Vietnam, which conduct- people who are dying or sick. So we ed mass testing, and Laos recorded haven’t seen that at all,” he said. comparatively small numbers and no deaths. Most of these countries im- Studying the virus COVID-1 9 locations posed strict movement restrictions. Having said that, Kinzer hypothe- But with no evidence to support sised that Cambodia’s minimal num- the small record in Cambodia, au- ber of air-conditioned malls, zero thorities are inclined to point to mass public transportation system the fast action of the Cambodian such as subways, and an outdoor government to ban mass gather- society could have removed any op- ings, impose movement restrictions portunity for people to be jammed and quarantine at-risk populations, together in close quarters. such as the returning migrant work- “Cambodia is a fairly young Other ers and garment workers. population but we don’t have any The policies were said to have had evidence that young people are less provinces direct impacts on transmission while prone to being infected. They just stringent contact tracing took place. get less severe diseases. So there are Sihanoukville “It sounds sort of technical, but it a lot of ideas for why they don’t have 18.7% was an essential part of the response it. It could all be true [but] I don’t and one of the main reasons why we think any of them is responsible for eSi mRe were able to stop [the virus] from why we are protected,” he said. ap 32.5% entering the general population,” What is certain, though, is the pres- 5.7% said Kinzer. ence of IPC whose resources – the staff Still, it no cause to initiate mass made up of world-class and multi- testing at this point. The reason is published scientists with a global net- Battambang also that they are incapacitated in work – continues to play a key role in 6.5% doing so, not for the lack of test kits, testing and studying the samples. but rather the capability to do so by Being one of 17 World Health Or- the laboratories. ganisation (WHO) Covid-19 reference Kampong Even world-class testing facility In- labs, IPC has been conducting tests stitut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC) can- before many countries in the world, not test everybody although, during which enabled the authorities to de- Cham Phnom Penh the peak with several clusters forming cide if someone was infected and act from end of February to April, it con- immediately on that information. In 13.8% ducted 18,220 tests in 10 days. fact, they were the first in the region 22.8% “We could always be wrong but to get a test they could use regularly. we don’t think there is community IPC is part of a working group in- transmission until you know it is volving the National Institute of Pub- widespread. We might be missing lic Health (NIPH), US CDC, Cambo- a case or a cluster, but we are con- dia Communicable Disease Control fident that we can handle that if it Department (CCDC) and US-based appeared,” he said. National Institutes of Health (NIH). No surveillance is perfect, and In April, an article by the Southeast “we know ours is not perfect”, Kin- Asia Globe outlined behind-the- zer contends. But the presence of scenes efforts that spoke about the Source: World Bank sta using Ministry of Health data. Covid-19 in an immunologically na- collaborative work led by NIH with ïve population, or a population that IPC’s virology unit using IDSeq – an Institute of Allergy and Infectious So far, the sequencing that has inces, Kinzer said, adding that health does not have resistance to disease, open-source software that allows sci- Diseases’ Laboratory of Malaria and been done is to get the full gene of officers have to use taxis or assign an cannot go unnoticed. entists to log in pathogens in metag- Vector Research in Phnom Penh, the virus, which is a different tech- ambulance, but that would deprive “You would see it in many places enomic sequencing data. said genome sequencing’s main nique than just seeing whether a the people there of an ambulance. and you would see severe cases. The scientists studied the samples function was not to replace medi- person is infected, Kinzer said. “So we are trying to work with part- Even in the 125 or 126 cases we have by conducting a genome test on the cal kits for widespread testing but It is not known if a new strain has ners and the government to come up had, none of them has been even virus and logging the data into ID- to give a broader picture of how the been identified in the Cambodian con- with some kind of coordinated system moderate. They were mild cases. Seq, which is part of a mass effort virus is evolving and spreading. text. However, a divergence of strain is for specimen transport so that we can “So for us, that is another piece of by scientists around the world to The Globe wrote that the sequenc- invariably common if there was high get the specimens tested quickly. evidence that we are not seeing like sequence and upload information ing looks at how one could imple- transmission as the virus tends to mu- “Without that, we have less of an the severe tip of an iceberg. Because about the virus. ment public health measures to stop tate in such conditions as in the case of ability to confidently say what is go- if you think that you are only see- Researchers Jessica Manning and the virus’ spread, not something that the Ebola epidemic in West Africa. ing on in the provinces, and that is ing the tip, you would be seeing the Jenninfer Bohl from the National would be used as a basic diagnostic. “In general, viruses want to become something necessary if we are go- more infectious and less dangerous. ing to talk about whether there is This is good news for the general or is not community transmission. population, although that means we So specimen transport is a big chal- Covid-19 sources will have more cases, so we will have lenge for us,” he said. more work to do but I don’t know It also struggles with human resourc- what the status is in Cambodia. es shortages for routine public health “Definitely around the world, we work, particularly data entry which is 80.3% are seeing a divergence of strain. crucial in charting the course of work. Some seem to have more virulence “It sounds a little boring to outsid- 68.9% than others. For us, it does not mat- ers, but it is essential for knowing 59.0% ter. We do the same thing no matter what is going on and if what we are what kind of strain you have. We try doing is making a difference. We are 41.0% to stay focussed,” Kinzer said. working with the NIPH to support IPC could not be reached for their data systems which are not as 31.1% comment on the possibility of a resourced as IPC’s,” he said. 19.7% new strain. With the research being carried out So what does the future hold? at the laboratories, in addition to the Short answer, the team is con- cooperation with CCDC where data fident of handling anything that sharing was made transparent and mimics past scenarios. seamless, that segment seemed to Thus, despite having clusters and move like clockwork. imported cases, the authorities are “We did not see the same kind of likely to manage them by isolating, resistance to rapid sharing of the re- tracing the contacts and preventing

Male sults of confirmed cases that we saw further transmissions. Local in some other countries,” Kinzer said. “[However] we don’t have a [whole- Import Female some] system that can handle the levels Specimen transport setback of numbers of cases that we have seen

Foreigner Nevertheless, the make-up has in some of the harder-hit countries.

Cambodian yet to repair some quirks or set- “There is still a lot of work to be backs such as the absence of a uni- done like at the provincial level [as] fied specimen transport network they will need to manage cases,” Import compared Gender – meaning a system of cars and driv- Kinzer said. Cambodian ers that brings the specimens to the The team needs to also have a more to Local laboratory for testing. robust data management system if it compared to There are disease-specific pro- is going to manage hundreds of cases grammes for tuberculosis, malaria and instead of dozens of cases. Foreigner HIV/AIDS, and non-governmental or- “So, we still need to build on what ganisations with their systems, but all we have. We need to prepare for the the variables are not coordinated. worst-case scenario because we don’t Source: World Bank sta using Ministry of Health data. This is the main barrier to Covid- know. I smile because I don’t know 19 samples being sent from the prov- what is going to happen,” he said. 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 19 , 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com

www.phnompenhpost.com/post-focus tourism

The historical Knai Bang Chatt resort is located by the sea in Kep.

Knai Bang Chatt: A dream resort for all seasons awaits visitors

s Cambodia increasingly embraces the “staycation” experience, the Knai Bang Chatt Boutique Resort & SAailing Club nestling by the sea in scenic Kep is looking to give domestic holiday-makers a dream escape. With the Covid-19 pandemic limit- ing international tourism, the historic Knai Bang Chatt luxury resort has safely reopened to help Cambodians Rooms are specially designed based on the ancient Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi. With midweek offers available, Knai Bang Chatt also runs sailing courses on Saturdays. rediscover the Kingdom’s beauty, owner Jef Moons told The Post. that Kep is the next rising star and no industrial projects in sight, we the domestic traveller,” Moons said. care of their kids. It is really offering “There is always an upside even in will be part of the epicentre of sus- are set to remain a great destination While the resort provides a “Green a good solution for the whole family. the direst of situations. We are now tainable and high-end tourism. Our for sustainable travel and develop Season” package and midweek of- It is meeting the needs of the local witnessing a growth in domestic travel, area will only become more attractive further,” he said. fers, the team is also running sailing market today. with local travellers re-exploring the in the coming years. With a host of offers at attractive courses every Saturday. “Those who seek full privacy country’s bountiful beauty. “Consider our assets, and with so prices as part of plans to reach out to There are also sustainable garden or who like to share holidays with “Please know that the Knai Bang much unspoiled natural beauty and domestic guests as international travel tours of its 3.5ha grounds, which fea- friends can now in midweek only Chatt spirit is has fully returned. At remains limited, Moons remains opti- ture an infinity pool, natural gardens book the whole resort at a great price. Knai Bang Chatt, we’re making the mistic regarding the future of his land- and a sailing club. Tailoring to your personal needs is best of every day, and we are proud mark hotel – and with good reason. And with schools still closed, Knai what we are good at,” Moons said. that we can still serve visitors with “Knai Bang Chatt was already well Bang Chatt – which means “rainbow The Belgian says that with the excellence. Today Knai Bang Chatt equipped to face this new context, es- encircling the sun” in Khmer – is craft- tourism industry facing a “profound” welcomes domestic guests to share pecially the more diverse local market ing midweek summer camps as well as change, adaptability is paramount. our friendship in the purest way by segments looking for a different escape a special curriculum to ensure students “These are transformative times. I sharing our wabi-sabi philosophy and to our coast. We always offer only keep up with their studies. am convinced that people will more the essence of Kep,” Moons said. value, we will never try to sell just a “‘Be fair and honest’ is our mes- and more be seeking genuine experi- The Knai Bang Chatt resort – with room. We are constantly creating new sage. We have adapted not only ences, and a trustable, human-sized villas designed by legendary Cambo- desire to cater for all needs. our pricing but established different context for leisure or business travel. dian 1960s “Golden Age” architect “This is today translated into a focus packages to capture individual needs. De-globalisation also means huge, Vann Molyvann overlooking the sea more on romance, with safety for all, Midweek staycation packages and faceless global hospitality brands are – is only five minutes’ walk from the the freshest seafood, and a healthy Green Season offers are now in place becoming less attractive. town’s famous crab market. outdoor lifestyle through our summer to support individual local preferenc- “We are today witnessing a Moons is confident that Kep’s camps and sailing camps. es. Our midweek offers are now also profound change in travel patterns, tranquility and majestic beauty will “We continue to be focused on his- easy to combine with the offerings of and thus in travel markets. In these continue to lure all those living in the tory, art, architecture and CSR [corpo- the summer and sailing camps. uncertain times, ‘listen to the wind Kingdom to the coastal province. rate social responsibility] values, while “I love the idea that when people and adapt’ is the message for all of “More than ever I am convinced Knai Bang Chatt owner Jef Moons. developing targeted adventures for book a midweek package, we can take us,” Moons said. THE PHNOM PENH POST june 19, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 World Four nations India, China agree to calm border elected to NDIA and China refused to back down from competing ter- ritorial claims while stepping UN Security up diplomatic efforts to “cool Idown the situation on the ground” following violent clashes in which at Council least 20 Indian soldiers were killed in eastern Ladakh region. THE UN General Assembly elected Both sides continued to blame the on Wednesday four new members of other for the violent clash on Mon- the Security Council for next year and day night, indicating no immediate 2022, with Canada losing out again resolution of territorial differences and the battle for the African seat would take place. going to a second round. Indian Minister of External Affairs India, Mexico, Norway and Ireland Subrahmanyam Jaishankar spoke were chosen as non-permanent mem- on the phone with his Chinese coun- bers, while Djibouti and Kenya – both of terpart Wang Yi, but press releases which failed to receive the two-thirds from both sides on the conversation vote majority required to win – will go to highlighted the differences in per- a second round of voting on Thursday. ception of what triggered the clash- Canada was beaten once again for es between Indian and Chinese sol- one of the Western seats, by Ireland and diers in the Galwan Valley. Norway, despite a long and star-studded Wang asked India to “severely campaign, a result likely to be a blow to punish” those responsible for the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Galwan incident and sought a thor- In the Asia-Pacific region, India – ough investigation, accusing Indian which has been trying unsuccessfully soldiers of transgressing into Chi- to win a permanent seat in an expand- nese territory and provoking Chi- ed Security Council – ran unopposed nese soldiers, reported the Chinese Indian Army vehicles drive on a road near Chang La high mountain pass in northern India’s Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir to win 184 votes out of the 192 coun- state near the border with China. str/afp Ministry of Foreign Affairs. tries that participated in the election. The Indian Ministry of External Af- eye on the domestic audience. border, which has remained largely high-altitude area becomes accessible. India will now have a seat at the same fairs said Jaishankar had registered a In India, amid domestic expecta- peaceful for the last 45 years. Minor clashes do routinely occur since table as China, just days after the two strong protest. tions of a muscular response to Chi- The current row erupted last month, there is no clear demarcation. nations disputed their Himalayan bor- It said: “The Chinese side sought na and a rise in nationalistic rhetoric a little over 40 days ago after India ac- But Indian analysts have noted that der, trading blame for a brawl that left to erect a structure in Galwan valley against China, Prime Minister Na- cused China of changing the status this border row was a departure from at least 20 Indian soldiers dead, and on our side of the LAC [Line of Ac- rendra Modi said he wanted peace quo in the region and moving into the past in its efforts to redraw the un- many more from the Chinese side. tual Control, or the frontier]. While but maintained the “martyrdom” of parts of the territory that have for a derstanding of the LAC and the mobil- Mexico, which also ran unopposed, this became a source of dispute, the Indian soldiers would not go in vain. long time been under Indian control. isation of heavy military equipment. earned 187 votes. Chinese side took pre-meditated He said: “India wants peace but Despite aggressive posturing, Former Indian ambassador to Secretary of External Affairs Marce- and planned action that was di- when instigated, India is capable of statements indicated neither side Bhutan, Pakistan and China Gau- lo Ebrard welcomed Mexico’s election rectly responsible for the resulting giving a befitting reply, be it any kind wanted an escalation of tensions, tam Bambawale said: “The situation in a Twitter post: “I have the honour violence and casualties.” of situation. India doesn’t provoke. which could potentially lead to a on the India-China border is seri- to report that Mexico has been elect- Still, both sides were in agreement on But no compromise to India’s sover- limited war, particularly at a time ous. Scores of soldiers on both sides ed with 187 votes to be a member of defusing tensions in the Ladakh region. eignty and integrity will be tolerated.” when both countries are grappling have died. The situation needs to be the UN Security Council. Great rec- The two countries also agreed Four Indian soldiers who were said with the coronavirus pandemic. de-escalated and the underlying is- ognition for our country from the to “cool down the situation on the to be critically injured were stable, China has seen a recurrence of sues addressed through dialogue. entire world. Congratulations!!!!” ground as soon as possible, and said the army. cases in Beijing, while India has “India is sure to undertake a re-ap- African nations have in the past maintain peace and tranquillity in China has so far refused to reveal seen a continuous increase in cases. praisal and then re-calibration of its picked their own candidate but were the border area following the agree- casualty figures amid reports in India Still, within India, questions are now China policy to reflect the new reali- unable to put forward a single country ment reached so far between the quoting unnamed US intelligence being raised over whether protocols, ties. China has broken all the tenets of this time. Kenya received 113 votes two countries”, said the Chinese sources of at least 35 casualties. including a mechanism for military the many agreements it signed with against Djibouti, which got 78. Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two countries, which went to talks, need to be revisited. India on maintaining peace and tran- Kenya boasts of enjoying the support Both sides are also seen to be main- war in 1962, have disputes along with Patrolling between the two countries quillity in the border areas.” THE STRAITS of the African Union, but Djibouti says taining an aggressive posture with an several areas of their un-demarcated increases during summer, when the TIMES (SINGAPORE)/ANN it should have the seat due to Nairobi’s past participation on the Security Council and the principle of rotation. French-speaking Djibouti and Eng- lish-speaking Kenya are both highlight- ing their roles in seeking peace on the US officer charged with murder in shooting Horn of Africa, as well as their contribu- tions to UN peacekeeping options. AN ATLANTA police officer time that Brooks was shot, he faces three charges including They never told Brooks he but did not weaken legal pro- Kenya pointed to its welcome to has been charged with mur- did not pose an immediate aggravated assault. was under arrest, and while tections that insulate them refugees from Somalia and South der for shooting a 27-year-old threat of death or serious Brosnan and Rolfe found he was shot and lay on the from charges of abuse. Sudan, as well as to its support to the man in the back, justice offi- physical injury to the offic- Brooks sleeping in his car in ground dying, Rolfe kicked Their proposals were in two countries’ fragile governments. cials announced on Wednes- ers,” said Howard. the drive-up line at a local him while Brosnan stood on line with an executive order Djibouti, in turn, notes its strategic day, in the latest case to spark President Donald Trump Wendy’s fast-food restaurant his shoulders. signed by Trump one day ear- location and unusual role as a defence anger over US police killings called the killing of Brooks “a last Friday. Howard said police are for- lier – but weaker than reforms base for diverse countries – France, of African Americans. terrible situation”, but went on Over a calm 20 minute inter- bidden from shooting tasers offered last week by Demo- the US, China and Japan – as well as Rayshard Brooks’ shooting to claim officers have “not been action, they gave him an alcohol at fleeing suspects. crats in the House of Repre- its contributions in Somalia. came less than three weeks treated fairly” in a Fox News test and, after it proved positive, “So you certainly cannot fire sentatives. For Europe and the Western seats, the after a Minneapolis police interview on Wednesday. sought to arrest him for driving a handgun at someone who is Civil liberties group ACLU competition was more customary. officer’s killing of handcuffed Brooks’ death ignited a under the influence. running away,” he said. said the Republican proposal Canada – already stung by being African American George fresh round of angry protests After a brief struggle Brooks Justin Miller, an attorney “does not respond to the passed over for Portugal in its 2010 Floyd on May 25 fuelled a and forced the resignation of ran off with one of the officers’ for Brooks’ family, said hav- moment”. Security Council bid – was dominated national uproar over racism Atlanta’s police chief. Tasers and, as he swung his arm ing the officers charged was It said the US needs “bold, by Norway, with 130 votes, and Ireland, and police brutality. Howard said a warrant was back to point it at them, Rolfe just “the starting point”. visionary legislation that which had 128, the minimum number Atlanta District Attorney issued for Rolfe’s arrest on 11 shot Brooks twice in the back. He told a press conference divests from police and required to win. Paul Howard said police offic- counts, including felony mur- The issue of whether Rolfe step two was a conviction on shrinks their footprint, and Trudeau had invested heavily in the er Garrett Rolfe had no justi- der – a homicide committed reasonably believed he was in all charges but warned that jus- reinvests in the Black and latest Security Council effort, with the fication for shooting Brooks in the course of another felo- danger was at the heart of decid- tice would not come easily. Brown communities that defeat potentially causing him polit- as he fled, and aggravated the ny crime – aggravated assault, ing if he should be charged. “How do you find justice for have been harmed by status ical embarrassment at home. case by kicking his body as he and multiple counts of violat- Howard said that a review three little girls who will never quo policing”. “We remain committed to the goals lay on the ground bleeding. ing police procedures. of eight video recordings of see their father again?” Meanwhile, in Geneva, Swit- and principles that we laid out during He also said Rolfe and fellow The murder count could the incident, from police The charges were zerland, George Floyd’s brother this campaign,” Trudeau said in a officer Devin Brosnan violat- bring a sentence of death or cameras and bystander phone announced as Republicans in called on the UN Human Rights statement, adding that Canada would ed multiple police depart- life in prison. recordings, and multiple wit- the US Senate unveiled police Council to set up an independ- “continue to play a vital role in ment regulations after they Brosnan, who has agreed to nesses, showed the officers reform legislation that focused ent commission to investigate advancing global cooperation and detained Brooks on June 12. become a witness for the themselves never displayed on better training and disclo- the killings of African Ameri- building a more peaceful, inclusive “We concluded that, at the state in the investigation, fear of danger from Brooks. sure of officers’ use of force cans by police. AFP and sustainable world”. AFP 12 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 19, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com ASEAN S’pore finds five antibodies that may neutralise Sars-CoV-2 virus IVE antibodies which could person’s protection to the recipient, potentially neutralise Sars- enabling any patient to better fight CoV-2, the virus that causes the infection and recover faster.” Covid-19, have been discov- He added that as antibodies re- eredF by scientists at DSO National main in the system for close to a Laboratories, Singapore’s national month, they can also be used to pre- defence research and development vent infection. organisation. The first two neutralising antibod- Known as neutralising antibodies, ies were discovered on March 19 and they prevent the virus from infect- 30 using a screening technique that ing a patient’s cells by binding with had been developed in collaboration the part of the virus that is needed with the National University of Sin- DSO National Laboratories scientists have discovered five antibodies which could potentially neutralise Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. DSO NATIONAL LABORATORIES/THE STRAITS TIMES to enter the cells. gapore’s (NUS) Life Sciences Institute DSO announced on Wednesday and the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of tients as the best strategy to develop the clinical phase, to be able to treat treatment for Covid-19.” that since March, its researchers Medicine over the last five years. a therapeutic that would protect Covid-19 infection [here].” DSO CEO Cheong Chee Hoo said: have screened hundreds of thou- The technique, which involves the against a novel outbreak of disease.” Human trials for the most promis- “While still in its experimental phase, sands of antibodies produced by use of a live virus, is part of DSO’s DSO will also be bringing togeth- ing antibody of the five, known as this discovery is an important mile- cells of the human immune system “Antibodies on Demand” strategy to er a Singapore-based consortium AOD01, will likely commence in the stone in Singapore’s fight against in blood samples taken from recov- counter novel infectious disease out- comprising government agencies, upcoming months, pending approval and managing life with Covid-19 ered Covid-19 patients. breaks. It allows for quick identifica- research institutes and biomedical from the Health Sciences Authority. until a vaccine is available. The samples were provided by tion of neutralising antibodies and companies to quickly advance the DSO added that the necessary man- “With an effective treatment, the National Centre for Infectious saves more time and manpower com- development of the antibodies. ufacturing capabilities to scale up people will be more assured as they Diseases and the Singapore General pared with conventional methods. Dr Brendon Hanson, principal therapeutic antibody treatment for can be treated immediately and can Hospital. Dr Chan said: “The Ministry of research scientist and project lead, patients are in place, pending the suc- expect to make a faster recovery. Dr Conrad Chan, principal re- Defence and DSO recognised that a said: “We are trying to tap all the cessful completion of clinical trials. This prevents our healthcare system search scientist and laboratory di- novel pandemic would have a severe expertise that has been developed Dr Hanson said: “When clinical from being overwhelmed, and nor- rector (applied molecular technol- impact on Singapore and we wanted in Singapore over the last few years trials are completed and success- malises our daily routine as we con- ogy) at DSO, said: “Administration to, very early on, look for ways to pro- so we can have a completely in- ful, we hope to be able to quickly tinue to live and interact as a com- of an antibody obtained from a tect the population . . . We narrowed Singapore capability to bring an an- translate the positive results from munity.” THE STRAITS TIMES (SINGAPORE)/ASIA recovered individual transfers that in on antibodies from recovered pa- tibody from the research phase into the laboratory into a viable effective NEWS NETWORK PhilHealth fund woes due to corruption, says Roque ASIDE from declining revenue, looking for money to imple- and we have long been saying sonally see what steps Morales downs, halting economic activ- Tempore Ralph Recto, a former the Philippine Health Insurance ment the law. that – hundreds of billions being had taken to hold people in ity in much of the country. head of the Senate finance Corp (PhilHealth) is likewise “The government is commit- lost to corruption,” he said. Philhealth accountable. Morales told a hearing called committee, said PhilHealth losing money due to corrup- ted to [the Universal Health Care Roque said he was having a “I have yet to hear of any per- by a joint congressional over- did not need to delay imple- tion, and this must stop, presi- law], particularly to ensure the hard time exposing corruption son fired by Morales or any sight committee on Tuesday mentation of the law for lack dential spokesperson Harry access of our most vulnerable in PhilHealth because of his investigation he had under- that Republic Act No 11223, of budget, as the government Roque said on Wednesday. groups to much-needed health duties as presidential spokes- taken,” Roque said. the Universal Health Care law could just realign funds from On Tuesday, Philhealth presi- care, especially during this dif- person, but he could not allow The Universal Health Care that the president signed in other state agencies. dent Ricardo Morales asked for ficult time,” said Dominguez. the implementation of the programme has to be funded, March last year, may have to Instead of scrimping on a delay in the implementation Speaking in a radio interview, health care law, which he co- as it is mandated by law, he be sidelined because Phil- medical benefits, he said, the of the Universal Health Care law Roque said he was planning to authored, to be derailed due added. Health’s collections this year government should cut back because of the state health expose more irregularities in to irregularities. PhilHealth pays for the med- had dropped by 90 per cent on “unnecessary expenses insurer’s declining revenue PhilHealth, which, according He said he was thinking of tak- ical bills of Covid-19 patients due to the lockdowns. [and] administrative costs” amid the Covid-19 pandemic. to him, was losing money due ing leave as presidential spokes- and also provides primary He estimated that PhilHealth like maintenance and other Lawmakers bucked Morales’ to these irregularities. person and devoting his time to health benefits to Filipinos. would have a budget deficit of operating expenses. proposal on Wednesday, saying He said PhilHealth should cleaning up PhilHealth. Payment of premiums about 100 billion pesos ($2 bil- Recto told Philippine Daily the pandemic should actually be not blame its lack of funds on In a separate interview with declined when the government lion) starting at the end of this Inquirer: “It’s just a matter of pri- a reason to pursue the implemen- President Rodrigo Duterte’s Radyo Inquirer, Roque said he placed Luzon on lockdown in year until 2024, as the national ority . . . Consumers, workers and tation of the health care law. decision to make the contribu- had yet to see Morales take mid-March to prevent the spread government allocated only investors will not have confidence Secretary of Finance Carlos tions of overseas Filipino action and file charges against of the new coronavirus that 71.35 billion pesos for health in the economy if we do not pri- G Dominguez III said the gov- workers voluntary. crooks in the agency. causes Covid-19. Other regions care programmes for this year. oritise health spending.” PHILIPPINE ernment’s economic team was “Its fund is being depleted He said he wanted to per- followed with their own lock- But Senate President Pro DAILY INQUIRER/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

Survey says Vietnamese not worried technology taking over lives

TECHNOLOGY is taking over people’s It includes helping them perform Other negatives were not about tech- an unusual fondness for easy refund tech a risky proposition in Vietnam. lives but most do not seem to mind it, better at work (84 per cent) and posi- nology per se, but rather the apparent and return policies, with 87 per cent In terms of communications efforts said the 2020 Vietnam Tech Consum- tively changing their relationships results of social media fatigue, as sig- listing it as a decisive factor. by tech companies, Vietnamese con- er Report. with others (66 per cent). nificant minorities (33-39 per cent) But instalment payments and sumers appreciated news about dis- Done by Singapore-based InsightA- A notable finding is that, of the three reported experiencing more conflict financing plans, were a significantly counts and new products and services sia Research Group Pte Ltd and public countries, Vietnamese are the most due to social media, feeling they are smaller factor in Vietnam, possibly more than in the other countries. relations and digital marketing agen- likely to say that technology is taking forced to use it and losing control of due to the legal requirements for They also expressed a strong preference cy Vero, it surveyed tech consumers in over their lives (66 per cent) compared their lives, and a desire to take a break retailers to offer these for high-value for “inspirational stories” over all other Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. to 39 per cent in Thailand and 52 per and disconnect. tech items, making them an expecta- types, nearly double the second-placed It found there was a largely positive cent in Myanmar. These rates were also higher than in tion rather than a selling point. preference for “educational stories.” sentiment towards the tech sector and Vietnamese respondents had many Thailand and Myanmar, suggesting Similar attitudes prevailed concern- TV is the most common source high expectations among Vietnamese positive associations with tech, that Vietnam’s social media uptrend ing tech services like apps and web- through which Vietnamese become for technology companies to improve including improved work perform- could face a backlash. sites as free trials, widespread use, and aware of tech products since the sur- many aspects of their life. ance, better relationships with others, As in Thailand and Myanmar, Viet- ease of use and payment were the vey categorised online video services It was also done in Thailand and relaxation, and stress relief, all of namese consumers put a premium on most popular decision factors. such as YouTube under TV. Myanmar, and, overall, 65 per cent of which were named by over 60 per cent genuine tech products from reliable These findings suggest that reputed The balance seemed to lean towards respondents said technology has an of respondents. suppliers when deciding what to buy. tech companies will be wise to empha- YouTube, with a majority of consum- overall positive impact on their lives But respondents also said there are Their preference for popular brands, sise their trustworthiness in contrast ers saying they compare tech products compared to just six per cent who said downsides, with half of them pointing at 80 per cent, was stronger than in to the fakes, knockoffs and mislabelled online more than half the time. VIET NAM its impact was negative. to lost sleep. the other countries, and they revealed items that could make shopping for NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK THE PHNOM PENH POST june 19, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 13 Opinion

Preventing misleadingwww.phnompenhpost.com claim www.phnompenhpost.com

EDITORIAL PERSONNEL EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Ly Tayseng of Covid-19 cureLy Tayseng Executive Editor-in-Chief Executive Editor-in-Chief joshua purushotman Injecting stem cells into the human Opinion joshua purushotman Managing Editor Post Khmer body carries a huge risk of immuno-re- Managing Editor Post Khmer sam rith Vincentius Aji Jatikusumo jection (think of a blood type A patient Deputy Chief of Staff sam rith receiving a blood type B infusion, but Deputy Chief of Staff phak seangly ESEARCHERS at Airlangga with a much more severe reaction). Business Editor phak seangly University (Unair) and the The doctors administering the treat- May kunmakara Business Editor State Intelligence Agency ment must isolate autologous stem Deputy Business Editor May kunmakara (BIN) released on June 12 cells from the individual patient or all- sangeetha amarthalingam whatR appeared to be an encouraging Deputy Businessogenic Editor stem cells from a separate Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk sorn sarath statement: the discovery of five com- donor, culture them, and reinject the pan simala bination drug therapies and two stem Deputy Headtreated of Lifestyle cells Desk into the patient. These Senior Reporters cell therapies for treating Covid-19. pan simala processes are extremely laborious, Meas sokchea, niem Chheng The acute respiratory disease Senior Reporterstime-consuming and expensive, and Reporters caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has Meas sokchea,there niem Chhengis no clear indication that the khouth sophak Chakrya, kim sarom, Long claimed more than 449,000 lives Reporters treatment will produce a safe and suc- kimmarita, khorn savi, hin pisei, soth globally. khouth sophakcessful Chakrya, outcome kim sarom, Long against viral infection. koemsoeun, Voun Dara, sous Yamy,soung The joint statement attributed to This is hardly a sound strategy to kimmarita, khorn savi, hin pisei, soth sovanny, thou Vireak, ry sochan Unair and BIN also said the medi- use during a pandemic. Furthermore, koemsoeun, Voun Dara, sous Yamy,soung Photographers cines were ready for distribution in the common procedure is to adminis- sovanny, heng Chivoan, hong Menea treating Covid-19 patients. ter powerful immunosuppressants to Web Editor ry sochan reduce the strength of the patient’s Leang phannara Drug combinations Photographersimmune system, particularly in the it is crucial to note that the results of in vitro experiments, however encouraging, cannot Webmasters The five combination therapies for heng Chivoan,allogenic hong Menea scenario, which would mini- be assumed to be safe and effective treatments for direct use in human patients. afp sous Chanthy, pang Vichea Covid-19 are: lopinavir/ritonavir with Web Editor mise the risk of immuno-rejection. SIEM REAP BUREAU azithromycin, lopinavir/ritonavir with suspend the clinical trial of the drug. potentially cause unwanted sideLeang phannaraHowever, it would be unwise to shut Offi ce Manager doxycycline, lopinavir/ritonavir with Unair and BIN are correct in con- effects and even death. Surely noneWebmasters down a Covid-19 patient’s immune sophearith Blondeel clarithromycin, hydroxychloroquine ducting in vitro (test tube) experi- of us want to rush into an unprovensous Chanthy, system pang Vichea that is needed to work proper- PRODUCTION & PRINTING with azithromycin, and hydroxychlo- ments to verify the effect and toxicity treatment in order to avoid develop- SIEM REAP BUREAUly for their body to fight SARS-CoV-2. Head of Desktop Publishing roquine with doxycycline. of the drugs for SARS-CoV-2. Unfor- ing even more overwhelming healthOffi ce Manager Unair and BIN’s valiant efforts nhim sokphyrak In addition, the statement claimed tunately, they have not communicat- problems in the future. sophearith Blondeelshould still be applauded, as they are Desktop Publishing that the researchers had identified ed in any clear way on how they committed to treating Covid-19 and suon savatdy, Chum sokunthy, Danh Borath PRODUCTION & PRINTING two types of isolated stem cells that designed, executed and analysed Stem cell therapy ending the pandemic. The public is tep thoeun thyda, tim Borith, than Veasna Head of Desktop Publishing inhibited SARS-CoV-2 activity: their experiments. Stem cell therapy is another Covid- waiting impatiently for the health cri- nhim sokphyrak hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and We do not know how they cultured 19 treatment that Unair and BIN sis to subside so they can resume HEAD OFFICE natural killer (NK) cells. the virus, what kind of negative con- researchers have proposed. StemDesktop cells Publishingtheir normal lives. Their goodwill to bring an end to the trols they used, what kind of cells are undifferentiated cells that hassuon the savatdy, ChumHowever, sokunthy, Danheveryone Borath should realise pandemic should be appreciated. they tested or whether the cells they potential to develop into many differtep thoeun- thyda,that tim discovering Borith, than Veasna treatments and devel- Unfortunately, their conclusions seem used contained the necessary recep- ent types of cells in human body. One oping a potential vaccine for a disease Post Media Co, Ltd. premature and could lead to more tors for SARS-CoV-2 to enter a type of stem cell they have proposed HEAD OFFICEthat was virtually unknown six months The Elements Condominium Level 7, damaging consequences for the public. human cell. More importantly, it is is hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), ago takes a lot of time and resources. Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, In theory, the drug combinations crucial to note that the results of in which develop into blood cells, Unair and BIN said they had sub- Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom recommended by Unair and BIN vitro experiments, however encour- including immune cells that help the mitted their research to at least seven Penh, Cambodia have the potential to inhibit SARS- aging, cannot be assumed to be safe body fight pathogens and infections.Post Media Co,peer-reviewed Ltd. international journals, Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 CoV-2. Lopinavir and ritonavir are and effective treatments for direct However, stem cell therapy is Thestill Elements but Condominium this does Level not 7, mean that their Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 protease inhibitors that are currently use in human patients. For example, considered very risky, expensiveHun and Sen Boulevardresearch, Phum is Prek validated Talong, immediately. It SIEM REAP used to treat people with HIV/AIDS. the US Food and Drug Administra- limited to treating a few cancers,Sangkat Chakstill Angre needs Krom, Phnomreviewing Penh, and questioned No 629, Street 6 Dangkum Commune Hydroxychloroquine is a malarial tion (FDA) on average approved less such as leukemia. No evidence existsCambodia by their scientific peers. Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 treatment, while azithromycin, doxy- than 10 per cent of drugs that per- that stem cell therapy is efficient SIEM in REAP It is necessary for the researchers to cycline and clarithromycin are anti- formed well in vitro as safe for treating viral infections in the human publish their findings on an open COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT No 629, Street 6 Dangkum Commune biotics that can fight secondary bac- human prescription. body such as Covid-19. access, preprint repository for bio- Chief Operating Offi cer Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 terial (not viral) infections in The human lungs contain millions As with the drug therapies, the logical or medical research papers james ong soon teck COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT Covid-19 patients who have devel- of cells comprising dozens of differ- Unair and BIN researchers did not say like BiorXiv or MedrXiv, so that scien- Advertising Department oped pneumonia. ent types that perform intricate inter- how they performed their stem cellChief Operatingtists Offi andcer people around the world Chap narith, 017 996 241 hun Channet, 017 578 768 However, theory does not necessari- actions. The proposed drugs can also experiment. We have no informationjames ong sooncan teck scrutinise and engage in healthy prach Monnyreak, 012 123 7777 ly work in practice. None of these affect other organs in the human on crucial aspects like stem cell culAdvertising- Departmentscientific discourse. keo puthy, 012 966 605 drugs have been proven in any clinical body and cause adverse reactions. turing protocol, the stem cell’s differChap narith,- 017We 996 absolutely241 deserve good news phon sok Chea, 012 717 404 study to be a safe and effective treat- Instead of announcing that these entiation status, tumorigenic potenhun Channet,- during 017 578 768 the pandemic on safe medical jessa piastro, 092 445 983 ment for Covid-19. The World Health five combination therapies are ready tial, proliferation capacity or excretionprach Monnyreak, treatments 012 123 7777 and vaccines. We also CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION Organisation (WHO) has started clini- patterns, and how they tested stem CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION for treating Covid-19, Unair and BIN deserve complete, clear and transpar- Acting Distribution Manager Acting Distribution Manager cal trials involving thousands of should first run a randomised control- cell activity against SARS-CoV-2. ent public communications from all thenh rithy, 087 888 854 thenh rithy patients in dozens of countries to test led trial (RCT) to confirm their find- Even if the researchers established Covid-19 stakeholders, including Circulation Supervisor the efficacy and safety of these drugs. ings. Recruiting diverse patient popu- a sound experimental protocol forADMINISTRATION researchers and governments, to nou Chanthy, 096 999 2828 So far, there has been no clear indica- lations is also critical to ensuring the their in vitro experiments, adminis-Admin & HR Managerensure that all actions are evidence- Yim Veasna, 015 814 499 tion that these drugs, whether indi- fairness and robustness of the study. tering stem cell therapy to Covid-19pich socheat based, safe and effective. the jakarta ADMINISTRATION vidually or in combination, are effec- Despite their good intentions, all patients is an extremely dangerousAssistants to post/asiaAdmin & HR news Manager network Admin & HR Manager tive in treating Covid-19. the drugs that Unair and BIN procedure that can result in undesir-nhel soaphea pich socheat In fact, evidence exists that hydroxy- researchers have proposed are able costs, such as malignancy, the The writer is a research scientist with a PhD in Financial Directorbiochemistry from the University of Cambridge, Assistants to Admin & HR Manager chloroquine may worsen the condi- “strong” medicines, whether individ- stem cells attacking other healthy heang tangmengwhich he earned as a recipient of the 2015-2019 nhel soaphea tion of patients, which led the WHO to ually or in combination, that can cells and possibly death. Gates Cambridge Scholarship programme. Financial Director Chief Accountant heang tangmeng sren Vicheka Chief Accountant Treasurers sren Vicheka sok sophorn, Yon sovannara, Treasurers Cheam sopheak sok sophorn, Yon sovannara, IT Manager Cheam sopheak, huy hamsovannary seng nak, Vong oun IT Manager seng nak, Vong oun TO CONTACT US [email protected] TO CONTACT US [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.phnompenhpost.com www.phnompenhpost.com © Post Media Co, Ltd © Post Media Co, Ltd The Phnom Penh Post is wholly owned The Phnom Penh Post is wholly owned and printed by Post Media Co Ltd. The and printed by Post Media Co Ltd. The title The Phnom Penh Post in either title The Phnom Penh Post in either English or Khmer languages, its associ- English or Khmer languages, its associ- ated logos or devices and the contents of ated logos or devices and the contents of this publication may not be reproduced this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written in whole or in part without the written consent of Post Media Co Ltd. consent of Post Media Co Ltd. www.phnompenhpost.com www.phnompenhpost.com 14 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 19, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Must be glove: the Japan man obsessed with missing gloves OJI ISHII can’t help Hollywood star Tom Hanks himself – whenever has delighted fans with his he sees a lost glove shots of lone accessories, re- on the streets of his cently even sharing an image hometownK Tokyo, he just has of a sole hospital glove when to stop and document it. announcing he’d contracted For more than 15 years, the Covid-19. 39-year-old has photographed However Ishii is the elder and meticulously recorded de- statesmen of lost glove pho- tails about thousands of lone tography. gloves on the streets of the His obsession began back Japanese capital and beyond. in 2004 when he saw a yel- It’s a passion, but also, he low workman’s glove dropped says, something like a “curse”. near his home and decided Japanese photographer Koji Ishii says part of the appeal of his strange hobby lies in imagining who once wore the lost gloves. afp “I live with the constant fear to take a photograph with his that there might be a glove right new flip-phone. streets, stuck in drains, hang- imagining how the glove got has led to many people wear- around 100 now-gloveless loca- around the corner. I can only “I felt a shock like being ing off traffic cones or even there and who once wore it. ing gloves outdoors for safety tions, often noticing changing describe it as a curse,” he said. struck by lightning,” he said washed up on the beach. He said: “I imagine people – a bonanza for Ishii. scenery including demolished He’s not alone. Around the of the experience. Ishii, who works at a restau- who were here, somebody who He said: “In summer 2020, buildings or taller grass. world a thriving subculture In the years since, he has rant, doesn’t touch the gloves. used it for work or some other we may see as many lone Ishii’s fascination means has popped up documenting photographed and recorded He simply photographs each person who was very kind and gloves as in winter.” he sometimes finds himself lost gloves, with many social information about over 5,000 one and records details about picked it up from the ground. As Ishii moved to another lo- getting off a bus before his media accounts dedicated to gloves – everything from its location. “They are no longer here cation, he pointed at a leather stop because he has spotted them – such as Instagram’s children’s mittens to delicate but certainly they were weeks glove on a roadside fence. a glove. Long Lost Gloves and Lost lady’s lace numbers. ‘Dynamic phenomena’ ago or months ago. This is He said: “This is a fashion- But the interruptions are of- Glove Sightings. He finds them trampled on The appeal, he says, lies in what I enjoy.” warm/picked-up/fence type I ten a chance to see a glimpse He has developed a sort of found last week.” of kindness in a massive me- categorisation matrix, deter- When he saw it last week, he tropolis whose residents are mining first what kind of glove realised he had actually seen sometimes regarded as cold it is – a disposable medical the same glove two months or distant, he said. glove? a children’s mitten? – earlier – at that time tucked “There are people who can- then whether it is still where into a binding on a pole sev- not simply pass by somebody’s it was dropped or has been eral metres away. tiny misfortune or tragedy, they moved to a prominent spot by “Lone gloves are a con- cannot help picking it up. a kind bystander, and then de- stantly changing, dynamic “Even in Tokyo, even in this scribing the type of location. phenomena,” he said, adding mega-city, we still have lots of On a recent expedition, that he often visits the same such small acts of kindness,” he found a grey glove on the place multiple times to ob- said Ishii. ground by a crosswalk. serve any changes, and once Ishii’s wife and daughter tol- “I’d say this is a light-duty/ recorded the same glove in at erate his obsession and some- neglected/crossing type,” he least eight different but adja- times share locations of gloves said as he crouched down to cent locations. they have seen, but he is con- take a good look. vinced there must be other Closer inspection revealed ‘Acts of kindness’ like-minded people out there. it to be a mesh fabric ladies’ After three weeks, it finally He said: “There must be glove, leading Ishii to extrap- disappeared. people around the world olate it was worn by a woman He said: “Then I realised that who have feelings for some- who removed it at the cross- not recording the location thing that has parted with ing to check her smartphone of a glove that has now gone the other half. while she waited and didn’t means that I have missed an “I want to have a get-together notice she had dropped it. important piece.” with these people someday, I’d The coronavirus pandemic has led to many people wearing gloves outdoors for safety – a bonanza for Ishii. afp The coronavirus pandemic Since then he has returned to call it G7 or Glove Seven.” AFP French music legend Jarre unveils ‘Matrix avatar’ concert

FRENCH electronic music leg- which was watched by more Oxygene became an interna- posers, said musicians were suf- end Jean-Michel Jarre on than 12 million players. tional hit, selling over 1.75 mil- fering across the world and “we Wednesday said he is going to “Everything will be done live,” lion copies in France alone. have to stop thinking that music perform the world’s first “avatar” Jarre said, whereas with “Fort- The concert called “Alone is free like the air we breathe”. concert – “like in The Matrix”. nite it was pre-recorded in a Together” will be streamed He said streaming platforms The veteran star will play live universe that already existed. free in augmented reality at “are the only people to have made on Sunday in a virtual universe “Here it will be total immer- 9pm Paris time on Sunday money during the lockdowns on created for the French mid- sion in a space that we will be (2am on Monday in Cambo- the back of the virus” while per- summer Festival of Music creating live, like in The dia) on all major platforms formers have been suffering. where he will be joined by “the Matrix,” he said, referring to thanks to help from the French While the musician has prid- audience as avatars who will the cult 1999 sci-fi film. Ministry of Culture. ed himself as being a tech be totally immersed” in his The 71-year-old said the It will also be available on prophet, he argued that “aug- musical world. concert will last 45 minutes Jarre’s website and that of the mented reality will never Jarre said the concert will be and promised that there would French start-up that helped replace a live concert, but it one step beyond the lockdown “be interaction with the pub- create it, VRrOOm. can complement it”. concert performed by the US lic. It is up to us as artists to Jarre, who is also head of the Jarre said: “You can compare rapper Travis Scott inside the invent”, said the electronic International Confederation of it to theatre with the arrival of shooter game Fortnite in April, pioneer whose 1976 album Societies of Authors and Com- cinema.” AFP Jarre gained fame with his 1976 album Oxygene. afp THE PHNOM PENH POST june 19, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 15 Lifestyle Thinking caps

In Albania, whose economy draws up to 15 per cent from tourism, operators are also staring at a potentially ruinous year with the suspension of mainly Polish and Scandinavian bookings. AFP Balkan hoteliers hope for ‘survival’ as borders reopen “SAY THREE TIMES” ACROSS 54 Ghana’s main port 22 Not-so-desirable bread slice S the first Balkan vive. We cannot let fear defeat sand beaches reopened just 1 Minty drink 56 Frozen a bit 26 Baby bleater travellers queued at a week ago, says operators us,” said 52-year-old Bulgari- 6 Cash register co. 57 Definitely not needing a haircut 27 Six-sided solid the border with Bul- expect a complete reversal in an Dancho Ivanov, a frequent 9 Comedy alternative 62 The “turf” part of “surf and turf” 28 A great distance garia to cross into their client profile. visitor to Halkidiki. 14 “He’s ___ breed!” (backhanded 64 “His Master’s Voice” co. 29 Scatters, as seed GreeceA this week, hotelier Yi- “Last year, Balkan visitors In addition to the long wait, compliment) 65 Child’s playground retort 30 Overly sentimental annis Laspas was glued to his were 15 per cent of the total. there was confusion and an- 15 “Sure thing, skipper!” 66 What holds hold 33 ___ Romeo (sports car) TV screen, eagerly awaiting This year, they will be 80-85 ger for hundreds of non-EU 16 ___ now (so far) 67 Fortune 500 orgs. 34 Less than diddly 68 It’s a fact 36 Spock’s dominant feature potential guests. per cent,” he said. travellers who were turned 17 “___ the Mirror” (Michael Jack- son hit) 69 “Come on down!” announcer 37 Peek trailer? “My cancellation figures Diola Kryeziu, a hotel guest back. Johnny 38 Redgrave of the cinema look like something out of a from Kosovo, notes: “Why This included hundreds of 18 Drink cooler 19 “King Kong” star Watts 70 Stopped fasting 40 Frog maneuver stock exchange crash,” the shouldn’t Balkan nations help Serbs, who were told by Greek 20 Banned, in a way 71 Say 41 Pass on the Hill 37-year-old muses. each other on holidays?” border guards that they would 23 Actress Ryan DOWN 42 Data and others More than 13,000 people Greece has so far tackled only be allowed to enter from 24 Battery terminal 1 Door-frame part 47 Suppose, Southern-style have already crossed the bor- the pandemic relatively bet- July 1 onwards. 25 Willie or Craig T. 2 River of Russia 48 Sick der with Bulgaria, the first ter than most EU states, with A mother of three named 27 Cinnamon-yielding tree 3 Turner of movies 50 Sponges gently overland checkpoint opened fewer than 190 deaths for 11 Violeta told the Serbian tab- 30 Vague impression 4 Author Jong and others 51 Pancho’s TV amigo by Greek authorities on Mon- million inhabitants. loid Informer: “We had left 31 E.T.’s vehicle 5 Whittler’s tool 52 Like base eight 53 “Broom-Hilda” cartoonist Russell day after the coronavirus Albania has recorded just early in the morning to reach 32 Swiss currency 6 River nymph of Greek myth 7 Go by bike 54 Cravat named after a racecourse lockdown in March. 38 deaths. Greece as quickly as possible. 35 Repast 8 Angler’s equipment 55 Put an end to “Let’s see what can be sal- Laspas owns three small “We were expecting some 39 Cried one’s eyes out 43 Celtic tongue 9 Crocodile hunter of film 58 Killer whale vaged from this disastrous hotels in the Halkidiki coastal sort of an explanation. After 44 “Captain Blood” star 10 Genetic material 59 “___ boy!” year,” Laspas tells AFP from village of Pefkohori, totalling hours of waiting, we realised 45 Opie, off-screen 11 Components of molecules 60 Clumsy, ill-mannered boor his office, where he has a around 150 beds. that the only option was to turn 46 Opera highlight 12 Old school machine 61 Rotunda feature large television screen tuned So far, he has one booking back … tired and seething.” 49 Builds an extension 13 Put in rows 63 Some time ___ into foreign channels. from a Romanian family. Serbia’s Minister of Foreign 51 Achieve by force 21 Word with cutting and running “Our basic goal is survival,” Laspas says: “Under no cir- Affairs Ivica Dacic said there he says with an uneasy smile. Thursday’s solution One of Greece’s most popu- lar tourism destinations, the Let’s see what can be salvaged Halkidiki peninsula fields from this disastrous year. around 100,000 rooms in ho- tels and apartments. Our basic goal is survival Nearly 60 per cent of busi- ness activity relies on the cumstances can we hope to had been a “clear misunder- travel sector. reach last year’s figures. standing” and mixed signals Last year, some 1.5 million “But if we manage 30 per sent by Athens. travellers visited the area, cent, we can hope to sort of Dacic told the Serbian tab- mainly from neighbouring stay on our feet and carry on.” loid Blic daily: “The Greek Balkan countries. Most of the larger hotels in interior ministry ordered But for now, most of the re- Halkidiki don’t plan to reopen the border closure [to Serbs] sorts lie empty. before July 1, when the arriv- while the foreign ministry And many operators dread als outlook will be clearer. had made an entirely differ- Thursday’s solution an outbreak that would kill On Monday, the queue of ent recommendation. off their season for good. cars at Promachonas stretched “We have submitted a re- In neighbouring Albania, some 15km, state TV ERT said. quest to Greek authorities … whose economy draws up to “We had to wait four hours the Greek prime minister and 15 per cent from tourism, op- to cross the border. I hope the foreign minister had prom- erators are also staring at a po- rest of our vacation won’t be ised us a different kind of be- tentially ruinous year with the like this,” said Andrei Istrate, haviour towards our citizens.” suspension of mainly Polish a 36-year-old Romanian trav- On Tuesday, border guards and Scandinavian bookings. elling with his wife, two chil- confirmed that they had ver- dren and a boat in tow. bal orders to allow Serb trav- Four hours to cross border ellers in. Osvaldo Dallia, manager ‘Can’t let fear defeat us’ Border crossings with Alba- of the Grand Blue Fafa resort “With this kind of sun, I nia and North Macedonia are on the Adriatic, where white hope the virus will not sur- to reopen on July 1. AFP 16 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 19, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Sport Premier League restarts with controversy

HE Premier League restart draw behind closed doors did not was engulfed in controversy suit either side. on Wednesday when goal- Aston Villa were seeking a precious line technology made an win to lift them out of the relegation unprecedentedT blunder after play- zone while Sheffield United are chas- ers took the knee to protest against ing a European spot next season. racism at both matches. The English top-flight was put on hold Racism protest in March due to the coronavirus pan- Before kick-off, in front of a huge demic and all 92 remaining games are global audience, players and staff being crammed into a six-week period. protested racial injustice for about 10 The first match, between Aston Villa seconds in solidarity with worldwide and Sheffield United, finished goall- demonstrations following the death ess and Manchester City won the later of African American George Floyd. game against 10-man Arsenal 3-0. The clubs said in a joint statement: The big talking point at Villa Park came “In the first Premier League fixture of late in the first half when Villa goalkeep- Project Restart both clubs hope that er Orjan Nyland appeared to carry Oliver the act of ‘taking a knee’ will send a Norwood’s free kick over the line. strong message of unity.” Referee Michael Oliver’s watch Manchester City and Arsenal play- failed to signal the goal and the ers mirrored the protest before kick- game continued. off at the Etihad. Sheffield United manager Chris All players will wear the words Wilder said: “I don’t know whether “Black Lives Matter” (BLM) on the to laugh or cry. back of their shirts where names “Already the jokes have started . . . are normally printed for the first 12 It’s all going to come out but we’re matches of the restart. pretty disappointed and we’ve got City manager Pep Guardiola said: Sheffield United’s Enda Stevens kneels during a moment of silence before the team’s Premiere League match with Aston Villa. After the protest against racism, the League’s first game back was chaotic when goal-line technology faltered. afp to get on with it.” “We should send one thousand mil- After the match, Hawk-Eye Inno- lion messages for black people . . . Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden the battle for Champions League Arteta returned to the Etihad for the first vations Ltd, which runs the technol- I’m embarrassed, I’m ashamed for gave second-placed City a comfort- places next season and to avoid the time as Arsenal manager three months ogy, apologised “unreservedly” over what the white people have done for able win. Arsenal’s David Luiz was drop are far more closely contested. after his positive test for coronavirus the incident. the black people. sent off early in the second half. Matches are being preceded by a hastened the season shutdown. It said in a statement: “The sev- “It can’t be solved in a few days. We Guardiola said: “It was important minute’s silence in memory of the With all games being played be- en cameras located in the stands have to do a lot of things for the black to get the first goal and after that with victims of coronavirus. Britain is the hind closed doors, players will have around the goal area were signifi- people that we have not done so far.” the penalty and the sending off it was worst-hit country in Europe, with to get used to the eerie silence in the cantly occluded by the goalkeeper, City’s home win means Liverpool, a completely different situation.” more than 42,000 deaths. usually raucous stands. defender and goalpost. on the brink of their first English If Jurgen Klopp’s team beat Everton on Three of the four managers to lead Piping crowd chants into stadiums, “This level of occlusion has never top-flight title for 30 years, cannot Sunday they will be champions of Eng- their sides on Wednesday have been cardboard cut-outs of supporters and been seen before in over 9,000 matches seal the deal when they return to ac- land for the 19th time if they overcome touched by the virus. live video fan walls add colour but the that the Hawk-Eye Goal Line Technol- tion this weekend. Crystal Palace at Anfield next week. Aston Villa boss Dean Smith’s father Premier League’s CEO Richard Mas- ogy system has been in operation.” A first-half goal from Raheem While the race for the Premier died, while Guardiola lost his mother. ters admitted there would be some- A point apiece from the goalless Sterling and second-half goals from League title is a foregone conclusion, Guardiola’s former assistant Mikel thing missing without crowds. AFP Major League Baseball season looking more likely MAJOR League Baseball (MLB) edged closer to a 2020 season start-up on Wednesday as com- missioner Rob Manfred said he and union chief Tony Clark had developed a potential “frame- work” for an agreement. Financial issues have bogged down attempts to get a short- ened season underway more than two months after Opening Day was postponed because of NTSB investigative documents reveal that the pilot of the helicopter that crashed and killed Kobe Bryant and the coronavirus pandemic. his daughter was trying to climb out of heavy fog when he slammed into a hillside. AFP Manfred, who on Monday said there was a “real risk” that the 2020 season would be Bryant pilot says tried to clear fog wiped out, said he met with Clark for several hours in THE pilot in the helicopter to pilot the aircraft out of trou- mendations, and probable cause Phoenix on Tuesday. crash that claimed the life of ble were revealed in 1,700 pag- determinations related to the “We left that meeting with a NBA legend Kobe Bryant told es of investigative documents crash will be issued by the NTSB jointly developed framework MLB and the player’s union say they have hashed out a potential deal to start a shortened baseball season. afp air traffic controllers he was released by the National Trans- in a final report at a later date.” that we agreed could form the trying to climb out of heavy fog portation Safety Board (NTSB) A partial transcript of com- basis of an agreement and Players had balked at three ment, even in principle”. just before the doomed chop- on Wednesday. munications between Zobayan subject to conversations with prior proposals that called for Players have argued that an per slammed into a hillside, The NTSB, which is continu- and air traffic control in the our respective constituents. them to receive only a percent- agreement on prorated sala- preliminary findings showed ing to investigate the crash, final moments before the crash “I summarised that frame- age of their salaries, prorated ries reached on March 26 did on Wednesday. stressed that the “public docket” was among the documents work numerous times in the by number of games played. not require them to accept fur- Pilot Ara Zobayan radioed to air was not a final report “nor does released on Wednesday. meeting and sent Tony a writ- The plan calls for 60 regular- ther wage reductions. traffic control that he was climb- it contain analysis, findings, rec- “Uh, we climbing to four ten summary today. Consistent season games plus a 16-team MLB appears to have come ing to 4,000 feet (1220m) soon ommendations, or probable thousand,” Zobayan says in the with our conversations yester- playoff field, with play to begin around to that view, with New before the helicopter crashed cause determinations”. transcript. day, I am encouraging the on July 19 or 20, the Times said. York Yankees president Randy near Calabasas on January 26. The NTSB said: “As such, no “And then what ya gonna do Clubs to move forward and I The Major League Baseball Levine saying in an interview on Los Angeles Lakers icon Bry- conclusions about how or why when ya get to altitude?” a con- trust Tony is doing the same.” Players Association is expected Tuesday that under the March ant, his 13-year-old daughter the crash occurred should be troller replies in the transcript. The Los Angeles Times to see a longer regular season, 26 agreement “the commis- Gianna and six other people on drawn from the information No further communication reported that the latest pro- and one person familiar with sioner has the right to schedule board died in the accident. within the docket. from the aircraft was heard posal from MLB includes full the talks told the newspaper the games as long as the players Zobayan’s doomed attempts “Analysis, findings, recom- after that point. AFP prorated salaries for players. that there was as yet “no agree- are paid pro rata”. AFP & INSURANCE Q3 MATTERS MONEY Special Supplement TEL: 023888161&162 // EMAIL:[email protected] rdy jn 1, 00 www.phnompenhpost.com/financial | 2020 19, june friday, Follow on us

designed by tim borith B FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com/financial FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com/financial C Banks become partners in crisis enevolent partner priorities for those in the en- do not come with long-term, is the role banks are tertainment, restaurant, tour- sustainable answers. adopting to assist their ism and hotel industries – par- The future remains uncer- customers during the ticularly for vulnerable groups tain as the black swan event Btesting times ushered in by the such as the self-employed and Covid-19 continues to trouble Covid-19 pandemic. small business owners. nations, while outside the Commercial banks in Cam- At an opportune time for an Kingdom the economic outlook bodia, both local and foreign, economic lifeline, the strategies appears a little grim. have employed a slew of strat- form part of prudent moves to While a slowdown in in- egies to support their business stem cash flow problems. ternational travel will have a clients trapped in financial dire These efforts have to some direct impact on Cambodia’s straits following the outbreak. extent helped companies keep tourism sector, delays in busi- Taking a cue from the their businesses running and ness expansion, less demand National Bank of Cambo- saved thousands of jobs, while for finished goods and a fall in dia, which directed banks to borrowers continue to repay household incomes that would restructure loan repayments to their loans during this critical impact consumer spending ease the financial burden on period. could all cause unease in borrowers, many commercial Proactive measures to the financial market and the banks have followed suit. assist borrowers by restruc- banking sector. It is a two-way street be- turing their loan portfolios The banking sector, there- tween lenders and borrowers. were implemented in a fore, is crucial in finding Banks need to recover their timely manner, helping in financial equilibrium – it needs loans quickly as a fatigue- sustaining their businesses – to ensure enough liquidity is prone economy could further and in keeping the economy available for businesses to sur- wilt under the pandemic’s heat, While retail borrowers businesses stalled during the Pre-emptive financing and on track. vive and also prevent a build- which has even cut the global struggle to repay loans due to lockdowns, they are neverthe- easy loan repayment schemes While so far so good, these up of non-performing loans economy’s growth. sudden dips in income after less making a slow comeback. topped most banks’ list of are quick-fix solutions and detrimental to the sector. CamEd shines in nurturing talented ACCA professionals for financial sector

The Phnom Penh-based CamEd Business School has es- tablished a reputation for pro- ducing some of the country’s top accounting professionals. Supported by experienced academic staff, along with sizable resources and facili- ties, the institute has managed to lay strong foundations and gain a high stature for finan- cial and accounting studies - producing quality profes- sionals for the robust domestic financial market. Approximately 4,000 students currently enrolled are keen to carve out a prestigious career in the highly competitive financial and accounting fields, with most of its young graduates landing coveted jobs in both the public and corporate sectors. CamEd provides one of the world’s most highly recognised courses – the Association of Chartered Certified Accoun- tants (ACCA) – a qualifica- tion highly sought after by employers. They also conduct the Certificate in Accounting Technician (CAT), an equally Ratna Neou: Accountants are much in demand in the Kingdom. distinguished course that im- parts accounting skills. ACCA equips students phoned me to offer interviews “CamEd offers a compre- with vital skills such as for highly paid jobs. hensive financial education management, course leader- “When I applied for jobs at – it offers a Bachelor’s degree ship, technology, auditing two of the ‘Big Four’ account- along with the Certificate in and critical thinking, as well ing firms in Cambodia, one of Accounting and some ACCA as ethical and professional the two really appreciated my syllabus as well,” Ratna Neou, compliance, resulting in job ACCA journey, and even of- head of ACCA Cambodia, told security in auditing, banking fered me a job with no proba- The Post. or tax consultant firms, he tion period despite not having According to the ACCA web- added. prior work experience.” site, the Certified Chartered Ac- Having earned a reputation Neou warned that the eco- countant credential is currently as a top ACCA learning pro- nomic growth of the Kingdom, held by 227,000 fully qualified vider in Cambodia, employers particularly growth in SMEs, is members and 544,000 future – specifically from the banking hindered by a lack of profes- members worldwide, with 265 and accounting sectors – seek sional accountants. affiliates and members cur- potential employees from “The market for accountants rently from Cambodia. CamEd. is significant as increased “We [the ACCA body] Chea Limchhing, a former investments from China and conducted global research CamEd student who graduated many other countries are com- and found that 94 per cent in ACCA and CAT, currently ing into Cambodia. With a rise of employers believe in the a tax officer at the General in the demand for accountants, quality of ACCA and its strong Department of Taxation, said: CamEd paves the way for suc- recognition around the world,” “Even before I had graduated cessful students to enter the CamEd graduate Chea Limchhing majored in ACCA and CAT. Neou said. in ACCA, a few employers financial world,” he said. a l Advertori B FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com/financial FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com/financial C D FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com/financial AIA helping Cambodians enjoy ‘healthier, longer, better lives’

In an exclusive interview with The Post, the CEO of AIA Cambodia, Pauline Teoh, outlines the firm’s commitment to the Kingdom.

Q AIA marked its 100th anniversary last year. You started leading AIA Cambodia just in time for this historic milestone. What is your vision for the company?

The AIA centennial is indeed a significant landmark. AIA has grown to become the world’s largest life insurer – with a presence in 18 markets across the Asia-Pacific region and total assets of $284 billion as of December 31 last year. However, our centennial is not a destination, it is merely a milestone on our continuing journey – and a perfect time to look forward to our exciting future and to the next 100 years. It is a future that will see the impact AIA Cambodia reached out to more than 280,000 people across the Kingdom as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations. of new technologies driving dramatic change in the insurance sector and to unprecedented global challenge. As a ing ourselves to stay relevant and in our lives. An exciting future in which result of the outbreak and the various a leading position as the situation AIA is ideally positioned to thrive for containment measures imposed by progresses. another 100 years and beyond. This is governments, millions of families are There will be permanent changes, our vision for AIA everywhere, includ- suffering personal loss or unemploy- and we see them as opportunities to ing Cambodia. ment, and many economies are expe- grow even further. One of them being On the ground, supported and riencing severe near-term shocks. that people are now taking greater enabled by the Cambodia government, Despite the uncertain near-term precautions to safeguard their health. we marked the milestone with many backdrop, the awareness of and need This perfectly aligns with our ef- celebratory activities that benefited our for AIA Cambodia’s life insurance forts to push for public healthcare customers and communities, such as a solutions and services will continue education for Cambodians. comprehensive and permanent insur- to grow over the long term. AIA is Echoing the life-saving messages ance coverage upgrade for free, donat- uniquely positioned with its power- and guidelines of the Ministry of ing high quality football equipment ful distribution and financial strength Health and the World Health Or- to 100 public schools, reaching out to to capture the enormous long-term ganisation, we have been working more than 280,000 people across the opportunities in Cambodia’s life and with our Global Ambassador David Kingdom, and free health check-ups health insurance market. Beckham and English Premier League for thousands of people. In response to the ongoing pan- football club Tottenham Hotspur to These were landmark activities that demic, we rolled out free to all existing promote healthy living. reflect our commitment to helping and new customers the much needed Pauline Teoh hands over a trophy as part of AIA Cambodia’s support of the country’s largest people live healthier, longer, better coverage of $500 for hospitalisation The insurance industry will have to community football programme. Q lives. and $5,000 for death from the virus. evolve post-pandemic. How do you ing appropriate protection plans for seem overwhelming difficulties. Never This offer is additional to the current think the sector in Cambodia will develop themselves and their families. once have we left customers behind – Though supported by a group with coverage which, by its life insurance in the long term? When AIA Cambodia’s critical illness no matter how tough a situation. The Q 100 years of experience, you are nature, covers loss of life to any illness, coverage debuted in 2017, it was a Covid-19 pandemic is no exception. leading a company that is just a few years Covid-19 included. The offer was so The need for life and health great additional option in the industry. As the largest life insurer in the old. How has AIA Cambodia grown so far? well received that we extended it insurance is set to Now with this foreseeable increase world, we are well placed on the firm until the end of September. increase rapidly – in health-related coverage uptake, I foundations of experience, expertise The Cambodian Insurance industry and this won’t be believe more and more insurers will and finance. Currently, we are trusted is very young. The conception of AIA just a temporary follow this lead. It will no longer be by millions of customers across the Cambodia was in itself a major step- With expected permanent spike – as the an option, but rather a necessity – a region, with the total sum assured of Q ping stone. It came about after years changes to the insurance Cambodian must-have feature the entire industry $1.74 trillion. of market research to make sure we are sector due to the outbreak, how public becomes will have to include in their customer During 2019 alone, AIA made over here to add value to the country and is AIA Cambodia prepared to more health- offerings, giving Cambodians even 14 million benefit payments, help- its people. thrive? conscious more freedom and choice in critical ing customers and their families cope Determined to take a leadership and knowl- illness coverage. with challenges at different life stages, role in driving economic and social The Covid-19 outbreak has edgeable in This is healthy competition and it will all while delivering our world-class development under the favourable left a permanent mark on prepar- be beneficial to everyone, driving up services. conditions set by the Cambodian every aspect of life, and the life insurance penetration rate from The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted government, we started off by pioneer- there will be new norms its current fewer than one per cent. the whole world, but our unshakable ing the first critical illness coverage in in living and conduct- AIA’s brand promise of helping foundations mean AIA is well equipped the country, and it has proven to be ing business. people live healthier, longer, better lives to not only withstand such a shock, but much needed by Cambodians and the While others might will become the general mantra for the also help our customers get through this industry – with other companies soon be rushing to ready life insurance sector in Cambodia – and tough time. following suit. themselves for the we will be proud because, for us, this The outbreak has highlighted the Our first-of-its-kind life insurance aftermath of the is the only sustainable way to keep the significance of the resilient operations solution has been further positioned to pandemic, AIA industry thriving in the long run. already put in place, with our centen- cater to the various needs of different Cambodia has had nial vision clearly pointing to the segments of the population – ranging such preparations Despite previous shocks of historic company’s readiness for tech-based Q from the most affordable packages to fully implement- scale, AIA has never left any of its operations even beforehand. the highest protection. ed since the 18 markets. During this unprecedented Now is clearly an exceptional time, grand opening crisis, please describe AIA Cambodia’s and we are seeing a profound impact on The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic three years ago. resilience. the global economy – but our customers Q is being felt everywhere and by How- Once AIA establishes roots in a can continue to rely on AIA’s financial everyone. How is AIA supporting the ever, we are market, we are here to stay – for our strength and our market-leading brand Cambodian public against the shock? continually customers and for generations to come as we help safeguard their health and The Covid-19 pandemic is an improv- CEO of AIA Cambodia Pauline Teoh. – regardless of what to others may financial security. FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com/financial E

Some 2,700 customers have benefited from Phillip Bank’s loan restructuring exercises since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. A stronger Phillip Bank offers a lifeline for embattled borrowers

hillip Bank Plc, which stop bad loans – especially from later pay their principal sum. merged with KREDIT MFI the corporate sector and retail “For some customers, they in January, is putting in borrowers – from rising due to don’t have to pay either interest place a safety net for all the slowing economy triggered or principal for six months. Pits loanees facing a cash-crunch by the unprecedented Covid-19 “We follow the guidelines of due to the Covid-19 outbreak. outbreak. the National Bank of Cambodia The lender has reached out to Joining a long list of other and want to help our customers,” around 2,700 of its borrowers to commercial banks in the King- Phillip Bank CEO Chan Mach told assist them in rescheduling their dom, Phillip Bank has intro- The Post. loan repayments at a time when duced an assortment of remedial Up to March, the bank has businesses are facing financial measures, from loan resched- been involved in restructuring hardships due to the health scare uling and restructuring exer- loans amounting to $33.5 million. since March. cises, to minimise the impact on The bank’s interest rate charge to Phillip Bank has focused on businesses and borrowers, and micro borrowers and corporate three key segments: retail – cars, to help businesses stay afloat customers are competitive in the housing and personal loans – during this critical time. market, he said. micro loan borrowers, and cor- “As a bank we need to serve He said the main sectors to porate – small and medium-sized and help our customers. We become casualties of the coro- enterprises. have restructured microloans navirus outbreak were tourism, Commercial banks are taking for some 2,600 borrowers. private education institutions, proactive measures to ensure “Customers have a grace hotels and restaurants. that their loan growth is not period of six months, mostly “In some cases, business opera- affected and at the same time to to pay only their interest and tors complain they have lost 70 per cent of their monthly income. Phillip Bank has 89 branches nationwide following a merger with KREDIT MFI in January. We will have to watch the next six months. Some businesses are slowly recovering,” Mach said. Following the merger with KREDIT MFI, Phillip Bank now boasts 89 branches nationwide, with a strong workforce of 1,900 staff. It is busy streamlining its operations and providing train- ing for its employees, and has even introduced new mobile applications as part of its digi- talisation efforts. “Along with the merger, we are building something new. Internet banking and a virtual card will be introduced, and also the loan origination, which will help us serve our customers more quickly, and also reduce our costs. We will place in- creased focus on new technolo- gies and go paperless. We are set to convert 12 branches into fully fledged commercial bank CEO Chan Mach says it is the bank’s duty to assist customers during a crisis. operations,” Mach said. The bank will ​roll out more digital banking solutions to go paperless. F FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com/financial FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com/financial G F FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com/financial FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com/financial G Shinhan Bank loan relief efforts to aid cash-strapped customers

hinhan Bank Cambo- dia Plc has introduced a slew of proactive measures to ensure its Scustomers do not default on their loans during the Covid- 19 outbreak that has shattered businesses. The bank reached out to around 180 customers to adjust their loans and interest payment schedules to help reduce the financial stress on business operators. “We decided to introduce [loan] restructuring for our customers even before the National Bank of Cambodia’s [NBC] announcement to do so. We are talking to all our customers and not restricting the financial restructuring to any particular sector. “Most requests from cus- tomers are to postpone pay- ment of the principal [amount] because that is usually a burden for customers. “The most affected busi- nesses are rentals and proper- ties, and restaurants,” Shinhan Bank Cambodia’s president Lee Taekyung told The Post. In early April, the NBC directed banking and finan- cial institutions to implement loan restructuring exercises to relieve customers’ finan- cial burden as their incomes suffered due to the closure of businesses or a slowdown in their operations. The four main areas on Shinhan Bank has rolled out creative loan restructuring packages to soften the financial blow of the Covid-19 outbreak, so far reaching out to 180 customers. which the NBC focused were tourism, garment manufactur- ing, construction and transport. Shinhan Bank Cambodia is a subsidiary of Shinhan Bank, which is the largest bank in South Korea. Established in 2007 in Phnom Penh, the bank has opened nine branches so far and plans to open three more this year. According to Lee, 4.5 per cent of the bank’s borrowers – or around 180 clients – have faced some sort of financial hardship since the Covid-19 outbreak, and loans worth around $16 million have been affected. “We have one product with high a interest rate, which is car loans. So we have waived a portion of the interest The bank plans to open three more branches this year. Shinhan has reached out to restaurants in the capital. payment for six months, not postponed it. And after six can come out of their hardship one-year grace period to ease maximum period of 10 years. months we will charge the during this period. their instalments plan, with “Covid-19 support loans normal interest [rate]. Payment “By strengthening our risk long term tenures with a and loan restructuring will of the principal is postponed,” management team and diver- play an important role easing he said sifying our loan products, we customers’ payment difficul- Shinhan Bank’s current were able to manage our NPL ties to give those suffering outstanding loans stand at ratio to 0.6 per cent as of May in these testing times a good $364 million – with mortgages this year. chance to survive and recover making up 40 per cent, while “We maintain a relatively ” in the future,” Lee said. the personal loans ratio is 30 stable NPL ratio through Shinhan Bank offers a range per cent, with commercial and thorough management and Most requests of microloans such as personal other loans also amounting to strong organisation, and we loans, car loans and employee 30 per cent. will keep maintaining loan from customers unsecured loans, as well as Lee is confident the bank’s stability through the mainte- are to postpone mortgages. non-performing loans (NPL) nance of the loan management It also plans to introduce will not spike due to the process and the expansion of payment of the market loans – credit provided quick financial restructur- the loan review department,” to local vendors using their ing exercises taken by the Lee said. principal [amount] market stall as collateral. bank to maintain financial In addition, Shinhan Bank “All loans are provided stability. has introduced another finan- because that is to customers with very “Our customers are strong. cial package – “Covid-19 Busi- usually a burden favourable and competitive I don’t think NPL will go up ness Financial Recovery” – to offers in order to increase much because we are pro- help business owners affected for customers living standards and the suc- viding them relief, helping by the pandemic by offering cess of people’s businesses,” restructure their loans so they Shinhan Bank president Lee Taekyung. favourable interest rates and a Lee TaeKyung /president Lee said. H FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com/financial