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Friday, october 9, 2020 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent www.phnompenhpost.com 4000 RIEL Pm says climate Turning up the Covid-19 could change a thorny heat in kingdom’s push 115M into problem to solve cooling economy extreme poverty national – page 3 special report – page 8&9 world – page 11 Child marriage and pregnancy hotlines launched Long Kimmarita Sar Sineth, deputy director of the and then we provide mental and indigenous people] getting married who marry before 18 are more likely ministry’s Legal Protection Depart- legal counselling. Later, if they still at a young age. They have suffered to experience domestic violence and THE Ministry of Women’s Affairs ment, told The Post on Thursday the have problems, we will seek out ser- many impacts such as pregnancy. less likely to remain in school. and UNICEF set up two hotlines announcement of the hotlines is to vices near to them for help,” he said. They become mothers at a young age He said they have worse economic related to child marriage and youth help citizens report issues and re- Sineth said that with the support causing a risk to their children and and health outcomes than their un- pregnancy. ceive counselling. of UNICEF the ministry was able to health problems. They also experi- married peers, which are eventually According to the ministry, people “The announcement of these launch the campaign. ence domestic violence,” he said. passed down to their own children being forced into child marriage numbers is aimed at providing ser- He said the regions most affected UNICEF Cambodia’s communica- and straining a country’s capacity to face many crises and their parents vices to victims and help reduce are Mondulkiri and Ratanakkiri tions specialist Meas Bunly said child provide quality health and educa- should avoid it. The rate of child tensions and problems they feel provinces. marriage is a violation of human tion services. marriage is still high in the north- they cannot speak about. “We see many people in Ratanakkiri rights and threatens the lives, wellbe- eastern regions of Cambodia. “As a first step, we listen to them and Mondulkiri provinces [mostly ing and future of girls. Bunly said girls Continued – page 2 Allegations and rubbish piling up as strike goes on Mom Kunthear for claiming he was behind the strike. HE Phnom Penh Munici- “It is very unfair that the minis- pal Hall on Thursday ex- try accuses me without any basis. I pressed frustration with have nothing to do with the strike. I workers who refused to just facilitate and try to get the two returnT to work, leaving district sides to reconcile with each other,” authorities throughout the capital Kosal said. the task of clearing rubbish from He demanded the ministry pres- the streets on their own. ent evidence that he had led and Meanwhile, Ministry of Labour incited Cintri workers. and Vocational Training officials The Phnom Penh Municipal Ad- Chained elephant warned Tourism Workers’ Union ministration also issued a letter on Envionment officials and journalists view an elephant statue made of chainsaws seized from timber traders and illegal loggers in Mondulkiri province on Monday. heng chivoan Federation (CTWUF) Touch Ko- Thursday expressing regret for the sal to stop inciting striking waste actions of some Cintri workers who workers. did not comply with a Wednesday The ministry’s Department of agreement to return to work. Labour Dispute Resolution direc- The municipal authorities have UN: Covid may increase stillbirth toll tor Chrun Theravong said: “Touch been using all means at their dispos- Kosal’s action at Cintri (Cambodia) al to collect rubbish in the capital. ALMOST two million babies are still- natal care could save hundreds of recent decades in the global rate of Ltd are illegal based on Article 65 of Cintri workers representative born every year – one every 16 sec- thousands of lives each year, accord- maternal and infant deaths, stillbirths the Law on Unions and Article 83 of Rorng Saray said on Thursday that onds – the UN said on Thursday, ing to a joint report by UNICEF, the remain stubbornly frequent, particu- the Labour Law,” Theravong said more than 2,000 workers were still warning that the Covid-19 pandemic World Health Organisation (WHO) larly throughout sub-Saharan Africa Theravong said if Kosal does not on strike in front of the company, could add another 200,000 deaths to and the World Bank Group. and southeast Asia. stop or violates the warning letter, demanding it comply with their the “devastating” toll. Most stillbirths occur due to poor qual- “Losing a child at birth or during preg- his organisation could be sued. conditions. The vast majority of stillbirths, 84 ity healthcare lacking investment in nancy is a devastating tragedy for Kosal denied the allegations, say- per cent, occur in low- and middle- equipment and training of midwives. ing the ministry had no clear basis Continued – page 3 income countries, where basic neo- And unlike notable reductions in Continued – page 11

CONGRATULATIONS DON’T MISS OUR SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TODAY ANNIVERSARY OF THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL BANK OF CAMBODIA 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST october 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National Child brides US’ Murphy meets on repatriation face many Niem Chheng rior minister] Sar Kheng, part of 70th anniversary focus on INISTER of the law enforcement cooperation. obstacles, Interior Sar [We] discussed efforts to com- Kheng met with bat trafficking of persons and US ambassador drugs, child protection, mutu- violence MPatrick Murphy on Wednes- al obligations for repatriation, day to discuss cooperating on freedom of speech and assem- Continued from page 1 repatriation after it had been bly, and Cambodian sovereign- postponed due to the Covid- ty,” Murphy said in a tweet. This imposes substantial 19 pandemic. Interior ministry spokesper- economic costs at the na- Murphy requested the two son Phat Sophanit told The tional level with major impli- countries find a possible way Post on Thursday that there cations for development and to continue carrying out this was no plan to move ahead prosperity. The sustainable work, according to a Face- with repatriation soon due to development goals call for book post by Sar Kheng. the pandemic. He said Mur- the elimination of all harm- In response, the interior phy requested in the meeting ful practices to advance the minister said the Kingdom that the interview with indi- rights of women and girls was committed to the prin- viduals to be repatriated from globally, according to Bunly. ciples and has a political will the US should be carried out “Child brides often be- to continue with what both via video conference, without come pregnant during ado- countries had agreed to in the having to perform direct in- lescence when the risk of past. He said although Covid- terviews like in the past. complications during preg- 19 delayed this work, the “The US ambassador re- nancy and childbirth in- principle and political will re- quested that we use technol- creases – for themselves and main unchanged. ogy via video conference or their infants. Cambodia and the US had whatever possible, instead of “The practice can also iso- a Memorandum of Under- interviewing them directly. US ambassador Patrick Murphy met with Interior Minister Sar Kheng on Wednesday to discuss better coop- late girls from family and standing in 2000 concerning Samdech [Sar Kheng] did not eration on repatriation. facebook friends and exclude them the repatriation of each oth- object to the request if that from participating in their er’s nationals should they fail could ensure clarity and accu- international law to accept Human rights activists have from families that had been communities, taking a heavy to obtain citizenship in the racy of the identity of the indi- the return of their nationals decried the deportation of uprooted by war and com- toll on their physical and other country. vidual to be repatriated. judged to be ineligible to re- Cambodians from the US, munism for which the US was psychological wellbeing,” he Early this year, 25 Cambo- “Samdech [Sar Kheng] said main in a foreign country. saying it violates their rights. partially responsible. said. dians were repatriated from the delay of the work was due “When asked, the US itself Chak Sopheap, the execu- He added that those individu- According to UNICEF, the US. Since 2002, nearly to technical aspects in ad- routinely cooperates with tive director of the Cambodi- als were nurtured by US society child marriage in Cambodia 800 Cambodians have been dition to Covid-19. But in its Cambodia and other foreign an Centre for Human Rights, and that the US was entirely has declined steadily over repatriated, according to the stance, Cambodia’s stance is governments to expeditiously told The Post that those de- responsible for their misbehav- the last 25 years. Khmer Vulnerability Aid Or- unchanged; we still imple- document and accept its own portees “were being doubly iour, not Cambodia. In 2014, the rate of women ganisation (KVAO), an NGO ment what both countries had citizens. punished by being sent to the “It is utterly unethical for under 18 getting married ac- that helps re-integrate them. agreed to,” Sophanit said. “We look forward to con- Kingdom”. mighty America to dump counted for 19 per cent. In The meeting also touched US embassy spokesperson tinued cooperation with the Political analyst Lao Mong those bad guys in tiny Cam- 1989, the number was 28 per on other issues related to law Chad Roedemeier said on Cambodian government to Hay agreed. He said those im- bodia and force it to look after cent. enforcement. Thursday that all countries make progress on this impor- migrants did not have a nor- what is very much a product of The numbers are 011 217 “Productive talk with [inte- have an obligation under tant issue,” he said. mal upbringing. They came American society,” he said. 123 and 077 555 664. Over 100 lawyers assigned to help with case backlogs

Voun Dara

MINISTER of Justice Keut Rith on Thursday sent a list of 124 volunteer lawyers to be stationed at Phnom Penh municipal and provincial courts to defend mandatory The South African man was arrested in 2017 for smuggling 0.5kg of cocaine from Brazil. supplied cases free of charge. The move is part of a cam- paign to clear case backlog by SA drug smuggler appeals sentence the end of the year. Rith sent the names to Kim Sarom bodia via Dubai. Customs my sentence,” he said. provincial court directors officials at the Dubai Interna- Prosecutor Lim Sokuntha said and prosecutors. He said the THE Court of Appeal on Thurs- tional Airport did not detect the accused was detained at the procurement was meant to day heard the appeal of a South the hidden drugs and Chan Phnom Penh International Air- address a lack of defence law- African man involved in traffick- arrived at the Phnom Penh port with 759.95g of cocaine. yers. Justice Minister Keut Rith sent a list of 124 new volunteer lawyers to be ing more than 0.5kg of cocaine International Airport on the Drug trafficking crimes involv- Justice ministry spokesman stationed at municipal and provincial courts. justice Ministry from Brazil to Phnom Penh. night of September 12, 2017. ing 70g or more are punishable Chin Malin said on Thursday The man had swallowed He said everything was by 20 years to life in prison. the 124 volunteer lawyers will Sothea, who was assigned to fend cases for clients prop- the drugs before departing arranged by Stin. Stin told Sokuntha concluded that the take part in the campaign by defend cases at the Koh Kong erly. Brazil and was arrested at the him that when he arrived in accused was a first-time of- defending cases. Provincial Court, said the “They should not have Phnom Penh International Cambodia, he had to stay in fender, admitted to his guilt and “These lawyers are new. We principle of the campaign is lawyers to just do perfunc- Airport in September 2017 a hotel, where a Thai woman cooperated with authorities. assigned them as volunteer that volunteer lawyers listen tory work according to pro- before being sentenced to life would pick up the cocaine “I think [the court] sen- lawyers to help with the min- to guidance from senior lead- cedures. We want these law- imprisonment by the Phnom and transport it to Thailand. tenced him too severely, so istry’s campaign,” he said. ership at the justice ministry. yers to do whatever it takes to Penh Municipal Court. But the plan was foiled when please let the presiding judge Cambodian Defenders Proj- “We are just volunteer law- work professionally and carry During his hearing at the Ap- authorities caught him. reduce his sentence,” he said. ect (CDP) director Sok Sam yers. As seen in the letter, we out their duties properly to peal Court, Blignaut Chan, 27, “Initially, authorities at the Defence lawyer Nou Chan- Oeun said on Thursday there wait to follow the guidance of protect the interests of clients told a judge through an inter- Phnom Penh International tha said his client confessed are not enough lawyers to the leadership,” he said. to get justice,” he said. preter that he had been hired Airport checked my suitcase immediately to the crime and handle cases. The courts have Soeung Sen Karuna, a senior Rith announced the cam- by Au Stin, also a South African and found no drugs. But may- had been honest throughout to tell defendants about the investigator for rights group paign on May 18 after it was man, to swallow about 50 pills be they were suspicious, so the whole trial process. lack of lawyers and ask if the Adhoc, said on Thursday that found there was a backlog filled with cocaine.C han said it they called me for a scan and “As for the statement of the court needs to assign one. assigning a new group of law- of 39,152 criminal cases at took him an hour and a half to found drugs,” Chan said. prosecutor, I agree with this “Lawyers are not only re- yers to help clear the backlog Phnom Penh municipal and swallow all of the pills. I knew in advance that I request to reduce his [Cham’s] quired to be present at a of cases is a positive develop- provincial courts. Chan added that the fee for swallowed drugs illegally in sentence,” Chantha said. hearing. The important point ment. He said he expected the this service was $3,000. After Brazil. But I had no money, The court’s ruling is sched- is that lawyers have to defend But as a civil society or- backlog would be reduced by he swallowed the drugs, he so I agreed to work for them. I uled to be announced on No- cases,” he said. ganisation representative, he 50 to 70 per cent within six travelled from Brazil to Cam- would like the court to reduce vember 3. Volunteer lawyer Thuon called on the lawyers to de- months. THE PHNOM PENH POST october 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 3 National Recent factory raids put spotlight on fake and illegal products Soth Koemsoeun ab II commune on Tuesday. They found evidence includ- THE Ministry of Interior’s ing 22 tonnes of raw materials Anti-Counterfeit Products used for producing bread. Committee (ACPC) and lo- A district police officer who cal police seized almost 50 asked to remain anonymous tonnes of raw materials dur- told The Post on Thursday the ing recent raids on cigarette bread factory operated illegal- and bread factories in Phnom ly without a logo, a factory dec- Penh’s Sen Sok and Por Sen laration, listed products, valid Chey districts. quality certificates, trademark The products are suspected registration certificates or an of being fake and illegal. operation certification. In Sen Sok district, Kmuonh “We closed the factory commune police chief Nhean temporarily and collected Norn said on Thursday his forc- evidence. We did not find the es went to inspect a cigarette owner,” he said. factory on Wednesday suspect- Por Sen Chey district po- ed of producing fake cigarettes. lice chief Morn Vuthy said on Police found 11 types of raw Thursday his officers worked materials in 1,048 boxes (about in collaboration with ACPC 25 tonnes) used for producing but did not enter the building. cigarettes. They also discov- The Post could not reach Prime Minister Hun Sen said Cambodia is determined to contribute to global efforts to address climate change. spm ered machines and tools for ACPC head Meach Sophana producing cigarettes, he said. for comment on Thursday. “The evidence collected is Cambodian Investment Fed- being kept at the ACPC office eration President Ley Sopheap, for testing. Police also detained who is also the director of the PM says climate change a Chinese workers and held Cambodian Pharmacists As- them for questioning,” he said. sociation, said he supports the The Post could not reach operations and encourages Sen Sok district police chief authorities to take prevention ‘thorny problem’ to address Hour Meng Vang for com- measures on fake and unquali- ment on Thursday. fied goods because these prod- Khouth Sophak Chakrya mate change is a thorny prob- polluting industries, especial- nancial resources, especially In a separate case, ACPB and ucts are dangerous. lem to be solved according to a ly coal, an end to fossil-fuel climate financing that de- police checked a bread factory “I call on factory owners to RIME Minister Hun comprehensive and balanced subsidies, carbon tax, taking veloped countries promised in Por Sen Chey district’s Kak- respect the law,” he said. Sen said he regarded policy, including the social, climate risks into account in previously and the transfer climate change as a economic and environmental all financial and policy deci- of technologies to develop- thorny problem to be landscapes,” he said. sions and working together. ing countries in response to solvedP according to a compre- UN secretary-general Anto- “All countries are threat- climate change. hensive and balance policy. nio Guterres said at the forum ened by climate change, but He also encouraged invest- Speaking during a virtual that climate vulnerability and some are more vulnerable ment in private research in UN forum on climate vulner- the Covid-19 crisis demon- than others. Vulnerable na- the renewable sector and ability on Wednesday, he said strate new dangers facing the tions need support. Support power efficiency, forest pro- even if Cambodia’s resources world inflicted huge human for adaptation and resilience tection and infrastructure. and capacities remain lim- and economic costs. is as necessary as mitigation “In this current context, push- ited, the country has a greater “Both crises can only be ad- and should be funded equally ing forward and adhering to a political determination and dressed through ambitious by multilateral development regional framework and plural- to contribute to global efforts multilateral action. That is banks and the Green Climate ism is a main principle for solv- to address climate change why I am urging governments Fund,” he said. ing challenges that are happen- based on the key principles to take six climate-positive Hun Sen encouraged gov- ing in all sectors,” he said. of the UN Framework Con- actions to recover better to- ernments of all countries to Guterres thanked Hun Sen vention on Climate Change, gether,” Guterres said. present reports on their na- for his remarks and said gov- especially the principles on According to Guterres, the tional contributions to ad- ernments of all countries need shared responsibility. actions include investments dress climate change. to be leaders with the ambition The Ministry of Interior’s Anti-Counterfeit Products Committee seized “On a global level, I find cli- in green jobs, no bailouts for He urged an increase in fi- to address climate change. almost 50 tonnes of raw materials in recent raids. police

Trash collection plans in Indonesian man latest positive case effect as strike continues Khouth Sophak Chakrya Continued from page 1 and put it in the truck,” he said. THE Ministry of Health On Thursday He added that people in reported that an Indonesian man has “Some of the workers did good physical condition or tested positive for Covid-19. not fully understand what the scavengers can apply for this In a press release, the ministry said the municipal governor said, so job. He also wants residents 26-year-old man had taken a plane from they agreed to return to work. to cooperate in putting rub- Indonesia to Cambodia via Singapore. For us, we refused to return to bish in the trucks. He arrived on Tuesday and was staying work. We are waiting for the Daun Penh district governor at a hotel in Sihanoukville. five-point solution the work- Sok Penh Vuth told The Post “The result of his test provided by the ers demanded,” Saray said. there were nearly 30 modern Institut Pasteur du Cambodge in Phnom In some Phnom Penh dis- trucks and motorbikes for use Penh came out positive. He is being tricts, authorities are calling on in his district. treated at the Khmer-Soviet Friendship people to pack rubbish proper- “We have a total of 105 people Hospital [in Phnom Penh],” it said. ly and cooperate with authori- that we pay 20,000 riel and two The ministry said 112 passengers, 23 ties while the strike goes on. meals per day. Each truck con- of them women, had travelled with the Por Sen Chey district gover- tains about one tonne of rubbish, man on the flight. They tested negative nor Hem Darith said because and we are committed to collect- for Covid-19, but have been quarantined Cintri’s rubbish collectors are ing four times a day,” he said. at the Hun Sen Borey 100 Khnong High on strike, his district officials Penh Vuth also urged peo- People wear face mask a precaution against Covid-19 while travelling in Phnom Penh’s School and Phnom Penh hotels. One Meanchey district. hong menea will collect rubbish. At the ple to avoid putting rubbish passenger stayed at the Singapore em- same time, Darith said he will on the street, which leads to bassy. sian and are being treated at the Khmer- home and those quarantining at cen- recruit 90 more people by pay- blocking of traffic. As of Thursday, there have been a total Soviet Friendship Hospital. A Hungarian tres to strictly implement the ministry ing 45,000 riel ($11) per day. Dangkor district governor Kim of 281 Covid-19 cases in the Kingdom. man and a French man are being treated guidelines. “We have managed to collect Nhep similarly announced the Of the number, 276 had been discharged at the Siem Reap Referral Hospital, while She explained that disobeying the rubbish because Cintri does recruitment of workers to col- from hospitals. a Cambodian woman who arrived from guidelines, such as travelling or having not have workers. We have 10 lect and transport solid waste. Ministry spokesperson Or Vandine the US is being treated at the Battam- contact with others during quarantine trucks from the municipal hall She said that during this transi- told The Post on Thursday that of the five bang Referral Hospital. or isolation, could lead to community for this operation, but we lack tional phase, the district admin- remaining patients, two were Indone- She called on those self-isolating at transmission. the people to collect rubbish istration needs 36 workers. 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST october 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National Ministries mull action on replica Ministry takes cut Long Kimmarita out of forest crime HE Ministry of Cul- ture and Fine Arts Voun Dara “Through the efforts of our will submit a joint forest rangers, large-scale for- inter-institutional MINISTRY of Environment est offences no longer exist. memorandumT to the Minis- forest rangers stopped 1,396 There are still small-scale of- try of Foreign Affairs and In- forest crimes in 20 provinces fences and it is still necessary ternational Cooperation for a in the past nine months. to put in the effort to prevent diplomatic decision regarding In that period, 4,200 people and protect natural resources, the case of the Le Palais Hotel were sent to court, 27,272 forests and wildlife,” he said. in Thailand, which replicated traps were removed and 601 Mondulkiri forest activist Khmer-style temples without guns were retrieved, accord- Kroeung Tola said forest of- permission in its design. ing to the data obtained by fences have dropped slightly Culture ministry spokes- The Post on Thursday. through the work of forest man Long Ponnasirivath told Ministry spokesman Neth rangers arresting those who The Post that on Tuesday af- Pheaktra said the environ- encroach on land and cut ternoon, the foreign minis- ment ministry employs 1,200 trees on a small scale. He said try held an inter-ministerial forest rangers to prevent forest however that in the case of meeting chaired by culture offences in protected areas. wood merchants and power- minister Phoeung Sakona to “This is the result of the ef- ful tycoons with the honou- review the facts and laws re- forts of environment officers rific titleO knha, environment lated to hotel’s design. The Palais Hotel in Thailand built additions in 2015 which bear a striking resemblance to Angkor’s famed and forest rangers to protect ministry officials are not able Ponnasirivath said the par- temples in Siem Reap province. le palais hotel and conserve our natural re- to stop them. ticipants in the meeting in- sources,” he said. “The Royal Cambodian cluded representatives from Le Palais Hotel, located further consideration,” he them as a source of nation- Forest rangers went on a Armed Forces have detained the tourism, commerce and in Ko Pha-ngan district, in said. al pride and unity, he said. total of 16,861 patrols. They Oknha who are wood mer- foreign ministries. Thailand’s Surat Thani prov- On Sunday, the Le Palais Therefore, when this form collected 3,076 chainsaws, chants. For environment of- “As a result, the meeting de- ince, opened in 2007. In 2015, Hotel owner issued an open of identity is copied for the 126 vehicles, 104 tractors, 567 ficials, they cannot detain cided to make a joint memo- the hotel built additions letter apologising for copy- purpose of doing business, two-wheeled tractors, 481 mo- any of them yet. We admire randum . . . for a diplomatic which resemble the Bayon, ing parts of the Cambodian it is an insult to the souls of torbikes, 2,390 cubic metres of their work, but they bust only decision based on articles 6 Banteay Srei and Angkor Wat temples without prior notice. the Khmer ancestors and the wood and issued 606 fines. small cases,” he said. and 10 of the Paris Conven- temples. The letter was issued follow- Khmer nation. tion on Protection of indus- Foreign ministry spokes- ing a series of criticisms by “The Thai government trial property dated March man Koy Kuong told The Post Cambodian citizens. should act fairly in this regard 20, 1883, and other principles on Thursday that the ministry In a Facebook post, Royal if Thailand is truly a civilised related to the preservation of would carefully consider the University of Phnom Penh his- country that loves and up- the values of Khmer ancient case before taking diplomatic tory professor Vong Sotheara holds its national identity. temples,” Ponnasirivath said. action. said every nation in modern Otherwise, racial conflicts However, Ponnasirivath said “In this case, we want opin- times protects and enhances and hatred are very difficult the ministry needed more input ions from all relevant minis- their national identity. to avoid,” he said. from other ministries to review tries on the law. We want to Sotheara said Angkor’s tem- He said he believes the Thai the facts and relevant laws. The meet the relevant ministries, ples, among others, are part businessmen who used the memorandum to be submitted especially the culture minis- of the core identity of Cam- models of the temples did not to the foreign ministry will be try, to prove whether it’s right bodia. All Cambodians have think about or respect Khmer sent in the near future. or wrong, then we will have come to respect and protect ancestral heritage. Rangers stopped 1,396 forest crimes in the past nine months. heng chivoan THE PHNOM PENH POST october 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National Over 40,000 trees planted in Stung Thmey sanctuary

Mom Kunthear

OVER 40,000 trees of vary- ing species were planted on Wednesday on 56ha in the Stung Thmey protected area in Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary in Pursat prov- ince. The planting is for re- forestation. Participants included envi- ronment officials, represen- tative from the UN Develop- ment Programme (UNDP), the Swedish embassy, the Centre for People and Forests, local authorities, students, teachers and citizens. Ministry of Environment undersecretary of state Rath Virak said the community The Ministry of Public Works and Transport said about 360,000 vehicles are being driven across the country participation showed a love without being properly inspected, leading to accidents. public works ministry for natural resources, includ- Officials and community members planted 40,000 new trees on 56ha in ing the forest and wildlife. in Stung Thmey. Ministry of Environment “This area is rainforest and attracts all types of wild ani- “Tree plantation is to con- fer residents roosters, cows, mals to live. If we protect the serve natural resources, es- goats and pigs to increase Uninspected vehicle forest and those wild animals, pecially mixed biodiversities their incomes, Borin said. it will help community devel- for the next generation. The According to the environ- opment,” he said. forest in this area cannot pro- ment ministry, the Stung He said the environment vide direct benefits for them, Thmey protected area was owners will be fined ministry will also help devel- but it can conserve biodiver- established in 2010 on 712ha op the area for natural tour- sities, maintain water and at- and is home to 110 families. Orm Bunthoeurn further make efforts to find will cooperate with traffic po- ism. tract rain if we can protect it,” The 40,000 new trees are other ways to give convenient lice to enforce the law on the Khieu Borin, director- he said. Kranhoung (rosewood), INISTER of Public services to people. It will build road. When offenders arrive at general of the environment The ministry plan to grow Thnong, Beng, Cheuteal and Works and Trans- more infrastructures, includ- the vehicle inspection centre, ministry’s Local Community acacias in a particular part Korki. port Sun Chan- ing stronger bridges and they will be fined for the en- General Department, said the of this area. The tree is in The Local Community gen- thol said about ports to make the transporta- tirety of their overdue period. Stung Thmey area will grow high demand and can pro- eral department received the M360,000 vehicles are being tion field more competitive. To make it convenient for new plants and encourage vide benefits for five to six funds to plant them from driven without being properly Chanthol said the improve- people, more vehicle in- the community to protect and years. UNDP and the Centre for inspected, while experts fined ments could lead to more job spection centres in various conserve natural resources. The ministry will also of- People and Forests. almost 20,000 people over the opportunities and increase provinces such as Kampong last three months for getting peoples’ incomes. Thom, Svay Rieng, Banteay them inspected late. Director-general of the Meanchey and Kampot will Speaking during the grand General Department of Road be built, he said. opening ceremony of a ve- Transport Chhuon Voun said He added that one of the hicle inspection centre in on Thursday that for the last main causes of traffic acci- Phnom Penh’s Kambol dis- three months, over 80,000 of dents is faulty vehicles. trict on Wednesday, Chanthol vehicles were brought in for “For example, vehicles with called on vehicle owners to inspections and over 20,000 bad brakes, no lights or wheels take them for check-ups on were fined due to lateness. in poor condition. Therefore, time to prevent traffic acci- “For fines, we are very un- regularly inspecting vehicles dents and fines. derstanding. For instance, it will be a main contributor Chanthol said many people does not matter how many to reducing traffic accidents, are well aware of the laws af- years people’s vehicles have which are still a big concern ter road traffic enforcement been invalid. For family cars, of leaders,” Chanthol said. was strengthened. He said we consider it only one year. According to a report from the transport ministry sent For big cars, we consider it as the National Road Safety texts to about 3,360 owners of being two years late. For cars Committee, traffic accidents vehicles with expired inspec- that are less than a year late, kill about five people per day tions. The ministry will con- we don’t charge for the first 30 and cause injuries to about tinue to send texts to inform days of lateness,” he said. 11. The main causes of ac- people to take part in reduc- Voun added that if people cidents are human error, ve- ing traffic accidents. still do not come to check up hicles’ condition and roads in He said the ministry will their vehicles, the ministry poor condition. Former Cambodian consul in China sentenced for graft Orm Bunthoeurn head of the country’s Anti- tion for corruption was a good corruption Unit (ACU), in- example to set and that in the THE Phnom Penh Municipal vestigated Limheng and said past, other ambassadors and court on Thursday sentenced he committed corruption be- consular officials had been Kruy Limheng, a former tween 2016 and 2018. convicted of corruption. Cambodian consul in China’s Yentieng said at the time “It is a good example, but let Kunming city, to seven years that those crimes included ex- this measure continue to ap- in prison and fined him 10 tortion and abuse of power. ply to others, which means that million riel ($2,435) after two He stressed that Limheng whoever commits corruption, hearings on the case. used his power to withdraw we must enforce the law re- Deputy prosecutor and money from the Consulate garding civil servants’ corrup- court spokesman Kuch General of Cambodia from a tion [because it] destroys the Kimlong told The Post on Chinese bank through the ille- national budget,” Sam Ath said. Thursday that Limheng was gal use of the “Consulate Gen- He said the elimination of convicted of four offences – eral’s stamp” for two months. corruption is important for the embezzlement, withdrawing Limheng was removed from development of Cambodia. money over his limits, abuse his position in 2018. Sam Ath said the ACU had al- of power and non-declaration Am Sam Ath, senior techni- ways taken action against cor- of assets from 2015 to 2019. cal officer with rights group Li- rupt officials and it should con- Previously, Om Yentieng, cadho, said the court’s convic- tinue to continue the practice. 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST october 9, 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 4,107 1.3232 6.7908 106.00 4.1525 1.3584 31.18 0.7161 1.1763 1.2918 Australia Insurance, 3i to bolster tech sector investment in projects teaming up May Kunmakara CAMBODIA’S Securities and Exchange Commission (SECC) signed an agreement with the in Kingdom Australian government to ena- ble Cambodia to diversify Thou Vireak the MoU would help the com- financing for infrastructure. panies to work closely together The agreement is titled: “Domes- OKYO-based- Dai- to benefit all customers inC am- tic Capital Mobilisation for Infra- ichi Life Insurance bodia as life insurance services structure Investment through the PLC signed a Memo- are growing rapidly in the King- Security market Project”. randum of Under- dom. Dai-ichi Life Insurance It will be funded through Aus- standingT (MoU) with Viettel is a subsidiary of Tokyo-listed tralia’s AU$50 million ($36 mil- Cambodia (Metfone) and E- Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. lion) “Technical Assistance Money Payment Solutions Plc “This is a unique partner- Project on Domestic Capital Japan’s Dai-Ichi, Metfone and E-Money signed an MoU to cooperate in the field of life insurance. freshnews to jointly promote information ship that enables my compa- Mobilisation through Securities technology and digital services ny to provide affordable and Market for Infrastructure Invest- and products in the field of life competitive life insurance on E-Money and My Metfone day, the insurance sector in Cambodia took in $133.5 mil- ment with Investing in Infra- insurance in Cambodia. services to a wide range of apps. Cambodia is becoming an- lion in premiums, an increase structure”, called “3i Cambodia”. Vietnamese-owned mobile Cambodians on the technol- “I believe this MoU will other pillar of the financial of more than 12.1 per cent in 3i is an organisation invest- operator Metfone and E-Mon- ogy systems of Metfone and provide a solution that is and banking sector. the first half of 2020 compared ing in infrastructure and com- ey, a smartphone financial ser- E-money,” Allen said. fast, saves time and makes it “Covid-19 disease has not to $119.1 million in the same prised of engineers and finan- vices provider, will co-support Metfone CEO Phung Van easier for customers to access affected the insurance indus- period last year. cial experts managed by the Dai-ichi Life as an ICT-enabled Cuong said his company will life insurance from the com- try in Cambodia. The govern- Vann said 38 insurers are Palladium Group on behalf of life insurance company. provide insurance premium pany,” he said. ment will continue to encour- operating in Cambodia, in- the Australian Department of Digital technology will be collection services that cus- Mey Vann, director of the age international companies cluding 18 general insurers, Foreign Affairs and Trade. used to provide financial ser- tomers pay to Dai-ichi Life via department of industry and to continue investing in this 14 life and six micro-insurers. Australia Ambassador to vices and life insurance prod- E-Money or mobile accounts. finance at the Ministry of sector to create job opportuni- Gross premiums totalled Cambodia Pablo Kang and 3i ucts to Cambodia, according The insurance company will Economy and Finance, said ties for Cambodians,” he said. $252 million in 2019, up 30 management met on Wednes- to the companies. also be able to make cash at a separate event marking According to data from the per cent compared to 2018, day with SECC director-gener- Dai-ichi Life Insurance CEO payments to customers and the inauguration of AIA Insur- Insurance Association of Cam- while customer compensa- al Sou Socheat. Allen Thai said on Wednesday advertise insurance services ance Company on Wednes- bodia, the insurance sector in tion was about $36 million. “This signing ceremony was organized to have a clear cooperation-mechanism between 3i and SECC in terms of advising on policies, regula- tions and other mechanisms PPCBank second bond round to help SMEs necessary for the development of the bond market. May Kunmakara most impacted by the [coronavirus]. scheme doesn’t add huge profits, but market since October. PPC is the only “Advice in the form of market “As of today, we have established two in difficult times it is more important one to issue bonds twice. consultations and fruitful input SOUTH KOREA-OWNED PPCBank SME centres strategically located in financial institutions support the most “PPCBank is contributing to the was also provided to contribute President and CEO Shin Chang-moo Phnom Penh where dedicated staff vulnerable in the market,” Shin said. growth of country’s economy by raising to the improvement of capital said on Thursday the 40 billion Riel provide in-depth consultation to SME The Ministry of Economy and Finance funds in the domestic market to use in mobilisation from the private ($10 million) raised from the bank’s owners in need of loans. We have announced on April 3 the launch of the their business operations,” he said. sector through the launch of new second bond offering will be used to designed products with favourable “SME co-financing” project with fund- CSX Chairman Jong Weon Ha, said products for infrastructure expand loans to small and medium- conditions for SMEs and will provide ing of $100 million. The project is a joint there are a total of 13 securities-listed investment in Cambodia,” sized enterprises. information and assistance on how to venture between SME Bank of Cambo- companies -- seven stock and six bonds. according to a SECC press lease. Speaking at a press conference, Shin diversify payment,” he said. dia and 23 commercial banks, two spe- The total amount raised is $253 million. The Australian Embassy said the bond issuance on the Cambo- Shin said PPCBank has also been cialised banks, seven microfinance “CSX expects the market to become wrote in its release that an dia Securities Exchange (CSX) will be participating in an SME co-financing institutions (MFIs). a potential and credible option for rais- effective domestic capital used to provide better-designed prod- scheme launched by the government. Securities and Exchange Commis- ing capital, diversifying fund sources market will enable Cambodia ucts to boost business revenue. “Last week, we got approval from sion of Cambodia (SECC) deputy direc- and supporting the growth of the pri- to diversify financing for infra- “The raised fund will be used to con- SME Bank to double their limit. Such tor-general Seang Thirith said six com- vate sector and investment portfolios structure, providing more flex- tinue to support SMEs as they are the ones participation in the co-financing panies have been listed on the bond of investors,” he said. ibility to respond to Covid-19 economic recovery efforts. “We will work closely with the SECC to facilitate the creation of conditions for a vibrant long-term capital market that supports Cam- Rubber exports are up but prices still remain elastic bodia’s infrastructure develop- ment,” Kang said in the release. Thou Vreak from $64 per tonne compared we lost part of our income, but rose slightly to $1,500 per According to data from the This includes providing tech- to September last year. we estimate that the harvest is tonne, which is the selling price Ministry of Agriculture, rubber nical assistance to develop a CAMBODIA exported 179,621 Plouk Botum Bopha, the still stable,” she said. at Ho Chi Minh City port. plantations in Cambodia account regulatory framework for long- tonnes of rubber in the first nine owner of a rubber, pepper and According to data from the He said due to market and for a total of 403,195ha. term debt and building the months of 2020, a jump of 3.78 durian plantation that covers Ministry of Agriculture, the price issues his company has Cambodia exported 282,071 capacity of market participants per cent from the same period more than 200ha in Ratanak- purchase price of local house- shifted away from rubber plan- tonnes of rubber worth $377 to give the private sector in last year, according to data from kiri province, told The Post she hold rubber in the first nine tations to yellow banana planta- million in 2019, up 30 per cent Cambodia more tools to invest the Ministry of Agriculture, For- harvested an average of 1,000 months is between 4,100 riel tions, which are in high demand from 2018, according to the in infrastructure. The technical estry and Fisheries. tonnes of rubber per year, gen- per kilogram for latex and in China. So far, his company’s Ministry of Agriculture. assistance will also identify one During this period, however, erating an average income of 1,900 to 2,350 riel per kilo- banana plantation has grown to According to a report by infrastructure project to pilot, the average price of rubber on $8,000 after expenses. gramme of frozen latex. more than 2,000ha. Research and Markets, latex according to the release. the international market was The average price of latex is Heng Sreng, general man- “As the price of rubber con- prices will continue to fall this “Australia is committed to $1,288 per tonne, down $51 2,500 riel ($0.60) to 2,700 riel per ager of the Boeung Ket Rubber tinues to fall gradually, I decid- year until 2021. assisting Cambodia to diver- year-on-year. kilogramme, which is 3,000 riel per Plantation in Kampong Cham ed to cut down many hectares China has the highest sify its sources of infrastruc- The average selling price of kilogram lower than last year. province, told The Post on of rubber trees to plant yellow demand for rubber in the ture investment, as we believe latex increased to $1,266 per “Due to the weather and fre- Thursday his company’s rub- bananas because bananas are world, accounting for 41 per this is critical for inclusive tonne in September, an increase quent rainstorms I missed 15 ber exports fell by about 30 per more expensive and bring a cent of the world’s total rubber and resilient economic of $26 from August, but down days of the rubber harvest and cent, but the price of rubber larger profit,” he said. production. growth. friday, october 9, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com The importance of corporate governance

What is corporate governance? According to the Organiza- tion for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), cor- porate governance (CG) refers to the processes and procedures with which an organisation is directed and controlled. The CG structure specifies the distri- bution of rights and respon- sibilities among the different participants in the organisation – such as the board, manag- ers, shareholders and other stakeholders – and lays down the rules and procedures for decision-making. The purpose of CG is to facilitate entrepreneurship, ef- ficiency and prudence in man- aging a company, as well as to ensure the long-term success of the company through transpar- ency and accountability.

The importance of good CG The implementation of good CG provides many benefits and enhances the investment environment of companies and investors. It does this is such ways as:

• Maintaining the confidence A public consultation seminar on the ‘Corporate Governance Code’ was held in February. of investors, and as a con- sequence helps companies Securities Exchange (CSX). To mechanisms as to protect share- of controlling system and risk means that the board shall and internal audits: The board in raising capital efficiently ensure the implementation of holders’ rights, the arrange- management policy, the Securi- practise in the best interests should establish an internal and effectively; good CG for listed companies ment of the listed companies’ ties and Exchange Commission of the company and its control system and internal • Helping companies deliver through the establishment of structure and the development of Cambodia (SECC) has ad- shareholders. auditing to check the correct- long-term corporate success opted the Prakas on Corporate With professional perfor- ness of both financial and and economic growth; Governance for Listed Compa- mance from the board of direc- non-financial operations, • Having a positive impact nies regulation. This stipulates tors, the company’s vision can as well as to ensure that the on the price of shares and that the CG requirements are as be expanded in ways that help company is running properly strengthen shareholders’ follows: the company to achieve its to achieve its goals. trust in the market; long-term goals and strategic • Helping to generate wider 1. Rights and equitable objectives. 5. Disclosure and brand image and improve treatment of shareholders: transparency: Disclosure reputation; Shareholders are the own- 3. Risk management: Having helps companies build and • Ensuring the management ers of the company. The basic a risk management plan or sustain a soundly open of a company considers the rights of shareholders are to policy in place can help a com- relationship with the invest- best interests of investors; elect members of the board, pany in minimising potential ment community, and thereby • Giving guidance to the own- amend the company’s article of threats and impacts. Moreover, make the right decisions. For ers and managers towards association and approve mate- a risk management plan or listed companies, disclosure is following the company’s rial transactions. Therefore, policy can help the company required by the law, in which strategies and achieving its shareholders need to be treated reach their goals with certainty. they are obliged to disclose goals. equally regardless of any financial and non-financial occurrence. 4. Internal control: Systems information to investors. Corporate governance in Cambodia for listed companies 2. Board of directors: The Prepared by: Securities and Exchange Commission of Cambodia There are currently 13 listed board of directors is elected Securities Issuance Supervision Department companies (seven for equity and by shareholders at a general E-mail: [email protected] six for bonds) on the Cambodia SECC director-general HE Sou Socheat. shareholders’ meeting, which Phone: 023 885611 8 THE PHNOM PENH POST october 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com S pecial​​ RepoReporrtt Turning up the heat in a cooling economy Taxpayers feel the noose tightening as government auditors up the ante to meet national targets. However, audits motivated by incentives have spurred overzealousness for one party and agony for the other

Sangeetha Amarthalingam

Y THE third quarter of 2020, nearly 78 per cent of the $2.9 billion tax revenue targetB had filled the govern- ment coffers. Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) spokesman Meas Soksensan said the Gen- eral Department of Taxation (GDT) contributed the most, with a high chance of hitting 85 per cent of the target by the final quarter of this year. “We are waiting [for] the fig- ure from the Customs [Gen- eral Department of Customs and Excise] to fill our projec- tion,” he said. The jubilation in keeping to the target during austere times is compelling. Although, it is should be mentioned that the collection is reflective of buoyant earnings in 2019. “… companies will pay more taxes in 2020,” Soksen- san told The Post. But it comes at a price – one that is being paid by scores of companies comprising medi- um to large firms, which are al- legedly subject to rigorous au- dits by government auditors. A lot of this stems from the 10 per cent incentive auditors make from penalties ranging from 10 to 40 per cent and 1.5 per cent monthly interest rate on any reassessed addi- At Tonle Sap, moored cruise boats wait to ferry passengers into the sunset as tourist numbers remain subdued. hong menea tional tax due. What this essentially means penalties on administrative settlement differences in the GDT may assign a spe- the taxpayers’ compliance audit until months later, but at is that auditors work harder faults, such as the failure to monthly and annual taxes, cial team to investigate the with monthly tax obligations [the very] least they have ear- to secure a higher income, keep accounting records for and documents for transfer issues,” wrote VDB Loi man- and can be conducted for the marked the taxpayer, which independent of their salaries. up to 10 y e a r s , pricing. ager Tepwinuth Chhim. current tax year and immedi- means they [will likely] get 10 Often enough, government According to law and tax ately preceding tax year. per cent out of any interest wages are comparatively low, advisory firm VDB Loi Ltd, in Pocketing the incentives As for the comprehensive collected,” the auditor said. so the incentives help to aug- a note on its webpage to cli- In Cambodia, the process audit, it re-examines the ment their takings ents last year, taxpayers are, begins with a desk audit compliance, including the “Frivolous and unrealistic” To be sure, the Law on Tax- in principle, subject to one which is conducted within 12 annual tax on income for the Yet, the problem surround- ation allows three types of type of audit for any tax year. months after the submission current tax year and the pre- ing the audits is not just tax audits – desk, limited and But if the findings from the of the tax returns. But if there vious three tax years. alone as the interests and comprehensive – but the desk and limited audits sug- are complex or high-risk ir- This audit can be extended penalties can go all the way frequency and robustness gest errors or issues beyond regularities, it will be replaced to include the previous five back to 10 years. of these audits are “killing their scope, the GDT may ex- by a limited audit. tax years, right up to 10 years if “These days, it is three or five companies”, complained a pand the audit scope to be that The limited audit looks at there is actual evidence of tax years but the interests on ac- director of a foreign-owned of a comprehensive audit. evasion, or losses or tax cred- cumulated underpaid tax can firm in Phnom Penh. “If dur- its from previous years that re- be at times higher than the tax In March last year, the au- ing any quire auditors’ verification. itself,” the auditor said. dit timeline turned stricter tax audit, For the maximum 10 years The issue of incentives be- with the entry of Prakas the audit tax coverage, approval would ing ethical or not is moot but 270, which drew up the team finds have to be given by the MEF. GDT director-general Kong evidence On the ground, it is not Vibol (pictured) has reported- of tax eva- quite the case due to the al- ly endorsed the fee in 2014. sion, leged competition among the “I think the idea is to encour- tiered auditing departments age [GDT] auditors to com- to pocket the incentive, ob- plete their tax audits … but is served an auditor attached this the right kind of motiva- to an international firm in tion?” the auditor asked. Phnom Penh. While the “agony” is cog- “Of course, they don’t want nisant throughout the busi- to share [the incentive] with ness community, company other departments. [What directors and auditors who happens is] when audits start, were interviewed declined to letters are sent out … it is [as if speak on record, fearing re- photo by Heng chivoan auditors] mark their territory. percussions. “They might not finish the Tax revenue is a primary THE PHNOM PENH POST october 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 9 Special​​ Report

Source: Cambodian authorities, and International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff calculations Source: General Department of Taxation revenue generator for Cam- This year, with three key bodia. In 2018, it represented economic sectors under se- Tax collection in Asian low income countries 17.1 per cent of gross domes- vere pressure as figures for tic product (GDP), the World garment and footwear ex- Bank said in its May 2020 eco- ports, and tourist arrivals nomic update. plunge, national revenue has The steady year-on-year been impacted. growth was evident last year It will be a far cry from an with total tax revenue ac- all-time high of $6.9 billion in counting for $2.8 billion – 28.3 total revenue in 2019, which per cent more than in 2018. It made up nearly 90 per cent of was the highest collection in the $8.2 billion government 20 years, news reports show. budget for 2020. According to the World Conversely, the budget for Bank, the largest contribution 2021 has been halved to $4 at 12.6 per cent of GDP came billion. from taxes on goods and ser- Driven by the apparent fall vices, consisting mainly of the in total revenue, GDT audi- value-added and excise taxes tors are evidently going all from domestic businesses and out to avoid falling short of goods. Direct taxes which in- their tax target this year. cludes taxes paid by entities In the last three years, the rose to 4.4 per cent of GDP in tax department has increased 2019 from four per cent a year its staff, which might pres- ago. ently seem disproportionate, This surge in tax revenue seeing that the taxpayer base is owed to new mechanisms has shrunk due to Covid-19. and policies in the five-yearly But coupled with the des- revenue mobilisation strate- perate need to fill the state gies that have strengthened coffers, audits have become segmental taxation such as prevalent and aggressive, an property, excise, and value- industry source commented. added tax (VAT), as well as “At times, it is frivolous and non-tax revenue. unrealistic,” the source said. It is in addition to ongo- ing system digitalisation, in- Get the money and get out cluding the newly-launched According to a tax adviser, e-filing service, and software who has been in Cambodia So, auditors who conduct “A limited audit will look at our tax collections by making think it is a violation of the upgrade for the financial for 20 years, a comprehen- limited audits will look at all sales and taxes such as with- progress in our administra- tax law and tax system,” said management information sive audit in theory has to the issues they can and raise holding tax or VAT whereas a tive reforms. In your opinion Transparency International systems. wait until a limited audit is as much taxes to get the inter- comprehensive audit, as its is that wrong?” he asked. Cambodia executive director Overall, it is part of the gov- completed. est,” the adviser said. name suggest, looks at ev- A series of questions to the Pech Pisey. ernment’s plan to widen the “The comprehensive audit This practice makes com- erything. GDT’s Vibol went unanswered He felt that frequent audits tax base to boost revenue and cannot re-litigate the same prehensive audits redundant “But what happens is that despite several reminders. hinder government efforts to reduce its dependence on issues that have already been because much of that is cov- auditors of limited audits will Owing to the current predic- create an enabling environ- borrowings in future. litigated in the limited audit. ered by the limited audit. start off looking at withhold- ament, one auditor reckoned ment for the private sector. ing tax and broadening their that the general sentiment In addition, alleged corrup- scope, even though legally among taxpayers was that they tion is in itself a type of collu- Cambodia Tax Revenue (% of GDP) they are not supposed to,” the were being penalised even sion for tax evasion because adviser remarked. when they claim to be fully tax it facilitates the reduction or 17.1 He opined that it is a “hit compliant and honest. elimination of the tax amount and run” approach, where In fact, some companies required by the tax provision. auditors look at a component have resorted to de-register- “The malpractice is really of the taxable item, “get their ing their business to avoid devastating for the country money and get out”. being targetted by govern- as it cripples State resources “Whereas a comprehensive ment auditors. and harms citizens as State audit [which] looks at every- They allegedly do so having resources [are] common re- thing, takes a long time to noticed the purported im- sources [which] are being sto- complete. So limited audits munity enjoyed by the com- len for personal enrichment,” are like a snapshot. panies due to absent audits, Pisey said. “Perhaps other jurisdictions or reduced at best, by the tax Economist Chheng Kim- [practice] it because Cambo- department compared to four long said the practice of con- dia usually sets its regulations years ago. ducting a series of the same based on overseas jurisdic- audit should be abolished, if tions but often [most jurisdic- “Malpractice cripples State it exists. 8.2 tions] have [only] one audit a resources” “It is in the best interest of year,” said the adviser. More disconcerting is the the economy and of the pri- When asked, the ministry’s possible abuse of power, in- vate sector to remove any Soksensan denied the notion cluding bribery, to cull re- duplication of audit practices that taxpayers are pushed peated audits. and have a set of unified and hard, especially under pres- “It is what we have heard easy-to-follow audit guide- ent circumstances. from time to time although lines for small- and medium- Source : World Bank Data “We are just reinforcing it is not well documented. I sized enterprises,” he said. 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST october 9, www.phnompenhpost.com

www.phnompenhpost.com/post-focus art KBach Arts Competition hits the road in search of next big thing

Bach Arts is hitting – known as Dara – to be rep- the road with the resented by KBach Gallery and 3rd edition of the receive international exposure Kingdom’s leading Dara’s solo exhibition is cur- Kart competition – KBach Art- rently on display at Hops. ist 2020 in partnership with KBach Gallery opened in Cellcard – as the pioneering March 2017 “to showcase the arts collective searches out beautiful fusion of Cambo- local talent ahead of announc- dian and international art”, ing this year’s winners of the Francis says, with pieces by prestigious contest. Cambodian diaspora artists and After its launch at a star- foreign artists with a link to studded event at Hops Craft the Kingdom displayed at its Beer Garden with members of first exhibition – Rebirth. the royal family, numerous am- “With this as a kick-start, we bassadors, leaders of industry soon felt the time was right for

and supporters of the bubbling KBach Gallery to focus purely Cambodian arts scene in Phnom on Cambodian-born artists, and Penh last month, the KBach grow and provide new oppor- Arts Competition is heading to tunities for the next generation Siem Reap and Battambang as – and this is based around the it aims to unearth the next gen- KBach Arts Competition. The su pp lied Photos eration of Cambodian artists. first was launched in 2018. We KBach Arts founder Tony Francis (fifth left) launches the KBach Artist 2020 in partnership with Cellcard at Hops Craft Beer Garden in Phnom Penh on September 5. KBach – a term which refers gave out around 100 canvases to traditional Cambodian and received some 60 back – to be inspired to take part and, also receive sponsorship and Sous Davy, who ornamentation styles – was set and the quality of the art was even if they don’t win, gain from MTN Cambodia and are now commanding up by Tony Francis in 2017 “to truly astonishing. exposure, potentially work with Clipper. high prices for their showcase a renaissance aligned “The response convinced us our studio, and armed with new- “We work with inter- work, means attitudes with the beautiful artistic heri- that we should build a platform found confidence, embark on a national art markets and are changing, and tage of the Kingdom”, with the for anyone, regardless of their career as an artist,” Francis said. fairs, and we have built by identifying and har- Briton adding that the competi- economic or geographical situ- up relationships with the nessing the incredible tion firmly reflects the essence ation, who is interested in art ‘London, New York, Paris’ most mature markets talent out there – and of the organisation. Francis hailed the invaluable including London, New providing a path- “The ethos of KBach Arts is support of high-profile patrons York, Hong Kong and way – the Cambodian to identify, support and promote and partners such as Cellcard – Paris. We are very proud contemporary scene the Cambodian art scene. The who are sponsoring this year’s that over the past three or is being revitalised,” amazingly unique opportu- competition – in sustaining the four years we have built Francis said. nity we have here is not just to ” local scene. up a sizeable collection of take part in a nascent market’s The amazingly unique “This year’s competition has national and international The KBach Arts growth but, due to the history been elevated to a new level buyers and supporters competition roadshow of this country, to realise an ac- opportunity we have thanks to our partnership with of the Cambodian art will be at Little Red Fox tual ‘phoenix from the flames’ here is not just to Cellcard and the introduction of scene,” he said. cafe in Siem Reap this situation. This is the reality of a digital arts division, reflect- The Cambodian art Sunday, October 11, the Cambodian art renaissance take part in a nascent ing the digital generation and scene is also gaining more and the drastic increase in art prices with a live painting, art exhibi- at the moment,” Francis told market’s growth, but to facilitating the opportunity for more attention internationally as for Cambodian-born artists, a tion and registration event from The Post. more artists from all parts of the artists such as Sopheap Pich and genuine opportunity has arisen 10:30am. The winners of the three realise a ‘phoenix from Kingdom to be involved. Leang Seckon have established for collectors to be significantly For more information on the categories – which this year are the flames’ situation “We are also honoured to global recognition and valuation rewarded for their support, the competition, KBach Arts and the canvas, street art and digital – have the opportunity to work of their artwork, Francis said. Londoner added. Cambodian art scene, please visit will all receive a professional with the Mudhita Foundation Consequently, from an “The success of legacy artists KBach Arts’ Facebook or Insta- contract and thousands of Tony Francis / KBACH founder as our partnered charity and investment point of view, with such as Chhim Sothy, Sary Nou gram, or the Cellcard website. dollars in prize money, as well as the chance for national and international exposure. The flagship brand within the collective – which includes KBach Studio, the Air (artists in residence) Project and the KBach Arts competition – is KBach Gallery, which exclu- sively represents “legacy artists” – Cambodian-born artists with 30 years-plus experience and dedication to the Kingdom’s scene – and the winners of the competition. So this year’s winner will join these legacy artists, 2018 winner Hour Soben and last year’s winner Moeurn Oun Rina by Hour Soben, the winner of the first competition in 2018. Sary Nou (right) and Saraboth Ea of virtual reality developer Hiverlab Cambodia are among the judges. THE PHNOM PENH POST october 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 World Urgent action needed 115M at risk of extreme poverty to stop rise of stillbirths S MANY as 115 mil- lion people could be Continued from page 1 old living in Rwanda’s capital pushed into extreme Kigali, lost her baby when she poverty this year due a family, one that is often went into labour during the toA the economic downturn endured quietly, yet all too fre- 37th week of pregnancy. caused by the coronavirus quently, around the world,” “I knew that something was pandemic, the World Bank said UNICEF executive director wrong and the doctor told me warned on Wednesday. Henrietta Fore. that my baby was dead. I That is a devastating reversal “Beyond the loss of life, the psy- couldn’t believe it. I cried and after decades of progress, and chological and financial costs for cried,” she said. higher than the bank previous- women, families and societies are “The baby had many knots in ly estimated, even as recently severe and long lasting. For many its umbilical chord. I feel so bad as August, when the worst case of these mothers, it simply didn’t even now not being able to was put at 100 million. have to be this way.” hold my sick baby.” And the bank’s new report The report warned that the Uwizeye is now the mother estimates that by next year, 150 pandemic could result in near- to a healthy 10-month-old, but million could be living below ly 200,000 additional stillbirths, she urged expectant mothers the extreme poverty threshold assuming that 50 per cent of to be vigilant in monitoring of less than $1.90 a day. health services are impacted in their baby’s health. “The pandemic and global low- and middle-income coun- “Keep going for check ups recession may cause over 1.4 tries by the Covid-19 response. and make sure that your preg- per cent of the world’s popula- Mark Hereward, UNICEF’s nancy is normal,” she said. tion to fall into extreme pover- associate director for data and “Even when you are at home ty,” World Bank President David A new report by the World Bank estimates that by next year, 150 million could be living below the extreme analytics, said infants in many you can make sure the baby in Malpass said in a statement. poverty threshold. AFP countries would suffer from the womb is ok. Be constantly If the pandemic had not Covid-19 even if their mothers aware and vigilant.” struck, the global extreme pov- conflict-affected areas. ous setback to development population lives below the $3.20 never contracted the disease. As well as the wide disparity erty rate was expected to fall The research also finds a progress and poverty reduc- line and more than 40 per cent “Firstly, due to the massive in stillbirth rates between rich to 7.9 per cent, but now could rising share of those living tion, countries will need to pre- – almost 3.3 billion people – live increase in poverty because of and poorer nations, the report climb as high as 9.4 per cent, the in extreme poverty are in ur- pare for a different economy below the $5.50 line. the global recessions,” he said. also found significant varia- bank said in its flagship report. ban areas, which threatens post-Covid, by allowing capital, Sub-Saharan Africa remains “The other way is through an tions in the rates within indi- World Bank economists say to overwhelm existing sup- labour, skills, and innovation to the epicenter of the problem, interruption to health services, vidual countries, often linked the dire estimates for new port programmes that are de- move into new businesses and and could see an additional either because health workers to socioeconomic status. victims of poverty this year, signed for rural populations. sectors,” Malpass said. 40 million people fall into ex- are reassigned to work on Covid In Nepal, for example, women which range from 88 million The bank said the policy treme poverty this year, and or because people are afraid to of minority castes have stillbirth to 115 million, depend on the A distant goal response must be commen- move closer to 500 million next go to clinic.” rates 40-60 per cent higher than outlook for the global econ- Instead of achieving the goal surate with the severity of the year, according to the report. Hereward said that without those from upper-class castes. omy, which the Washington- of eradicating poverty by 2030, crisis, including modernising And climate change will urgent action the world will And in Canada, Inuit com- based crisis lender estimates the convergence of the Covid- education and online learning drive 68 million to 135 million have suffered 20 million more munities have a stillbirth rate range from a contraction of 19 pandemic with the pres- and deploying new technol- into poverty by 2030, with Sub- stillbirths by 2030. nearly three times higher than five per cent to eight per cent sures of conflict and climate ogy to expand the reach of so- Saharan Africa again the most Globally, over 40 per cent of the general population. in the worst case scenario. change will put the goal “be- cial protection programmes. vulnerable. stillbirths occur during labour, Speaking to journalists on That would erode years of suc- yond reach without swift, sig- “Failure to act comprehen- Latin America could see an the UN said. These are among Wednesday, Anshu Banerjee, cess in reducing extreme pover- nificant and substantial policy sively and urgently will create increase of five million in the the most avoidable deaths director for the Department of ty, and the authors warn create action”, the World Bank said, even bigger challenges in the worst case scenario, and East given that many labour still- Maternal, Newborn, Child and “poverty hotspots” in areas that warning that the global pov- future,” the authors warned. Asia an additional nine million. births could be prevented with Adolescent Health and Ageing at face a double-hit from econom- erty rate could be about seven Looking at a broader definition The report does not include esti- access to trained midwives and the WHO said the world needed ic crisis and conflict: more than per cent in the next decade. of poverty, the report found that mates for South Asia given the emergency obstetric care. to “break out of this cocoon of 40 per cent of the poor live in “In order to reverse this seri- close to a quarter of the world’s lack of data from India. AFP Sabine Uwizeye, a 35-year- taboos and stigma”. AFP Scotland, Brussels shut bars as Europe hits 6M cases

WITH Europe topping six million pecially in the developing world. ble access for everyone everywhere.” Covid-19 cases, Scotland and Brus- It said as many as 115 million peo- In Spain, the government an- sels became the latest to introduce ple could be pushed into extreme nounced plans for rebuilding the curbs on alcohol consumption on poverty this year – measured as liv- ravaged tourism-dependent econo- Wednesday, while experts detailed ing on less than $1.90 a day – rising my on Wednesday, vowing to create the hugely divergent consequences to 150 million people in 2021. 800,000 new jobs with its tranche of the pandemic for the world’s rich- By contrast, a report by Swiss bank of the EU’s 750-billion-euro rescue est and poorest. UBS and accounting firm Pricewater- package. A two-week pub closure in central houseCoopers found that the world’s The plan, focused on digital and Scotland, including Glasgow and billionaires have reached record new green projects, aims to “transform Edinburgh, was designed as a “short, heights of wealth under the pandemic. the hard blow of the pandemic into sharp action to arrest the worrying Tech, health and industry “inno- an enormous opportunity,” said increase in infection”, First Minister vators and disruptors” such as Elon Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Nicola Sturgeon said. Musk have led the way, with the cu- Europe’s hospitality sector contin- In Brussels, bars and drinking al- mulative wealth of the world’s 2,189 ues to bear some of the hardest im- cohol in public places will be banned dollar billionaires reaching a total of pact, with British pub chain Greene until November 8, the regional gov- $10.2 trillion, exceeding the previous King the latest to announce job cuts: ernment said. An 11pm bar curfew peak of $8.9 trillion in 2017, it said. 800 across its 2,700 pubs, restau- A pedestrian walks past a closed pub in Glasgow as govt orders two-week closure. AFP had already been announced for the UN chief Antonio Guterres said the rants and hotels. rest of the country. Meanwhile Italy imposed an out- Across the Atlantic, US President pandemic had shown that countries Meanwhile, in the desperate hunt It is the second time Brussels has door mask-wearing requirement Donald Trump’s doctor said the must increase efforts to provide univer- for effective treatments and vac- imposed such a measure since the nationwide and extended its state of Republican leader had been free of sal health care coverage without delay. cines, the latest sign of hope came outbreak, and comes a day after the emergency to January 31. Covid-19 symptoms for 24 hours “We must all draw the hard les- from US biotech firmE li Lilly, which same order was imposed for bars Europe reached 6,031,890 infec- and without a fever for four days, sons of this crisis,” Guterres said in said it was seeking an emergency use and cafes in Paris. tions and 237,976 deaths, according after he emerged on Monday from a a video message. authorisation for its antibody treat- In Switzerland, there were strong to an AFP tally at 1500 GMT (10pm weekend hospital stay. “One of those lessons is that un- ments after early trial results showed words from Health Minister Alain Cambodian time). “The president this morning says der-investment in health can have a they reduced viral load, symptoms Berset as the country saw positive The worst-affected European ‘I feel great’,” doctor Sean Conley devastating impact on societies and and hospitalisation rates. tests top 1,000 in 24 hours for the countries were Russia (1,248,619 in- said in a brief update. economies.” Rapid progress is straining supply first time since April 1. fections and 21,865 deaths), Spain A UN report stressed the need to chains, however. “Get a grip,” Berset told the public, (825,410 infections, 32,486 deaths), Rich and poor “massively expand access to new Swiss firm Roche apologized on urging respect for physical distanc- France (669,235 infections, 32,365 A flagship World Bank report em- rapid diagnostics and treatments Wednesday for delays in processing ing and hand hygiene in private as deaths) and Britain (530,113 infec- phasised the long-term devastation and ensure future Covid-19 vaccines virus tests in Britain, blaming the move well as public. tion, 42,445 deaths). being wrought by the pandemic, es- are a global public good with equita- to a new distribution centre. AFP 12 THE PHNOM PENH POST october 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com ASEAN Vietnam leads ASEAN cybersecurity talks IETNAMESE Deputy Min- schedule. A mid-term review of the ister of Public Security Lu- ASEAN Community Vision Blue- ong Tam Quang affirmed print 2025’s implementation on all Vietnam’s commitment three pillars is being finalised. toV actively and responsively taking ASEAN agreed to build the Hanoi part in ASEAN cooperative mecha- Declaration on the post-2025 ASE- nisms on cybersecurity. AN Community Vision and report He was speaking at a teleconfer- the review of the ASEAN Charter’s ence of ASEAN ministers on cyber- implementation. security on Wednesday. Member countries also believed Vietnam recognises the need and sub-regional development plays an importance of building responsible important role in community build- codes of conduct online to maintain ing. Therefore, ASEAN should coordi- healthy, safe cyberspace and ensure nate cooperation in the sub-regions. information security amid the huge The ASEAN SOM reaffirmed ASE- changes of digital transformation, AN’s viewpoints on the South China he said. Sea issues which received consensus The Vietnamese government has at the 36th ASEAN Summit and 53rd assigned the public security minis- ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting. try to finalise a legal framework on It highlighted the importance of cybersecurity consistent with re- maintaining and promoting peace, gional and international standards security, stability, safety and free- to facilitate tightening cybersecurity, dom of navigation and aviation in cybercrime prevention and control the sea. The countries committed in Vietnam as well as international to fully and effectively implement cooperation, he said. the Declaration on the Conduct of Vietnam has implemented the Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang speaks at an ASEAN teleconference on Wednesday. VNS Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and National Digital Transformation work with China to soon complete Programme towards 2025, with a on information infrastructures, he tion with regional and international Vietnamese Deputy Minister of For- the negotiation of an effective and vision to 2030 with the aim of mak- said. partners. eign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Dung at pragmatic code of conduct (COC) ing the country among 50 leading At the meeting, delegates from Singapore is ready to work with all the virtual ASEAN Senior Officials’ in the South China Sea, ensuring its e-government countries. ASEAN countries agreed on the ASEAN partners to safeguard cyber- Meeting (SOM) on Wednesday. consistency with international laws, “In this digital transformation spirit of working together to address space, he said. The Vietnamese diplomat highly including the 1982 UN Convention process, network information se- cybersecurity challenges in a com- To enhance security for operation- appreciated the cooperation of on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). curity and safety is the key factor in prehensive and sustainable way. al technology (OT) and the internet ASEAN member countries with ASEAN senior officials also urged creating a safe environment for digi- Secretary-general of ASEAN Dato of things, Iswaran announced that Vietnam in the role of ASEAN Chair health officials to finalise the ASEAN tal transformation,” he said. Lim Jock Hoi said promoting re- the Cyber Security Agency of Singa- 2020 and proposed more coordina- code of conduct on responding to The ministry has focused on pro- gional cybersecurity cooperation pore will establish an OT Cyberse- tion of ASEAN member countries public health emergencies. tecting critical information infra- has become important and served curity Expert Panel and launch the and agencies to complete priorities They showed consensus on build- structures through promoting train- as a driving force for member coun- Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme. this year, including initiatives in re- ing an ASEAN travel corridor in the ing, improving qualifications and tries to complete the overall ASEAN The ASEAN ministerial meeting sponse to Covid-19. context of the Covid-19 pandemic. capacity of the specialised security post-Covid-19 recovery. on cybersecurity was held within Discussing cooperation within At the meeting, ASEAN member teams as well as conducting research S Iswaran, Singaporean Minister the framework of Singapore Inter- the bloc, delegates expressed their countries stressed the importance of to develop and apply advanced soft- for Communications and Infor- national Cyber Week 2020 which is satisfaction at the outcomes since ASEAN’s central role and agreed to ware and technology. mation and Minister-in-charge of taking place from October 5 to 9. early this year. support Vietnam’s proposal to issue The ministry has also paid atten- Cybersecurity, applauded ASEAN ASEAN senior officials’ meeting Chaired by Vietnam, the ASEAN the ASEAN+3 Declaration on Eco- tion to international cooperation member states for their steadfast As ASEAN Chair 2020, Vietnam is Community building process has nomic and Financial Self-Reliance with countries inside and outside focus on strengthening cybersecu- preparing for the 37th ASEAN Sum- been actively implemented, with to respond to emerging challenges. the region to respond to attacks rity, domestically and in collabora- mit to take place in November, said ASEAN’s initiatives in 2020 on VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Indonesians protest divisive job law Seven-day quarantine

THOUSANDS of students and late last year following the sian Prosperous Workers estate programme in the prov- discussed in Thailand workers have staged protests controversial revision to the Union (SBSI) also took to the ince. THAILAND is seeking ways periods in preventing the across the Indonesian capital Corruption Eradication Com- streets of Jakarta to oppose the The hashtag #MahasiswaTu- to shorten the 14-day quar- spread of Covid-19. Given a Jakarta on Thursday to voice mission (KPK) Law. law on Thursday. runKejalan (Students Take to antine for foreign tourists to baseline of 14 days quaran- opposition to the newly passed “If our demands are rejected The protesters tried to move the Streets) also began trend- attract more arrivals as the tine as 100 per cent effective, controversial omnibus law on without consideration, voices toward the House compound ing on Twitter in reference to country opens up. the department will estimate job creation. are silenced, criticism is pro- but were stopped by police at Thursday’s mass rally. The Public Health Ministry the effectiveness of quaran- Members of the National hibited without reason and Jl Gerbang Pemuda in Senay- Beyond Jakarta, students has instructed the Disease Con- tine periods of 12 days, 10 Association of University Stu- we’re accused of subversion an, Central Jakarta, according and workers in areas across trol Department (DCD) to plan days and seven days. dent Executive Bodies (BEM-SI) and disruption, then there is to local media reports. the archipelago also staged appropriate quarantine periods. The ministry is targeting a announced that around 5,000 only one word – fight,” the alli- The crowd then moved to rallies to protest the new jobs Kiattiphum Wongrajit, min- 10-day quarantine, which it students would join the protest ance’s coordinator Remy Has- stage a rally in front of the Man- law on Thursday. istry permanent secretary, wants to propose to the Centre in front of the State Palace. tian said in a written statement power Ministry building on Jl The National Police have said on Wednesday that the for Covid-19 Situation Admin- The alliance was one of the on Thursday. Gatot Subroto in South Jakarta. deployed around 2,500 per- country is mulling shorter istration in the next two weeks. groups that previously held a Remy said the alliance would On Twitter, the hashtag sonnel from its Mobile Brigade quarantine periods to encour- The effectiveness of the mass rally under the #Refor- urge President Joko “Jokowi” #JokowiKabur (Jokowi Runs Operations Control (BKO Bri- age more foreign tourists. shortened quarantine period masiDikorupsi (reform cor- Widodo to issue a regulation Away) started trending, after mob) to beef up security amid Thailand is desperate to re- will be assessed after one rupted) movement. The hash- in lieu of law (Perppu) to Jokowi left the capital for Cen- the rallies in the Greater Jakar- launch its tourist industry to month. If the Covid-19 situ- tag was used for a series of revoke the contentious law. tral Kalimantan on Thursday ta area. THE JAKARTA POST/ASIA NEWS boost an economy shrinking ation is still under control, it rallies held across the country Workers under the Indone- for a work trip related to a food NETWORK fast under the impact of Covid- will be shortened further. 19. The country is currently However, not all visitors will open to certain groups of Thais enjoy the same shortened quar- and foreigners (diplomats, antine. Those from high-risk businesspeople, etc) but all face countries will still be subject to Malaysians report mental maladies due to virus mandatory 14-day quarantine. 14-day quarantine, while those The DCD has been tasked from low-risk countries might THE Covid-19 pandemic has taken a toll mental wellness, while nine per cent were pandemic hit, with 47 per cent doing less with estimating the effective- eventually be subject to only on people’s mental health with 44 per cent happier than before. physical activity than usual and nine per cent ness of different quarantine seven days. THE NATION (THAILAND) of Malaysians saying that their mental Malaysia is currently under the recovery not doing physical activities at all. wellness has been affected since the pan- movement control order (MCO), which Some 55 per cent of respondents in Sin- demic began, according to a global survey has been extended until December 31. gapore have become less physically active conducted by Ipsos. Ipsos also found that Malaysia ranked during the Covid-19 pandemic, followed The survey found that 37 per cent of better compared to its Southeast Asian by Philippines (53 per cent) and Thailand respondents were feeling down some of peers, with the Philippines ranking the (47 per cent), with Vietnam and Indonesia the time, while seven were feeling down highest with 62 per cent of the respond- both recording 43 per cent. all the time. ents feeling they were either feeling down In a separate poll, Ipsos also found that The poll, covering Covid-19 impact on some or all of the time during the Covid- 55 per cent of Malaysians believe health wellness, was conducted from September 19 pandemic. and physical wellbeing are a key source 18-22 among 3,000 adults aged 18 years This is followed by Singapore (57 per of happiness. and above in Southeast Asia, comprising cent), Thailand (56 per cent), Vietnam (54 This survey was conducted between July 500 individuals per country. per cent) and Indonesia (50 per cent). 24 and August 7, among 19,516 adults across It also said that 47 per cent of Malay- It also found that 56 per cent of Malaysians 27 countries, with 500 Malaysians polled for sians experienced no change in terms of have been less physically active since the it. THE STAR (MALAYSIA)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Thailand is desperate to relaunch its tourist industry. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST october 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 13 Opinion

Improving ASEAN Covid-19 www.phnompenhpost.com

EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Ly Tayseng response – implementation key Senior Editor Joshua Purushotman Managing Editor Post Khmer ment rates of fiscal and mon- Opinion Sam Rith etary stimulus and ensure the Lili Yan Ing Deputy Chief of Staff programs are ‘purely social Phak Seangly and not political’’. Business Editor OVID-19 has brought Last, we need a clear post- May Kunmakara about the worst eco- Covid-19 strategy that places Deputy Business Editor nomic impacts in the health and education at the top Sangeetha Amarthalingam modern era, hitting of the development agenda, as Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk theC world economy from the well as a trade and investment Pan Simala demand side and supply side strategy to help business recov- Senior Reporters simultaneously. er quickly. Meas Sokchea, Niem Chheng As of October 5, Covid-19 ASEAN has had a large Reporters has infected more than number of good commit- Khouth Sophak Chakrya, Kim Sarom, 700,800 people in Southeast ments, but this is the time for Long Kimmarita, Khorn Savi, Hin Pisei, Asia. It has claimed more not only commitments but Soth Koemsoeun, Voun Dara, Sous Yamy, than 17,100 lives, with Indo- real, solid ASEAN cooperation. Thou Vireak nesia recording the region’s At the regional level, health Photographers highest mortality rate at 4.1 must be our top priority. Heng Chivoan, Hong Menea, Hean Rangsey per cent. ASEAN may cooperate with Web Editor At the same time, Covid-19 China, Japan, Korea and Ger- Leang Phannara has caused more than 30 mil- many to ensure the availability Webmasters lion people in ASEAN to of health supplies at affordable Sous Chanthy, Pang Vichea become unemployed, push- prices for all levels of society. SIEM REAP BUREAU ing about 18 million people Second, we need to ensure Offi ce Manager into poverty, of which three the availability and price sta- Sophearith Blondeel million are in extreme pover- bility of food, particularly sta- PRODUCTION & PRINTING ty. What worries us most is What worries us most is that, if we fail to make corrections, rising unemployment and poverty may persist ple foods. Third, streamline Head of Desktop Publishing that, if we fail to make cor- for a long time. afp exportimport and investment Nhim Sokphyrak rections, rising unemploy- procedures and put automat- Desktop Publishing ment and poverty may per- ASEAN economy is that its public debt very well, tion of repo auctions, easing ic licencing systems in place Suon Savatdy, Chum Sokunthy, Danh Borath sist for a long time. ASEAN has recorded average investing in infrastructure, liquidity and buying back at zero cost. Last, improve Tep Thoeun Thyda, Tim Borith, Than Veasna In five years’ time, it will be economic growth of 5.2 per industry and education. On government bonds. capacity in digital-basedactiv- very difficult to help people cent in the last two decades. average, ASEAN had public Many experts contend that ities (assisting ASEAN coun- HEAD OFFICE who are currently unem- This growth is supported by debt of 43 percent of GDP Eastern countries, including tries in need) to ensure devel- ployed return to their previ- low budget deficits and rea- over the past 10 years. ASEAN, have been managing opment in education, ous employment, as their sonable public debt. This low budget deficit and Covid-19 relatively well com- industry and public services. skills will be obsolete and In the last 10 years, ASEAN reasonable public debt gives pared to their Western peers Covid-19 is a wake-up call Post Media Co, Ltd. they will be crowded out by countries recorded an aver- ASEAN governments enough in terms of managing cases for all of us to understand the The Elements Condominium Level 7, fresh graduates. This will cre- and mitigating the economic real meaning of development. Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, ate structural unemploy- ASEAN has had a large fallout. Other than GDP and econom- Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom ment, and structural unem- But despite ASEAN’s rela- ic growth, it is crucial to pay Penh, Cambodia ployment will lower the gross number of good tively good intervention, attention to human develop- Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 domestic product (GDP) in commitments, but this is the there is room for improve- ment (the percentage of the Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 the long run. ment, especially in terms of literate population, the per- Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 Covid-19 has hit the ASEAN time for not only implementation. centage of graduates and the SIEM REAP economy in at least three ways. At the national level, there is percentage of engineers), No 629, Street 6 Dangkum Commune First, lower global demand commitments but real, solid a need to improve the imple- health (protein consumption Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 decreases ASEAN’s exports. ASEAN cooperation mentation of stimulus meas- every day, life expectancy and COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT Second, dry global capital mar- ures. First, health and econo- the number of doctors per Chief Operating Offi cer kets reduce foreign direct age government budget bal- space to provide stimulus. my are not a trade-off. We thousand new-born babies) James Ong Soon Teck investment into ASEAN. Third, ance of minus 2.7 per cent of By September, ASEAN should prioritise health with and institutions (the percent- Advertising Department sluggish tourism hits the serv- GDP (budget balance is gov- countries had allocated a all efforts. Society can run age of population living in Chap Narith, 017 996 241 ices sector and many small and ernment revenue minus total fiscal stimulus of $207 businesses and return to nor- poverty, the percentage of Hun Channet, 017 578 768 medium enterprises (SMEs). expenditure, a negative billion (or about 6.5 per cent mal daily activities if and only population having access to Prach Monnyreak, 012 123 7777 As of now, most ASEAN number means expenditure of their GDP). This is much if they are safe and healthy. electricity and schools and the Keo Puthy, 012 966 605 countries are experiencing a is higher than revenue). This higher than the average of When we prioritise health, crime rate). Phon Sok Chea, 012 717 404 recession with two consecu- is relatively low compared to developing countries at three then the economic recovery The success of a country is Jessa Piastro, 092 445 983 tive quarters of negative eco- the average of developing per cent. The fiscal stimulus will be automatic. not merely determined by its CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION nomic growth — the first and countries with minus seven goes to healthcare, social Second, ensure Covid-19 GDP level or economic Acting Distribution Manager second quarters of this year. In per cent. safety nets, tax incentives social safety nets work effec- growth. It is determined by Thenh Rithy, 087 888 854 Circulation Supervisor the best case scenario, ASEAN Most ASEAN countries also and economic recovery pro- tively and efficiently, but only the success in improving the Nou Chanthy, 096 999 2828 will contract by 2.7 per cent have relatively reasonable grammes. temporarily. It is crucial to quality of life of its people — Yim Veasna, 015 814 499 this year, and even if ASEAN public debt of between 22 to The fiscal stimulus is target the right beneficiaries. for a safe, healthy and edu- ADMINISTRATION can increase domestic con- 53 per cent of their GDP. Only accompanied by monetary Third, allocate tax incentives cated society. THE JAKARTA POST/ Admin & HR Manager sumption in the third and Singapore has more than 100 stimulus that includes reduc- to productive activities (agri- ASIA NEWS NETWORK Pich Socheat fourth quarters, it can only percent of its GDP in public ing interest rates, lowering culture, industry and services) The writer is legal adviser at the Assistants to Admin & HR Manager grow by 3-4 per cent next year. debt at 154 per cent this year. bank reserve requirements, not consumption of goods. Economic Research Institute for ASEAN Nhel Soaphea and East Asia (ERIA) . The good thing about the But Singapore has manged raising the maximum dura- Fourth, increase disburse- Financial Director Heang Tangmeng Chief Accountant Sren Vicheka Treasurers Sok Sophorn, Yon Sovannara, Cheam Sopheak, Huy Hamsovannary IT Manager Seng Nak, Vong Oun

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Roth Sochieata

IMPLICITY is the beauty of life” and “variety is the spice of life”. These phrases come to mind when‘S you enter Silent, a humble restaurant located on a quiet street in the capital’s Boeung Keng Kang III commune with a menu that can please even the pickiest eater. Silent isn’t just a name, it’s the am- biance owner Vong Manith had in mind when he opened the restau- rant in January. Manith’s concept was to create a simple, serene atmosphere with a relaxing vibe and tasty food to give people a chance to recharge after a hard day’s work. “The name was conceived after I couldn’t find this vibe in other eater- ies I’ve visited. A simple vibe where I can just be myself without loud crowds of people. Therefore, I decided to open my own in the hopes of transferring this feeling to my customers,” he says. Manith says he wants all of his pa- trons to feel at ease when they enter the restaurant. They don’t need to be luxuriously dressed or well-put- together, he just wants them to feel at home. The restaurant isn’t completely silent. Customers can connect their devices to the restaurant’s speakers and enjoy their food while listening to their favourite songs – at a rea- sonable volume of course. “I consider this is to be one of the Silent prides itself on being the quietest eatery around. Patrons can expect a warm atmosphere, minimal noise and a menu full of authentic Thai and Khmer cuisine. hean rangsey exclusive experiences we offer here. The customers always fancy this customers. A majority of Silent’s dishes are rea- Besides a soothing atmosphere, Manith says he has prepared ther- part of our service and with a little Many people may picture raw fish sonably priced between $2 and $6. Manith says he believes the most mometers and sanitising alcohol romance-themed light, our custom- when they hear the word “larb”, but Apart from the delicious Asian important part of running a res- and gel for each customer to use be- ers can get lost in their own world,” in Thai kitchens, fish larb is a deep- cuisine, the restaurant also serves taurant is ensuring quality ingredi- fore entering the restaurant. Manith says. fried fish combined with peanuts, French red wine by the bottle or ents, and each ingredient at Silent is “Finally, I just want the customers minced lemongrass, turmeric, herbs, glass at an affordable price. sourced locally. to come and try the Thai food. They Finding the right flavours carrots and cucumbers. The melange Besides the most popular three “We have selected the highest don’t need to go to Bangkok to try all Manith’s friend, who has several of ingredients is seasoned to taste a dishes, Manith urges customers to quality type [of ingredients] because those dishes, I have it all and I guar- years of experience cooking in and little spicy and a little sour. try the local Khmer cuisine on offer we believe that to cook a dish with antee the taste [is natural].” owning restaurants in Thailand, Prawn larb is similar to fish larb as well. These dishes might be com- a full flavour, it depends on the in- Manith added that his restaurant helped create Silent’s Thai and but the difference of taste in the sea- monplace in the capital, but their gredients you use. And we are quite accepts reservations for celebrations Khmer-inspired menu. food makes both larb dishes worth taste sets them apart. cautious of that,” he says. and small gatherings and he plans “All of the Thai recipes were directly a try. “Lots of customers who come here on offering delivery service soon. delivered to our chef by my friend. He The Three-Legged Chicken (Moan A break from the riff-raff always say they are truly satisfied with Silent is open from 4-11pm from has selected all the best foods from Jerng Bey) is a dish of preserved Silent doesn’t have a flashy exterior the simple vibe but they also are as- Friday to Sunday and from 5-11pm Thailand such as fish larb, prawn larb spring onions mixed with dried and it’s easy to miss from the street, tonished by the food, the service and on Monday, Wednesday and Thurs- and Three-Legged Chicken as well as shrimp and herbs. The classic Thai but the magic lies within, where the the hygiene. They have an amazing day. The restaurant is closed on some Khmer specialties.” dish offers a one-of-a-kind taste distinct lack of noise, the warm vibes and refreshing time. That’s why I can’t Tuesdays. It’s located on Street 95 The 33-year-old Manith says these that pairs perfectly with a glass of and the meticulously crafted dishes move on from this name and I try my Corner 376, Boeung Keng Kang III, three dishes are the most beloved by cold beer. combine for a special experience. best to maintain the vibe here.” Phnom Penh.

Owner Vong Manith crafted his restaurant for comfort with a cosy, minimalist interior. hean rangsey Fish larb, prawn larb and Three-Legged Chicken are among customer favourites. hean rangsey THE PHNOM PENH POST october 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 15 Lifestyle Thinking caps

Aava Murto, a 16-year-old climate and human rights activist, served as Finland’s prime minister for a day. afp PM for a day: Teenager fills Finland’s top job INNISH Prime Minis- “I think young people could Elsewhere, senior jobs at ter Sanna Marin faced teach adults to be more inno- Microsoft, Samsung, Face- a quieter day than vative and think more about book and Twitter will go to usual on Wednesday the future,” she added. teenage girls in countries afterF handing power to a 16- The swap is part of a global including El Salvador, Gua- year-old as part of a campaign “Girls Takeover” campaign by temala, the Netherlands and to promote girls’ rights. children’s rights charity Plan the Philippines. Aava Murto, from Vaasky in International, which aims to Finnish premier Marin, 34, southern Finland, said she was raise awareness of girls’ digi- became the world’s youngest having an “exciting day” as she tal skills and opportunities in head of government when faced media on the steps of technological industries and she took office in December, parliament after meeting with highlight the problem of online leading a coalition of five the chancellor of justice. harassment against women. centre-left parties who were “SPREAD OUT!” Murto added that she had Although Finland scores all led by women. “learnt some new things highly in international gender Marin did not have Wednes- ACROSS 48 Matthau or Cronkite 10 Like Shriners’ hats about legislation.” equality comparisons, women day completely free however, 1 Cat’s dogs 50 Form an opinion 11 Be open to learning new things In the afternoon, the stu- are still heavily under-repre- as she took part in budget ne- 5 Construction piece 51 Conclude 12 The first “Mr. Shirley Temple” dent who actively campaigns sented in technology firms and gotiations in the morning. 10 Alpine transport 52 Ill at ___ (uncomfortable) 13 Optimistically upbeat on climate and human rights boardrooms, while the coun- A planned working break- 14 Access for a miner 53 Passionate states 21 Deuce edger issues was to speak with MPs try’s share of females starting fast with Murto was cancelled 15 Five dozen 55 Like some relationships 23 Tore through town and the minister for develop- technology-related studies is at the last minute, but they 16 Jason’s mythical craft 58 Kind of rays 25 Sprouted like a weed ment and foreign trade. the lowest in the OECD. were due to meet for a debrief 17 Gentleman’s companion 61 “The Sun ___ Rises” 26 “Do ___ others ...” Her message to decision- The global campaign coin- in the evening. 18 Diesel’s invention 62 Phobias 28 Lopsided makers has been that girls cides with the UN’s International Asked if she would be inter- 19 “___ I was saying ...” 65 Went out, as a fire 29 Nigerian monetary unit “need to realise more how Day of the Girl Child on Sunday, ested in doing the job full-time 20 Small, silvery fish 66 Manner 32 Tennessee NFL player important they are, and how and will also allow girls take on in a few years, Murto told AFP: 22 Ambassador, e.g. 67 TV actress Georgia 33 Make changes to they are just as good at tech- the jobs of ministers in Kenya, “It’s not up to me to decide 24 Tool that uses compression 68 “Out of the frying pan, ___ ...” 38Eight-angled figures nology as boys,” she told AFP. Peru, Sudan and Vietnam. that, but possibly, yeah!” afp 27 Did an impression of 69 Workplace honcho 40 Classical, decorative pitcher 28 ___ Arbor, Mich. 70 Like a bassoon’s sound 41 ___-to-know basis 30 Seafaring raptors 71 Ominous date for Caesar 44 Analyze 31 Erase DOWN 46 Urban pollution 34 Droop 1 Close associates 49 Pot, old-school 35 Abominable snowman 2 Rodin sculpture at the Met 54 Bicycle wheel spokes From zero to hero: Indian 36 Jeans material 3 Many photographers have them 55 Traditional Easter entree 37 About 2.2 pounds 4 Pen-shaped, pointed instruments 56 Spicy stew 39 Fashioned on a loom 5 “Capital” attachment 57 Philosopher Descartes 42 ___ on (love excessively) 6 One’s life story, for short 59 Distribute (with “out”) super child stars on Netflix 43 Construct 7 What a tornado can cause 60 Kerfuffles 8 Little bit of matter 63 Scarlet IT was a quest worthy of a 45 Female ovines 9 Too numerous to be counted 64 Artfully clever superhero. Animator Rajiv 47 A Bobbsey twin Chilaka spent years flogging his pitch about a superhu- Thursday’s solution man Indian child to Western executives, to no avail. But today Mighty Little Bheem is a global hit, as view- ers seek alternatives to white- dominated storylines. From his mother’s sari to his love of laddoos, everything about the star toddler is Indian. His giant fan base stretches from Seattle to Sao Paulo, making it Netflix’s most pop- Mighty Little Bheem, Netflix’s top international release of 2019 in the ular show for preschoolers. US, tells the story of a superhuman Indian child afp Since its launch last year, it has been seen by more than [Little Bheem] – his popular In- – years ago,” he said. Thursday’s solution 27 million households. It was dian show about a nine-year- Although US studios regu- Netflix’s top international re- old village boy with superhu- larly approach Indian anima- lease of 2019 in the US, and man strength – global. tors to create English-language a third season is now under TV executives demurred, content at a lower price, the in- way. claiming children in the West dustry had never won acclaim But the nappy-wearing super- would reject it because the for original productions. hero’s journey from the south- setting was “too bright and Then Netflix came calling. ern Indian city of Hyderabad to colourful” and the protagonist The streaming giant wanted Hollywood was not easy. was shirtless, Chilaka said. to crack India’s massive enter- “I was thrown out of every “It didn’t really make sense tainment market, and hoped office I went to,” said Chilaka, to me. I mean, kids are drawn a Bheem spin-off based on a who originally approached US to colour and Disney made baby version of Chilaka’s be- television channels with the Jungle Book – a whole movie loved superhero would help hope of taking Chhota Bheem about a boy in his underwear to do just that. afp 16 THE PHNOM PENH POST october 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Sport Hamilton resumes record trail at Nurburgring HREE names synonymous solute dominance since the start of with glory and success will this Covid-19 affected season. grab attention for contrast- Hamilton goes into the race with a ing reasons this weekend 44-point lead in the drivers’ title race whenT the once-legendary Nurbur- ahead of team-mate Valtteri Bottas, gring hosts a Formula One race for who won in Sochi two weeks ago the first time in seven years. and remains determined to close Lewis Hamilton will be seeking, the gap on the six-time champion. at the second attempt, to equal Mi- “I won’t give up and we’ll keep push- chael Schumacher’s record of 91 ing,” he said, mindful that Hamilton wins while the seven-time champi- is expected to react to his testy defeat on German’s son Mick is set to make in Russia, since when the defending his F1 debut in Friday’s opening champion has kept a low profile, with practice with Alfa Romeo. a typically inspired display. Alongside them, Sebastian Vettel – the last winner at the historic venue in ‘Surreal’ 2013 – will be bidding to avoid any ba- Formula Two championship leader nana skins as he embarks on his clos- Mick Schumacher will not be the only ing chapter with Ferrari, having admit- one of Ferrari’s junior drivers in action ted on Wednesday that his spell with at the German circuit as his rival and the Italian team has been a failure. colleague Briton Callum Ilott is due to All three men and the rest of the drive for Haas on Friday morning. travelling F1 circus are expected to Schumacher, 21, said it will be a face severely cold conditions with rain special experience to make his de- and low temperatures forecast for the but on home German soil. He leads weekend’s inaugural Eifel Grand Prix. Ilott in the F2 title race and both will For Hamilton, there is more at be vying to impress in the hope of stake than a chance to claim anoth- landing an F1 seat next year. er record as he presses on in pursuit Ahead of his debut, Vettel gave of equalling Schumacher’s haul of Schumacher a warm welcome. “It seven drivers’ championships. was surreal to see him in his father’s After his disappointment at the Ferrari at Mugello,” he said. “He is Russian Grand Prix, where he was just a nice young man and, knowing handed two controversial five-second who his father is, and what he meant penalties on his way to a fighting third to me, it was very special. and a subsequent outburst, in which “This situation is very difficult for he claimed there was a conspiracy to him, but I think he is coping with it in slow him down, he will be seeking to a mature way for someone so young.” reclaim his dominance and dignity. Schumacher added: “It looks like it Like Vettel, he is a former winner at is going to be wet – every time I test the track which, in a previous incarna- a new car, it is always wet! I hope I tion as the feared “Nordschleife”, saw can do a few laps and do my best.” the birth of the “Silver Arrows” in 1934, Vettel, who regarded Michael when Manfred von Brauchitsch won Schumacher as his racing hero, said the International Eifel Race. he had failed at Ferrari because he Hamilton triumphed in 2011 with failed to win a title. “That was my McLaren, powered by a Mercedes en- mission,” he said. “So, I have failed. I gine, but he has not claimed victory didn’t manage to do that.” in the Eifel mountains since joining His former team Red Bull are likely the current Mercedes works team. to mount the main challenge to Ham- Mercedes have registered only one ilton and Bottas, in their 2020 “black F1 win at the venue – delivered on the arrows” cars, with Max Verstappen daunting ‘old’ circuit by Juan-Manuel leading the way just days after engine- Fangio in 1954 – and may not find it suppliers Honda announced they will Lewis Hamilton will still be chasing Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 wins this weekend when the once-legendary Nurburgring easy this weekend despite their ab- withdraw from F1 next year. afp hosts a Formula One race for the first time in seven years. afp Armless Pakistani snooker player masters the game MUHAMMAD IKRAM, who “In the beginning, I used to Cricket is by far Pakistan’s was born without arms, steps push the balls by myself on an most popular game, but snook- up to a snooker table, sizes up empty pool table,” Ikram said. er holds an important place in his options and with a firm “Gradually, I improved my the country’s sporting scene. flick of his chin strikes the game and started playing British officers introduced the cue ball and slots a red into a with others.” game during the colonisation corner pocket. Ikram can now challenge of the Indian subcontinent and The sport was perhaps an the best players in town. Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad unlikely passion for Ikram, 32, He demonstrated a range of Ali Jinnah, was a keen player. to pursue, but the Pakistani shots, giving a solid and as- Pakistan keeps no up-to-date player has spent years hon- sured flick of his head to sink statistics on people with dis- ing his skills and can now give reds and then colours into abilities, but non-governmen- anyone at his local snooker pockets, drawing applause tal organisations estimate there hall a run for their money. from other players. to be more than 30 million in a “It is a tough job that re- “Chalk your chin,” one of country of about 220 million quires hard work. If there is them quipped after Ikram A lack of a social safety net a player like me, I am ready eventually missed a shot. means the majority of the dis- to face him”, Ikram told AFP Worried he might injure abled population stay home. during a recent visit to the himself, Ikram’s parents ini- Muhammad Nadeem, who snooker hall in the small town tially barred him from snook- owns the Samundri snooker of Samundri in Pakistan’s er for several years, but last hall, described Ikram as a eastern province of Punjab. year they allowed him to re- “true sportsman”. Born into a poor home, he turn to the sport. “We don’t charge him for a and his eight siblings did not go His skills quickly turned him game. Instead people pay him to to school and he spent much of into something of an internet play with them,” Nadeem said. his childhood feeling isolated. celebrity among Pakistan’s “He has no competition, in As a teenager, he started snooker-playing fraternity. cricket and football there are to watch players in the local “I become famous,” Ikram said, disabled players but when it Snooker was an unlkely passion for Muhammed Ikram, who was born with no arms, but he has spent years snooker hall and was inspired though he confessed to having comes to snooker he is a one- honing his craft and is a worthy opponent in any billiard hall. afp to start practising “in secret”. no idea what social media is. of-a-kind player.” afp & INSURANCE Q3 friday, october 9, 2020 | www.phnompenhpost.com/financial Marking 41 years of the re-establishment of the National Bank of Cambodia he National Bank of regulates and oversees bank- loses value or fluctuates too much, tions and regular inspections. and goods and services – both Cambodia (NBC) has been ing and financial institutions in local and international investors Currently, banking and microfi- domestically and internationally. re-established for 41 years Cambodia. lose confidence in a country’s nance institutions have increased Currently, Cambodia has the – since October 10, 1979 In addition, the NBC regularly economy and its monetary control. the total amount of deposits into fastest mobile payment system t– playing an important role in analyses the economic and mon- The second main role is to con- the economy to around 129.1 usage rate in the entire ASEAN developing an efficient, stable and etary situation, issues reports and trol the banking system. The bank- trillion riel, with credit at around region, with accounts – which sustainable banking system. bulletins, monitors the national ing system plays an important role 141.8 trillion riel. people can pay with and send However, some among the pub- payment system, collects statistics, in mobilising savings to provide The continuous growth of the money nationwide and across lic still wonder what the full role balances, and participates in for- to those in need of credit. Such banking system has allowed many borders – having reached around of the NBC is. eign debt and credit management. intermediates are very important in Cambodians to have access to a 8.2 million. The NBC is the monetary au- The NBC has three main roles in supporting and promoting the eco- wide range of banking services, For factory workers, for exam- thority and regulator of the bank- general. nomic development of a country. such as home loans, product in- ple, such mobile payment systems ing system in Cambodia. As the The first is to maintain price Companies and enterprises that stalment loans, deposits, transfers can help them transfer money to monetary authority, the NBC is the stability, creating a favourable want to expand their business but and payments, with convenient their families in the provinces eas- sole issuer of the national currency environment for investment, con- do not have enough capital can get mobile services commonplace. ily, quickly and cheaply. – the Khmer riel – with the role of sumption and business. financing from banking and finan- The third main role is to control For the Royal Government of stabilising the riel. Over the past two decades, the cial institutions through credit. the payment system through the Cambodia, such a payment system In this regard, the NBC prepares value of the riel has maintained But this credit can only be ob- continuous modernisation of the is used to pay salaries to public and implements monetary and good stability and contributed to tained if the public has confidence financial infrastructure, which servants, collect taxes and pay for exchange rate policies in consulta- maintaining inflation. in the banking system by deposit- allows the banking system to run public services such as water and tion with the Royal Government of This is an indicator that con- ing their savings in banks and smoothly and efficiently. electricity. This in turn increases Cambodia within the framework of sumer prices remain low at around other financial institutions. Electronic banking services transparency and efficiency in the economic and financial policies 2.5 per cent on average annually, Therefore, the NBC must ensure facilitate payments, transfers and public institutions. of the Kingdom of Cambodia. As which maintains the purchasing that the banking and financial in- deposits, while fast payment sys- the regulatory authority, the NBC power of people’s incomes. stitutions are qualified to earn the tems enable the highly secure and Contributed by the National grants and revokes licences, and When the national currency trust of the people with regula- efficient payment of investments Bank of Cambodia

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE

ANNIVERSARY OF THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL BANK OF CAMBODIA

TEL:023 888 161 & 162 // EMAIL:[email protected] Follow us on B friday, october 9, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com/financial post finance & insurance q3 photos supplied photos Manulife Cambodia has received a ‘Top Workplaces in Asia’ award at the prestigious Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards 2020. Manulife Cambodia wins ‘Top Workplaces in Asia’ award 2020

anulife Cambodia, the Kingdom’s first international lifeM insurer, has received a “Top Workplaces in Asia” award at the prestigious Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards 2020. This marks the second consecutive year the company has been recognised by the international awards programme after winning a “Top Community Care Companies in Asia” award last year. The “Top Workplaces” award recognises companies that take a people-centric approach and demonstrate strong commitment towards employee empowerment and enrichment. Manulife Cambodia is one of only six companies in Asia – and the only one from Cambodia – to receive the accolade in 2020. “Manulife’s mission is to help make decisions easier and lives better for people, including our employees,” Manulife Cambodia CEO and general manager Justin Helferich. said Justin Helferich, Manulife Cambodia CEO and personally and professionally, This approach reinforces received a number of awards (Hong Kong); 2012. It supports its talented general manager. and best serve our customers, the importance of the life and recognitions locally and • Best Employer Brand workforce with ongoing “We are honoured to business partners and insurance company’s values.” internationally. These include: Award 2019-2020 professional education, health receive this prestigious communities.” Dr Jayanthi Desan, a (Thailand); and wellness benefits, and recognition for our efforts Shanggari Balakrishnan, member of the ACES Awards • Customer Engagement • Road Safety Certificate of programmes that reinforce to cultivate a diverse and the CEO of MORS Group, jury, praised Manulife Programme of the Year Recognition from National its inclusive culture, such as inclusive workplace, in which which organises the ACES Cambodia’s “focus on 2017-2019 (Hong Kong); Road Safety Committee unconscious bias training. all employees are inspired Awards, said: “Manulife equality in the workplace” • Best Corporate Brand 2018–2020 (Cambodia). It also seeks to enhance the to bring their authentic and Cambodia actively listens to and its “efforts to ensure of the Year 2018-2019 overall employee experience whole selves to work. feedback from employees, employees are cared for (Hong Kong); As a strongly people-centric with the adoption of digital “We will continue to analyses staff engagement across the spectrum”. • Corporate Social business, Manulife Cambodia technologies that foster support our employees and provides competitive Over the past eight years, Responsibility Leadership has continued to invest in innovation, productivity and so that they can thrive compensations and rewards. Manulife Cambodia has of the Year 2017-2019 its people since opening in community connection. post finance & insurance q3 friday, october 9, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com/financial C

“There should be a symbiotic relationship between the indus- Paragon and try and academia so that both will benefit from one another and have a win-win situation. Institute of Through the IBF, both the ABC and CMA have been able to execute various capacity-build- ing efforts that have benefited Banking MoU Cambodian bankers across the industry. “The MoU signifies a key to bridge gap milestone as we can now look forward to the increased and continuous efforts of he Institute of Banking by the higher education system. higher education institutions and Finance Cambodia “Higher education pro- in continuously redesigning (IBF) on Wednesday grammes in Cambodia have and revising their curricula signed a memorandum expanded rapidly to meet the Minister of Education HE Dr Hang Chuon Naron (centre left) presided over the MoU signing ceremony. HEANG RANGSEY with particular relevance to Tof understanding (MoU) with needs of the growth in various the needs of the banking sector Paragon International Uni- sectors, but this growth has laboration is to equip Cambo- tency framework produced by industry ready, while furthering and the dynamic nature of versity Cambodia promoting lacked synchronisation with dian graduates with the quality the industry. industry-driven capacity-build- the business world,” said ABC a collaboration to bridge the the requirements of industry competencies relevant to their “This will help the sector ing and education. chairman Dr In Channy. skills gap between academic in- due to the non-existence of future employment and further reduce the amount of invest- “In improving education, HE Eang Sophalleth – Para- stitutions’ programmes and the collaborations and cooperation strengthen the Kingdom’s ment necessary in training new everyone should play a role, gon’s honorary chairperson needs of the banking industry. between the two. socio-economic development. graduates as they will already especially as an industry. The – hailed the success of the Minister of Education, Youth “I applaud this initiative led “The purpose of this MoU have the skills the industry National Bank of Cambodia university’s alumni, especially and Sport HE Dr Hang Chuon by the IBF, and supported by is to bridge the gap in terms needs,” said IBF general man- has worked with the industry from the Department of Bank- Naron presided over the formal- the ABC and CMA, as well as of the industry’s needs and ager Chea Kagnarith. to initiate the IBF, and it is ing and Finance. ising of the MoU at a signing the positive cooperation of the institutions’ programmes. The collaboration also aims pleased to see the impact the “The MoU signing ceremony ceremony also graced by HE Paragon International Uni- This is to make sure that to enhance the status of the IBF has had on the overall between Paragon International Chea Serey, assistant governor versity in participating in this institutions produce industry- banking and finance sec- ecosystem of banking capacity University and the Institute and director-general of Central inaugural collaboration. I look ready graduates. This is done tor through the promotion of building from graduates to of Banking and Finance gives Banking at the National Bank forward to seeing more of such through the alignment of their industry-endorsed certification banking professionals. strong testimony to the univer- of Cambodia. collaborative efforts, including curriculum with the compe- and ensuring graduates are “Together this is contribut- sity’s commitment to further Members of the board of with our local public universi- ing towards a knowledge- building university-industry directors and senior manage- ties,” Minister of Education based economy and serving a partnerships. ment of the IBF and Paragon Chuon Naron said. purpose towards the country’s “I am confident that – as well as senior officials He added that the col- economic development and through this MoU on the from the Association of Banks laboration will showcase how sustained growth,” said HE offering of the ‘Retail and in Cambodia (ABC) and the employers and universities can Chea Serey, assistant governor Commercial Lending’ course Cambodia Microfinance As- work together with a sys- and director-general of Central at Paragon, we will be able to sociation (CMA) – were also in temic approach to improve the Banking at the National Bank further contribute to training attendance. capacity and employment pros- of Cambodia. students and the next genera- Through the MoU, the IBF pects of graduates, and serve as The MoU also offers tion of banking and finance and Paragon will collaborate in the inspiration for other indus- Paragon’s students and faculty professionals – who will various initiatives to bridge the tries to work with the relevant members the opportunity to de- not only be able to work in gap between the rapidly evolv- educational institutions to do velop and improve their skills, Cambodia, but at any financial ing skills needs of the banking so as well. knowledge and networks in the institution in the world,” said industry and what is provided The key objective of the col- Paragon rector Deth Sok Oudom and the IBF’s Chea Kagnarith. HEANG RANGSEY banking and finance industry. Sophalleth. D friday, october 9, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com/financial POST FINANCE & INSURANCE Q3 ‘Number of MFI borrowers asking for loan restructuring has reduced’

ewer cash-strapped with 20,000 clients doing significantly affected,” Vandy micro loan borrowers so every week, but this later told The Post. who have been declined to 10,000 in June By September, more than affected by the effects and July. Over the past 270,000 borrowers had Fof the Covid-19 pandemic are several weeks, there have requested loan restructuring seeking to delay their loan been only around 1,000 from the 103 members of CMA. repayments, according to requests per week. A total of 260,000 requests, the Cambodia Microfinance “This is a really good sign or 94 per cent, have been Association (CMA). that the impact of Covid-19 is approved – with a staggering CMA executive director Phal declining and the economy loan value of $1.27 billion, Vandy said the current trend is recovering. he added. is “a really good sign” that the “CMA is discussing with MFIs have provided loans impact of the outbreak on the members and stakeholders worth $7.2 billion to 2.1 economy is tapering off. to explore the possibility of million clients, while 2.8 “CMA noted a sharp extending loan restructuring million depositors deposited increase in loan restructuring into 2021 as some clients from $3.8 billion in the six requests in April and May, the tourism sector remain microfinance deposit-take institutions in Cambodia. During the Covid-19 outbreak, non-performing loans (NPL) in the microfinance sector spiked from 1.5 per MFIs have provided loans to some 2.1 million clients. Supplied cent to 2.5 per cent – rising in March and peaking in May – decline in income as demand revival strategies – including “CMA is proactively but gradually decreased in for loans dipped. business contingency plans engaging with all its members, the following months. “On the bright side, the and business continuity plans the National Bank of In August, bad loans pandemic has been another – since January to navigate Cambodia and Credit Bureau remained at 2.7 per cent in the test to show how resilient the financial crunch as the Cambodia to monitor the MFI sector, while they stood at the financial sector in pandemic disrupted business credit market in real time to 2.3 per cent in the banking and Cambodia is. operations. help the industry mitigate finance sector. “During such hard times, “CMA members had been the economic impacts of the However, the NPL rate is MFIs were not only able to preparing for a much worse Covid-19 pandemic for all its considered sustainable by absorb the impacts and remain impact. All clients of CMA clients. Liquidity among the global standards, according operational, but were also able members who are affected by top 10 MFIs remains strong, ” to association figures. to mobilise their resources to Covid-19 can request or will said Vandy. As in many other sectors, support their affected clients be asked to restructure their the membership of CMA MFIs were not insulated and communities,” said Vandy. loans if they are unable to includes four banks, 76 during the pandemic and The association and its pay. CMA members believe MFIs, 11 financial leasing were burdened with rising members took proactive that their real success is the institutions and 12 rural credit CMA executive director Phal Vandy. Supplied operational costs and a action by preparing business success of their clients. operators.

CamEd Business School president Casey Barnett. Accounting has become a much sought after career in the Kingdom. CamEd primes students for financial world

Last year, 96 per cent of the 313 absorbed by Cambodia’s fast- The Bachelor of Accounting key to developing the Cambodian “Everyone is in business to make CamEd Business School students who expanding banks, investment firms and Finance is one of CamEd’s economy,” Barnett said. profits, and you can’t really know majored in a Bachelor of Accounting and big accounting players such most popular courses, as are the The Bachelor of Accounting and your profits unless you have a proper and Finance were employed within as PwC, KPMG, Deloitte and Ernst Association of Chartered Certified Finance (Honours) is an accredited accounting system – particularly days of their graduation, while the & Young – which offer great perks Accountants (ACCA) qualification four-year degree. At the same time, when your business starts to grow. remaining four per cent joined their and opportunities for further career and the Certificate in Accounting students can pursue an international “When you have a small business family businesses or furthered advancement. Technicians (CAT). These professional CAT qualification and may continue it is not such a problem – you can their studies. “At CamEd, every year we get better courses help open doors for an on the ACCA programme. estimate your income and expenses. For fresh graduates to be so and better in teaching accounting and exciting career in the world of These benchmark international “But as your business grows, the quickly employed in a tight finance. This has become our biggest accounting and finance. qualifications and comply with the only way to properly manage your labour market is an impressive advantage – our real strength – and “I think a lot of young people requirements of the International profits, expenditure and budgeting – record for CamEd. we bring great value to students. So now aspire to be successful in Federation of Accountants, the and do so in a sustainable manner The figures reveal two interesting this is the direction we are taking,” business, and accounting really is a Ministry of Education, Youth and – is to have a strong accounting results – the growing demand in CamEd president Casey Barnett told strong foundation. When you have Sports, and the Cambodian National system,” Barnett said. the financial sector for talented The Post. a foundation in accounting you can Qualification Framework. Staffed with professional lecturers personnel and CamEd’s ability to For the past 20 years, CamEd – work in any business because they These courses provide a strong from around the globe, CamEd offers produce quality graduates for the established in 2000 – has continuously all need accounting. foundation in the field of accounting, premium quality education that suits accounting profession. produced top-notch graduates in the “The Bachelor of Accounting which helps graduates grasp the the needs of the current financial CamEd’s graduates are easily fields of finance and accounting. and Finance remains very much complexities of the financial world. market in the Kingdom. POST FINANCE & INSURANCE Q3 friday, october 9, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com/financial E

Sathapana strong in third quarter as bank marks 25th anniversary

In leaps and bounds, Sathapana Bank built its robust operations to emerge as a leading commercial bank in the Kingdom – and after 25 years the financial institution is standing tall in the industry.

s a Japanese- Bank recorded strong growth owned bank in in both deposits and loans, the Kingdom, while maintaining healthy Sathapana Bank profits. This is testament to hasA always been one of Sathapana Bank’s sustainable the most trusted financial progress even in challenging institutions for Cambodians, events. providing financial services Sathapana Bank has the with professionalism and second-largest branch network transparency. in the Kingdom with more than And as a result of this, 170 branches and 230-plus Sathapana Bank this year ATMs nationwide. celebrates 25 years of success Sathapana’s broad banking in the Kingdom. network enables its customers With the financial institution in all provinces and rural areas marking its 25th anniversary to access financial services and An artist’s impression of Sathapana Bank’s new headquarters on Norodom Boulevard, which are set for completion early next year. in Cambodia, the bank better manage their money. has launched two special This year appears a new branches and installed construction – which accounted promotions, the “Deposit and fruitful one for Sathapana, further ATMs for even greater for 39.4 per cent of total paid Win Campaign” – with a as it dynamically advances customer convenience. employment last year – as Mazda 6 as a grand prize – and its digital banking to align Embracing change is one being the Kingdom’s three most “Sathapana Pay Cashback”. with the farsighted vision of of Sathapana’s key focuses affected sectors. As of the third quarter of this becoming the most innovative to guarantee that the latest Standing with Cambodians year, Sathapana’s total assets bank in digital finances. banking technologies are in during this challenging period, grew almost $300 million to A wide range of features its customers’ hands while Sathapana has joined with the $1.96 billion, up from $1.67 have been introduced on the remaining one step ahead of National Bank of Cambodia’s billion in 2019. Sathapana Mobile app – Cash competitors. measures to reduce the impact Its deposit portfolio rose to by Code, Sathapana Pay and The Asian Development Bank of Covid-19 on the economy. $1.17 billion, which expanded Visa Virtual Card, with an has forecast a four per cent These have included by 19.4 per cent compared to online account opening service contraction for Cambodia’s continuing to provide loans to $947.4 million in 2019. While and a Ministry of Public Works gross domestic product this year priority sectors, maintaining for loans, the figure increased and Transport bill payment due to the effects of Covid-19. a gentle attitude towards to $1.48 billion. system. Moreover, the World Bank late loan repayments and Despite the effects of the By the end of this year, the has highlighted tourism, realistically revising loan Covid-19 pandemic, Sathapana bank will have launched three manufacturing exports and terms where possible. F friday, october 9, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com/financial POST FINANCE & INSURANCE Q3 POST FINANCE & INSURANCE Q3 friday, october 9, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com/financial G Amret continues to care in 2020 lthough only ing communities with the “Everything is possible the third quarter of financial and non-financial if you plan ahead and work 2020, it has been a services needed to improve hard towards achieving your busy year so far for their livelihoods and house- goals, and Kmeng Chhlat em- AmretA Microfinance Institu- hold incomes through better bodies this spirit perfectly,” tion Plc, as one of Cambodia’s productivity. Wee said. leading financial institutions “The CAMAgriMarket app Amret has also been recog- continues to demonstrate is a great portal to serve the nised with the “2020 Leading its commitment to assisting agricultural sector, and we Financial Institution for Em- people in the Kingdom across believe this has the huge po- powering Women in Business a wide range of sectors. tential to benefit the agricul- in Cambodia” award from As well as aiding those tural community nationwide,” Global Finance Magazine. most vulnerable to the eco- said Amret chief commercial “It is indeed an honour for nomic effects of the Covid-19 officer Alan Wee. Amret to be recognised as the outbreak, the microfinance Amret is also making a dif- ‘Leading Financial Institu- institution is helping empower ference in education, with Wee tion for Empowering Women rural farmers and women in saying that helping children in Business in Cambodia’. business. fulfil their dreams was the key Amret, since its early years, CEO Dos Dinn said Amret motivation behind the “Kmeng has always recognised the would pay particular atten- Chhlat Account”. importance of women playing tion to those individual bor- Amret launched the in- a pivotal role in the economic rowers in the business sectors novative Kmeng Chhlat and social development of .supplied identified by the National Amret executive director Estelle Darie-Rousseaux (left) Account in August as part families in Cambodia. Bank of Cambodia as most the global Covid-19 crisis, ” of its campaign to encourage “More than 90 per cent of vulnerable to the economic Dinn said. parents to start saving early our clients during our forma- effects of the Covid-19 July saw Amret and the for their children’s future tive years in the early 1990s pandemic – tourism, garment Ministry of Agriculture, higher education needs. were women as we were offer- manufacturing, construction Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) “A university educa- ing only small group loans in and transport, as well as team up to use digital technol- tion can be very expensive. villages and women trusted us agriculture. ogy to empower rural farmers. Depending on the institu- first. Today, 68 per cent of our Amret says it is offering a Together they rolled out tion and course, financing a borrowers are women across helping hand to its customers the Agriculture Market four-year degree university all segments and in all types by offering a loan repayment Mobile App – known as the education can be a burden of business. grace period or loan renewals CAMAgriMarket app – which for most families. Amret has “Amret will continue to to 120,000 group loan clients brings farmers, buyers, sellers developed the Kmeng Chhlat provide affordable financial whose livelihoods have been and all other stakeholders Account to address this. solutions to empower women, affected by the unprecedented together on a common digital “We hope this savings plan which will eventually not situation. platform to better promote will help parents finance their only help in creating jobs, Amret has also offered agri-business and make agri- children’s higher educa- but also benefit communities. grace periods to individual Amret’s CAMAgriMarket app helps link up players in the agriculture sector. culture a more sustainable and tion when they are ready to This will in turn help to lift clients whose businesses lucrative sector. take this step. We also hope the living standards of com- and jobs have been affected, “As a socially responsible renewals will support our cli- “Both Amret and MAFF children will be inspired to munities and promote women now representing more institution, Amret sincerely ents and their families through share a common vision and earn a university degree as the entrepreneurship,” said Amret than 10 per cent of its loan hopes that the implementation these difficult economic the obligation to help em- first step towards a successful executive director Estelle portfolio of this grace period or loan circumstances brought on by power the Kingdom’s farm- professional career. Darie-Rousseaux. Powerplus and Acleda team up to support SMEs

Cambodia’s small and options, it allows Powerplus’s medium enterprises (SMEs) clients to gain access to bank can now avail of easy leasing loans and leverage on their options to procure their capital to own more heavy machinery. equipment, such as dump Heavy machinery supplier trucks, excavators, wheel Powerplus Machinery loaders, bulldozers, forklifts, (Cambodia) has teamed up with tractors and graders. Powerplus Machinery (Cambodia) specialises as a solutions provider for heavy equipment such as graders. supplied Acleda Bank Plc, signing a This in turn helps to memorandum of understanding contribute to the building of provider in what is a fast- bulldozers, graders and asphalt “We provide more than them closely,” Da said. (MoU) to provide financing for the nation’s infrastructure as growing sector in Cambodia. mixing plants. Our business just simply selling quality As well as selling SMEs to tap into the booming well as the construction sector. “We offer market leading revolves around machines construction equipment – construction equipment, the infrastructure sector. “Together, we can do Powerplus products such as you can count on, and so instead, we help our customers company also provides a Acleda is one of Cambodia’s more to help in our nation’s dumper trucks, concrete trucks, customer satisfaction is vital finance their heavy equipment top-notch after-sales service, largest banks, with 262 development, and at the crawler cranes, backhoes, for Powerplus. purchases, and we support backed with a steady inventory branches spread across the same time allow our local of spare parts and Powerplus’s Kingdom. businessmen to own the heavy global distributor network. “We are proud to join hands equipment they are operating,” Dennis Tan, a Powerplus with Acleda to offer financing said Da. representative, said most for Cambodian businesses According to official owners of SMEs traditionally to expand their capital statistics, the construction preferred to rent their heavy expenditure and invest more sector attracted a total equipment monthly rather in improving the country’s investment of $8.7 billion in than own it. infrastructure. the first 11 months of last year, “With the implementation “I hope the MoU between up 67 per cent on the same of monthly instalments to Acleda and Powerplus will period in 2018. service the financing for their make it easier for the two The partnership between equipment, we hope companies to communicate Powerplus and Acleda will to help Cambodians own and work together to improve allow small business owners their machinery, and to Cambodia’s infrastructure,” more opportunities to tap into use our machines as assets said Powerplus Machinery the growing sector. to generate more income (Cambodia) managing director Powerplus Machinery for themselves. We deeply Tho Da. (Cambodia) specialises as a value Acleda’s strategic With the offer of financing heavy equipment solutions The company aims to help local businesses own the machinery they operate. supplied cooperation,” Tan said. H friday, october 9, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com/financial POST FINANCE & INSURANCE Q3