tuesday, december 8, 2020 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent Issue NUMBER 3557 / 4000 RIEL Trump’s New Covid cases found; attorney Giuliani road accidents gov’t set to buy vaccines gets Covid Mom Kunthear retested on December 7-8. at Pedro footwear and acces- called on civil servants who DONALD Trump on Decem- and deaths on The two new positive cases sories store on Sihanouk Blvd had been in contact with af- ber 6 said his personal lawyer HE Ministry of Health were Y Dara, a 21-year-old who has tested positive. fected individuals to take a Rudy Giuliani has tested the decline in has confirmed two man living near Wat Sansam Pich Chhara is an interior second test at the interior positive for Covid-19, the lat- more Covid-19 cases Kosal in Phnom Penh’s Boe- ministry official and visited ministry. est member of the US presi- first 10 months linked to the ‘Novem- ung Tompun commune, and Zando fashion store in Boe- The National Olympic dent’s inner circle – where berT 28 community event’, Chi Pich Chhara, a 29 year- ung Keng Kang district on Stadium has also been pre- mask-wearing is rare – to national – page 3 bringing the total local trans- old woman who lives in Chak November 27. pared for testing for mem- contract the disease. mission cases to 32. Angre Leu commune of the The health ministry said on bers of the public who were The 76-year-old former Meanwhile, more than 10,000 capital’s Meanchy district. December 7 that from No- exposed during last week’s New York City mayor’s age people, including all Ministry Dara is the housemate of vember 29 to December 6, it puts him in a high-risk of Interior officials, will be Nhel Sok Kola, a staff member had tested 11,305 samples. It Continued – page 2 group, and The New York Times and ABC reported that he was hospitalised on December 6 in Washington as the US faces a record surge in coronavirus cases. Giuliani’s diagnosis comes after he had been criss- crossing the country, lead- commercial ing the president’s defiant – and unsuccessful – effort livestock to undo Joe Biden’s victory in the November 3 presi- output up 17%, dential election. During his travels, Giuliani minister says has been seen frequently business – page 7 without a mask – on Decem- ber 2, he was at the Michi- gan state assembly in Lans- ing with his face uncovered for a hearing that lasted more than four hours. On December 3, CNN showed footage of him in Atlanta walking maskless down a hall chatting with several other people whose faces were uncovered. “Giuliani, by far the great- est mayor in the history of 95 arrested NYC, and who has been working tirelessly exposing at protests the most corrupt election (by far!) in the history of the against French USA, has tested positive for security law the China Virus,” Trump Underway tweeted, using a term he WORLD – Page 10 applies to the coronavirus Royal Group of Companies Ltd chairman Kith Meng has announced that the development of 70km of concrete roads on Koh Rong Island that has been widely decried is about 30 per cent complete, with construction having begun in mid-July and proceeding on schedule since then. KITH MENG VIA FACEBOOK sTORY > 6 as racist and fanning con- spiracy theories. “Get better soon Rudy, we will carry on!!!” the presi- dent added. Families with HIV receive support A few hours earlier, Giuliani was interviewed live Voun Dara people living with HIV to be a tection system – equivalent to received a subsidy during the on Fox News and showed no vulnerable group. This entitles one-fifth of the total 9,640 Covid-19 pandemic,” he said. signs of the disease. THE National AIDS Authority them to an equity card to ensure affected families. The govern- Keo Ouly, the planning minis- Trump’s legal team said in (NAA) is working with the Min- that they have access to health- ment hopes 80 per cent of HIV- try’s director of Identification of a statement that Giuliani istry of Planning to include care and social protection. affected families will have Poor Households, said it had tested negative twice before Trash-tracking families of people living with HIV “So far, about 20 per cent of received an equity card by the been difficult to compile statistics his most recent trip and “did in the social protection system. the HIV-positive families have end of next year – with the rest for indigent HIV-positive house- not experience any symp- satellites help National Centre for HIV/ received the equity card, and included by 2023 at the latest. holds because many of them do toms or test positive for AIDS, Dermatology and STD we plan to complete the inte- “The benefit of the equity not disclose their conditions or Covid-19 until more than 48 Indonesia tackle (NCHADS) deputy director Hor gration by 2023,” he said. card is that they will receive otherwise hide their identities. hours after his return”. Bun Leng told The Post on According to Bun Leng, 1,928 free healthcare treatment and Officials struggle to identify and Other members of the marine waste December 7 that the Council of families with members who additional support services locate those families. legal team will follow their Ministers, in a letter dated Feb- are HIV-positive have been from the social affairs ministry. lifestyle – page 13 ruary 21 last year, determined registered with the social pro- For example, they recently Continued – page 3 Continued – page 10

THE PHNOM PENH POST Apsara Authority publishes National Angkor research journal Inside page 4 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST december 8, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National Gov’t reiterates calls for Small celebrations planned calm as it tackles Covid

Continued from page 1 ment of a state of emergency for Int’l Human Rights Day for the country, in whole or in community transmission. part. There will be no order to Niem Chheng There are also testing facili- close Phnom Penh as some ties set up at health depart- irresponsible people have al- HE UN in Cambo- ments around the country. leged,” he said. dia, local NGOs and Minister of Interior Sar Hun Sen called on the pub- the government’s Kheng ordered all secretar- lic to stay calm and not panic. Cambodian Human ies of state, deputy secretar- Instead, people should join RTights Committee (CHRC) ies and department directors the government’s efforts to will observe Human Rights to instruct their subordinates fight Covid-19 by following Day online and in small to be screened for Covid-19, the health ministry’s guid- groups following instances of including those who were al- ance, he said. Covid-19 community trans- ready tested in late November. The Prime Minister took mission last week. “To clear all suspicion, to Facebook again late in the UN in Cambodia staff said health ministry officials must evening on December 7 to they will celebrate human take samples from all people announce that he was pre- rights day virtually, with the working at the interior minis- paring to purchase Covid-19 theme The Right to Create (a try,” Sar Kheng said. vaccines to be distributed better world post-Covid-19), Sar Kheng also issued a di- to Cambodian people free where human rights are placed rective to temporarily block of charge. A million doses of at the heart of the recovery. entry to the interior ministry the vaccine would initially The theme was selected to compound for civil servants, be made available for people aspire that every child, wom- national police officials and working in high-risk environ- an and man may truly enjoy prison officials from December ments and the infirm. the rights and freedoms en- 7 onward until further notice. “This evening, I authorised shrined in the Universal Dec- In the interim, he said, all the Minister of Health, Mam laration of Human Rights 72 officials and ministry staff Bun Heng, to discuss with our Human Right Day Celebration in Phnom Penh’s Russey Keo district on December 10 last year. Hean Rangsey years ago, said Pauline Tame- must strictly adhere to quar- development partners, and sis, resident coordinator for 19 situation, there will be no memorating this important pertinent to the situation in antine protocols for 14 days, the World Health Organisa- the UN in Cambodia. gathering this year. Instead, day because human rights Cambodia, in light of the cur- in accordance with instruc- tion in particular, to deter- She said the events will be we will release educational pertain to all of us and it’s a rent Covid-19 outbreak. tions from the health minis- mine from which country we held in partnership with the videos about human rights, basis for our country’s devel- In response via an email to try. They must, however, con- should buy the vaccines. Delegation of the European including a message from the opment. Cambodia endured a T he Post, US emba ss y spokes- tinue work from home. “I have also advised the Union to Cambodia and the CHRC president about the protracted human rights trag- man Chad Roedemeier said Health ministry spokes- Minister of Economy and Fi- Swedish embassy. current human rights situa- edy – for three decades – and since the pandemic began, woman Or Vandine said on nance, Aun Pornmoniroth, to “The digital campaign to tion in Cambodia.” we must remember this. If the the US had donated more December 7 that paper mon- prepare a budget for the pur- celebrate human rights day Last week, the Phnom Penh Covid-19 situation is not too than $11 million in Covid-19 ey might harbour the coro- chase of one million doses in Cambodia will be released Municipal Hall rejected a re- serious, we should continue -related assistance to Cam- navirus if bills were handled in the first phase,” Hun Sen throughout the month of De- quest from local and interna- with our plan to gather. bodia, much more than any infected people who had not wrote. cember and will feature the tional NGOs seeking permis- “The Covid-19 problem will other country. followed sanitation guide- He noted that one mil- work of talented artists, musi- sions to hold an event in the not go away entirely soon – it He said the US Centres for lines. lion doses would affect only cians, performers and danc- capital’s Freedom Park with could be anywhere – and it’s Disease Control and Pre- “Covid-19 could potentially 500,000 people because each ers based on a participatory 1500 participants. important that we remain vention (CDC) and other US remain on bank notes, glass person would need to be in- process of art production into Sotha Ros, senior adviser for vigilant, [but] we also should health agencies have long- and other surfaces for up to 28 jected twice. Of Cambodia’s a musical-visual experience,” the Cambodian Human Rights not let Covid-19 hinder the standing partnerships with days, compared to common 16 million people, perhaps 10 she said in an email. Action Committee (CHRAC), a development of our country. the Cambodian Ministry cold viruses which could sur- million would need to be vac- Globally, celebrations of coalition representing local We can be cautious, but if we of Health, including pro- vive for 17 days. This is accord- cinated. Human Rights Day are being NGOs, said on December 6 are too afraid of Covid-19, grammes to develop surveil- ing to a statement by an Aus- He added that, following held being under the shadow that the organisations agreed everything will be paraly- lance and contact-tracing tralian researcher published initial procurements, the fi- of the Covid-19 pandemic with the municipal adminis- sed, not only in terms of hu- capacities. on October 12, 2020,” she said. nance minister would pre- and focus on the need to tration to postpone the mass man rights celebrations, but “Our partnership with the On December 6, Hun Sen pare a subsequent budget “Build Back Better” with hu- gathering. Celebrations on the all other social development Cambodian people is multi- wrote on Facebook that he had for the purchase two to three man rights being central to day of the memorial would as well,” Ros said. dimensional. In fact, even heard exaggerated rumours million vaccine doses in the rebuilding the world econo- now be conducted by indi- Meanwhile, the US embassy during the pandemic, the which claimed that a state next phase. my. The ceremonies aim to vidual NGOs in small groups in Phnom Penh is dedicating United States has contrib- of emergency would be an- “If the situation arises that reaffirm the importance of so as to abide by Covid-19 pre- December for “Democracy uted $700,000 to meet emer- nounced for the whole country our country is short of funds to human rights and highlight ventative measures. and Human Rights” while cel- gency needs in communi- or at least Phnom Penh. buy more, I have advised these the need for global solidarity The originally planned mass ebrating 70 years of US-Cam- ties impacted by significant The rumour-mongers, he two ministers to discuss with and interconnectedness with gathering will be delayed but bodia diplomatic relations. flooding,” he said. said, also urged people to our bilateral and multilateral a shared vision of humanity, will still go ahead, Ros said. The topic was selected in Since 1992, the US has in- stockpile food and other sup- development partners to seek Thamesis said. Organisers are set to meet with connection with UN Human vested more than $1 billion plies. additional assistance for our CHRC spokesman Chin Ma- municipal hall officials again Rights Day on December 10. in Cambodia in programmes “In the face of these un- people,” Hun Sen said. lin said: “In the past, we gath- on December 15 to discuss The theme elicited a reac- promoting health, education, founded statements, as the ered and issued messages to plans for assembling at Free- tion from justice ministry improved agriculture, environ- leader of the government, www.phnompenhpost.com educate the public about hu- dom Park on December 20. spokesman Malin, who last mental protection and human I confirm to the public that check the post website for breaking news man rights. Due to the Covid- “We don’t want to miss com- week said the topic was im- rights, Roedemeier said. there will be no announce- City hall to mediate pay dispute Long Kimmarita main anonymous told report- make payments, but they kept uty governor Pang Lida told ers during the protest that the delaying, day after day. They The Post on December 7 that THE Por Sen Chey district contractors’ excuse for failing said the development com- municipal authorities would authorities have decided to to pay workers’ earned wages pany had not yet released the summon the developers and refer a conflict involving Cen- was based on a claim that the money, and all the while, we contractors to negotiate with tury Group Co Ltd to the Chinese development com- kept doing the work,” she said. representatives of the construc- Phnom Penh Municipal Hall pany which held construction The Post was not able to tion foremen and workers. for a solution after several rights to the project had not contact Century Group for “According to protocols, the attempts at mediation failed to released money to the con- comment by press time on municipal authorities will in- resolve workers’ complaints. tractors to pay the workers. December 7. vite all relevant parties to the On December 5, a group The protester explained that The Century Plaza Market municipal hall to resolve the of 20 construction workers many workers and foremen construction project is set to conflict because our district and foremen, who claimed had not been paid for months be seven stories high with five officials were unable to do so. to represent over 100 oth- and, having no money, some floors and two basements, We had met to mediate the Construction workers protest at their construction site along Russian ers, gathered at their con- were forced to take work at according to a company press conflict a few times already, Federation Boulevard in Phnom Penh on Saturday. Facebook struction site along Russian other construction sites in or- release. Developers from the but one of the Chinese parties at the site was halted four signed with the municipal Federation Boulevard in the der to support themselves. Century Group won rights was uncooperative. months ago, and he suspect- administration, he said. district’s Kakab I commune, “I am a worker, and my hus- from the government to con- “For each meeting, they ed the project might have Phnom Penh Municipal holding up banners demand- band is a Chinese foreman for struct the shopping centre, sent a new representative to encountered financial trou- Hall spokesman Met Meas ing that Chinese contractors this building project. But he scheduled to open two years meet us, leading to miscom- bles. Regardless, the Century Pheakdey declined to com- pay them wages which were hasn’t received money for sev- after the project’s inaugura- munication and an impasse Group must still be held ac- ment on December 7, citing already months past-due. eral months. We tried for a long tion in November last year. to resolution,” he said. countable under the law and an ongoing investigation into A worker who asked to re- time to get the contractors to Por Sen Chey district dep- Lida pointed out that work terms of the contract they the conflict. THE PHNOM PENH POST december 8, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 3 National More than Road accidents, deaths on decline 1000 families Mom Kunthear added to ESPITE a recent decline in the the system number of deaths from traffic acci- Continued from page 1 dents,D Minister of Interior and National Road Safety Commit- This year, according to tee (NRSC) chairman Sar Kheng Ouly, the NAA has added has instructed traffic police more than 1000 poor HIV- nationwide to tighten the positive families from the enforcement of traffic laws. provinces of Kampong Speu, He also requested traffic Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, police to arrest hit-and-run Kep, Kratie, Koh Kong, Svay offenders and refer their cas- Rieng, Prey Veng and Mon- es to court, where they will dulkiri into the social protec- receive punishment accord- tion system. ing to the law. According to Bun Leng, the Kheng issued the instruc- government has spent $11 tion after observing that traffic million to supply patients with accidents still poses a higher anti-HIV drugs over the next risk compared to other forms three years (2021-2023) and of accidents. Road accidents prevent infections among cause loss of life and injuries, people with high risk. Official damage or loss of properties, figures record 61,193 people as well as impact to the liveli- receiving treatment. hood victims’ family, he said. According to NAA data for In a directive on measures to 2019, Cambodia had an esti- prevent traffic accidents seen mated 73,000 people living with by The Post on December 7, HIV, including 780 new infec- The number of road deaths in the first 10 months of this year decreased by 288, or 17 per cent, compared to the same period last year. NRSC Sar Kheng said the NRSC has tions, with about 1,300 deaths set 2020 as the year to tighten circumstances,” Kheng said. these data would help in the them to provide cooperation According to the NRSC’s attributed to HIV/AIDS. Inci- the enforcement of the law. Even though the traffic situa- implementation of highly ef- [in locating them],” he said. report, during the first 10 dence of HIV among Cambodi- As a result, the stronger en- tion is better now, the NRSC still fective road safety measures. The interior minister also months of this year there ans aged 15-49 has dropped forcement had achieved posi- finds that road accidents are of “Meanwhile, it is necessary urged all ministries, state in- were 2,674 traffic accidents, a from 1.6 per cent in 1998 to just tive results in the first 10 months higher risk when compared to to locate and arrest traffic ac- stitutions and public enter- decline of 778 cases, or 23 per 0.5 per cent this year. of this year, with the number of other forms of accidents. cident perpetrators who flee prises to focus on following cent, compared to the same Bun Leng said, however, that traffic accidents, including the Sar Kheng urged Phnom the scene and send them to the NRSC’s directive, which period last year, when 3,453 certain demographics war- number of deaths and injuries, Penh municipal and provincial court to be punished accord- urges them to educate and cases were recorded. ranted special concern, with decreasing noticeably. Road Safety Sub-Committees ing to the law. promote road safety to all The number of deaths de- particularly high and upward- “Congratulations to the ma- to continue to strengthen traf- “We must also share the civil servants and employ- creased by 288, or 17 per cent, trending infection rates among jority of road users who have fic law enforcement and focus data on nationality and back- ees at the national and sub- compared to the same period men who have sex with men been observing the road traf- on the causes of accidents, as ground of perpetrators who national level. This will help last year. The number of the (four per cent in 2019) and fic law and adhering to the well as the time and locations escaped to all relevant public them become role models in injured also decreased by intravenous drug users (15.2 spirit of cautious driving in all where accidents occur. All and private enterprises, for obeying road traffic law. 1,207, or 23 per cent. per cent). Voter registration complaints tackled Marine poaching cases

Nov Sivutha down sharply this year

THE National Election Committee (NEC) Nov Sivutha on actual circumstances, while received 139 complaints from people some violators were fined. and representatives of political parties ILLEGAL fishing in coastal “We have cracked down after it closed the voter registration ex- provinces has seen a remark- on illegal fishing operations, ercise. Observers have called on the NEC able decrease this year which but there are still small of- to address the complaints, while names experts attribute to effective fences. We explain what is of deceased voters are to be deleted from campaigns to educate local prohibited in each instance, the lists on December 2. residents of applicable laws and then we must continue NEC deputy secretary-general Som and widespread patrols by our outreach when we find Sorida told The Post on December 6 that law enforcement. the next offenders,” he said. of the complaints, 138 were filed with Theng Borin, director of In Kampot province, Fish- commune councils and one directly the provincial Department eries Administration chief with the NEC. Thirty-eight complaints of Agriculture, Forestry and Sar Sorin said local officials had been resolved by commune coun- Fisheries, told The Post on had issued citations in 68 il- cils on December 5. December 7 that local au- legal fishing cases this year, “Another complaint was filed with the thorities have tackled 21 cas- also marking a 20 per cent NEC by the League for Democracy Party es of illegal fishing so far this decrease. He noted that of- (LDP) for punishing councillors in Svay year, down 20 per cent from ficials had cooperated with Ontor district’s Teuk Thla commune in the previous year. Offences civil society organisations to Prey Veng province. The NEC had al- included illegal use of elec- publicise the law and spread People check their name on voter list. nec ready studied the complaint, but has yet trocution devices, rat catch- awareness within the com- to make a decision,” he said. NEC had addressed complaints by political his expectations to address them, he said ing traps, diving equipment munity on 50 occasions. Sorida said most of the complaints party representatives and people based on the LDP just wanted the truth to prevail. and unlicensed trawlers. Neak Sen, a representa- came from LDP representatives who existing procedures and the election law. “This matter is not only for the LDP “In these 21 instances, au- tive of the Koh Traeuy fish- called for the deletion of people’s names He said the NEC has never contra- but for those who want the truth about thorities have educated and ing community in Kampot, from the voter lists. vened procedures and was most careful the future of the Kingdom. Most of the instructed offenders, entreat- said fish poaching, especially The LDP claimed those they com- in addressing each complaint. In the first complaints we filed concerned the ing them to sign contracts around Kampot, remained a plained about had no sufficient condi- stage, it had to address the complaints at movement of people who registered il- acknowledging the offences regular occurrence despite tions and residences to be registered in the commune council level. legally in particular communes as they and agree to desist. We did efforts by provincial authori- the commune. If complainants do not accept a solu- have no residences there,” he said. this instead of sending them ties to stamp them out. But upon studying the matter, the NEC tion and the decision of the commune Neutral and Impartial Committee for to court. We must deter ille- “There are still frequent fish- said firstly, the LDP did not possess any councils, then the NEC will review the Free and Fair Elections (NICFEC) direc- gal fishing activities because ing offences, and many of the letter issued by the authorities stating complaints and come to a decision. tor Sam Kutheamy said the first time of their harmful impact on people use electrocution devic- that a named person had no real resi- However, if the complainants continue to posting and dissemination of voter lists marine life and other natural es and drag large nets,” he said. dence in a particular commune. object to the NEC’s decision, they can file a and names to be deleted from it is a good resources,” he said. Sen added that the fishing He said in other cases, people had complaint with the Constitutional Council. process. But political party representa- In Koh Kong province, pro- community had called on asked for the spelling of their names and “After addressing and finalising the deci- tives have a right to file complaints if vincial agriculture department provincial police to act against some other data to be revised. But two sion on the complaints, the NEC will post they identify irregularities. director Y Meng Leang said violations, but there had not people – one in Tbong Khmum province a validated voter list on December 31, for “The NEC should address the com- maritime poaching offences in yet been much cooperation. and the other in Prey Veng province filed the forthcoming elections,” he said. plaints perfectly after receiving them to his locale had also decreased. Preah Sihanouk provincial suits with the NEC for retaining names LDP Secretary-General Chin Thon said all ensure that the final voter list is perfect He noted that some infrac- agriculture department di- in the voter lists that the commune complaints by his party were accompanied and correct for names in communes, the tions were minor, and police rector Nen Chamroeun could councils had agreed to delete. with evidence and that it did not consis- Senate and the National Assembly in the officers at the scenes had edu- not be reached for comment NEC spokesman Hang Puthea said the tently file complaints for the sake of it. On forthcoming elections,” he said. cated some offenders based on December 7. 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST december 8, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National Six foreigners sent to Apsara Authority publishes court over prostitution Angkor journal Preah Nokor under massage cover

Long Kimmarita Kim Sarom prevent the spread of Covid- 19 transmission, but the in- HE Apsara National SIX people including Thai, structions were ignored. Authority (ANA) has Chinese and Vietnamese The officer said authorities released a journal en- nationals were sent to the conducted the raid under titled Preah Nokor – a Phnom Penh Municipal Court suspicion that the parlour compilationT of research carried on December 7 after being provided sexual services un- out in the Angkor Park area and arrested on December 5 for der the cover of massage ser- is intended to be a storehouse their involvement in pros- vices. The raid was coordinat- of knowledge that Cambodians titution in Sen Sok district’s ed by Phnom Penh Municipal studying Angkor can draw on. O’Bek Ka’am commune. Court prosecutor. ANA spokesman Long Kosal Phnom Penh municipal Police found some used and told The Post on December 7 police’s Anti-Human Traf- unused condoms, which were that the ANA had regularly pub- ficking and Juvenile Protec- collected and sent to court as lished its annual Journal of Ang- tion Bureau chief Keo Thea evidence. kor Studies based on research said the suspects provided In a separate case in the cap- by national and international re- prostitution under the cover ital on December 5, Russey searchers, and the Preah Nokor of massage services. Keo district police cracked was the first of its kind to be The six include one Thai down on an illegal online published after the compilation woman, one Vietnamese gambling site in Russey Keo Texts published in the Preah Nokor journal are based on scientific research. ana was complete in 2019. woman and four Chinese, commune’s Samaki village. “Texts we publish in this the Journal of Angkor Studies can access the journal at the Ap- The journal also contained one of whom was a female Authorities arrested five journal are based on scientific Preah Nokor focuses on the sara National Library to obtain technical passages relating to manager of the massage par- Cambodian men who placed research. This compilation of hypothesis of ancient objects information and gain knowl- the maintenance and repairs lour. bets on football matches and research work offers hypothe- that have recently been dis- edge of the past and the current of sandstone and mortar “It was a flagrant offence two men who were in charge sis that point the way to a pos- covered at Angkor. situation of Preah Nokor. sculptures and repairs of clay and our officers handled of the gambling place. sible conclusion,” he said. The conservation and repair The ANA also said the jour- constructions. Some passag- the case in accordance with District police chief Heang Kosal said that having re- of clay towel Nº 8 at the Bakong nal had been written by na- es point readers to the many legal procedures. Further Tharet said on December 7 leased the journal, the ANA Temples were made. The cer- tional and international re- types of ancient objects that action will be taken by the that police also confiscated 14 took it to be stored at the emony of guardian spirits was searchers. There are also many the ANA had spotted and re- [municipal] court,” Thea sets of computers, 14 moni- National Museum, some re- held. Irrigation systems of the topics such as general ones on corded in its inventory. said, declining to provide tors and 14 game machines in search places and schools. Angkor Park and the Temple of developing the Angkor capital The journal also contains details of the operation. the operation. The ANA had also sent copies Preah Vihear were conserved. and technical write-ups such passages on anthropologists But a district police officer “We will send the case and to some researchers. “The main purpose of the as archaeological map details who talked on the merits of who asked not to be named relevant people to court for le- The Journal of Angkor Stud- journal is not about the ANA according to LiDAR (light de- rice when inhabitants cel- said the massage parlour, gal proceeding, because gam- ies will be transformed into but the former Yasodharapu- tection and ranging). ebrated ceremonies at their which he said was owned by bling or betting with money is an electronic journal soon so ra capital – Preah Angkor of Also included are the study ancient sanctuary. Touching a Chinese national, had been illegal,” said Tharet. that the public can access it Khmer,” he said. of components of stones that on irrigation, there is a study operating for several months. on ANA’s Facebook page. Pov hoped that the journal ancient Khmer built as well as of the Angkor area related to The officer said district po- www.phnompenhpost.com ANA director-general Hang will become the source of more the bronze workshop at the the temple of Preah Vihear as lice had earlier informed the check the post website Pov said in the preface that knowledge and that the public Angkor Thom Palace. depicted in the journal. owner about measures to for breaking news THE PHNOM PENH POST december 8, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National Hunt on Wildlife threatened by poisoning for killer Soth Koemsoeun

ENIOR Ministry of of woman Environment offi- cials and civil society organisations have in S Reap expressedS concern over the threat to wildlife by poisoning Orm Bunthoeurn in rice fields, lakes and ponds where they feed. SIEM Reap provincial po- Wildlife Conservation Soci- lice are working to identify ety (WCS) Cambodia country suspects after a 71-year old programme director Ken Serey- woman was beaten to death rotha said on November 6 that in a robbery-murder case on wildlife in northern Cambodia December 4 in Sotr Nikum was under serious threat as district’s Ta Yek commune. criminals were depositing pes- Ta Yek commune police ticides in seasonal waterholes. chief Ey Vin told The Post that As such, wildlife is threat- the woman was robbed while ened by the release of pollut- she was tending to her cows ants into waterways such as about 2km from her house. lakes, ponds, canals, rivers “When her children couldn’t and some other places where find her at home, they went to they usually feed. search for her and found her ly- “We urge local authorities to ing unconscious at about 7pm educate, disseminate and in- on December 4. She was seri- tervene to nab the perpetrators ously injured and died on the of such wildlife poisoning. way to the hospital,” he said. “Please help prevent such Provincial serious crimes poisoning and use of chemi- bureau chief Duong Sokha cals to capture wildlife for The research paper said most of the pesticides used were high-strength carbamates, which were deliberately placed in ponds to catch wildlife for said that as of December 7, food or sale in the market. the perpetrators own needs. WCS Cambodia Sotr Nikum police were still Perpetrators must be stopped investigating the case. and made to participate in said on November 6 that the This, he said, comes in ad- tently killing them. were high-strength carbam- “The investigation of the the preservation of our natu- ministry, natural resources dition to the traps and rifles He said previously, park ates, which were deliberately murder case is ongoing. The ral resources and wildlife, es- and wildlife conservationists, that are used, and poisons rangers and stakeholders placed in ponds to catch case is still being handled by pecially our birds,” he said. and other relevant authori- that are intentionally or oth- educated those living in pro- wildlife for the perpetrators the district police chief and Ministry of Environment ties are concerned about the erwise placed along the banks tected areas not to use poi- own needs. This approach is has not been referred to the spokesman Neth Pheaktra threat to wildlife. of lakes and ponds, inadver- sons on their crops. said to be less energy-inten- provincial police,” Sokha said. “The ministry has consis- sive and more effective, while Sotr Nikum district police tently called on people to stop the perception of health risks chief Tep Channa declined to using poisons to catch wild- is lower and different. provide details on December 7, life because it not only kills The research paper said citing an ongoing investigation. them but endangers human most people who use this “I have been probing [the life as well. In the past, some method are men and children, case] for days. If I reveal [any endangered species such as but it is yet unclear if the prac- information to the media], it the giant ibis and vulture spe- tice relates to food insecurity. could affect the investigation,” cies have declined due to poi- Species that are extremely en- he said, adding that the victim soning,” he said. dangered through such meth- was heavily beaten in the head. A 71-page research paper ods include giant ibis, vul- Channa said the victim, was prepared by the WCS and tures, and some birds. Moeng Tream, lived in Sotr Ni- University of Edinburgh re- Pheaktra said the study on kum district’s Ta Yek commune. searchers in collaboration with wildlife pollution behaviours Police did not specify the the environment ministry. will provide a lot of informa- value of her belongings that It interviewed local authori- tion to the ministry and ex- was lost. ties, 10 communities and perts to put in place strict and In a separate case, Banteay people who poisoned wildlife effective measures to prevent Meanchey provincial police to provide a first step assess- it. This, he said, is also part of are continuing to hunt for the ment of the impact of such the efforts to protect and con- suspect who murdered an 82- poisoning. serve wildlife and prevent ad- year-old nun on November 26 The research paper said verse impacts on the people’s at the Borom Niwes pagoda in A bird died from poisoning in Preah Vihear province. WCS Cambodia most of the pesticides used well-being. Mongkol Borei district. Provinces get rice seeding machines

Orm Bunthoeurn On December 7, Sakhon rehabilitation of rice crops is also the National Commit- said the seeding machines affected by floods. tee for Disaster Management THE Ministry of Agriculture, were provided to those in Pur- “My province might get 50 ma- (NCDM) first vice-president, Forestry and Fisheries has sat, Battambang and Banteay chines, but as of now, I haven’t Sakhon said rice seeds were provided 150 rice seeding ma- Meanchey provinces which received it,” said Vannaseth. distributed to 64,343 families chines to farmers in agricul- were most affected by floods. In a letter of appreciation and vegetable seeds to 93,041 tural communities to speed Pursat province’s Kampong sent on December 7 to Se- families in 20 flood-affected up the recovery of rice pro- Prak community representa- nior Minister Kun Kim who capital-provinces. duction after the floods recede tive Prak Chamnap said the in the affected provinces. machines would help save Minister Veng Sakhon said seeding time. the Pursat provincial Depart- “Nowadays, nobody helps ment of Agriculture Forestry us as before. Some have gone and Fisheries distributed 48 rice to work in factories or migrat- seeding machines to 48 farming ed for other jobs as farming communities on December 4. is tough. This machine saves Sakhon said 10 such ma- seeding time when compared chines were distributed to to doing it manually,” he communities in Kandieng said. district, Pursat town (three), Banteay Meanchey provin- Krakor district (14), Talou Sen cial agriculture department Chey district (four) and Phnom director Pang Vannaseth Kravanh district (three). said as of December 6, it He said department of- had not yet received the rice ficials also instructed the seeding machines. communities on how to However, he confirmed that use the seeding machines, his province would receive which can be used as shared 50 out of the 150 machines community property and be to support agricultural com- Agriculture officials provide rice seedling machines to farmers in Pursat maintained for long term use. munities and promote the province’s Krakor district on Saturday. agriculture ministry 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST december 8, 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 4,080 1.2824 6.5394 104.29 4.0720 1.3397 30.24 0.7381 1.2087 1.3236 2021 subsidy in works for Koh Rong Island road project VN supporting industry

Companies in the support- by the government through 30% done: Royal Group chair ing industry will get an inter- refinancing to commer- est rate subsidy from next year cial banks, which would be May Kunmakara in an effort to promote the de- sourced from medium-term velopment of the part-supply public investment. The sup- OYAL Group of Companies Ltd industry, said Pham Tuan Anh, port would be equal to the dif- chairman Kith Meng has an- Deputy Director of Industry ference between the commer- nounced that the development Agency under the Ministry of cial loan interest rate and the of 70km of concrete roads on Koh Industry and Trade. state’s preferential investment Rong Island is about 30 per cent complete, Companies in Vietnam’s credit loan interest rate but with construction having begun in mid-Ju- supporting industry will get an not exceeding five per cent. ly and proceeding on schedule since then. interest rate subsidy from next Tuan Anh said: “This is a bold Prior to breaking ground, Royal Group year in an effort to promote policy which will provide signif- Koh Rong Development Co Ltd and the development of the parts- icant support to enterprises.” Sinohydro Corp Ltd reached a $35 mil- supply sector, said Pham Tuan The industry ministry worked lion deal to undertake the project, Royal Anh, deputy director of the In- with the State Bank of Vietnam Group said in July. dustry Agency under the Min- and the Ministry of Finance to The new roads will be 8m wide and are istry of Industry and Trade. detail the interest rate subsidy slated to take 16 months to complete, Tuan Anh said the minis- policy. The draft is expected to according to the plan approved by the try was cooperating with rel- be submitted to the govern- Council for the Development of Cambo- evant ministries and agencies ment for consideration and is- dia’s (CDC’s) Inter-Ministerial Commit- to complete the policy for suance in January next year. tee on October 9, 2010, it added. companies in the supporting Tuan Anh also urged com- In a Facebook post on December 6, industry next year. panies in the supporting Meng said: “We expect this project to be Due to the impacts of the industry to be proactive in successfully completed as planned … and Covid-19 pandemic, most com- enhancing their production look forward to the further development panies in the supporting indus- and management capacity to of the island and its beautiful attractions.” try encountered difficulties. meet requirements of global The development of 70km of concrete roads on Preah Sihanouk province’s Koh Rong Island is Preah Sihanouk provincial governor about 30 per cent complete. KITH MENG VIA FACEBOOK Tuan Anh said: “The difficult manufacturers, which would Kuoch Chamroeun presided over a ground- time, however, is a significant be important, together with breaking ceremony in July and described Royal Group signed a 99-year lease The Royal Sands Koh Rong, a five-star re- opportunity for enterprises to the government’s support the project as part of wider-ranging govern- agreement for Koh Rong with the CDC sort located on the island’s Sok San Beach, find a new direction and to im- policies, to enable Vietnam- ment plans for improving the region. on February 28, 2008 with the intent to officially opened in 2018. The hotel isa prove their competitiveness.” ese firms to participate deep- According to the plan, the company will develop business districts and eco-tour- joint-venture between Royal Group and The Vietnamese govern- ly in global value chains. continue to build other necessary infra- ism resorts on the island, according to Luzi Matzig, chairman of travel group Asian ment recently issued Resolu- On October 30, the Ministry structure such as drainage systems, power information the group provided. Trails Co Ltd, who invested $40 million. tion No 115 on solutions to of Industry and Trade issued generation, water supply and an airport. The development plans were approved Koh Rong is the largest of Cambodia’s promote the development of an action plan to implement Chamroeun said: “I believe that there is by the CDC on October 3, 2008, and the islands at 78sq km and is located 22km the supporting industry. One the government’s Resolution much needed for the development of Koh island was officially handed over to the northeast of Sihanoukville, Preah Siha- of the solutions was provid- No 115/NQ-CP dated in Au- Rong. Water treatment, rubbish-recycling company on October 9. The company nouk’s provincial capital, taking approx- ing interest rate subsidies for gust about solutions to pro- and power plants will be especially impor- registered the land and received 33 long- imately 45 minutes to reach by speed enterprises in this sector. mote the supporting industry. tant to sustain and beautify the island.” term lease certificates. boat. The island has 28 beaches. The subsidy was supported VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK China exports surge by CDC gives nod to 13th beverage plant forecast-beating 21.1% Thou Vireak hinges on the ring-pull prizes they could win and strong China’s exports rose last cent seen in October. However, THE Council for the Develop- advertisement campaigns. month at their fastest pace in imports expanded 4.5 per cent, ment of Cambodia (CDC) on “They don’t dwell on the taste almost three years, official fig- weaker than the 7.0 per cent December 4 announced that very much at all, giving new ures showed on December 7, estimated and slightly worse it had issued a final registra- companies room to gain some boosted by a pick-up in than the previous month. tion certificate for Inter-Mat- of the local market share.” demand in key markets. In the first 11 months of this trid Beverage (Cambodia) Co Noeun said the “Phnom Overseas shipments grew year, customs figures showed Ltd’s $78 million brewery/ Penh Beer” and “Special Lager 21.1 per cent year-on-year to exports of textiles, including beverage plant. Beer” brands are sold on mar- $268 billion thanks to strong masks, surged 33 per cent. The CDC noted that the kets in limited quantities, with demand for medical goods The data also showed China facility is located in Dei Ith the company committing and electronics. posted a surplus with the rest of commune’s Sdao Kanleng II more resources to export them The figures – the best since the world of $75.42 billion last village in Kandal province’s to Thailand and Myanmar. February 2018 – surpassed the month, up from $58.44 billion in eastern Kien Svay district and “Our exports have been 12 per cent tipped in a Bloomb- October and the largest on record is expected to create 550 jobs. severely affected, they’ve taken erg poll of analysts and was dating back to 1990, according to The plant will be the King- a hit due to border checkpoint much better than the 11.4 per Bloomberg News. AFP dom’s 13th brewery/beverage closures during the Covid-19 plant, data from Ministry of outbreak,” he said. Industry, Science, Technology In addition to Inter-Mattrid and Innovation show. Cambodia’s 13th brewery/beverage plant will widen the selection of Beverage Cambodia, Hanu- beers on offer in the Kingdom. POST STAFF An Inter-Mattrid Beverage man Beverages and Vattanac sales representative, who he said. Roboh Angkanh village in Brewery, there are 10 other asked not to be named, said CDC approved two similar Phnom Penh’s Chbar Ampov registered existing brewery/ the company is in the process projects earlier this year. district, east of the Bassac River. beverage plant operators, of building the plant, but It gave the nod to Hanuman Phnom Penh Beer Co Ltd according to the ministry. declined to reveal when it was Beverages Co Ltd’s $160.6 mil- accountant Heng Noeun told The These are Ana Water and Smil- scheduled to be completed. lion brewery/beverage plant Post that more breweries setting er Beverage Co Ltd, Asian Sun- He said all employees are in Chhak Chhoeu Neang com- up shop in the Kingdom would rise Co Ltd, Cambodia Brewery undergoing training in prepa- mune’s Trapaing Veng village widen the selection of beers on Ltd, Cambrew Ltd, Daun Penh ration for the facility’s launch. in the province’s western Ang offer in what he described as a Food and Beverage Co Ltd, “Beer is all the rage in our Snuol district in April. “shrinking market”. Khmer Beverage Co Ltd, Far East country, people like to drink. In July, it gave the green light He said: “It is still possible for Import Export Co Ltd, Kingdom No matter what kind of party to Vattanac Brewery Co Ltd’s new entrants to capture a mar- Breweries (Cambodia) Ltd, China’s overseas shipments grew 21.1 per cent year-on-year to $268 billion it may be, there must be beer, plan to launch an $87 million ket share in this sector, as trends Media GB Enterprise Co Ltd, and thanks to strong demand for medical goods and electronics. STR/AFP especially at large functions,” brewery in Prek Eng commune’s illustrate that what people drink Phnom Penh Beer Co Ltd. THE PHNOM PENH POST december 8, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business Singapore Commercial livestock output up 17% blockchain Thou Vireak

OMMERCIAL livestock out- ecosystem put in Cambodia this year to December 2 rose 17.61 to get boost per cent over the same time lastC year, propped up by government A S$12 million (US$9.0 mil- initiatives aimed at fuelling domestic lion) programme has been agricultural production and increas- launched to strengthen Sin- ing people’s incomes amid Covid-19, gapore’s blockchain ecosys- according to Minister of Agriculture, tem and facilitate the devel- Forestry and Fisheries Veng Sakhon. opment, commercialisation With household and industrial oper- and adoption of blockchain ations ramping up, he said 49,423,558 technology for real-world ap- head of cattle, pigs and poultry were plications. logged from January 1-December 2, The Singapore Blockchain up from the 42,022,137 head posted Innovation Programme will in the corresponding period last year. engage close to 75 companies “The ministry has remained scrupu- including multi-national cor- lous and steadfast in its responsibility porations, large enterprises for taking the government leadership’s and info-communications recommendations and applying them technology companies to to promote local agricultural produc- conceptualise 17 blockchain- tion in sectors such as horticulture, related projects within the aquaculture and livestock. next three years in sectors “This is to create jobs, generate and such as trade and logistics. increase household sources of income It was launched jointly by and ensure food security,” Sakhon said. Enterprise Singapore (ESG), Ministry spokesman Srey Vuthy has the Infocomm Media Devel- said total livestock production yielded opment Authority (IMDA) There are currently 547 pig farms in Cambodia with 1.33 million head in stock. HENG CHIVOAN more than 45 million head last year, and the National Research up 3.47 per cent compared to 2018. imports from neighbouring countries. Pov as reference, this is up from 9,000 He said he normally sells 20 slaugh- Foundation (NRF) on De- The figure comprises 2.77 million “They [large companies] have riel per kg in August 2018, 10,000 in ter hogs at a time, each weighing cember 7. The programme is head of cattle, 2.18 million head of enough money and infectious disease March 2019 and 11,000 in May 2019 around 100kg. funded by NRF. pigs and 40.39 million head of poul- control is well-established. These are – increases that he attributed to the “I supply pork to the Phnom Penh Beyond research transla- try, according to him. the factors driving that growth, along early 2019 onset of African swine fe- market and would like to thank the tion into real-world needs, Cambodia Livestock Raisers As- with farming households’ expansions ver (ASF) – but is down from 13,000 government and the agriculture min- the programme will look at sociation (CLRA) president Srun Pov of animal husbandry activities. in February and level with the 11,000- istry, as well as the association, for enabling the adoption of acknowledged that commercial ani- “Hence this is a positive signal that 12,000 riel per kg quoted in June. pushing for a market and encourag- blockchain in environments mal husbandry has seen rapid growth people are self-employed, which Savath said: “I’ve seen plenty of ing farmers to continue raising pigs,” with high transaction rates over the year, buoyed by robust mar- demonstrates the government’s pro- people coming here and raising flocks Savath said. and growing the blockchain ket demand for meat. found attentiveness to the animal of animals, raising pigs now that they Sakhon revealed that there are cur- tech talent pool. He said: “A large number of non-mi- husbandry sector,” Pov said. fetch better market prices than before. rently 1,232 livestock farms in the ESG chairman Peter Ong grant farmers have dabbled into agricul- Nheb Savath, a 38-year-old pig This brings them heftier profits and Kingdom, which he said was up 35.60 said: “Covid-19 emphasised ture as well, and are apparently raising a farmer in Kandal province, said the motivates them to raise even more.” per cent over the year-ago period. the need for trusted and reli- lot of animals seeing how little the sector price of live hog had risen to 12,000 While he currently raises 100 pigs, He said there are 682 poultry farms, able business systems in the has been perturbed by Covid-19.” riel ($3) per kg as of the beginning of Savath plans to increase that to 200- 547 pig farms and 54 cattle farms with new digital world. He pinned the growth on prominent this month, thanks to government ef- 300 next year. He said piglets are typi- 17.13 million, 1.33 million and 12,974 “Blockchain technology market players’ expansions of meat pro- forts through the ministry. cally raised until they’re somewhere head in stock, which means that they are helps to embed trust in appli- duction and authorities’ tighter grip on Using national statistics provided by between four and five months old. kept generally for breeding purposes. cations spanning logistics and supply chains, trade financing to digital identities and cre- dentials. The acceleration of innovative business solutions under the Singapore Block- Agro firm,N GO pen MoU on safe food in Pursat chain Innovation Programme will help our enterprises be Thou Vireak company committed to prin- more globally connected and ciples of food safety by build- competitive.” LOCAL agribusiness Davane ing sound and factional food IMDA CEO Lew Chuen Hong Plc and non-profit NGO safety system to bring safe said the programme looks to Adventist Development and food to every home”. encourage blockchain adop- Relief Agency (Adra) Cambo- Its CEO Chheng Makara said: tion in more industries be- dia will work together to pro- “The MoU allows Davane to yond finance, which includes mote the domestic agri-value work with target producers scaling up industry manpow- chain and safe food market, a that meet our safety require- er and know-how. joint press release said. ments in structured fashion “These efforts allow Singa- A three-year memorandum under the support of Adra to pore to build a strong block- of understanding (MoU) was bring quality safe foods to our chain ecosystem and establish signed on December 7 to that clients who want to see and our role as a trust hub,” he said. effect in a bid to make it easier buy locally produced foods. The Singapore Blockchain to reinforce producer-buyer “It is an absolute fit . . . [with Ecosystem Report 2020, re- relations with Pursat province- the] Davane philosophy – leased on December 7 at the based “Producer Groups”, as quality safe foods for our cus- Singapore Fintech Festival x defined by Adra Cambodia. tomers; support for responsi- Singapore Week of Innovation Through its Sustainable Pro- ble local producers; and and Technology (SFF x Switch), duce to Market Value Chain environmental friendliness. spotlighted Singapore as a key Enhancement (Pro-Market) “We hope to enlist more hub for blockchain research project launched on January partners like Adra to help pro- and commercialisation. 1, 2019, Adra Cambodia will mote local produces and make It also showcased how the provide assistance to small- safe food more affordable.” coronavirus pandemic has holder farmers in five districts Starting up in mid-2019 accelerated the application of of Pursat through to Decem- Adra Cambodia and Davane signed an MoU on Monday to promote the domestic safe food market. SUPPLIED engaged in the rice sector, blockchain technology, which ber 31, 2023, coinciding with Davane noted that it gradually is being used to verify health the MoU’s expiration date. contract farming schemes, holds trained and supported “Adra Cambodia will do its expanded to other commodi- credentials. With technical support enhance the value chain of veg- in production, post-harvest best to foster strong relations ties such as vegetables, meats, Singapore has produced from US-based non-profit etables and fruits, and shore up and agri-business.” between Davane and the inter- seafood, fruit and groceries. the highest number of block- organisation International sustainable growth in the rural Adra Cambodia country ested ‘Producer Groups’ and It said it currently operates a chain-related research publi- Development Enterprises economy and household eco- director Mark Schwisow said: will channel resources to safe-food store equipped with cations in Southeast Asia, and (iDE), Pro-Market is backed nomic resilience in the prov- “Adra Cambodia is very pleased ensure the quality, timeliness, a quality control system and third highest globally. by New Zealand’s Ministry of ince, the press release said. that the farmers from the ‘Pro- and most of all Safety of the modern facilities that aim to The report was co-presented Foreign Affairs and Trade and It added: “The project has ducer Groups’ in Pursat will products sold to Davane meet ensure hygiene practices. by blockchain industry partners Adra New Zealand with a three key outputs – market have this opportunity to use the ‘safe food’ requirements According to Adra, it is the OpenNodes, Temasek, IBM, budget of NZ$2,993,273 and value chain analysis and their new skills and under- on a sustainable basis.” global humanitarian arm of PwC Singapore, EY and SGTech, (US$2.10 million), according strengthening; producer standing of the requirements Develop Agriculture Value the Seventh-day Adventist and supported by IMDA to Adra Cambodia. group strengthened and of emerging markets through Chain Network for Economic Church and boasts develop- and the Monetary Author- The project aims to support developed; and producer making lasting contract agree- and Environment (Davane) is ment and relief agency offices ity of Singapore. the straits times “Producer Groups” in their group members and house- ments with Davane Plc. an “emerging local private in over 120 countries. (singapore)/asia news network 8 THE PHNOM PENH POST december 8, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Business Tokyo shares Indonesia gov’t urges SMEs to digitise, open higher Tokyo shares opened higher on December 7, lifted by re- get credit scores for easier financing cent global rallies on hopes for fresh US stimulus and coronavirus vaccines. NDONESIAN govern- The benchmark Nikkei 225 ment officials and indus- index added 0.26 per cent or try players have called on 70.05 points at 26,821.29 in small and medium-sized early trade, while the broader Ienterprises (SMEs) to go digi- Topix index rose 0.27 per cent tal and make use of fintech or 4.75 points to 1,780.69. platforms to build for them- The Tokyo market extended selves a positive online track global equity rallies, with in- record and gain credit scores vestors remaining optimistic as for easier access to financing. US lawmakers negotiate a fresh Leonard Theosabrata, pres- stimulus to counter the coro- ident director of SMESCO, a navirus pandemic. The three government institution re- major US stock indices closed sponsible for training and at new records last week. facilitating SMEs, said one of A more cautious mood is the reasons why SMEs strug- brewing, however, after offi- gled to receive funding was cial data showed that the US the lack of a credit score. added just 245,000 jobs last “Without proper credit month – well below market scores, banks will not know expectations – marking the if a business is risky or not. fifth straight month of taper- Therefore, it is important for ing jobs gains, Okasan Online SMEs to digitise and use fin- Securities said. tech or point-of-sales [POS] “Economic indicators are apps to get credit scoring,” he starting to reflect the ongoing, said in a webinar hosted by latest wave of infections”, which KoinWorks on December 3. increases the chance of a cau- He went on to say that tious outlook, Okasan said. SMESCO was planning to de- But investors seem to be velop a credit-scoring system focusing on brighter news for in the future based on vari- the time being. ous data, such as online sales, Okasan said: “Hopes that but the institution was now the additional stimulus, focusing on helping SMEs worth an estimated $910 bil- board digital platforms. lion, will be agreed by the Indonesia’s small business- year end, and hopes that the es, which account for more distribution of [coronavirus] than 60 per cent of the coun- As of last month, there were 10.2 million Indonesian SMEs on digital platforms. pIXABAY vaccines will help restore the try’s gross domestic product economy are outweighing (GDP) and employ a vast ma- businesses, thus, rose to 16 13.24 trillion rupiah, up 18.39 adding that SMEs needed financial aid was necessary, worries for now. jority of the labour force, have per cent from 13 per cent ear- per cent year-on-year. to learn skills such as digital he said. “After they secure “Many investors may be been hit hard by the Covid-19 lier this year. Meanwhile, fintech plat- bookkeeping and business financing, it’s important to seeing the current rising outbreak, as the economy has However, the minister also form KoinWorks chief operat- management. train and mentor these SMEs, stocks as a bubble. We expect entered a recession with eco- said this week that there were ing officer Bernard Arifin also The fintech firm reported because giving them only the current ‘risk-on’ atmo- nomic contraction recorded in still 23 million small business emphasised the importance that, throughout this year, theories about good business sphere, supported by ultra- the second and third quarter. owners in the country with no of SMEs to digitise and create more than 30,000 SMEs had re- is not enough,” Bandoe said. easy monetary policies, will According to a Mandiri In- access to financing from the a positive track record so that quested productive financing Bedding store owner Dedy continue for the time being.” stitute study, SMEs that have banking sector. Fintech could fintech companies could cre- through its peer-to-peer (P2P) Liem also said SMEs needed The dollar stood at 104.11 an online presence are more help boost financial inclusion ate a good credit score based lending platform, in which business coaching, especially yen, near flat from 104.19 yen resilient, as they are more for these businesses, he said. on online data. KoinWorks disbursed up to 2.5 in handling finances after on December 4 in New York. likely to continue producing Meanwhile, Financial Ser- With many SMEs only start- trillion rupiah in loans. receiving funds from either Among major shares, Toyota and selling goods to survive vices Authority (OJK) data ing their business, they often Bank Indonesia SME devel- banks or fintech platforms. added 0.72 per cent to 7,233 the economic slowdown. show that the country’s fin- do not have reliable asset and opment and consumer pro- “Fintech has actually helped yen. Construction equipment Minister of Cooperatives tech lending platforms have cashflow data, Bernard added. tection director, Bandoe Wid- solve SMEs funding problems maker Komatsu added 2.36 and SMEs Teten Masduki disbursed a total of 56.16 tril- “Digitising does not mean iarto, echoed the statement, . . . However, if we have the per cent to 2,735 yen. stated earlier this year that lion rupiah ($3.98 billion) in instant success for SMEs . . . stating that, even though there money but no skills in man- Nintendo added 0.60 per 10.2 million SMEs were on new loans as of October this The most important thing is was an improvement in the agement, we can make bad cent to 57,270 yen. Sony gave digital platforms as of last year, marking a 23.88 per cent to keep nurturing these bud- number of SMEs going digi- business decisions and there up early gains and fell 0.36 per month. The share of SMEs us- year-on-year increase. Mean- ding businesses with contin- tal, small businesses often still could be dire consequences cent to 9,722. Uniqlo operator ing online platforms relative while, in the same period, uous training programmes,” lacked the capacity to grow. for our business,” he said. THE Fast Retailing also dropped 1.11 to the overall number of small outstanding loans stood at he said at the same event, Hence, training to use such JAKARTA POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK per cent to 85,460 yen. AFP Vietnamese shrimp exports to EU surge on back of FTA Vietnam’s shrimp exports The EU was the fourth larg- With tax incentives for frozen vantage against rivals such as to the EU have recovered est export market for Viet- shrimp in the EVFTA that took India, Thailand and China. In- since the beginning of the namese shrimp exports in effect from August, Vietnam’s dia, the largest shrimp supplier third quarter of this year October, accounting for 14 shrimp exports to the EU from of the US, is still facing many thanks to the positive impact per cent of the total value, af- now until the end of this year difficulties due to the Covid-19 of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade ter the US, Japan and China. are expected to continue grow- pandemic and unfavourable Agreement (EVFTA), accord- In the first 10 months of this ing. The total shrimp exports weather, according to Vasep. ing to the Vietnam Associa- year, Vietnam’s shrimp export for this whole year are estimat- The association also report- tion of Seafood Exporters and value to this market reached ed to surge by 9.8 per cent year- ed that in October, Vietnam Producers (Vasep). about $436.7 million, up 6.7 on-year to $3.7 billion. saw an increase in shrimp ex- Shrimp exports to the EU in per cent from the same pe- The US is the leading market ports to most of other markets, October reached the highest riod last year. for Vietnamese shrimp exports, excluding Japan and South growth since the beginning of In the EU market, restau- accounting for 23.5 per cent of Korea. Of which, shrimp ex- this year with a rate of 42 per rants and food shops are grad- the total export value of Viet- port value rose by 57 per cent cent to $65.4 million compared ually reopening. Meanwhile, namese shrimp, the association to Australia, 45 per cent to the to the same period last year. Of retail or online sales continue said. Although the US has been UK, 21.5 per cent to China and that, the largest markets in the to increase and demand for the global epicentre of Covid- 14 per cent to Canada. bloc like the Netherlands, Ger- shrimp in the retail market is 19, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to Total export value of Vietnam- many and Belgium had two- expected to increase in prepa- this market still grew in the first ese shrimp to the global mar- digit growth rates. ration for the year-end holi- 10 months of this year. ket in October reached $431.7 The export value of Viet- days, according to Vasep. The export value to the US million, up about 25 per cent namese shrimp rose by 32 per This is a market with good in the period increased by against October last year. Total cent to the Netherlands, 53 profit so many local enterpris- 39 per cent year-on-year to export value reached $3.1 bil- per cent to Germany and 48 es will promote exports to this $733.4 million. lion in October, up 12.3 per cent per cent to Belgium from the market in the last months of In the US market, Vietnamese over the same period last year. The export value of Vietnamese shrimp to the EU hit $65.4 million in same period last year. the year, according to Vasep. shrimp has a competitive ad- VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK October, up 42 per cent year-on-year. VIETNAM NEWS AGENCY THE PHNOM PENH POST december 8 , 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 9

www.phnompenhpost.com/post-focus Horology Cambodia’s Varman designer watches made to protect time

Stringent quality control sustained by using the highest quality materials and compo- nents have enabled Varman to also offer affordable products ranging from $150 to the most prestigious bespoke models such as a limited-edition diamond encrusted timepiece made of grade seven solid platinum hen it comes priced at $12,300. to watches, the With the exception of thought of finely bespoke and luxury merchan- crafted world- dise, all watches are 100 per Wrenowned precision Swiss cent made from rust resistant timepieces comes to mind. stainless steel, scratch resistant However, this may change in sapphire crystal glass and water the near future as an enterpris- resistant from 50 to 100 metres. ing Cambodian has now set his Furthermore, all of its sights on putting the Kingdom’s products are backed by a full quality branded timepieces on one-year manufacturer’s war- the local and international map. ranty and battery replacement Having acquired a passionate for three years from the date of interest in precision timepieces purchase. at an early age which was In support of its main show- further bolstered by a decade room and retail outlet on Kam- long career in horology, Chun puchea Krom Boulevard, the Seyha was inspired to set up company will be expanding its VarmanKH Co Ltd in 2018 to operations to include a second fulfil a vision of developing retail outlet on Mao Tse Tung Cambodia’s own luxury line Boulevard to be opened soon. of watches over the next five Plans to continue growing years. the brand nationwide in order “Being fascinated and drawn to achieve its target of reaching to watches for almost my entire annual sales of 20,000 units, life, it felt natural to progres- Varman timepieces with its unique designs on display have risen in popularity. SUPPLIED have included the company sively combine my interest in exploring alternative expansion horology with work and finally brand is becoming increasing fittingly describing the brand’s methods such as the franchising venturing out on my own with a popular especially among Cam- value proposition – embodying of new retail branches nation- unique business producing qual- bodians, when translated the bold expression through preci- wide to interested parties. ity timepieces that Cambodians word Varman means “armour”, sion, strength and durability to “The unexpected successes can be proud to wear. protect time. we have experienced over a “Apart from seeing great Seyha said that the com- short period of time has truly potential for a quality affordable pany’s brand name was chosen shown that perceptions and watch brand in our domestic carefully after much thought mindsets are beginning to market, it was the attractive and consideration, “through change as younger consumers prospect of contributing towards ” observation, we have learned become open to exploring new the development of our country why Swiss timepieces have brands. and creating jobs for people It was the attractive become such renowned, admired “There is hope yet for a that ultimately convinced me prospect of contributing and valuable commodities in start-up Cambodian brand like to establish the company and towards the development the market – it is the attention Varman to stand tall amongst follow my dreams,” VarmanKH that has been paid to timekeep- internationally renowned founder and CEO Chun Seyha of our country and creating ing precision and quality from watchmakers in time to come, told The Post. jobs for people that craftsmanship that comes from Founder and VarmanKH CEO Chun Seyha. SUPPLIED especially with groundbreak- Since introducing its Varman meticulous dedication to details. ing orders received in recent brand BAME2 and BAME3 ultimately convinced me to This was what we aspired for the reliability of precision Swiss imported from Switzerland, months from from Korea, watch models almost two years establish the company and our brand to deliver and it is engineering that is matched by plans have already been made Vietnam, the US and France,” ago, the company has steadily follow my dreams reflected in the way our watches the mysticism of Cambodian to produce future designer col- said Seyha as he ponders on a cultivated rising demand from are made.” design artistry. lections in Cambodia such as future full of exciting possibili- young to middle-aged local and Varman timepieces combine Though Varman timepiec-es The Milky Way, The Prestige and ties that include listing Varman foreign executives. Chun seyha / VARMAKH CEO the quality and sophistication are presently assembled using The Elites after official launch- timepieces on Amazon and And it is no surprise that the of Japanese manufacturing with quality components specially ing by year end. Ebay.

The design team is led by local talents. SUPPLIED The company’s main sales gallery and showroom in Kampuchea Krom. SUPPLIED Varma designer watches have started to gain widespread interest. SUPPLIED 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST december 8, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com World Greek police hold Anti-mask around 100 at sentiment in march in memory of slain teenager US remains round 100 people were arrested widespread on December 6 in Athens at banned Amarches to mark the 12th an- Continued from page 1 niversary of the police killing of a teenager, Greek police said. doctors’ orders and guidelines Scores of students, trades unionists and issued by the Centres for Dis- leading politicians on the left defied a ban ease Control and Prevention on gatherings of more than four people on self-isolation and testing, that had been imposed to curb the spread the statement said. of the coronavirus. Giuliani tweeted on Decem- They were paying tribute to 15-year-old ber 6 that he was “getting great Alexandros Grigoropoulos on the 12th care and feeling good”. anniversary of his shooting death at the “Recovering quickly and hands of police in the Exarchia district of keeping up with everything,” the Greek capital. he said. The annual march has frequently been The Trump lawyer’s diagnosis marred by violence in the past. came a day after the president, On December 6, city centre metro sta- who has long played down the tions were shut and police deployed heavily severity of the pandemic and in the Exarchia district as surveillance even mocked those who wear drones flew overhead. masks, held his first big political Police broke up a similar demonstra- French capital Paris saw a second weekend of violence during protests against a security bill currently going through French parliament. AFP rally since the election – before tion in front of the Greek parliament on a tightly packed crowd of thou- December 4. sands of largely unmasked sup- The officer who killed Grigoropoulos porters in Georgia. was convicted of homicide and given a life Interior minister: 95 arrests at White House coronavirus sentence. response coordinator Deborah However, he was then released in 2019, Birx expressed frustration on a decision that the dead teenager’s family December 6 at anti-mask sen- are appealing in the courts. French security law protests timent in the US. The country erupted at the time of his “I hear community members killing with students, left-wing activists olice arrested 95 being hit by a projectile, a dent Emmanuel Macron’s at 52,350 against 133,000 . . . parroting back that masks and others taking part in increasingly large people during pro- police source said. government, with tensions a week earlier, the interior don’t work,” she told NBC’s protests that were also marked by vandal- tests across France Paris police held 25 peo- intensified by the beating of ministry said. Meet the Press. “They are ism and looting. against a planned ple, including two minors, a black music producer by Around 5,000 people dem- wrong.” The conservative government has extend- securityP law, and 67 offi- said the prosecutors’ office. police last month. onstrated in Paris against ed anti-Covid lockdown rules to December cers were injured during the It was the second week- Paris city officials and oth- 46,000 last week, it added. A ‘Closer to catching this stuff’ 14, a decision the leftwing opposition has demonstrations, interior end of violence in the capi- ers also expressed outrage police source on December The US – the country with criticised as a cover for imposing increas- minister Gerard Darmanin tal during protests against a over the way police broke 5 blamed the violence on the most coronavirus cases ingly heavy-handed security measures. said on December 6. security bill currently going up an improvised migrant 400 to 500 radical elements. and deaths in the world – has A November 17 demonstration com- In Paris, the site of the through French parliament. camp in the heart of Paris There were also clashes in seen a dramatic resurgence in memorating the 1973 uprising against the worst violence, 48 police Demonstrators clashed last month. the eastern city of Nantes, its epidemic in recent weeks. colonels’ junta was violently broken up. officers or gendarmes were with police, vehicles were Darmanin has ordered an where four officers and a For the third day in a row, the On November 25, the International Day injured during December set alight and shop win- investigation into the incident. gendarme were injured, one US on December 5 notched a for the Elimination of Violence against 5’s street clashes, the interi- dows smashed. The numbers demon- of them by a Molotov cock- record number of coronavirus Women, five activists were arrested for un- or ministry said on Twitter. The weekly nationwide strating on December 5 tail, said local officials. cases in 24 hours, reaching furling a banner in outside parliament. AFP A firefighter was also in- protests are becoming a were significantly down, There was violence, too, in nearly 230,000 new infections, jured in the capital after major headache for Presi- with the nationwide figure the eastern city of Lyon. AFP according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. A series of members of Trump’s inner circle have con- tracted the disease since the president himself caught it Gulf states rising from ashes of Arab Spring weeks before the election. They include his wife Mela- A decade on, the turmoil of the Arab The Arab Spring was just the water- nia, his sons Donald Jr and Bar- Spring which shook the oil-rich Gulf shed moment, he said, adding that ron, his press secretary, some of states has left a very different legacy, Gulf countries had already been eye- his advisers, his campaign man- emboldening and empowering their ing greater influence well before 2011. ager, as well as several Republi- conservative monarchies. “The Arab Spring didn’t start this can members of Congress. The collapse or decline of tradi- trend, it accelerated and brought it Many of them, including tional Middle East powers like Syria out into the open,” said Abdelkhaleq Giuliani, followed Trump’s and Egypt has allowed the Gulf to es- Abdallah, a politics professor in the example, often ignoring health tablish itself as the Middle East’s new UAE where, along with Qatar, the experts’ guidance and attend- centre of gravity. trend was most noticeable. ing White House and political And the Gulf countries have seized Fearing that 2011 uprisings could events without masks. the initiative, accelerating the trans- reach their kingdoms, the Gulf Cooper- Giuliani’s son Andrew, who formation of their societies, building ation Council reached out to Jordan and works in the White House, futuristic metropolises and breaking Morocco giving them financial support tested positive for the virus conventions with diplomatic initiatives, to help fund social reforms in a bid to late last month. including establishing ties with Israel. maintain stability, observers said. David Gergen, a senior “The weakening of traditional Arab Leaders of the Arab world pose for a photo during the 29th Summit of the Arab League at Saudi had the greatest financial fire- adviser in four US administra- centres of power due to the Arab Spring the Ithra centre in Dhahran, Eastern Saudi Arabia on April 15, 2018. GS GrOUP/AFP power as the world’s leading oil exporter, tions, noted on CNN that while . . . has made the Gulf, for the first time Cairo, previously the Arab world’s UAE and Qatar into stark relief as ex- and influence among Muslims whose dozens of people around in modern history, the centre of Arab cultural capital, became a byword for pats were lured by glittering skyscrap- two holiest sites are in the kingdom. Trump had now contracted power,” said Bader al-Saif, assistant pro- abuses and grinding poverty. ers and lavish tax-free packages. But it was Qatar that “turned the the virus, only one or two in fessor of history at Kuwait University. Once feared and powerful, Syria as Arab Spring to its advantage”, Abdal- Biden’s camp had done so. The Arab world was convulsed by well as Iraq – shattered by the US in- Watershed moment lah said, playing an outsized part The lesson, Gergen said: popular uprisings starting in 2011, vasion of 2003 – became synonymous The Arab Spring was an “eye-open- with rolling coverage of events by its “The cavalier attitude taken by with street protests in several coun- with devastating conflict, refugee er” for the Gulf nations, close partners Al Jazeera broadcaster, followed by the Trump people is only going tries against despised regimes. camps, and foreign meddling. of Washington, as they witnessed the the empowerment of Islamist move- to get you closer to catching Egypt and Tunisia’s dictators were The Gulf was not entirely spared the tu- US inaction when Egypt’s and Bah- ments, notably in Tunisia and Egypt. this stuff . . . It’s just as plain as toppled. But the revolutionary wave mult seen elsewhere, with protests rock- rain’s regimes were threatened. The Emirates benefited too, present- it can be.” AFP descended into bloody civil war in ing Oman and Bahrain – the latter put Saif said: “[They realised] they ing itself as a regional safe haven and Syria, Libya and Yemen. down principally with Saudi assistance. needed to take matters in their own attracting investment to Dubai, one of www.phnompenhpost.com In Egypt, the army retook power in But the chaos elsewhere threw the hands and that there is no continuous the country’s seven emirates which was check the post website for breaking news 2013, followed by a brutal crackdown. soaring wealth and prosperity of the security guarantee from the US.” badly hit by 2010’s economic crisis. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST december 8, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 ASEAN Nine women returnees from VN-Lao inter-gov’t meet a success Myanmar test Covid positive Nine new Covid-19 cases have been found in Thailand’s northernmost Chiang Rai province linked to the 1G1-7 Hotel in the Myanmar border town of Tachileik, provincial officials said. The hotel is widely purported to be a hotspot for transmission. All nine were women aged 20-44 years, who had travelled through legal channels. Chiang Rai administration officials held a press conference on December 6 regarding the Covid-19 situation in the province. They said the nine women had trav- elled across the Thai-Myanmar Friend- ship Bridge and entered the quarantine process as soon as they had returned to the country without being exposed to the community at all. In total, there are 20 cases in Chiang Rai in the last two weeks, 14 of whom were found during quarantine in the state local quarantine facility, five had Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (centre right) and his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith witness the signing of the agreement on Vietnam-Laos Cooperation sneaked in through a natural channel, Plan for 2021 on the sidelines of the 43rd session of the Vietnam-Laos inter-governmental committee on Sunday. VNA/VNS/Asia News Network and one local was infected from a pa- tient who had entered illegally. he 43rd session of the Viet- ings, cooperation agreements and The two sides agreed to closely co- Agreeing with Phuc, Thongloun Chiang Rai governor Prachon Prat- nam-Laos inter-governmen- programmes were implemented, ordinate and support each other at said the meeting achieved a result sakul said the new cases were not un- tal committee on December and bilateral cooperation mecha- global and regional forums. that had never before been seen expected, as they all worked and lived 6 in Hanoi yielded “unex- nisms have been upheld and pro- A total of 17 documents were since the two sides started holding together. The province is still open to pectedT important results”, contribut- moted, he said. signed between the two sides at the inter-governmental meetings. receiving Thai people who want to re- ing to deepening relations between Cooperation in diplomacy, na- meeting. He said: “I will bring 17 documents turn, he said. the two countries, said Vietnamese tional defence, security, economy, Phuc said that after the meeting, signed today to Laos and inform all So far, 171 people have returned Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. culture, society and exchanges were the Vietnamese government will Lao people that Vietnam has contin- from Tachileik province and the pos- The meeting was chaired by Phuc expanded, along with education and direct ministries, sectors, localities uously supported and assisted Laos itive cases are all admitted to Chiang and his Lao counterpart Thongloun training. The total investment of Viet- and businesses to closely work with in the national protection, construc- Rai Prachanukerah Hospital. Sisoulith. nam in Laos was about $4.2 billion. Lao partners to implement signed tion and development cause of Laos. He urged those who had sneaked Phuc made the remark at a press Regarding future cooperation, agreements, creating favourable “We will implement these 17 doc- in earlier to report to public health conference after the meeting. Phuc said the two sides agreed to conditions for businesses to invest uments to gain practical results in officials as soon as possible. The two sides agreed that relations implement joint declarations and and operate in Laos. 2021.” “I believe the situation can be con- between the two countries in 2020 agreements signed between leaders The two sides said they believed The Lao side lauded Vietnam’s trolled because most of the cases and over the past five years had seen of the two countries, including the the success of the meeting would socio-economic development and found in the state local quarantine positive development steps despite agreement on Vietnam-Laos Coop- create momentum for expanding congratulated Vietnam for its work have limited contact groups . . . After changes in the world and the region, eration Plan for 2021. cooperation between the two coun- as ASEAN chair this year. 14-25 days, Chiang Rai will be safe as a particularly the severe impacts of The two sides put forward many tries, making important contribu- At the meeting, Vietnam said it New Year 2021 gift to people and tour- the Covid-19 pandemic and natural strong and practical measures, par- tions to strengthening and enhanc- would continue to support Laos in ists who want to continue visiting,” disasters. ticularly to encourage localities, ing the great friendship, special many projects, notably by increasing said the governor. The Nation (Thailand)/ Political trust was enhanced via ministries and sectors to support solidarity and comprehensive coop- non-refundable aid to Laos by 10 per Asia News Network many high-ranking visits and meet- each other. eration between Vietnam and Laos. cent. VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Indonesia minister held over food aid graft Millions join ceremonies in memory of late Thai king Indonesia’s social affairs minister was arrested on De- More than 20 million Thais was held at Wat Bovoranives cember 6 for allegedly taking took part in Buddhist chant- Vihara in Bangkok’s Phra Na- $1.2 million in bribes linked ing ceremonies held at over khon district, while in the to food aid for those hit by the 42,000 temples across Thai- other provinces it was held at coronavirus pandemic. land to commemorate the the central temple in each dis- Juliari Batubara was named birthday of the late King Bhu- trict in cooperation with the as a suspect after Indone- mibol Adulyadej “The Great” Provincial Office of Buddhism sian anti-corruption agents on December 5, which is also and Provincial Administrative seized suitcases, backpacks celebrated as National Day Organisation,” he said. and envelopes stuffed with and Father’s Day, said Anu- “We have been organising cash equivalent to $1.2 mil- cha Nakasai, Minister of the the chanting ceremony every lion in a sting operation on Prime Minister’s Office. Saturday since November 7 and December 5. The ceremony was hosted by will continue until December He turned himself in on De- the government through the 26 to commemorate the late cember 6 at the anti-corrup- National Office of Buddhism. King Rama IX,” he said. The Na- tion agency’s headquarters, “The ceremony in Bangkok tion (Thailand)/Asia News Network becoming the second minis- ter in President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s government to be arrested over alleged graft in recent weeks. “That’s the people’s money . . . it’s aid urgently needed to help during Covid-19 and for the national economic recov- ery,” Jokowi said after Juliari’s arrest, vowing he would not protect any corrupt officials. Indonesia’s social affairs minister Juliari Batubara was arrested on Sunday for allegedly taking $1.2 million in bribes linked to food aid for those hit by the coronavirus pandemic. AFP Indonesia’s economy – Southeast Asia’s biggest – has Juliari has been accused million from two contrac- would receive 10,000 rupiah, been hit hard by the pandem- of involvement in a bribery tors that were appointed to or $0.71, officials alleged. ic, and the government has scheme linked to one such supply basic food packages If found guilty, he could rolled out aid programmes aid project. for people affected by the face up to 20 years in prison More than 20 million Thais took part in Buddhist chanting ceremonies held such as food packages to help Officials have alleged that pandemic. and a fine of one billion ru- at over 42,000 temples across Thailand on Saturday to commemorate the those in need. he received more than $1 For each package, Juliari piah ($70,000). AFP birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. THE NATION 12 THE PHNOM PENH POST december 8, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Opinion

www.phnompenhpost.com Fight against Covid must be all for all EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Opinion Ly Tayseng Editorial Senior Editor Joshua Purushotman HE special session of the UN Managing Editor Post Khmer Sam Rith General Assembly, held on Deputy Chief of Staff December 3-4, came at a Phak Seangly timely moment as “the world isT looking to the UN for leadership, to Business Editor May Kunmakara step up and take demonstrable Deputy Business Editor action to address the greatest chal- Sangeetha Amarthalingam lenge our world is facing today”, as Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk the Assembly president, Volkan Boz- Pan Simala kir, said at its opening. Senior Reporters With representatives from more Meas Sokchea, Niem Chheng than 140 countries participating via Reporters video conference, the special session Khouth Sophak Chakrya, Kim Sarom, not only allowed them to survey the Long Kimmarita, Hin Pisei, Mom Kunthear, wreckage of the Covid-19 pandemic Hong Raksmey, Pann Rethea, Voun Dara, together, but more importantly pro- Roth Sochieata, Orm Bunthoeurn, vided them with a platform to collec- Soth Koemsoeun, Thou Vireak, Nov Sivutha tively reflect on the best response Photographers and forge a path to the future. Heng Chivoan, Hong Menea, Hean Rangsey With its to-the-point discussions Web Editor and exchanges, it is good to see that Leang Phannara the international community has Digital Teams finally overcome the barriers that Sous Chanthy, Pang Vichea, Suy Sovandy hindered global cooperation. A boy looks at Sinovac Biotech Ltd’s vaccine candidate for Covid-19 on display at the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) SIEM REAP BUREAU Although, as Bozkir said, no one in Beijing in September. afp Offi ce Manager could have imagined this time last Sophearith Blondeel year what was to come, they can have caused by the pandemic alone, but is change”, and it is time for a reset. tive Wang Yi, who is also State Coun- PRODUCTION & PRINTING some certainty about what is to come. the result of the crisis exposing long- Although he did not name any spe- cilor and Foreign Minister, said at the Head of Desktop Publishing After so many lives have been lost, standing fragilities, inequalities and cific country, it is clear from the warm meeting, that countries, particularly Nhim Sokphyrak about 1.4 million as of December 4 injustices. response the pro-solidarity special the big ones, must work with each Desktop Publishing according to the World Health Organi- As such, neither the responses to session received from around the other to prioritise public health secu- Suon Savatdy, Chum Sokunthy, Danh Borath sation, and after many lessons have the pandemic nor the efforts to revive world that people are fed up with uni- rity, improve the public health secu- Tep Thoeun Thyda, Tim Borith, Than Veasna been drawn, countries are now willing economies, which should be done lateralism. In a session in September, rity governance system and support to stand together to wipe out the simultaneously, should ignore its leader openly smeared the impor- the WHO playing a decisive leading HEAD OFFICE virus’ footholds around the world, and addressing these long-standing prob- tant role of the WHO, and called on role. the UN will try its best to guarantee all lems. Otherwise, neither of the tasks countries to follow his administra- He urged countries to “walk hand in people have access to vaccines. will be easy. tion’s lead, something that has been hand, determined and undaunted”. But as UN Secretary-General Anto- In other words, as the UN chief disastrous at home. This is indeed the only way to get Post Media Co, Ltd. nio Guterres reminded everyone, urged, the pandemic has provided There is no doubt, as Chinese Presi- through this difficult time. CHINA DAILY/ The Elements Condominium Level 7, much of the wreckage has not been the world an opportunity “for dent Xi Jinping’s special representa- ASIA NEWS NETWORK Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 Refine world-class space probe technology SIEM REAP No 629, Street 6 Dangkum Commune A small probe that had been trace the formation of the force a second landing. The production based on the mis- aims to become a “space Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 travelling through outer space solar system. It is hoped that team deserves admiration for sion, but it also left many tech- power”, also had its Chang’e COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT returned to Earth after six years. Japan will share the samples its commitment to not losing nical problems to be resolved. 5 probe land on the moon Chief Operating Offi cer It is a significant achievement with other countries and its positive attitude and Based on this lesson, the this month for a mission to James Ong Soon Teck that Japan can be proud of. make great use of them in calmly analysing the situa- team took all possible meas- collect soil samples. Advertising Department A capsule from the Japan future scientific research. tion before venturing on to ures to prepare for the Haya- Space development has Chap Narith, 017 996 241 Aerospace Exploration Agen- After collecting samples the second landing. busa2 mission, and it experi- entered a new era that incor- Hun Channet, 017 578 768 cy (JAXA)’s Hayabusa2 from the surface of the aster- The conditions were never enced almost no trouble as a porates the help of private Prach Monnyreak, 015 239 293 unmanned probe landed in oid in its first landing, the favourable. Contrary to expec- result. In contrast to the first companies. In the future Keo Puthy, 012 966 605 the Australian desert. It is probe landed a second time tations, the surface of Ryugu Hayabusa, which burned up when each country aims to Phon Sok Chea, 012 717 404 believed to contain stones near a crater it created by was rocky with few plains avail- on reentry into the atmos- develop resources as a result Jessa Piastro, 092 445 983 and sand from the asteroid striking the surface with a able for the probe to land on phere, this probe set out to of exploring the lunar sur- CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION Ryugu. It is a remarkable lump of copper. It is valuable safely. The JAXA team located a explore another asteroid with face, high-precision landing Acting Distribution Manager accomplishment following that samples from the aster- place with few rocks and land- its remaining fuel after it technologies may be Thenh Rithy, 087 888 854 what was achieved by the oid’s interior were collected. ed the probe accurately. ejected the capsule. required to target specific Circulation Supervisor first Hayabusa in 2010. The success of such a task is a The first Hayabusa’s return In October, the US National locations that have a high Nou Chanthy, 096 999 2828 Now that it has been testament to Japan’s excellent to Earth trod a tightrope as Aeronautics and Space availability of resources. Yim Veasna, 015 814 499 retrieved, the capsule will be technological capabilities. there was a failure in its main Administration, which leads Japan must continue with the ADMINISTRATION sent to Japan for analysis of As it was believed that sam- engine, among other troubles. the world in the space field, unmanned spacecraft probes to Admin & HR Manager the samples contained ples had been secured in the With damage all over its body, made a US version of Haya- further improve the technologies Pich Socheat inside. It will reveal some- first landing, the view of the spacecraft struck a chord busa land on the asteroid that it has built up and nurture Assistants to Admin & HR Manager thing of the nature of aster- some within JAXA was that with many people, setting off a Bennu, following in the foot- the next generation. THE YOMIURI Nhel Soaphea oids and is expected to help there would be no need to boom that resulted in a movie steps of Japan. China, which SHIMBUN (JAPAN)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Financial Director Heang Tangmeng Chief Accountant Sren Vicheka Treasurers Sok Sophorn, Yon Sovannara, Cheam Sopheak, Huy Hamsovannary IT Manager Seng Nak, Vong Oun

TO CONTACT US [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.phnompenhpost.com © Post Media Co, Ltd The Phnom Penh Post is wholly owned and printed by Post Media Co Ltd. The title The Phnom Penh Post in either English or Khmer languages, its associ- ated logos or devices and the contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of Post Media Co Ltd. www.phnompenhpost.com THE PHNOM PENH POST december 8, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 13 Lifestyle Trash-tracking satellites help Indonesia tackle marine waste very year, pounding rains The World Bank-backed project wash away mountains is a collaboration between a team of plastic waste from the from Indonesia’s maritime affairs streets of Jakarta, with ministry and CLS, a subsidiary of someE of it ending up as far away France’s space agency. as Bali’s beaches. So scientists are It is an indication of the issue’s turning to satellites to trace the rub- global importance – today, there bish and figure out how to tackle the is an estimated 150 million tonnes problem. of plastic circulating in the world’s Indonesia allows more waste to oceans, with more being dumped enter the ocean than any other every minute, according to US- country apart from China. based Ocean Conservancy. The archipelago of nearly 270 A woman collects recycled plastic cups on a boat near Teluk Naga, Tangerang in Indonesia’s Banten province. AFP million people dumps a whopping Still in the ocean 620,000 tonnes of plastic into its wa- Since February, the team have proof cover into the Cisadane river, headquarters in France, and then only in its infancy. The vast city’s riv- terways annually, a figure the gov- deployed satellite beacons at the which empties into the Java Sea back to screens at Indonesia’s mari- ers are a waste-choked eyesore. ernment says it wants to cut by two- mouths of rivers around Jakarta, near Jakarta. time affairs ministry. Authorities hope that by identify- thirds over the next five years. Bandung in Central Java and Palem- “These trackers will follow where Initial figures are promising, re- ing plastic drift and how it accumu- Scientists hope following the bang on Sumatra island. the trash gathers and where it searchers said. lates, they will be able to collect it waste’s movement will help them “Today we’re launching GPS bea- lands.” Jean-Baptiste Voisin, director of more efficiently – for example by de- understand the full extent of the cons to learn how the plastic debris Data collected by the beacons, CLS’ local subsidiary, said: “Ninety ploying boats to key rubbish sites or problem and decide how best to col- gets into the sea,” says CLS tracking which have a one-year battery life, per cent of the beacons we have re- equipping the locations with waste- lect it based on seasonal, wind and manager Ery Ragaputra, as he tosses are transmitted hourly to a satellite leased are beaching after a few hours collecting traps. water current patterns. a yellow device wrapped in a water- that pings the information to CLS or a few days, which is relatively They think it will also mean they good news as it makes it easier for can better anticipate its impact on the Indonesian authorities to collect the environment. [the rubbish]. There are concerns about the im- “[But] some waste released six pact of ingesting microplastics on months ago is still drifting, so the de- human health – and plastic waste is bris is still in the ocean.” a threat to hundreds of marine spe- Among the beacons launched cies and birds. near Jakarta, some have travelled A sperm whale was found dead in 1,100km east to the holiday island of Indonesia two years ago with some Bali, while others from Indonesia’s 115 plastic cups and 25 plastic bags second-biggest city Surabaya have in its stomach, among the nearly floated all the way to fragile man- 6kg of plastic rubbish discovered in groves in westernmost Sumatra. its carcass. The goal is to release up to 70 bea- And plastic near Bali is a high risk for cons by the end of next year. turtles migrating across the Java Sea to the island, said Aulia Riza Farhan, the Migration threat maritime ministry’s deputy director Cleaning up Indonesia’s waters is for surveillance and fleet operations. an immense challenge and these ef- “The most important thing is forts may take years to bear fruit. to know when the marine debris While the capital Jakarta has banned comes into contact with the migra- Eric Ragaputra, a technician from the CLS Argos company, throws a plastic monitoring A technician holds a GPS device as the team single-use plastics, public awareness tion of marine animals like turtles device with satellite beacons into the sea. AFP puts out more waste-monitoring devices. AFP remains low and waste recycling is and whales,” he added. AFP Ceramic dildo row puts New Zealand potters in a spin The genteel world of New exactly brand new, people when opposition to the work- plan became, saying she Zealand pottery has been have been doing this for thou- shop began to include per- envisaged it as an empower- rocked by a row over plans for sands of years.” sonal attacks. ing project that was positive a ceramic dildo-making work- But the 41-year-old public She said: “It’s not like we about sex. shop, sparking allegations of servant said the backlash would have forced anyone to There has been support bullying and online abuse. against the proposal had been take part in the workshop . . . from some Wellington Pot- Ceramicist Nicole Gaston so extreme that she quit her If you’re not interested, stay ters’ Association members, said she wanted the Welling- voluntary role as Wellington at home.” including Vivian Rodriguez, ton Potters’ Association to Potters’ Association president. Gaston said she had also who acknowledged the work- hold the event with Iza Loz- She said: “Some committee been attacked online. shop would challenge the ano, a visiting Mexican artist members said it was need- “I saw on Reddit that some- moral ideas of some people. who has conducted similar lessly provocative, someone one called me a nutcase and She wrote in a letter to the workshops in her homeland. else said it wasn’t appropriate I thought: ‘I may be a little association’s governing com- Gaston said pottery dildos . . . There was this very reac- outspoken, but I don’t think mittee: “At the same time it will were easily sterilised, could tionary, pearl-clutching I’m crazy,’” she said. provide an excellent avenue for be warmed, and unlike latex response, like: ‘How can we The dildo furore is not Gas- those wanting to explore differ- versions did not pose the risk talk about sex, we should be ton’s first experience with ent types of creative expression, of leeching chemicals into the ashamed of it.’” spicy ceramics – she won an gender identity, and sexual body. Gaston said many men award in 2018 for her work empowering through art.” She said: “Some of the old- appeared to find the idea of entitled “Vagina Teapot”. The Wellington Potters’ Asso- est ceramic works ever found women making dildos emas- She was surprised at how ciation did not respond to New Zealand pottery has been rocked by plans for a ceramic dildo-making are of phalluses . . . This isn’t culating and she resigned polarising the dildo workshop requests for comment. AFP workshop. AFP 14 THE PHNOM PENH POST december 8, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Thinking caps

Lab-grown meat from the US has been approved for sale in Singapore as an ingredient in chicken nuggets. AFP Lab-grown meat to go on sale in Singapore in ‘global breakthrough’ ab-grown chicken lab-grown varieties would be “Working in partnership with will soon be available too expensive, but a spokes- the broader agriculture sector in restaurants in Sin- man for Eat Just said the com- and forward-thinking policy- gapore after the coun- pany had made “considerable makers, companies like ours tryL became the first to green- progress” in lowering the cost. can help meet the increased light meat created without He said: “Right from the demand for animal protein as “YOU DIRTY RAT!” slaughtering any animals. start, we will be at price par- our population climbs to 9.7 US start-up Eat Just Inc said ity for premium chicken at a billion by 2050.” ACROSS 53 Cordwood units 24 What little things mean? on December 2 that its meat high-end restaurant.” The Singapore Food Agency, 1 Some opera performers 55 Alliance 26 Sacred had been approved for sale in He did not reveal the price the city-state’s regulator, con- 6 Taro corm 56 Post-wedding title 27 Great Lake name the city-state as an ingredient in of the nuggets but said they firmed it had approved the sale 10 Big loser’s nickname? 59 Predictable type 29 Photog’s request chicken nuggets. would be launched soon at a of Eat Just’s lab-grown chicken 14 Black-and-white cookies 62 “If it ___ broke ...” 30 Diner or sleeper The news marks a “break- Singapore restaurant before in nuggets after concluding it 15 Christian name? 63 Large ratite bird 31 Pledge of Allegiance ender through for the global food in- other products – including was safe for consumption. 16 Sweat source 64 Daggers in manuscripts 33 Fall suddenly dustry”, said the company, as chicken breasts with lab- The high-tech city-state has 17 Two-bit hustlers, e.g. 65 Military headquarters 35 Post office purchase firms increasingly try to find grown meat – are rolled out. become a hub for the develop- 20 Best guess, for short 66 Like some memories 36 Beat badly less environmentally harmful Eat Just hopes to bring down ment of sustainable foods, with 21 Goes back out 67 Harder to find 37 Some band equipment ways of producing meat. the cost to below that of con- start-ups producing goods 22 Sight and hearing DOWN 39 It’s full of periods Eat Just co-founder and CEO ventional chicken in the com- ranging from lab-grown “sea- 23 Metabolism descriptor 1 Big name in home audio 40 Gangster’s gun Josh Tetrick said: “I’m sure that ing years, the spokesman food” to dumplings made with 25 Ancient 2 Kind of dealer 41 100 dinars our regulatory approval for added. tropical fruit instead of pork. 26 Command to a dog 3 They’re worn by travelers 45 Infuse with oxygen cultured meat will be the first William Chen, a Singapore- 28 Downsize or upsize 4 “Fa” follower 46 Transfer to a central computer of many in Singapore and in Soaring meat consumption based scientist and member 32 Lowest deck 5 Small land masses 47 Good vantage point countries around the globe.” The company conducted of an expert panel that ad- 34 French Sudan, today 6 Like some mushrooms 49 Muscle-fiber furrow Consumption of regular meat more than 20 production runs vises the regulator, said food 35 Victoria’s Secret purchase 7 Darkens 50 Driver’s ed students, often is an environmental threat as in 1,200-litre bioreactors to security was a key concern in 38 Where to powder one’s nose? 8 Anonymous John 52 Athena’s blood cattle produce methane, a po- make the chicken alternative, the city-state’s drive for devel- 42 “Absolutely!” 9 Tolkien creatures 53 Strike ignorer tent greenhouse gas, while log- and checks on safety and qual- oping meat alternatives. 43 Caspian Sea feeder 10 Water soaker-upper 54 Beach lapper 11 Baggy ging forests to make way for ity showed that its “cultured” Singapore “has virtually no 44 Snafu, basically 55 “It’s ___ real!” 12 Got on the nerves of 57 Anger animals destroys natural barri- product – the term for meat agriculture, we import more 45 Open-mike-night participant 13 Thing to tidy up 58 Ruckus ers against climate change. grown in labs from animal cells than 90 per cent of our food 48 Aardvark fare 18 Alpine transport 60 Frat letter Demand for sustainable – met food standards. from overseas”, said Chen, di- 49 Goblet feature 19 It’s true to life 61 Lawyers’ grp. meat alternatives is rising due Meat consumption is pro- rector of Nanyang Technolog- 51 French common soldier to growing pressure from con- jected to increase more than ical University’s food, science sumers about the environment 70 per cent by 2050, and lab- and technology programme. Monday’s solution and animal welfare, but other grown alternatives have a role “Finding ways to enhance products in the market are to play in ensuring a secure food availability locally would plant-based. food supply, Eat Just said. be one very sustainable, vi- There were concerns that Company CEO Tetrick said: able option.” AFP

Monday’s solution

Demand for sustainable meat alternatives is rising due to growing pressure from consumers about the environment and animal welfare. STR/AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST december 8, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 15 Sport Messi, Ronaldo set to Milan maintain five-point Serie renew stellar rivalry A lead at Samp, Napoli go third in Champions League Lionel Messi’s rivalry with his name and is the current Cristiano Ronaldo has holder, while Ronaldo finished enthralled football for the bet- third in the 2019 awards, ter part of a decade, and the boasting five. pair will duel for potentially He is thriving in Italy, having the final time when Barcelona quickly become key for Juven- host Juventus in the Champi- tus, who presented him with a ons League on December 8. commemorative shirt on The two titans of the modern December 5 to recognise his game, who split ownership of 750th career goal, ahead of a 2-1 the Ballon d’Or between 2008- win over neighbours Torino. 2017, were the talismans of Ronaldo netted 21 goals in Spanish giants Barcelona and his debut season for Allegri to Real Madrid until Ronaldo left take Juventus to the title, fol- the Spanish capital for Juven- lowed by 31 last season under tus in 2018. Maurizio Sarri as they lifted the After the Portuguese forward Scudetto for the 36th time. arrived from Manchester Unit- With eight goals in six ed in 2009, El Clasico became appearances this season for synonymous with his rivalry Andrea Pirlo, Ronaldo is show- with Barcelona captain Messi. ing no signs of slowing down. Since Ronaldo’s departure, the By contrast, Messi is struggling fixture has lost some of its glam- in Spain. our, leaving the football world The Barcelona forward tried eager for the pair to be pitted to escape this summer but his against each other again. club refused to let him leave AC Milan’s Spanish midfielder Brahim Diaz (right) controls the ball during the Italian Serie A football match Sampdoria against AC Milan at the Those hopes were frustrated and Messi appears an uncom- Luigi Ferraris stadium in Genoa on Sunday. AFP earlier in the group phase, with fortable fit in new coach Ron- Ronaldo missing Barcelona’s 2-0 ald Koeman’s tactical plans, C Milan kept hold of their pull-back from Ante Rebic. home the fourth in stoppage time. win in Turin after testing posi- and far from his decisive best. five-point lead at the top of the Rebic would then surely have removed Sixth-placed Roma meanwhile are now tive for Covid-19. Messi scored Barcelona are enduring their Serie A Italian football league all doubt with 11 minutes left had Davide eight points off the lead after their goalless with a penalty. They are poised worst start to a league season on December 6 after a hard- Calabria not ruined a fine team moved home draw with Sassuolo as both teams to meet again this week. for 33 years and Messi’s incon- Afought 2-1 win at Sampdoria, while Na- by duffing his pass to the waiting Croa- had goals ruled out by VAR and the hosts Both sides have already sistency is part of the problem, poli moved third after strolling to victory tian, who is yet to score this season. played the second half with 10 men. qualified for the last 16 from with four goals in 10 appear- over bottom side Crotone. That left Pioli’s team to sweat out the Pedro was sent off for a second book- Group G but Juventus can ances and two of those from Franck Kessie’s penalty on the stroke of final minutes after Albin Ekdal’s powerful able offence five minutes before the overtake Barcelona if they win the penalty spot. half-time and Samu Castillejo’s 77th-min- header just escaped Gianluigi Donnarum- break. His coach Paulo Fonseca followed at Camp Nou by three goals or While Ronaldo was in Spain ute strike were just enough for the seven- ma’s clutches, and their lead at the top of him to the stands at the end of the first more, or by any two-goal mar- he and Messi drove each other time European champions to move up to the table would have been cut to three had half after Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s goal was gin other than 2-0. to greater and greater heights, 26 points and keep second-placed local Swede Ekdal not put another aerial effort ruled out for a foul by Edin Dzeko fol- Ronaldo and Messi are in the in what was football’s greatest rivals Inter Milan at arm’s length. wide with the last attack of the game. lowing a VAR check. latter phases of their careers, rivalry between individuals. Coach Stefano Pioli hailed a dogged Napoli are six points back in third, level The hosts dominated after the break at 35 and 33 respectively, but On December 8, they cross display from a team missing injured talis- with champions Juventus, after goals from despite being outnumbered and were un- both retain their elite status. swords once again, perhaps as man Zlatan Ibrahimovic, defender Simon Lorenzo Insigne, Hirving Lozano, Diego lucky to not take the lead when Leonardo Messi has six Ballons d’Or to a last encore. AFP Kjaer and midfielder Ismael Bennacer. Demme and Andrea Petagna earned the Spinazzola’s cross was guided onto the Pioli told Sky Sport Italia: “This is a away side a 4-0 win at Crotone. post by Sassuolo defender Gian Marco team that makes the most of every situ- Insigne opened the scoring with a Ferrari, under pressure from Dzeko. ation, even the most negative, to show trademark curling strike after cutting in Sassuolo thought they had snatched the what they can do. from the left with half an hour gone, and points with 15 minutes left when Lukas Ha- “I keep being surprised by the maturity the task became simpler for the away raslin whipped a long-range shot past An- of the players . . . They never get down- side five minutes after the break when tonio Mirante, only for the goal to be ruled hearted by bad results or let good ones Jacopo Petriccione was sent off for a late, out for the tightest of offsides by VAR. go to their heads.” high challenge on Demme. Fonseca told Sky Sport Italia: “I’m very Ivory Coast midfielder Kessie coolly Italy international Insigne then laid proud of my team. We played very well struck home his spot-kick after Jakub on Lozano for the second with a superb even when down to 10. We were very well Jankto unluckily handled while challeng- long pass that left the Mexican with a organised defensively and didn’t allow ing for the ball with Theo Hernandez. simple finish, and Demme made sure Sassuolo many opportunities.” Sandro Tonali hit the post for Milan just of the result with a drilled low strike 14 Atalanta’s match at Udinese was post- after the break but the away side were on minutes from the end following a lay-off poned after heavy rain made the pitch the back foot for much of the second half from substitute Mertens. unplayable. Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (second right) and Real Madrid’s Cristiano until substitute Castillejo doubled their Belgium forward Mertens then supplied Fiorentina host fellow strugglers Genoa Ronaldo (second left) will duel for potentially the final time when lead with his first touch, set up by a fine the pass that allowed Petagna to hammer on December 7 night. aFP Barcelona host Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday. AFP LeBron, Osaka among SI Sportspersons of the Year NBA champion LeBron James, award after 2012 and 2016, hav- Osaka won her third Grand Stewart supported Black Super Bowl winner Patrick ing previously matched the two Slam tennis title at this year’s Lives Matter from the start of Mahomes and Japan’s Naomi Sportsperson awards given US Open. She took part in Black the Women’s NBA bubble to the Osaka were among five athletes golfer Tiger Woods in 1996 and Lives Matter protests this year finish, when she helped the honoured on December 6 by 2000. following the death of George Seattle Storm claim a fourth Sports Illustrated (SI) magazine “With his efforts for racial Floyd and wore black masks title and winning WNBA Finals for their off-field activism. justice, education reform and during her US Open run, each MVP honours after recovering SI’s annual Sportsperson of Black community empower- with the name of an African- from an Achilles injury. the Year was The Activist Ath- ment as well as his voting rights American killed by police. SI wrote in announcing the lete and paid tribute to off-field campaign and varied charita- Super Bowl Most Valuable winners: “If there is brightness activities by James, Osaka, ble work, there is no doubt that Player (MVP) Mahomes sparked in this dark year, it’s the leader- Mahomes and his NFL team- he sets the standard for the the Kansas City Chiefs to the ship – and sorely needed opti- mate Laurent Duvernay-Tardif modern socially conscious ath- Super Bowl crown, pushed the mism – shown by some of our and Women’s NBA champion lete,” SI said of James, who was NFL to recognise the Black Lives nation’s top athletes in facing Breanna Stewart. also awarded the Muhammad Matter movement and backed down our many challenges. The magazine cited “five men Ali Legacy Award for his career the right of NFL players to con- “The issues and challenges of and women who in 2020 were dedication to public service. duct social protests. 2020 will no doubt still be there champions in every sense of the James spoke out on police Duvernay-Tardif, the starting in 2021 and beyond. But our word – champions on the field, brutality, racial inequality and right offensive guard for the Sportspersons of the Year set an champions for others off it”. championed a voter registra- Chiefs but also a doctor, gave example of how to face and one James sparked the Los Ange- tion programme, More Than A up his NFL uniform for doctor’s day fix them. With principle. les Lakers to the NBA title, cap- Vote, that helped sign up more protective personal equipment With passion. And with an ath- Japan’s Naomi Osaka reacts after a point against Czech Republic’s turing the fourth of his career, than 10,000 poll workers as well when the Covid-19 pandemic lete’s optimism – the belief that Marie Bouzkova during their women’s singles match on day one of the and became the first three-time as register voters in combating struck, joining the front line of no matter the obstacles, better Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 20. pAFP winner of the SI sportsperson voter suppression. a battle for people’s lives. days are ahead.” AFP 16 THE PHNOM PENH POST december 8, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Sport Criticism of England’s style ‘disrespectful’

ngland national a match-winning penalty in ously you have to win. If we rugby union team ‘sudden death’ extra time. don’t win, we don’t coach.” coach Eddie Jones Jones, however, had no Rugby, according to its fa- said critics of their qualms and responded an- vourite origin story, started styleE were being “disrespectful” grily when questioned by re- when William Webb Ellis to his players after they needed porters about the manner of picked up the ball and ran extra time to beat a third-string a victory that saw England with it during a football match France 22-19 in the Autumn avenge their only defeat this at Rugby School. Nations Cup final at Twicken- year, a 24-17 loss to France in There was not much play ham on December 6. Paris in February. with ball in hand from Eng- The tournament was domi- “Can I just say I think you land on December 6, how- nated by set-piece forward are being totally disrespect- ever, but Jones said the same play, aggressive defence and ful to the players the way you people criticising England’s tactical kicking, leading some criticise the rugby,” he said. style would also have turned pundits to fear for the future “It’s a tough time for the on them had they lost while of rugby union. sport, it’s a tough time to play playing a free-flowing game. Despite the dire pre-match rugby and we are all trying to “Had we run the ball from forecasts, England and France play as good a rugby as we everywhere and got turned nevertheless produced an en- can,” the veteran Australian over 30 times and been beat- grossing clash, with French coach, who oversaw England’s en 30-15 you’d have said why full-back Brice Dulin scor- defeat by South Africa in last didn’t we kick the ball more,” ing a fine try, as the visitors, year’s World Cup final, added. Jones insisted. boasting just 68 caps in their “Consider the players are “These are the best players starting XV, established a 13-6 coming off at least a 10- in the world and you’re telling lead at half-time. England’s centre Owen Farrell (centre) holds up the trophy as England’s players celebrate after their victory month season without having me they’re playing that game However, there were mo- in the final of the Autumn Nations Cup international rugby union series between England and France at any pre-season to prepare for because they don’t want to Twickenham, south west London on Sunday. pOOL/AFP ments when the teams’ kicking the international game. play good rugby? Be respect- duel resembled a prolonged the coronavirus pandemic. French line ended with prop driven over for a try. “It is a sport we love and it is ful to the players. baseline rally at the French Six Nations champions Eng- Ellis Genge knocking on. England captain Owen Far- a difficult game to play.” “We’re trying to win games Open tennis championship, land squandered a possible try Their tactics were eventu- rell who, unusually missed Asked if teams had a respon- of rugby . . . The easiest way at with fans in a crowd of 2,000 just before the interval when, ally rewarded barely 30 sec- four of his nine goal-kicks sibility to entertain, as well as times is to kick the ball, other booing one such exchange after having decided against moving onds from the end of normal in the match, tied the scores win, Jones snapped: “That is times it is to run the ball. We’re spectators were let into Twick- the ball wide, a series of drives time when replacement for- at 19-19 with the ensuing not the point and I find the always looking to get the right enham for the first time since by the pack inches from the ward Luke Cowan-Dickie was conversion before landing question a bit childish. Obvi- balance.” AFP Liverpool join top of Premier League Liverpool turned on the style Liverpool and Wolves both and we were waiting to get about scoring goals and be- for their returning fans on De- looked dangerous on the normality back. Normality is ing world-class players . . . It cember 6, beating Wolves 4-0 to counterattack in the early good – I don’t think we appre- is about being great guys and join Tottenham at the top of the stages of the late game at An- ciated it as much. It was very, doing your best for the team. Premier League after another field, with the home side tak- very touching.” “We grew up. I can imag- episode of the Son Heung-min ing the lead when Salah capi- ine lots of people can imag- and Harry Kane show. talised on an error by Wolves Deadly duo ine three matches in a row Jurgen Klopp’s men had not captain Conor Coady. The Spurs-Arsenal match – against Manchester City, had the chance to play in front Wijnaldum made it 2-0 was dominated by Son and Chelsea and Arsenal – would of their supporters since they with a wonderful curled fin- Kane, who have shredded de- be a moment for us to drop ended their 30-year wait to be ish shortly before the hour fences this season. points and go back to ‘nor- Floyd Mayweather says he is set for an exhibition boxing match against popular YouTube personality Logan Paul. AFP crowned English champions mark and Matip put the game Tottenham took the lead in mality’ but we didn’t go back but made up for lost time. beyond Wolves with a close- the north London derby in to ‘normality’, we are there.” You’ll Never Walk Alone rang range header before the late the 13th minute with a won- Arsenal, by contrast, are out around Anfield as 2,000 own goal from Nelson Se- der goal from the South Ko- now 15th in the Premier Mayweather to stage home fans – the maximum medo. rean, who curled a brilliant League following their sixth allowed under coronavirus Liverpool have now won 31 long-range effort into the top defeat of the season, and rules – witnessed strikes from of their past 32 home league corner after being set free struggling badly for goals. exhibition against Mohamed Salah, Georginio games, scoring 93 goals while down the left by Kane. Leicester ended a four-game Wijnaldum, Joel Matip and conceding just 25. The home side, also playing winless run in all competitions YouTuber Logan Paul an own goal. “The game, the atmosphere, in front of fans, doubled their at an empty Bramall Lane to Earlier, Jose Mourinho’s it was so nice I had goose- lead on the stroke of half-time push the Blades closer to a re- US boxing legend Floyd staged another widely ridi- Spurs beat faltering Arsenal bumps,” an emotional Klopp as they took apart their local turn to the Championship. Mayweather Jr announced on culed exhibition against kick- 2-0 at Tottenham Hotspur told the BBC. “They started rivals on the break. Clubs in tier-three areas of December 6 he is set for an ex- boxer Tenshin Nasukawa on Stadium and Leicester, who You’ll Never Walk Alone – real- Giovani Lo Celso played in England, with tougher coro- hibition boxing match against New Year’s Eve that reportedly ended the day in fourth spot, ly nice. I never knew it could Son, who returned the ear- navirus restrictions, still have popular YouTube personal- netted him $9 million. struck late to beat rock-bot- feel that good. lier favour to tee up Kane to to play behind closed doors, ity Logan Paul at an undeter- The 25-year-old Paul’s lone tom Sheffield United 2-1. “This started in February smash in from close range. while tier-two zones such as mined venue early next year. boxing match was against his Son and Kane have now London and Liverpool can No details were released YouTube rival, KSI, back in combined for 31 Premier have crowds of up to 2,000. about the former boxing November last year. League goals, the second Jamie Vardy kept his cool champion’s latest exhibition, Paul triggered widespread most of any pair after Chel- when through one-on-one other than it would be held criticism with his YouTube sea’s Didier Drogba and Frank and beat Aaron Ramsdale on February 20. portfolio in 2017 when he Lampard (36). with a confident right-foot The 43-year-old May- posted a video showing the Tottenham, who have not finish in the 90th minute. weather has not had a serious body of an apparent suicide lost a league match since the Ayoze Perez had put Bren- boxing match since fight- victim in Japan. The video, opening day of the season, dan Rodgers’s men in front ing Andre Berto in 2015, the shot in the Aokigahara forest, now have 24 points after 11 before Oli McBurnie headed same year he battled Filipino caused YouTube to cut some matches, level with Liverpool an equaliser for Sheffield champion Manny Pacquiao. business ties with Paul. and two clear of Chelsea. United, who now have just In 2017, Mayweather Last month, Mayweather Mourinho praised his star one point from 11 games. stopped mixed martial arts shared a video on Instagram forwards for their all-round In the first match of the day, fighter Conor McGregor, who teasing an upcoming fight contribution. Wilfried Zaha and Christian had never boxed profession- but without any details. He told Sky Sports: “Harry Benteke both scored twice ally before. The one-sided Mayweather will be giving Kane clearing balls in the box, as Crystal Palace made West fight allowed Mayweather an up six inches in height to the Sonny for the first 60 min- Brom pay for Matheus Perei- easy way to close his overall six-foot-two Paul. Tickets are Liverpool (in red) and Wolves both looked dangerous on the counterattack utes as a winger and then a ra’s first-half red card in a 5-1 boxing record at 50-0. priced between $25 and $70. in the early stages of the late game at Anfield on Sunday. pOOL/AFP second striker – it is not just rout at the Hawthorns. AFP A year later, Mayweather AFP