Techo International Airport (TIA) is rapidly taking shape, marking a key milestone in Cambodian infrastructure. Recently, top business leaders from the American, French, and European chambers of commerce visited the site ahead of this year’s opening, emphasising Cambodia’s growing capabilities in large-scale development.

Developed by Cambodia Airport Investment, Co. Ltd., a joint venture between OCIC and SSCA, this project reflects the hard work of Lok Neak Oknha Dr. Pung Kheav Se and his leadership capabilities in building and completing mega projects.

“Our goal has always been to build beyond today’s landscape, creating a foundation for future generations. Every project we undertake is a step toward a stronger, more connected Cambodia.” – Lok Neak Oknha Dr. Pung Kheav Se.

The Cambodian entrepreneur began his banking career in the 1990s, launching Canadia Bank and contributing to the rebuilding of the country’s financial sector. In 2000, he launched OCIC, expanding into real estate and infrastructure, where his developments have played a major role in Cambodia’s economic growth.

From Urban Development to Major Infrastructure Projects

OCIC began its journey in the 2000s by developing real estate projects across Cambodia. One of its first projects was Borey Chamkarmon. Building on this, the group expanded its focus to infrastructure, delivering key projects such as roads, bridges, and flyovers that enhanced urban connectivity. Over time, OCIC diversified into new sectors, including education, agriculture, and healthcare, reinforcing its role in Cambodia’s economic transformation.

 

"After working at Airbus and running my own business ventures, I thought I knew what hard work meant. But seeing Dr. Pung Kheav Se lead OCIC has been eye-opening. His ability to manage multiple projects at once, bring new ideas to life, and drive progress is the essence of entrepreneurship. His vision pushes all of us at OCIC to think bigger and create new opportunities," said Thierry Tea, OCIC’s Vice President.

Residential Developments – Over 10,000 homes delivered to Cambodian families across various projects, consistently addressing Cambodia’s evolving housing needs and contributing to urban expansion since the 2000s.

Koh Pich and Urban Expansion – A dynamic riverside district at the heart of Phnom Penh, set along the Mekong River, Koh Pich has transformed into a growing central business district, home to over 1,000 businesses, international schools, and high-rise condominiums. With expanding retail and dining options—including soon-to-open brands like BreadTalk, Koi Thé, and Kyō Shabu—it has become a key destination for business and lifestyle. Launched in 2006, Koh Pich is now a growing Central Business District home to international companies like Unilever, Nestlé, DKSH, KPMG, Baker Tilly, Jotun, Legrand, AIA, Minebea, CMA CGM, Starbucks, or FoodPanda, as well as local Cambodian powerhouses such as Sok Siphana & Associates, AI Farm Robotics, KlapYaHandz, Orchid Hospital, and the Federation of Cambodian Startups. Koh Pich is a precursor to OCIC’s other major urban developments, setting the foundation for its subsequent projects, including Chroy Changvar Satellite City (2011), Olympia City (2012), and Norea City (2018).

Urban Green Spaces – OCIC has developed recreational areas, including Coconut Park in Koh Pich and Norea Parkway, as well as the newly soft-launched Coconut Park Norea, providing open spaces for community use. Norea Parkway, featuring Brown Cafe and Riverlight, emerges as a dynamic lifestyle destination, attracting tens of thousands of weekly visitors.

Weddings, Concerts, and Business Expos – From Koh Pich to OCIC CCV Halls, these venues have hosted tens of thousands of events, welcoming everyone from newlyweds to world leaders. The ASEAN Summit 2022 was held in Chroy Changvar's Exhibition Halls, hosting former U.S. President Joe Biden and UN Secretary General António Guterres.

Public Infrastructure – OCIC has played a pivotal role in enhancing Phnom Penh’s transportation network, constructing eight flyovers and three major bridges that make up nearly 80 per cent of the city’s elevated road and bridge infrastructure, easing congestion and improving connectivity.

25 Years of Growth: OCIC’s Milestone Achievements in Cambodia

From its early partnership with Malaysian Group Sunway for housing development in the late 2000s to collaborations with global firms like Foster + Partners, Changi Airport, Vinci Airports, SIA Engineering, Lagardère Travel Retail, and CBRE, OCIC’s growth has been shaped by resilience, learning from setbacks, and pushing forward through challenges.

This entrepreneurial journey has been defined by urban innovation and transformative projects. From early developments like Borey Bassac Garden and Canadia Tower to shaping key infrastructure and commercial districts, OCIC has built long-term economic opportunities, created tens of thousands of jobs, and developed places for communities and families to grow....Credit By :https://b2b-cambodia.com/articles/dr-pung-kheav-se-ocics-25-year-growth-and-impact/

#Business Buddhism

Dr. Pung Kheav Se: OCIC’s 25-Year Growth and Impact

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 CAMBODIAN (KHMER)ANGKORIAN CROWNS AND KHMER TRADITIONAL COSTUMES WORN BY CAMBODIAN (KHMER)LADY IN CAMBODIA 🇰🇭 🐉AND JAVANESE INDONESIAN LADY WORN INDONESIAN TRADITIONAL COSTUMES 🇮🇩🦅

♥️CAMBODIAN (KHMER) ANGKORIAN CROWNS AND KHMER TRADITIONAL COSTUMES 🇰🇭:

Involving a fragment of the Ramayana “the ancient Indian epic”, the Apsara Dance has had its roots in Hindu animism since the 1st century.

During the Angkor era (the reigns of Cambodian(Khmer)King Jayavarman II to VII), this dance took on its own unique form, graceful movements, and deep meaning. By the 13th century, it was the typical Cambodian(Khmer) than the Indian. The images of wanton dancers, adorned with gold headdresses and silken tunics and skirts, were carved on the walls of Angkor Temple and many other temples. Three of of Apsara images were found on the walls of the 12th-century court of King Jayavarman VII.

Over the centuries, classical Khmer dancing lent its influence to the classical ballet of the neighboring countries. Some of its postures and movements are similar to other Southeast Asian dancing. However, Princess Bopha Devi said, “The Khmer kingdom started its cultural tradition in the 6 th century,700 years before Thailand"

Base on Khmer mythology on base -relief on the walls of the ANGKOR Wat temple,all of APSARAS dancers "heavenly beings" and Assura (demons) churned the ocean of milk with the gigantic Naga in search for the exlixir of immorality.      

This dance portrays mera dressed in white for purity, dancing in her garden. She is accompanied by her handmaidens "Apsaras" they all produce flowers expressing great love of the people and the country.

The APSARAS dance Is deemed to a main part of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia.

❤️JAVANESE INDONESIAN TRADITIONAL COSTUMES 🇮🇩:

The Javanese is one of the largest ethnic groups in Indonesia. Around 40.22% population in Indonesia are Javanese. This ethnic group has its unique characteristic in culture, language, also culinary. They also are well-known for their smooth nature of speech. Not only living on Java island, but Javanese also live in other places in Indonesia.

Javanese ethnic group is categorized as rapid growth in development. This can be proven through the relics of the great kingdoms in Java, and still, it can be seen today. For example, the temples of Borobudur, Prambanan, Mendut, Singosari, and so on.

Although the Javanese have spread entirely of Indonesia, many people do not know how the history and origins of the Javanese. Did they come from the indigenous people? Or are they immigrants? Here are some theories that explain the origin of the Javanese.

According to the archaeologist, Eugene Dubois found an ancient human fossil type Homo erectus. This fossil was found in Trinil in 1891. Then he made a comparison between the DNA of the ancient fossil with the Javanese tribe today. As a result,  DNA did not have much difference from the Javanese today. This evidence was getting stronger with the discovery of ancient human fossils type Pithecanthropus erectus. Thus making these archaeologists believe that the Javanese tribe came from the indigenous population.

On the other hand, Von Hein Geldern gave opposite evidence. There had been the migration of people from the Chinese (Yunan) area to the archipelago. This migration has existed since the neolithic era 2000 BC, until the bronze age of 500 BC, on a large scale using outrigger boats.

So does Dr H. Kern said. Based on his research in 1899, the local languages ​​in Indonesia were similar, and Kern concluded that these languages ​​have roots from the same family, namely Austronesian.

So, this was what made Geldern believed that the Javanese did not come from the original indigenous people. However, there was also evidence through ancient Indian writings and the Malang palaces that gave different conclusions. 

In ancient Indian writings, it was stated that if several islands in the archipelago, including the island of Java, were merged with mainland Asia and Australia. However, at that time, there was a disaster when sea levels rose. This separates the island of Java and several other islands.

Another ancient writing also mentions Aji Saka, a traveller who first came to the mainland of Java Island and settled there with his followers making them become the ancestors of the Javanese people.

It is also said that the prince who came from the Kling Kingdom was exiled with his followers. They struggled to open new land on a remote island, and they built a settlement and established a kingdom called Javacekwara. The descendants of these princes are considered the ancestors of the Javanese, according to the Babad Tanah Jawa.

  According to an ancient letter from the Malang palace, the origin of the Javanese came from the Turkish kingdom in 450 BC. At that time, King Rum, the king of Turkey, sent his inhabitants to clear land on his uninhabited island of power. However, due to the disturbance of the beasts, many of the inhabitants suffered so much that they returned to their original country.

Then, in 350 BC, the king resent the inhabitants a second time. The migration brought 20,000 men and 20,000 women from the Coromandel. The move was led by Aji Keller, who found Nusa Kendang with a highland covered by dense forest, and many wild animals.

At that time, the residents were very happy because there was a lot of food and a fertile plant called the Jawi plant on the island. Jawi plants are found everywhere. Therefore the name of this type of plant is used as the island's name, namely, Jawi Island.

#Culture

CAMBODIAN (KHMER)ANGKORIAN CROWNS AND KHMER TRADITIONAL COSTUMES WORN BY CAMBODIAN (KHMER)LADY IN CAMBODIA 🇰🇭 🐉AND JAVANESE INDONESIAN LADY WORN INDONESIAN TRADITIONAL COSTUMES

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 Bokator is an ancient Cambodian martial art with roots tracing back over a thousand years to the Khmer Empire. Known formally as "Kun Lbokator," meaning "the art of pounding the lion," it is one of the oldest fighting systems still practiced today. It was originally developed as a close-quarter combat system for Khmer warriors, used on battlefields to defend the empire against invaders. The name "Bokator" is tied to a legend of a warrior who allegedly killed a lion with a single knee strike, reflecting its focus on powerful, decisive techniques.

This martial art is comprehensive, blending hand-to-hand combat with strikes (punches, kicks, elbows, knees), grappling, joint locks, throws, and ground fighting, as well as the use of traditional weapons like swords, staffs, and knives. A distinctive feature is its animal-inspired movements, mimicking creatures such as tigers, cranes, snakes, and elephants, which add both complexity and a cultural flair to the practice. These techniques are even depicted in bas-reliefs at ancient temples like Angkor Wat and Bayon, showing its deep historical presence.

Bokator nearly vanished during the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s, when traditional arts were banned, and many practitioners were killed or forced into hiding. After the regime fell, the subsequent Vietnamese occupation continued to suppress native martial arts. Its revival is largely credited to Grandmaster San Kim Sean, often called the "father of modern Bokator," who preserved and later reintroduced it in the early 2000s after returning from exile in the United States. Today, it’s taught across Cambodia and has spread to Cambodian diaspora communities in places like the U.S., Europe, and Australia.

Beyond combat, Bokator is a cultural cornerstone, symbolizing Cambodian resilience and identity. It was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016, highlighting its value beyond just fighting. Practitioners wear traditional attire—kramas (scarves) around the waist and sangvar (silk cords) on the head and biceps—echoing ancient Khmer military uniforms. Unlike modern combat sports like Kun Khmer (Cambodian kickboxing), Bokator isn’t designed for the ring but for real-world survival, emphasizing lethality and versatility.

Efforts to keep it alive include competitions, like the first national event in 2006 at Phnom Penh’s Olympic Stadium, and its inclusion in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games. It’s more than a martial art—it’s a living link to Cambodia’s past, blending physical prowess with spiritual and historical significance.

#Sport

Bokator Cambodia

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 Moha Sangkran is the first day of the Cambodian New Year, also known as Khmer New Year or "Choul Chnam Thmey," which translates to "Entering the New Year" in Khmer. This vibrant festival marks the traditional solar new year in Cambodia and is one of the country’s most significant cultural celebrations. It typically begins on April 13 or 14, depending on the ancient horoscope known as "Moha Sangkran," and lasts for three days, aligning with the end of the harvest season and the start of the rainy season.

On Moha Sangkran, the festivities commence with the welcoming of a new year angel, a tradition rooted in legend where one of seven angelic daughters of the god Kabil Moha Prum descends to Earth to bless the people. Each year features a different angel, with specific attributes and offerings tied to her, such as favorite foods or symbolic items. For example, in 2024, Angel Mohothareak Tevy, associated with the Year of the Dragon, was honored with offerings like venison or dried beef. People prepare by cleaning and decorating their homes, setting up altars with flowers, incense, candles, and food to honor the angel and pray for prosperity and happiness.

The day involves various rituals, including bathing with holy water—face in the morning, chest at noon, and feet in the evening—as a symbolic cleansing to wash away the past year’s misfortunes. Many Cambodians visit temples to offer prayers, burn incense, light candles, and thank Buddha for his teachings. Unlike the water-splashing festivities of neighboring countries like Thailand’s Songkran, Cambodia’s Moha Sangkran focuses more on spiritual and communal activities, though some playful water-throwing may occur.

This day sets the tone for the three-day celebration, followed by Wanabat (a day of charity and offerings) and T’ngai Laeng Saka (a day of family gatherings and blessings). Moha Sangkran reflects Cambodia’s rich blend of Buddhist traditions and ancient Brahmanic influences, celebrating renewal, gratitude, and community as the nation transitions into a new cycle.

#Festival

Moha Sangkran Cambodia

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 The Equinox at Angkor Wat in Cambodia is a remarkable astronomical event that occurs twice a year, during the spring equinox (around March 20-23) and the autumn equinox (around September 21-23). During these times, the sun rises directly over the central tower of Angkor Wat, aligning perfectly with the temple’s western entrance. This creates a stunning visual spectacle, where the sun’s rays illuminate the temple in a way that highlights its architectural brilliance and cosmic significance.

This phenomenon is no coincidence. Angkor Wat, built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, was designed with precise astronomical alignments in mind. Dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, a solar deity, the temple reflects the Khmer civilization’s advanced understanding of astronomy, engineering, and mathematics. The equinox sunrise emphasizes this connection between the earthly and the divine, a deliberate feature of its construction. Scholars suggest that the temple’s layout, including its bas-reliefs and pathways, may also encode calendrical functions, such as marking the days between solstices and equinoxes.

Today, the event attracts thousands of visitors to Siem Reap, where Angkor Wat is located. People gather before dawn—often arriving as early as 5:00 AM—to witness the sunrise, which typically begins to align around 6:00-6:30 AM local time. The experience is both a cultural and spiritual moment, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity of the ancient Khmer architects. For the best view, visitors often position themselves near the western entrance or the reflection pools, though it can get crowded, especially during the spring equinox, which coincides with Cambodia’s dry season and clearer skies.

If you’re planning to attend, arriving early is key to securing a good spot, and bringing a camera is a must to capture the moment when the sun crowns the temple’s iconic lotus-shaped tower. The next equinox, given today’s date of March 22, 2025, is ongoing—today is one of the prime viewing days for the spring event! The autumn equinox will follow later this year, around September 21-23, 2025.

#Moha Nokor

The Equinox at Angkor Wat in Cambodia

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A rare example of the Hindu god Surya, for whom a halo behind his head can symbolize either a solar disc or the sun, which dates back to the 7th century Phnom Da art style. It’s from the 1989 book Thai and Cambodian Sculpture from the 6th to 14th Centuries, written by Wolfgang Felten and Martin Lerner, which highlighted 41 previously-unpublished sculptures, the vast majority of which were in private collections at that time. For comparison, as the two styles are quite different, I’ve included a photo from the National Museum in Phnom Penh, depicting another Surya of a similar age, which was repatriated from the USA in 2023 by the Denver Art Museum, having previously been in the possession of Douglas Latchford, a close associate of the author, Martin Lerner.Credit By :

 

#Moha Nokor

A rare example of the Hindu god Surya

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An example of Ganesha, the popular Hindu deity who was depicted with a human body and an elephant head, from the 1989-published book, Thai and Cambodian Sculpture from the 6th to 14th Centuries, by authors Wolfgang Felten and Martin Lerner, which was first published in 1988 in the German language. Another of the 41 sculptures from the book, which was in an unnamed private collection at the time. In the description, a similar Ganesha at The Met Museum in New York is mentioned, where the author Martin Lerner was curator, hence I've included its picture for comparison. A reminder of who Ganesha was – he’s the son of the god Shiva and his spouse, Parvati. As the remover of obstacles and protector of knowledge, the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, was scribed by him and when his pen failed, he broke off his tusk to finish the job. Usually you will find that part of his tusk in his right hand and maybe some sweets in the other hand. Why an elephant head? During a fit of rage his father cut off his head and to relieve his wife’s grief, he replaced the head with that of the first living creature he could find, an elephant.Credit By :andy.brouwer

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An example of Ganesha, the popular Hindu deity who was depicted with a human body and an elephant

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Cambodian Premiere of LOOT:

The brand-new feature-length film, LOOT: A Story of Crime and Redemption, directed by Don Millar, will be screened three times at various venues throughout the upcoming 14th edition of the Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF), which was announced earlier today. It will tell the story of Douglas Latchford and his associates, the multi-billion-dollar art market, the illegal theft of Cambodia’s cultural heritage and the ongoing struggle to facilitate the return of those looted antiquities back to the kingdom. The screenings will be accompanied by a panel discussion, including the presence of the director. CIFF will take place from 21st to 29th March, screening 151 films, including sixty Cambodian films in all major cinemas and other venues across Phnom Penh. LOOT incidentally will have its world premiere on Saturday 15 March in the Le FIFA Festival in Montreal, Canada.

LOOT: A Story of Crime and Redemption. Time: 87 minutes:

From remote Cambodian villages to elite art institutions in New York, LOOT: A Story of Crime and Redemption is a daring look into the underbelly of the multi-billion-dollar art market and the deadly reality behind “blood antiquities” filling Western museums today. During Cambodia’s civil war, British adventurer-scholar Douglas Latchford led an extensive criminal network, looting centuries-old temples hidden within landmine-filled jungles. The film offers access to key players, including “Blue Tiger” a former child soldier turned looter who now fights to return stolen artifacts. The film tells the gripping story of the contrast of rich and poor as viewers learn about multi-million-dollar sales of works looted by Cambodian farmers paid $20 per week while risking their lives. LOOT: A Story of Crime and Redemption also takes viewers behind-the-scenes as stolen pieces are returned to Cambodia, including some arriving from New York’s Met Museum in July 2024. With thousands of pieces still overseas, Cambodia’s relentless struggle continues against the most powerful figures in the art world today.

Watch the trailer for LOOT: A Story of Crime and Redemption: https://www.lootfilm.com/

 

#Moha Nokor

Cambodian Premiere of LOOT

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Khmer Art Sold at Sotheby's in 1988:

The Douglas Latchford article I posted yesterday mentioned a sale of the Kreiling collection of Khmer art at Sotheby's in 1989. In fact, it was in November 1988 that Sotheby’s in London, as part of an auction of Khmer, Thai, Indian & Himalayan Art, sold off Khmer antiquities that belonged to collector Randall Kreiling. I tracked down the Sotheby’s catalogue for that sale online and though Kreiling is not mentioned by name, some of the pieces at the auction ended up in the Metropolitan Museum in New York. They were bought by another wealthy collector, Enid Annenberg Haupt, who donated them to the museum. I’d love to get a copy of the Sotheby’s catalogue but until I do, here are a few pictures from the pages of the brochure showing some of the Khmer artworks up for sale. The cover image of the five-headed Shiva and the Divine Sage Agastya were in the Kreiling collection (and are now at The Met), while Douglas Latchford’s fingerprints are all over the Rup Arak Vishnu, and the Baphuon Uma, which he sold to the Lindemann family and which was repatriated to Cambodia in July 2024, and is on display at the National Museum.Credit By:andy.brouwer

 

#Moha Nokor

The Douglas Latchford article I posted yesterday mentioned a sale of the Kreiling collection of Khmer

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Chinese Porcelain Company & Dhrishtadyumna:

In July last year, Cambodia welcomed home the giant statue of Dhrishtadyumna, the commander of the Pandava Army, which was looted from Prasat Chen at Koh Ker in 1972. Today, he is reunited with his pedestal and is sat next to his fellow Prasat Chen sculptures in the National Museum in Phnom Penh. Dhrishtadyumna had been successfully re-possessed by American authorities on the hunt for Khmer antiquities sold by disgraced dealer Douglas Latchford to wealthy collectors George and Frayda Lindemann, where the massive stone figure was pictured in their hallway in Architectural Digest magazine in 2008. How and when Dhrishtadyumna came into Latchford’s possession isn’t clear but the sculpture was exhibited and sold in 1994 by the Chinese Porcelain Company of New York. The 68-page catalogue, Ancient Khmer Sculpture with text by Martin Lerner (Asian curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art) was produced to accompany the exhibition held between 12 October and 12 November 1994 at their New York gallery. Proceeds from the brochure sales of the featured 20 sculptures were to benefit the work of The World Monuments Fund at Preah Khan. I’m hoping to obtain a copy of the catalogue but in the meantime have a couple of photographs from the publication. The cover image of the catalogue depicts a Radiating Lokeshvara that looks identical to another recently repatriated sculpture, which was sold by Latchford to collector James Clark in 2003. Khalil Rizk, the owner of the Chinese Porcelain Company, opened his first gallery in 1984 and with his business partner Conor Mahony, who came from Sotheby's in 1993, opened their new gallery in 1994.Credit By :andy.brouwer

#Moha Nokor

Chinese Porcelain Company & Dhrishtadyumna:

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