“Rise for Khmer”: A Historic Cultural Showcase Backed by Cambodia’s Leading Business Giants.

Cambodian Conglomerates Unite Behind a Global Cultural Stage.

In a powerful display of cultural pride and corporate solidarity, three of Cambodia’s most influential conglomerates, Royal Group of Companies, Chip Mong Land, and Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC), have officially joined forces to support Rise for Khmer, an international cultural concert set to take place on 1 December 2025 in Paris. Hosted at Salle Pleyel, one of France’s most iconic and historically significant concert venues, the event promises to amplify the presence of Cambodian music and artistic expression to a global audience. The partnership was formally announced during a joint press conference featuring prominent leaders and creators: Mao Chanman (President of the Khmer Artists Association), Manu Rajan (Group Brand Officer of the Royal Group of Companies), Eung Vireak (Shareholder of Chip Mong Land), Thierry Tea (Vice President of OCIC), Laura Mam (CEO of Baramey Productions), and Dara Thong (Producer at Sabay Event Productions). Their collective presence underscored the growing synergy between Cambodia’s creative industries and its business sector, signaling a new era of cultural elevation on the world stage.

Renewed Cultural Identity on the International Stage

Rise for Khmer arrives at a time when global interest in Cambodian music has surged, marking the first major large-scale Khmer music performance in Europe since the Royal Ballet tours of the 1990s. This renewed cultural wave comes on the heels of significant milestones, including VannDa’s electrifying appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony, an unforgettable moment that spotlighted modern Khmer artistry before millions worldwide. The upcoming concert gathers leading talents from Baramey Production, VannDa, Suzana Reth, Vanthan, Norith, and YUUHAI, symbolizing a generation of artists who blend heritage with innovation. More than a performance, the event serves as a declaration of cultural pride, artistic confidence, and a unified Cambodian identity re-emerging powerfully on the global cultural map.

Business Leadership Driven by Cultural Commitment

The collaboration behind Rise for Khmer extends beyond the entertainment world, reflecting a broader national movement driven by some of Cambodia’s most established business groups. For over thirty years, Canadia Group, OCIC, Royal Group of Companies, and Chip Mong Land have significantly contributed to the nation’s economic growth across sectors such as finance, infrastructure, communications, and real estate development. Their joint support for this concert highlights a shared belief that culture and creativity are essential pillars of Cambodia’s forward momentum. As Thierry Tea, Vice President of OCIC, emphasized: “OCIC has invested in building homes, bridges, urban districts, roads, and now a new international airport, improving connectivity and daily life for millions of Cambodians. It is in this spirit that OCIC supports the humanitarian dimension of this initiative.” This alignment between enterprise and artistic expression demonstrates a unified vision, one that positions culture as a vital force capable of strengthening national identity, inspiring communities, and showcasing Cambodia’s evolving story to the world.

A Cultural Milestone Symbolizing Unity and Global Connection

At its core, Rise for Khmer is far more than a concert, it is a cultural milestone that merges business leadership, artistic innovation, and global engagement. The event symbolizes Cambodia’s continuing progress and its rising creative voice, now reaching international platforms with renewed resonance. With strong backing from the country’s major private-sector leaders and a lineup of artists shaping modern Khmer music, the concert stands as a defining moment where unity, heritage, and ambition converge. As Cambodia steps confidently into the global cultural spotlight, Rise for Khmer represents a meaningful step forward in sharing the nation’s artistic soul with audiences worldwide.

GDT, CCC discuss tax glitches to boost biz environment.

Cambodia is taking another major step toward strengthening its business environment. This week in Phnom Penh, the General Department of Taxation and the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce held a high-level meeting to tackle ongoing tax challenges and improve compliance for companies operating across the country.

The session was co-chaired by Kong Vibol, Director-General of the GDT, and Kith Meng, President of the CCC. Together, they invited ministry officials, private companies, associations, and key stakeholders to review real issues raised by the private sector from unclear procedures to new regulations that need more guidance.

Between November 2023 and October 2025, 56 tax-related challenges have been recorded, not counting the 56 issues already resolved during the 19th Government-Private Sector Forum. This rising number shows just how urgently businesses need clearer, more efficient tax processes.

During the meeting, Kith Meng urged the GDT to establish a special committee dedicated to reforming and amending tax laws, an essential move to attract more global investors and support Cambodia’s growing economy. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to making tax policies more practical, predictable, and aligned with today’s business realities.

They also discussed preparations for the upcoming nationwide “Tax Forum,” a platform designed to promote open dialogue on tax topics and address private-sector concerns more effectively.

If you believe Cambodia’s economic progress depends on open collaboration between government and business, share this story to help spread the message.

Cambodia, China step up science and technology cooperation.

In Phnom Penh, a major step forward has been taken in science, technology, and innovation. Cambodia and China have officially launched the Cambodia-China Joint Research Program, an initiative marking a powerful new chapter in their long-term partnership.

On Tuesday, Minister Hem Vanndy of Cambodia’s Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, together with Wang Wenbin, China’s Ambassador to Cambodia, presided over the announcement. Built on previous agreements and fresh memoranda of understanding, this program represents months of coordinated planning that began in July 2024.

From nearly 70 proposals submitted by research teams in both countries, eight outstanding projects were selected. These focus on critical areas shaping Cambodia’s future: food security, public health, biotechnology, environmental applications, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and data science.

Chinese officials highlighted that the goal is simple yet transformative, generate scientific progress that improves lives and strengthens a shared future between the two nations. Cambodian leaders echoed this vision, noting that the program also expands talent development and deepens institutional collaboration.

Each project will run for two years. China’s Ministry of Science and Technology is providing up to 2 million RMB—about $280,000—for each Chinese research team, while Cambodia supports its researchers with key in-kind and institutional backing. Cooperation will also continue through regional platforms like the Lancang-Mekong Innovation Corridor and the ASEAN-China Joint STI Committee.

This joint effort is more than research, it’s strategic investment, regional progress, and a blueprint for sustainable development.

If you believe in the power of international collaboration to drive growth and innovation, share this story.

FacePass Secure: ABA Bank Strengthens Biometric Protection as User Adoption Surges.

Biometric Security Becomes Central to ABA Mobile’s Strategy

ABA Bank is rapidly advancing its digital security ecosystem with the expansion of FacePass Secure, a facial recognition technology integrated into ABA Mobile. First introduced in 2024, FacePass has quickly become a defining feature of the bank’s protection framework, with over 90% of all users activating the feature. The upgrade arrives as Cambodia embraces mobile banking and QR-based transactions at unprecedented speed, pushing financial institutions to meet rising expectations for both convenience and digital safety.

As the first bank in Cambodia to embed live facial recognition directly within its mobile banking app, ABA has set a new competitive benchmark, prompting wider sectoral shifts toward layered authentication and more sophisticated fraud prevention tools.

Read more: How Will Cambodia Benefit From ADB’s Investment in Digital Finance?

Enhanced Protection for High-Value and Sensitive Transactions

Initially designed as an optional login security layer, FacePass Secure has evolved into a mandatory identity verification tool for key activities. The bank now requires live facial recognition for:

• High-value money transfers
• Personal data updates
• eKYC steps during Instant Account Opening
• Reactivating ABA Mobile on a new device

This expansion ensures that only the true account owner can approve these actions—even if someone gains access to their smartphone or PIN. The verification process, designed to be almost instantaneous, adds robust security without burdening users.

Zokhir Rasulov, Chief Digital Officer of ABA Bank, emphasized the importance of balancing convenience with protection, stating:

“FacePass Secure represents a significant leap forward in mobile banking security and user experience. It demonstrates ABA Bank’s commitment to safeguarding customers’ financial information while prioritizing convenience. For example, if you transfer an amount larger than your preset limit, FacePass will require live facial verification, meaning no one, not even someone who knows your PIN, can complete the transaction without your presence.”

Designed for All Modern Smartphones, Not Just High-End Devices

ABA highlights that FacePass Secure is not the same as Apple’s Face ID, which functions at the device level. Instead, FacePass is fully app-based and compatible with both iOS and Android devices that include a front-facing camera with live recognition capability. This ensures broad accessibility across Cambodia, where many users rely on a wide variety of smartphone brands.

Read more: How Are AI-Generated Images Tricking You Into Fake Charity Donations?

To address growing privacy concerns, ABA confirms that all biometric data is encrypted, stored only on secure servers inside Cambodia, and never shared or transferred abroad. These measures align with international information security standards.

As cyber fraud and account takeovers rise across Southeast Asia, ABA positions FacePass Secure as a necessary safeguard in a rapidly digitalizing financial environment.

Rising User Confidence and Momentum in Cambodia’s Digital Payments Landscape

Feedback from early adopters, particularly small business owners and young professionals, shows high confidence in FacePass Secure. Many view the feature as an added layer of protection that enhances trust, especially when conducting large transactions or time-sensitive payments.

This widespread adoption also reflects Cambodia’s broader shift toward digital finance. KHQR payments, mobile banking apps, and digital wallets have become integral to daily commerce, creating a natural pathway for biometric solutions to become an industry standard.

Read more: Can Cambodia Become Southeast Asia’s Next Startup Powerhouse?

As more banks across the region explore similar technologies, ABA’s early leadership may catalyze sector-wide upgrades in the near future.

ABA continues to encourage all customers to activate FacePass Secure through their app settings to ensure stronger account protection and a smoother, more secure banking experience.

ADB Approves $50 Million Program to Strengthen Cambodia’s Financial Stability and Digital Finance Infrastructure.

A Major Step Toward a More Resilient Financial System

Cambodia has taken another significant stride toward financial modernization as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approves a $50 million policy-based loan designed to reinforce sector stability and drive digital finance innovation. This new initiative, a milestone for the country’s economic development, aims to strengthen financial governance, expand financial inclusion, and future-proof Cambodia’s financial landscape.

Strengthening Banking, Nonbanking, and Digital Finance Institutions

The funding falls under ADB’s Inclusive and Sustainable Finance Development Program, a long-term, programmatic approach that supports banking and nonbanking institutions. The focus is clear: improve sector performance, enhance resilience, and expand access to quality financial services for both consumers and businesses. Regulatory reforms, market efficiency upgrades, and digital finance development will be central to the program’s implementation.

As ADB Acting Country Director for Cambodia Anthony Gill stated, the initiative aligns perfectly with Cambodia’s long-term ambitions, noting that the investment aims to reinforce financial inclusion, stimulate private sector participation, and ensure economic growth benefits communities nationwide.

Tackling Structural Challenges and Closing Financial Gaps

While Cambodia’s financial sector has expanded rapidly in recent years, structural challenges persist. Limited market depth, insufficient investor protection, unequal financial service access, weak financial literacy, and gaps in digital infrastructure continue to hinder progress.

The program’s first phase directly addresses these issues. ADB plans to strengthen the regulatory environment for financial institutions, improve overall sector stability, and boost consumer protection. Additionally, strategic development efforts will support emerging financial technologies such as digital assets, cryptocurrencies, and peer-to-peer lending, ensuring Cambodia remains competitive in the evolving fintech landscape.

Driving Sustainable Finance and Green Investment

A major component of the program includes advancing sustainable finance—a critical step as Cambodia aims to attract climate-conscious investment and transition toward green growth. The initiative will help shape a unified national framework for sustainability-linked finance. Key measures include establishing a green finance working group, issuing corporate sustainability disclosure guidelines, and creating pathways for sovereign sustainable bond issuance.

These reforms support Cambodia’s broader vision of achieving upper middle-income status by 2030 and high-income status by 2050, with digital connectivity, capital market development, and robust financial governance as essential building blocks.

ADB’s Continued Commitment to Regional Development

Founded in 1966 and jointly owned by 69 members, ADB remains a driving force behind economic progress across Asia and the Pacific. Its long-standing commitment to supporting essential infrastructure, institutional reform, and inclusive development continues to play a vital role in Cambodia’s transformation.