“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.