Friday, June 21, 2013

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Family reunion after 20 year-old abuse

Nom and her four children hold each other’s hands to show their hope after rescue by CWCC
 
 Living at the shelter in Siem Reap, Nom* first revealed the case of serious domestic violence in her family to the staff of the Cambodian Women’s Crisis Center.
   The victim dared not speak out about the violence when she first met with CWCC staff.
After receiving psychological and legal counseling, she told CWCC staff that her broken leg was because of the violence from her husband. Her daughter also revealed that she was raped by her father many times.
   Nom and her children escaped from the 49 year-old husband and father after experiencing domestic violence for over 20 years. One of Nom’s other daughters was rescued several months beforehand and lived at the shelter before her mother.
   The 13 year-old-daughter escaped from the house because of the violence and rape from her father.
   Her mother and three other siblings accidentally met her at the shelter so they hugged and cried when they reunited.
   Nom described her life of violence, “he fought with me almost every day. We couldn’t easily escape because he locked us in the house and threatened to kill us. Every time we did escape he would find us and torture us,” she continued.
   Chan Norak, the Monitoring Officer of CWCC said “we’ve supported the victim to file complaints against the suspect of domestic violence and rape of his own children and the Prosecutor has already sought to arrest the suspect.”
   Nom said that she is very happy that she and her four children are safe and receive skills training and literacy classes at CWCC’s safe shelter. “I hope my children will get a proper job and and we can be safe one day. CWCC’s shelter is the safest place for us to continue our lives,” she added.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

ICT Trainng at SILAKA

Young Cambodian Women learn how to create Facebook account
With SCWHR Project, SILAKA has organized ICT Training to Cambodian Young Women Activities for the whole day on the 17th of June 2012.

17 young Cambodian women and one man from various NGOs have been trained how to create Gmail, Gmail group, Facebook, and blog which are the knowledge to spread the useful information among Cambodian women and be prepared for ASEAN integration in 2015.

For more information about ASEAN, please go to ASEAN CAT ASSOCIATION 

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Monday, November 14, 2011

Sovanna shopping mall breaks the ice with new skating rink

Photo by Srey Neang Chhim
Written by Ou Mom

When I arrived at the Ice City Skating Rink at Sovanna Shopping Centre, a gang of teenagers were gathered around the edges, watching young women slide around with varying degrees of grace.

Two girls holding hands tottered slowly around the field, while others blazed by at high speeds.

Ice City opened last month, promising Sovanna shoppers the only authentic ice skating experience in the Penh. However, it’s authentic only when it comes to the sensation of ice skating – the white floor is actually made of plastic, not frozen water.

Ice City is open from 9am to 9pm every day, and costs $5 per hour for adult and $4 per hour for children.

Ice skating in Cambodia is not as cool as skating in Europe during winter – both figuratively and literally. But after an hour of trying it out, I was hooked, and determined to improve my skills.

The first time I buckled up the skates I was nervous, but Cheng Sambath, the 25-year-old manager, was ready with a helping hand.

“Skating on ice and skating in this plastic rink is about 90 per cent the same,” he said.

“I cannot say it is easier than rollerskating, because it is a bit stickier, but it is easy enough to start learning.”

Cheng Sambath should know; despite being a skilled rollerskater, his ice skating experience dates back only to the launch of Ice City.

“By the time the place officially opened I had only skated on ice around 20 times.

“The most talented skaters take only about fifteen minutes to learn, even if they have never tried it before,” he said.

Sure enough, it was not as hard as I expected. The ice skating boots felt more comfortable than the rollerskates I used to wear, though I didn’t want to let go of the railing until being sufficiently tutored by Cheng Sambath.

“It is just the same as real ice skating,” he instructed. “Put your legs in a V shape and take it step by step, pushing along with your thighs and keeping balanced.”

After a spell of standing firmly and balancing my body, I decided that it wasn’t that hard, and slid around the rink until I became quite sweaty.

I studied the way my newfound coach skated, and tried some faster moves, only to immediately fall down.

“When you are about to fall down, you should release your body naturally, rather than going tense,” was his only remark. “It will be a lighter fall that way.”

Sovan Mery, a 19-year-old worker at the rink, said that there are between 20 and 30 skaters there every day, with up to 50 coming on weekends and holidays.

“Most skaters are young people, but sometimes we also get old people who are experienced skaters and want to give our rink a try,” he said.

If enough people do give the rink a try, Cheng Sambath said his company plans to build another ice skating rink – and this time, with genuine ice.

My Pictures on Socialite this week

Friday, October 21, 2011

How Journalism Roles and Ethics be applied to the Cambodian Society

(Feature)
By Ou Mom

Sitting in a large bright room with six other people around the round table, a 38 year-old journalist was listening but shaking his head disagreeing with what his American lecturer had just said: “If you get the money from your sources to put in your pocket, you will not being an independent journalist.”

Chray Chamnan who works for Raksmey Kampuchea local newspaper and is attending a journalism course named Media Education Development in Asia Regions (MEDIAR) has asked his fellow trainees whether Cambodian journalists work without getting the bribe from the sources.

“The journalism ethics that I’ve just learnt are very good and not different from what I have learnt in the past ten years but the journalists can not practice it in reality,” Chray Chamnan said.

Chamnan said that he became a full time staff for a local entertainment magazine after six months training course funded by the Asia Foundation in 1999.

“The salary was not the first thing for me. When I first started my work, sometimes I could earn only 20USD per month,” he said “But I still continued my work because I was in love so much in writing since I was in secondary school.”

When my articles have been published, I was happy that they have informed and educated people, Chamnan added.

Based on his over ten years experience in reporting, Chamman feels that local journalists can earn less so most of the time, other involved institutions of the event or information would pay for their reporting which was called ‘Per diems’, ‘Grateful pay’, ‘Petroleum pay’ or whatever.

The journalism situation in Myanmar is a bit different. Shwe Sin Khaing, the reporter from Myanmar Times said that throughout her four years experience in journalism, most Myanmar journalists understand about their roles but she is not sure about the performance of general journalists with the bribe.

“We’ve only fewer than 100 institutions are pro-government but there are until 400 media institutions in Myanmar,” Shwe Sin said.

“Because my place is an independent newspaper, I’ve just known we’ve followed the roles of journalists and never taken the bribe,” she continued.

Not different from Myanmar Times reporter, Kay Kimsong, the editor-in-chief of the Phnom Penh Post in Khmer language said that the journalism roles and ethics have to be restricted for an independent newspaper.

“Actually, we’ve the clear rule for any reporter who has taken the bribe and totally changed the story context from bad to good and so on but we just do these confidentially ,” he said.

“Firstly we warn them directly. Secondly, we send an officially warning letter. And thirdly if they still don’t change their behavior, they will be dismissed from their jobs, Kimsong added.

According to Kimsong’s estimation, the roles and ethics of Cambodian journalists has increased to 70% because of much increase of training courses for them.

“To develop our journalism situation, I think we have done the right way to found the short journalism courses to improve and let them know their roles and ethics. If they’ve understood anything about their roles and ethics, we cannot blame or punish them,” he said.

Adding to Kimsong’s perspective, Stuart Alan Beckor, the special reports editor at The Phnom Penh Post, talked to seven trainees of MEDIAR journalism course from Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia about how to get more respect and be independent that are the only way to have more proper benefit.

“Besides inform the public about the facts, you can try to have good relationship with the rich and influence people so your companies will benefit from you and pay you more." "Simple word is called ‘Catching a Big Fish’ so either your company or your public will be interested in your ability,” Stuart suggested.

Anyway the special reports editor also mentioned not to change the context of the information though journalists need to promote their ‘big fish’. “We need the find a proper way to write the story interesting and benefiting to the public,” Stuart said.

With Stuart’s suggestion, Cambodian journalist Chray Chamnan said that he is not sure whether the ‘Big Fish’ formula can be applied as the Cambodian high ranking officers and the rich business people are not so friendly and does not much respect the journalists.

“We need to take time to promote our professional practices so our good reputation and proper benefit will come later,” Chamnan nod approval and said.

River Side changed of Pace

2 minutes Promotional Video Draft Narration

‘River side’, in Cambodia’s Capital, Phnom Penh is a hot-spot that should not be missed.

The natural beauty of river side, its diversity, and quality hospitality distinguish it as a modern hub for tourists and local alike.

River side is nestled next to the Royal Palace; the garden’s are green and idyllic and are home to many beautiful doves.

If you’re feeling energetic, you can exercise alongside local Khmer people on the outdoor gym equipment, or run along the water’s edge.

Local Buddhist followers frequently pray at near by statues, which is a peaceful thing to see among the bustling traffic at River side.

Riverside is also home to the famous boat races at the Water Festival. In fact, you can hop on board a party boat and experience the musical delights of this unique venue.

It is a sure thing that the dynamic ‘River side’ will lane you wanting more.

By Ou Mom, edited by Nikki

Links of my articles of PPPost in the past months

Culinary competition kicks off
Written by: Michael Sloan and Roth Meas
Date: 2011-10-20 05:00:20
(Lifestyle/Lifestyle)
... industry push for perfect service in the future,” he said. ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY OU MOM ...

The hotel de la saved
Written by: Michael Sloan
Date: 2011-07-29 08:00:20
(Siem Reap Insider/Siem Reap Insider)
... Collins alerted the hotel’s sales and marketing director Christian de Boer to the article by journalist Ou Mom, chronicling the ups and downs of Chan Oudomsak’s tumultuous life. De Boer told 7Days that ...

Hands-on contest a hit in Cambodia
Written by: Ou Mom
Date: 2011-09-01 08:00:20
(Lifestyle/Lifestyle)
Ten winning contestants received LCD television sets and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Subaru Palm Challenge in Sinagpore in October. Photo by: Ou Mom More than 80 contestants took part ...

Traditional art meets the modern
Written by: Ou Mom
Date: 2011-08-17 08:01:00
(Lifestyle/Lifestyle)
Photo by: Ou Mom The bold use of colour and attention to detail has attracted many foreigners to modernised Khmer masks. Once upon a time, traditional Khmer masks could only be viewed during ...

Activist’s long road to find peace
Written by: Ou Mom
Date: 2011-08-08 08:00:50
(Lifestyle/Lifestyle)
Koul Panha, the winner of a Ramon Magsaysay 2011 award for his courageous work in fighting for democracy in Cambodia. Photo by: OU MOM Cambodian Koul Panha has been awarded one of six prestigious ...

Jeweller shines after tragic history
Written by: Ou Mom
Date: 2011-07-25 08:00:40
(Lifestyle/Lifestyle)
HARD work and creative design have helped heal the scars of the past for Siem Reap jewellery designer Ly Pisith. His sculptural necklaces, bracelets, earrings and pendants, wrought in fine sterling ...

A sorcerer’s life from riches to rags
Written by: Ou Mom
Date: 2011-07-19 08:00:30
(Lifestyle/Lifestyle)
Former sorceress Domsak is ailing at the age of 83 at her home in Tbeang Kert village, Siem Reap province, and is nursed by her daughter Kherng Bronorm. Photo by: OU MOM ONCE the old woman ...

Women artists to the foreground
Written by: Ou Mom
Date: 2011-06-20 08:01:00
(Lifestyle/Lifestyle)
THE winner of Cambodia’s first art prize for women has opened a solo exhibition of acrylic and watercolour landscapes that celebrate the theme of water. Doung Saree, winner of the You Khin Memorial ...

Seven big movies shoot in Cambodia
Written by: Ou Mom
Date: 2011-05-31 08:00:20
(Lifestyle/Lifestyle)
Photo by: Ou Mom Courses run by the Cambodian Film Commission have helped production crews hone their skills and improve their techniques. Better technical training for film crews has led ...

Peace Corps celebrate anniversary in Cambodia
Written by: Ou Mom
Date: 2011-05-25 08:00:40
(Lifestyle/Lifestyle)
Photo by: Ou Mom US Ambassador Carol Rodley thanks Peace Corps volunteers. Fifty years of volunteer work abroad by members of the United States Peace Corps was celebrated in Cambodia last ...

Artist draws on experience of Cambodian women
Written by: Ou Mom
Date: 2011-05-24 08:00:40
(Lifestyle/Lifestyle)
Linda Saphan at the opening of her exhibition at Bophana Centre. Photo by: OU MOM NEW York-based Cambodian artist Linda Saphan focuses on women in her exhibition of 21 drawings at Phnom Penh’s ...

Critics urge soprano to improve her pronunciation
Written by: Ou Mom
Date: 2011-03-03 08:00:30
(Lifestyle/Lifestyle)
Young soprano Bosba Panh in concert at Angkor. Photo by: OU MOM Fans crowd the stage for photos with the stars after the concert. Photo by: OU MOM AFTER last weekend’s two-day concert ...

Three students claim prizes at Hong Kong maths contest
Written by: Ou Mom
Date: 2011-01-24 08:01:00
(Lifestyle/Lifestyle)
From left, Leang Eng Se, Ngo Peng Hok and Sokhonn Reny after their win. Photo by: OU MOM THREE young Cambodian students have won the country’s first international prizes in an Asia-Pacific ...

Activist spreads green message through Cambodia
Written by: Ou Mom
Date: 2010-11-04 08:00:10
(Lifestyle/Lifestyle)
Activist Yuji Miyata on a tree-planting project in Cambodia. Photo by: Ou Mom A JAPANESE man is aiming to alter perceptions of the environment among Cambodians by walking through the country ...

Musical vision for talented kids
Written by: Ou Mom
Date: 2010-11-03 08:01:00
(Lifestyle/Lifestyle)
Photo by: Ou Mom So Sronos has set up a music school for children in Phnom Penh. A NEW private music school opened by So Sronos, who gained a master’s degree in music in Japan, aims to ...

From scrapheap to new houses
Written by: Ou Mom
Date: 2010-10-14 08:00:40
(Lifestyle/Lifestyle)
Photo by: Ou Mom Traditional chay yam performances of music and dance marked the opening of the first three homes to be completed by Habitat for Humanity. Above right, families who received ...

Health: KL hospital offers medical training
Written by: Ou Mom
Date: 2010-09-29 08:00:20
(Lifestyle/Lifestyle)
Photo by: Ou Mom Cambodian doctors, nurses and medical staff will be trained at Sime Darby Hospital in Kuala Lumpur after it opened an office in Phnom Penh this week, said Sime Darby Healthcare ...

Giant cake cooks up festival fever
Written by: Ou Mom
Date: 2010-09-27 08:00:50
(Lifestyle/Lifestyle)
Crème de la crème ... a barista decorates a cappuccino at a Camfood festival press conference and a Bloom Cakes’ artist places petals on a giant confection. OU MOM/SUPPLIED PHOTO COMPETITIONS ...

Market's man for portraits
Written by: Ou Mom
Date: 2010-09-20 08:00:20
(Lifestyle/Lifestyle)
... is a motodop driver and his mother runs a stall. He has two sisters. Artist Chea Vothea draws his inspiration from traditional Khmer mythology to produce detailed pencil works. Photo by: Ou Mom ...

Friday, September 10, 2010

Radio station hosts tree planting

Written by: Ou Mom
( Lifestyle )
A TREE-planting ceremony organised by Phnom Penh’s ABC Cambodia talk radio station will take place in Svay Por village, Kampong Cham province, on Sunday. The ceremony is part of the station’s “gr...
Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:00:30 +0700
Word count: 283

Pencil sketches reveal artist’s perspective on KR tribunal

Written by: Ou Mom
( Lifestyle )
Photo by: Ou Mom Artist Kou Dalin smiles beside one of her drawings on display at Bophana Centre in Phnom Penh. More than 20 pencil sketches on display at the Bophana Centre in Phnom Penh exp...
Mon, 05 Jul 2010 08:00:40 +0700
Word count: 571

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Cambodian women recognised for creativity

Written by: Ou Mom
( Lifestyle )

by Ou Mom Phnom Penh JAVA Café and Gallery is hosting an...
Tue, 29 Jun 2010 08:00:40 +0700
Word count: 536

Traditional Khmer Beauty Techniques


By Ou Mom

Although modern cosmetics and giant beauty brands, the likes of which you find around the world, have infiltrated the beauty industry Cambodia, some Cambodian families still opt for their daughters to indulge in ancient Khmer beauty techniques. These herbal potions and methods are believed to enhance a woman’s beauty while improving the texture of skin.


In Cambodia, the motto is - the lighter the skin, the better. Traditionally Cambodian women have protected the vitality and the colour of their skin with three renowned techniques - herbal steam, Ponlei (a kind of ginger) powder, and the classic routine of staying out of the sunlight (Read full stories on 7Days this Friday..!)

Word count: 882 words

Friday, June 25, 2010

Star change yourself!

Written by: Ou Mom, Ngo Menghourng and Sothea Ines
( LIFT )


Volunteer Development Childre's Association YESSO Youth For Peace As Cambodian youth look to improve themselves and their country, they often search for an organisation that fits their s...

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:00:40 +0700
Word count: 1017