Garlic leaves are a boon for farmer

Garlic farmer Pring Leang, 49, waters crops on his farm in Kandal province’s Saang district. RANN REUY

Profitable income generation has many sources. Whether it requires work in an office, trading on the market or farming land – the outcome always depends on the innovation and effort of the individual.

For Pring Leang, the sources are three small fields in Kampong Por village in Kraingyov commune of Saang district, about 40 kilometres south of Phnom Penh. Here, on a total of half a hectare of land, the 49-year-old plants garlic to sell its leaves. ‘

This, he says, brings him $5,000 per year.

“I have never feared loss of income because we have been professionally working for nearly 30 years,” he said.

The time between planting the seeds and harvesting the leaves is about 40 days, a process Leang performs three times in a given year.

“This work is not tiring because I can rest whenever I prefer,” he said.

The garlic leaf price has been volatile, going up and down depending on the number of farmers planting. However, he says he has never sees losses because his fields are well preserved and he always reserves seeds from the current crop for planting later, to avoid the necessity of spending more money by purchasing them from traders.

“It is cheap when more garlic leaf farmers plant simultaneously during harvesting time,” Leang said.

On Saturday, a day before the national election, garlic leaves were sold for 3,500 riel per kilogram, jumping from 2,500 riel two weeks ago. Leang says at a price of 3,500 riel he can make about 1 million riel ($250) from leaves planted on 0.10 hectares – one of the three small fields.

Two years ago, the price decreased to a level as low as 800 riel a kilogram, and profits were so low that some people quit planting.

Although making a small loss, Leang continued on the reserve seeds he had saved up.

He says that recently, prices have been good and during the rainy season in October, November and December, they climbed up to 10,000 riel a kilogram.

Besides selling to middlemen trading on markets in Phnom Penh, Leang also hawks seeds to farmers in his village or neighbouring villages.

While damage on the fields does occur, Leang said the worst scenario would be a maximum 30 per cent loss of the his total output for a round of planting.

Of his three children, two are married and followed his career as a garlic farmer, while his youngest daughter is in her third year as a student at a university in Phnom Penh.

“I have spent much money for my daughter studying,” he says. “If my daughter didn’t study, the money I owned today would be pretty good.”

Original source: http://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/garlic-leaves-are-boon-farmer

10:40 AM | 0 comments | Read More

Telecoms regulator calls for price meeting

By Rann Reuy and Anne Renzenbrink

The Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia (TRC) is calling all mobile phone operators to attend a meeting next week in order to reconsider the costs for within- and across-network calls, after disputes over bonus promotions in Cambodia’s crowded telecoms market.

TRC director Mao Chakrya said that for the meeting on Thursday next week he would discuss the “cost base” of phone calls to which all operators’ representatives agree on, in order to avoid having costs below the agreed price.

“We do not know yet about the cost base, but … we will not allow the operators to operate below the cost base,” he said, adding that “this is not correct, and operators must have regulations”.

In an effort to tackle price disputes between the mobile operators and to set minimum tariffs, the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications signed the Inter-Ministerial Prakas Number 232 on Minimum Tariffs of Mobile and Fixed Telephone Services and Interconnection Fees in December 2009.

According the prakas, the minimum cost of calls within a network is 4.5 US cents per minute.

The minimum tariff for cross-network calls is 5.95 cents.

In response to suggestions that the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications could affect free market competition in the Kingdom, Mao Chakrya said the using operation cost, which is below the cost base, would lead to companies losing profits and lead to failures.

“We defend the benefits of the people, it is the duty of the TRC,” he said.

Thomas Hundt, CEO of telecom operator Smart, said there’s no official indication of a meeting yet, but that does not mean the meeting is not taking place.

“I cannot give you any idea what could be the direction of the meeting, but I think the public opinion which you can see everywhere is speaking a … strong language, the public, the consumers are not happy,” he said.

The Post reported earlier this month that the TRC had issued warning letters to mobile operators Beeline and Smart over their recent advertisements, saying they violate 2009’s inter-ministerial prakas 232.

Earlier this week Smart sent text messages to its customers, saying “due to Prakas 232 we are presently not allowed to provide any call bonuses.”

According to Anthony Galliano, CEO of Cambodian Investment Management, [the consolidation in Cambodia’s mobile sector] “was a matter of natural selection and will result in a solid and sound group of survivors.

“As the market narrows down to a healthy three operators of significance, expectations are that pricing will be more competitive and consumers will be offered even more attractive packages. The three will scramble for market dominance and thus this should lead to even cheaper rates,” he said.

Galliano said that the regulators, however, may continue to attempt to stabilise pricing at a level they are comfortable with, which puts everyone at the same level.

While not the best scenario for consumers, “it will likely lead to a more financially sound industry, something severely lacking in the past”, he added. “The key differentiation factors will be marketing, coverage, and quality of service rather than price.”

Original source from: http://www.phnompenhpost.com/2013050165340/Business/telecoms-regulator-calls-for-price-meeting.html

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Kingdom lacks education as economic ties approach

Students from the Royal University of Phnom Penh attend a graduation ceremony. A UN report has highlighted concerns over Cambodian graduates’ place in ASEAN. Photograph: Sovan Philong/Phnom Penh Post

[Phnom Penh Post]
lmost every day, Pet Rath journeys from his home in Battambang province’s Sampov Loun district across the border to study Thai about two kilometres inside Cambodia’s western neighbour.

The facilities and standards at the school he attends part-time over the border in Khlong Hat district, Sa Kaeo province, have always surprised him.

“The development of the education system in Thailand seems miles away from what we have in the school in our home district,” he said.

“The schoolyard [in Thailand] is wider than the ones in my home district. Students wear appropriate uniforms and better obey the school’s rules. Teachers and students can reach school by travelling on modern roads.”

The vast gap between the educations afforded to students in Thailand and Cambodia is representative of a broader problem facing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as its 10 member states seek to integrate their economies by 2015.

Namely, how can member countries that have just begun to develop their education systems hope to compete with individuals from far more developed ASEAN states armed with a vastly superior education in an integrated regional economy?

It’s a dilemma that has pricked the concern of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), which yesterday highlighted this problem in the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific, released yesterday by ESCAP.

The wide socio-economic gap remaining between more developed members and less developed members – namely Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam – is a major concern, the report says.

“The literacy rate in Cambodia remains low, at around 75 per cent, compared to the other ASEAN members’ 90 to 95 per cent [except for Laos],” the survey found. “Public spending on education is also relatively low at around three per cent of [the gross domestic product].

“Such a gap could have a negative impact not only on the economic integration of ASEAN but also on its social and cultural harmonisation.” The report goes on to say that education will also be an important factor in determining labour productivity.

While Cambodia prepares for the launch of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, which will facilitate the free flow of goods and labour among its 10 countries, improving labour productivity and competitiveness in a regionalised economy is crucial for Cambodia, analysts and experts said.

Dr Vong Sam Ang, general manager of SOMA Consulting Service, told the Post yesterday that Cambodia will face tough competition when the ASEAN economic community opens its doors, as the quality of employees in white-collar positions such as accounting and banking is limited compared with regional competitors.

“The educational systems in more developed members of the ASEAN and the commitment of their students are on a higher level than ours,” he said. “Instead of hiring a Cambodian middle manager or general manager, a chief executive officer might choose to import staff from more developed countries whose quality is much better.”

However, Sam Ang also said he sees enormous potential in the Kingdom’s large young labour force, many of whom are low-cost workers.

“The ASEAN economic community could entice more investors to open up businesses in our country, and graduated students who leave school with good skills could also see broadened opportunities by the ASEAN economic community’s launch,” he said.

“In order for [less developed] countries to fully benefit from the ASEAN economic community, the focus on education needs to be enhanced,” said the ESCAP report.

However, education might be a crucial step to meet Prime Minister Hun Sen’s target to move forward “from a low-income country to a lower-middle income country”, as he told Chinese news agency Xinhua in last week.

5:29 PM | 0 comments | Read More

Gender-based hiring a common problem

A secretary works on a computer at an office in Phnom Penh Tower yesterday. Some companies looking to hire a secretary specify in the job advertisement that they are looking for women. Photograph: Ruth Keber/Phnom Penh Post

[Phnom Penh Post]
Fancy a full-time job as a secretary overseeing the general manager’s office? You must be female – and a “good looking” one too, according to an online job advertisement by a Paris-based modelling agency in Phnom Penh.

Sales manager needed – but only for healthy males, goes another posting by a local real estate company.

If you’re not batting an eyelid at these postings, you’re not alone. For a long time, companies here – both local  and foreign-run – have listed specific genders for their job openings, along with other criteria like education and work experience, with barely anyone objecting.

But this practice may be breaking labour laws that appear to be little known. The labour code, adopted in 1997, states that companies cannot pick new employees based on criteria that are deemed non-substantive, such as gender.

Yet many continue doing so, unaware they may be picking the wrong side of the law.

“It is not a problem” if the situation and job environment call for it, said Meng Kimpheng, Asia Real Estate Cambodia’s human resource supervisor. The real estate company in March posted on a local job portal a sales manager position for males.

The sales manager has to head out to meet potential clients daily, sometimes even in other provinces until late, Meng said. Only males would usually want this job because “many females do not like to travel or work under the sun”.

It is also more convenient for males to spend the night away from home after meetings, he added.

While the company employs females for other office-based positions, he said, “males bring more benefits to the company” because they are also willing to work longer hours and on weekends.

But not all agree. Putting his money on the fairer sex is Cam-Sin Dry Port Logistics deputy country manager Kolo Chen. “Females are more willing to work late, while males will just knock off on time and delay the work,” he said.

This is why his company’s online posting in January for a finance executive requested females. They are more careful with finance, he said, because in Cambodian culture husbands pass their money to their wives to manage.

But it is not just employers who are unaware that gender-based hiring could be illegal. Several lawyers in Cambodia contacted by the Post were also unsure if the country bans it.

The Labour Ministry did not reply to media queries.

Employment agency Top Recruitment’s Kevin Britten said that such hiring practices are “occasionally appropriate”, such as when only males are hired to clean male toilets and vice versa.

“In my opinion, this is not a high-priority business issue,” he said, though it could “cut 50 per cent of potentially suitable applicants out of your [selection] pool”.

“There are no international standards as this issue is very culture-specific [and] is a feature of Western societies,” he added. An online search showed that countries in the region with similar regulations against gender-based hiring include Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and Korea.

But an NGO leader said gender-based hiring is “discriminatory” because companies are pre-judging, “based on their own feelings”, the candidates’ suitability for the job.

Instead, companies should have concise job descriptions – indicating, for example, that the work requires travelling or staying out until late – and then “the candidates can make their own decision on [whether to apply]”, said Ros Sopheap, executive director of Gender and Development for Cambodia.

Even if, for example, a school has female students wanting private home tuition, the job advertisement should not ask specifically for female tutors, she said.

“It doesn’t mean that a male teacher will harass the student,” and the students are the ones selecting their tutors anyway, she added.

“Nobody is voicing out this discrimination yet,” she said. “But slowly, young people will fight against it as they become aware of their rights.

5:26 PM | 0 comments | Read More

MFI increases loans as economy grows

[Phnom Penh Post]
As rising economic growth spurred demand for personal loans, Prasac, Cambodia’s biggest microfinance institution (MFI), provided $106 million in loans between March, 2012 and March, 2013, an increase of 66 per cent compared with the corresponding period a year earlier.

Additionally, Prasac’s net profit increased by 19 per cent during the first quarter of this year, compared with the equivalent period of 2012.

Prasac president and chief executive Sim Senacheert attributed the boost in loans to rising economic growth and an increase in new clients.

“Loans [were] mainly used for service and trade activit-ies, representing 44 per cent; followed by agriculture, [accounting for] 30 per cent; and personal loans, [accounting for] 23 per cent,” he said.

Meanwhile, non-performing loans also increased slightly, from 0.16 per cent as of March 2012 to 0.19 per cent at the end of March this year.

But this slight increase was not yet a concern, Senacheert said. The newly established credit bureau would prevent over-indebtedness among clients, he said.

Prasac’s number of borrowers rose 22 per cent to 143,274 by the end of last month, and deposits hit $90 million.

This year, Prasac expects its loan portfolio to grow by 55 per cent.

But with more than 30 MFIs in the country, Cambodia’s microfinance industry is a crowded one.

Experts say this could lead to borrowers taking multiple loans from different MFIs, which may lead to over-indebtedness.

According to a study released this month on microfinance borrowing in Cambodia, “The sharp growth of the sector has resulted in substantial competition, and there have been concerns that it may be leading to cross-lending and, possibly, over-indebtedness of borrowers.”

“Having multiple loans increase a borrower’s odds of being over-indebted by six times, specifically when the borrower has three or more outstanding loans,” the research by the Cambodia Institute of Development has found.

http://phnompenhpost.com/2013041965111/Business/mfi-increases-loans-as-economy-grows.html

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How To Build a Facebook Fanbase By Monday

by Haydn Shaughnessy, Forbes contributor

How can you quick start your own Facebook presence? The problem with social media, often, is it works for other people but not for you. Is there a way for you to become one of the great community builders?
Take Sandi Krakowski as an example of someone who is well on their way to social media stardom.
I’ve been writing about social media for five years and have nearly 7,000 Twitter followers. That’s poor for someone in the business. On Facebook I fare much worse – 650.

Sandi, who does not come from a social media writing background has over 1o0,000 on both. Here’s her Facebook business page. It is all about Sandi.
I asked her over email how she does it and here is a critical insight I learned from talking to her. Social networks truly reflect the broad diversity of cultures out there in society. When someone tells you how to do good Facebook or good Twitter you have to stop and ask – who am I doing this for? Who is my audience? And who do I really want to connect with? What types of people?
Because only when you think that way does this new democracy empower you. Anything else and you are living in old media land.
This tribal effect also means that social media gurus will crop up in every hue and form – because every community or tribe will have its leaders.
In terms of techniques for growth Sandi takes a simple route. In a nutshell, she posts regularly on Facebook – every hour. And she speaks in what she calls the voice of her ideal customers.
She also makes it personal, adding her religious experiences to her personal enthusiasm. Although she has a team, the social media presence is really about Sandi and how much she cares about her customers. It’s about love in a way that would have pleased John Lennon.
I said a few weeks back that there is a trend towards therapy in 140 characters. Social media is becoming online hugging, as more and more social media influencers use personal messages of hope, support, and good will to keep their connections going strong. That’s what you get with Sandi.
I find that a little off-key, at least for me. But it works because of what Sandi says – she speaks in the voice her ideal customers want to hear, a little like those of us who write about tech trends tend to focus on the stories that people are reading.
So here is Sandi’s story. I interviewed her as part of a series I am doing while I compile the social media power influencers list with Peek You. See more on that here. I edited the interview for readability.
Sandi:
Initially my FB page was a way to connect with clients and talk to them about our  blog posts and products, as most businesses ‘were’ doing. It was a sales  channel.
(Sandi now sells social media services) What was her background in online media?
Sandi:
I’ve run 11 successful businesses online. My first company being an online  newsletter using the old school Major Domo email which led to an ecommerce business in 1997. It was a kitchenware business, that was built in the same way of communication as I’m doing social media today-good ole fashioned customer  service and caring about my ideal clients, and speaking their ideal language.
I’ve run ecommerce businesses in kitchenware, vitamins, bread making forums,  went onto becoming a copywriter, online marketer and pay per click specialist.  My first pay per click campaign was in 1998.
On social media she says: “Social media is a process of good relationships, copy that speaks to your idea clients and truly caring about your audience.”

I asked if she had good personal Twitter and Facebook reach before she began building it out for her business?

Sandi:
We went from 10,000 on Twitter to 114,000 because everything we do works synergistically together. My personal FB reach was at 5000 (FB limit) but only  1118 of my friends are connected to my FB business page. (We shouldn’t spam  our personal pages with business) This shows that the clients we’ve attracted to  my Facebook page are there for business and not just friends ‘hanging out’. Our  model teaches, “Loving Your Customers” just as the merchants of old used to do when everyone came on horse and buggy. Giving personal touch on all of our  platforms built substantial growth overall.

What kind of plan did she come up with?

Sandi:
The ‘typical engagement’ of 4-8% on a Facebook Page that so many experts said was great didn’t resonate with me. In my mind, these were pathetic  engagement rates for email, a blog or any other communication. How could it be  acceptable on social media?
The biggest step towards increasing our engagement and growing our  community we made was by being very intentional in not being a ‘typical’ social  media marketer. We didn’t want to just speak to people when we had something to sell, only post when we wanted them to ‘opt in’ or give us feedback.
Relationship, which has been the golden thread through all of my successful online businesses, was the motivating and directing compass here as well.  We made a commitment to post every hour, something motivating, encouraging  and speaking to our clients directly, about things that would benefit them. Our greatest marketing campaign was and still is, “How can I help someone get a result today?” Some of these results may be tangible, others intangible. But  either way the main purpose, for which we are driven, is to help people to create a real change thru their business, is accomplished.
How did you launch the plan?
Sandi:
To be very honest with you, we just began to do more of what we were already doing on my very successful blog and email messages every hour on Facebook. The effect was nearly instant! I had just gotten back from a family vacation to Hawaii. That trip created some serious engagement and I began to think, “WHOA… they are very interested in the personal side of business, as well as  really having a relationship with us. Let’s bring them ‘all in’ to our culture and see what happens.” The rest is history! And what a rewarding fun time it is every single day!
I must note that the clients we have who do the exact same thing: posting regularly, getting involved, motivating, answering questions, posting pictures and building a community as opposed to a ‘sales’ page also see amazing results
nearly instantly.
What were the distinct phases in your success?
Sandi:
When we saw people asking for more help, bringing us results that their once  ‘unseen’ business was now on the first page of Google. Results that came in from people who said they were writing more, speaking, blogging, and stepping  into things they never thought they could learn like PPC. Ironically we get some very personal stories that inspired us and caused us to continue on this path.
We’ve had a few people who told us our daily posts on Facebook kept them going through a job loss or a serious challenge in their life. A few people have even told us our regular posts gave them hope when they were struggling with depression after so many disappointments in the recent economic struggle.
Our audience even includes some young people who want to build a business in their future and along with their parents find our material great educational content in that growth. As a mom who has homescooled for 24 years, all of my children work with my husband and me… our FB culture is about EVERYTHING it takes to really have a successful business AND a successful life.
The big distinction that I have seen recently is that our audience is populated with just as many men as women. This means we’re helping everyone and that is a personal mission and purpose of mine! Not just attracting people who are ‘just like me’ that so many marketers seem to focus on. We have companies and clients who follow and work with us.
What are the major lessons you would pass on to others?
My biggest Facebook Marketing tip would be – Be yourself. Be true to you. You’ll  attract clients who are the same. Even if you’re a big brand, get to know your clients more than you do your products and have relationship with them. Have your client care team become a ‘Facebook Team” that supports, encourages and engages daily.
Be unique, be intentional and have fun. It doesn’t matter if you’re a small mom and pop type business or a huge corporation. Social media has CHANGED the way people do business. They want to have relationships with us. More than 1 billion people are active daily on Facebook. As business owners it’s our honor to serve them, live, daily.
So that’s Sandi’s perspective. How can you spend a fruitful weekend boosting your own Facebook presence? I’m tempted to do this myself:
1. Ask, between spoons of cornflakes, who are your ideal clients. Who are the ones you really connect with and feel on the same wavelength as?
2. On the morning stroll open up about your shared culture? Is it driven by zeal or skepticism, passion for what your are doing, pragmatism? How that culture shapes up in your mind will shape your messaging.
3. Come home and plan out those hourly posts. Information about you are who you are, advice and support for the people you rare reaching out to, messages about your journey together in business, short form on Twitter and on Facebook.
4. Transfer that messaging to a small 2 x $10 pay per click ad campaign on Facebook. 2 x $50 if you really want to push the weekend.
5. Engage for 48 hours (no forgetting sleep), messaging your day to the people you want to work with
6. Get ready to test reaction. Who answers, comments, tweets, what you are saying? How do the PPC stats look?
7. It’s Monday morning – how’s it going?

“One thing I teach,” says Sandi “is check-in for 5 minutes, every hour.  Then if you’re posting 8 x per day, that’s less than an hour per day. 5 hours per week on social media. We won’t lose our life or our focus that way.  It also keeps us very connected.  As my following grew I made it a priority to spend 2-3 hours per day interacting.

Follow me on Twitter @haydn1701 or join me on Facebook (I need you!). I am here on Google.

5:31 PM | 0 comments | Read More

Cambodia launches electric car

Seang Chan Heng, general director of Heng Development company, speaks during the launch of the locally produced Angkor Car, Monday, Jan. 07, 2012, in Phnom Penh. Photograph: Rann Reuy/Phnom Penh Post

[Phnom Penh Post]: A Cambodian-produced electric car, the Angkor EV 2013, was officially unveiled yesterday by the Heng Development Company, based in Kandal province.

Heng Development general director Seang Chan Heng said the car, designed by local innovator Nhean Phalloek, was a great achievement.

Nhean Phalloek said the battery-powered Angkor EV 2013 could travel 300 kilometres between charges and had a top speed of 60 kilometres an hour.

Seang Chan Heng blamed delays in building the car, intended for use in the domestic market, on a former business partner who dropped out of the project.

In March, 2011, Seang Chan Heng signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chou Leang Alliance

Group and Nhean Phalloek in a $20 million deal to produce between 500 and 1,000 battery-powered cars a year, using 300 workers.  

“I am really disappointed in [the] partner company, which had co-operated with us in the past,” she said.

“I waited [for] them day after day, month after month, for six months without samples and moulds.”

Seang Chan Heng said that although the Angkor EV 2013 had been unveiled, the number of cars that would be produced each year, and the amount of any new investment necessary, was not yet known.

“In 2013, we will sell some cars in the market, but the actual number we don’t know yet,” she said.

“But I can assure you that... my company and Mr Phalloek will have some cars for sale.”

The price of the Angkor EV 2013 has yet to be determined, but according to Seang Chan Heng it would be less than $10,000.

The company is looking for technicians to work at the factory, in the Kandal province’s Kandal Stung district.

“From now on, we will have an Angkor car that has been produced by Khmers,” Seang Chan Heng said.

“We have everything. We can show pictures of the car, and we are waiting to get orders from customers.

“We will start to produce the Angkor car in the market. ”

Some components of the Angkor EV 2013 were produced in Cambodia.

Other components were imported from China, Japan and Germany, according to Nhean Phalloek.

He added that the recent opening of an automotive-parts factory in Koh Kong province was a good signal for domestic auto production, as fewer components would have to be ordered from abroad.

Spare parts produced in Cambodia were cheaper and could be supplied more quickly, Nhean Phalloek said.

National Assembly Vice President Khoun Sodary said the creation of the Angkor 2013 was a sign of the pride of Khmer people.

“We have a history of wonderful citizens and culture,” she said.

In January 2009, two villagers were shot and wounded by military police while trying to prevent bulldozers from starting work on the car factory, as part of a dispute over ownership of the land.

http://phnompenhpost.com/2013010860664/Business/cambodia-launches-electric-car.html

9:23 AM | 0 comments | Read More

Hello Axiata and Smart Mobile to Merge

A Clear No 2 with better coverage for 5 million subscribers

Phnom Penh, 13 December 2012 - Axiata Group Berhad (Axiata), one of Asia’s largest telecommunications companies, today announced the strategic merger of Hello Axiata Company Limited (“Hello”) and Latelz Company Limited (“Latelz”), which operates under the Smart Mobile brand name.

The merger will create the 2^nd largest mobile telecommunications company in Cambodia with five million subscribers.

Hello Axiata Chief Executive Officer Simon Perkins said the time was right for consolidation in the mobile telecommunications market in Cambodia.

“Currently there are nine players in the market and we believe through consolidations it will come down to three to five operators. The time is right for us to consolidate and we at Smart Mobile and Hello are proud to be leading the way in Cambodia.”

Perkins said the merger would make it possible for the combined entity to enjoy better economies of scale, while eliminating duplication of costs. It will also facilitate synergies and the sharing of best practices between Hello Axiata and Smart Mobile.

“We are confident that the merger will put us on a stronger footing and it will allow us to grow from strength to strength,” said Perkins.

Latelz’s Chief Executive Officer Thomas Hundt said the combined entity would be able to offer more innovative and affordable mobile voice and mobile data products and services to its five million customers. Smart Mobile brings to this deal an efficient operation, a highly competent work force, a strong brand presence and a sizeable asset base and spectrum. Hello, on the other hand, has to offer a loyal customer base and the strength and scale of the Axiata Group.

“We are excited with the prospects this enlarged within-network community can offer our customers. This will include, amongst others, an enhanced level of customer service and one of the biggest mobile networks of Cambodia in terms of coverage and capacity. We will also have one of the most extensive sales and distribution channels in Cambodia,” he said.

“We expect the merger to be finalised latest by the end of first quarter 2013. Until then, it will be business as usual at both Hello and Smart Mobile without disruptions to the services that our customers currently enjoy.” Hundt explained.

source: www.smart.com.kh

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Mounting Foreign Concerns as 2013 Budget Plans Under Way

by Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer

Cheam Yiep, a parliamentarian for the ruling Cambodian People’s Party and head of the finance committee, said the proposal was not accepted because it came “too late” for the 2013 budget.

WASHINGTON DC - Seven opposition lawmakers say they have found new ways to reduce the national debt and are requesting that the National Assembly’s finance committee meet with them before drafting the 2013 national budget.

The lawmakers, from the Sam Rainsy and Human Rights parties, say the proposed budget, of about $3.2 billion, can be decreased, especially the foreign debt that Cambodia continues to accrue.

The country still relies on foreign aid for up to $800 million a year, creating ongoing foreign debts and a “heavy burden” on Cambodians, SRP lawmaker Son Chhay told VOA Khmer. “The government must inevitably raise taxes to pay back the debt.”

With proper taxation, Cambodia can earn about $1 billion a year, including from land concessions, casinos and ticket sales to the temples of Ankor Wat. That would allow the government to pay civil servants more and provide social security for the elderly, Son Chhay said.

The opposition sent their proposals to the finance committee in mid-November and are hoping for talks on it, he said. “If not, we need to wait until the opposition wins the election,” he said. “Then we’ll have the ability to pass the national budget by ourselves.”

Cheam Yiep, a parliamentarian for the ruling Cambodian People’s Party and head of the finance committee, said the proposal was not accepted because it came “too late” for the 2013 budget.

The finance committee has already discussed the budget two times, including taxes, expenses, loans and other issues, he said. The government, which has been gradually paying off foreign debt since 2004, already has a development plan in place that can’t be put aside, he said.

Ou Chanrith, a parliamentarian for the Human Rights Party, said he hopes to testify before the committee to discuss effective revenue and income through tax collection, as a way to lower foreign debt. “Expenses and tax collection should be effective to avoid more debt,” he said.

12:55 PM | 0 comments | Read More

Thaicom approves sale of Mfone to local investor; eyes listing of Lao unit

The board of directors of satellite operator Thaicom has approved the transfer of 24 million shares in

Cambodia mobile operator Mfone, equivalent to a 100% stake, from subsidiary Shenington Investment to local investor INT Management Service (INT). Thaicom owns a 51% stake in Shenington Investment, which sold the Mfone shares to INT for USD100. The value of the transaction is equal to the enterprise value of Mfone, calculated at USD98.44 million, net of all debts of the Cambodian operator. The agreement includes certain conditions which must be met by both sides within 60 days. ‘The agreement is now signed, and we are certain that the conditions in the agreement will be met before the end of the year,’ stated Suphajee Suthumpun, chairman of the Executive Committee and CEO of Thaicom, adding: ‘The completion of this deal means that next year, we will not be hit with an average quarterly loss of THB130 million (USD4.2 million) from Mfone, and the provision will not impact our standalone performance.’

TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database notes that Mfone competes with seven other players in Cambodia’s fiercely competitive mobile market; at the end of June 2012 the cellco had a wireless subscriber base of roughly 400,000 (down from around 550,000 a year earlier), giving it a 2.4% market share.

In other news, Thai newspaper The Nation reports that Thaicom has conducted a feasibility study on the possibility of listing Lao Telecommunications Company (LTC) on both the Stock Exchange of Thailand and the Lao Securities Exchange on a dual-listing basis. The newspaper cites Suthumpun as saying that the plan would be made clearer in the first half of next year; the satellite operator has to consult with the Lao government, which owns a 51% stake in LTC, before making a final decision. Amid tough competition and weak business growth prospects, Thaicom last year said that it was considering exiting its operations in

Cambodia and Laos, as poor financial results were negatively offsetting the steadily improving performance of its satellite business.

http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2012/11/19/thaicom-approves-sale-of-mfone-to-local-investor-eyes-listing-of-lao-unit/

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Thaicom sells Mfone to local investor

Friday 16 November 2012 | 12:42 CET | News

Thaicom announced an agreement to sell its struggling Cambodian operator Mfone for just USD 100 to the local investor INT Management Service Corporation. Loss-making Mfone had total liabilities of USD 161.5 million at the end of June, and negative equity of USD 38.1 million; INT will also acquire all the company's debts. Thaicom took a charge of THB 252 million in the last quarter for the loss on the sale. Thaicom said it expects to complete the deal before the end of the year, with no further charges for Mfone. The company had been contributing an average quarterly loss of THB 130 million. In the first six months of this year, Mfone's net loss was USD 25 million.

 

 

http://www.telecompaper.com/news/thaicom-sells-mfone-to-local-investor--908706

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Gurbaksh Chahal: What I Learned Starting a Foundation

BY Gurbaksh Chahal

To achieve success, you have to go through an incredible journey of ups and downs. And once you do, you feel humbled. I've realized the beauty of the American Dream is that once you've seen it, you start to think about ways to give back.

I've been fortunate to be part of three successful entrepreneurial journeys. And I've always believed the more you serve and give, the universe always returns the favor. I began my philanthropic journey by starting the BeProud Foundation, built on the premise that through awareness we can prevent future hate crimes in America.

Of course, getting a nonprofit up and running takes a lot of time, effort, and money. It's basically like another startup – except with a different kind of P&L. The greatest reward is the "change" you set out to create, which is more powerful than any financial profit you'll ever make in the business world.

BeProud took three months to launch, and our first public service announcement began airing today, integrated with a call to action on Facebook, my social platform Via.me and YouTube. If you are thinking about starting a foundation one day to give back, here are three things I learned along the way that may help you on your philanthropic journey.

Commitment is the first step. So many people want to do something when a tragedy happens. Given our busy lives, we tend to talk about it and then get preoccupied or distracted. That's why it's important to quickly take the first step and sketch out a plan. This can be the hardest part. It took me three sleepless nights to finally realize the only way something was going to happen was if I made this issue my problem -- and took the first step to do something about it.

Don't be afraid to ask everyone for help. I was shameless. I believed so much in the cause, I emailed everyone I knew from my Rolodex: celebrities, agents, friends, influencers, politicians, press -- everyone. The message had to be concise and offer specific ways they can get involved. In our case, we asked for their support through social media, and encouraged people to share their own reasons to "be proud" by uploading a YouTube video. Deepak Chopra and family members of Nelson Mandela are among the supporters.

Leverage social media – it's free. There are 2 billion people on the Internet today – that's as many as existed in the entire world in 1925. Connect with them. My premise for starting with social media was: If governments can be overthrown by the power of collective information, we can process change in social movements the same way. We started a grassroots effort to encourage volunteers to help spread the message globally. On Facebook alone we have close to 700 members that have joined the "Global Volunteers for BeProud" group. We also created a separate social media presence for BeProud on Facebook and Twitter.

Lastly, remember this: The fact that you're doing something with a greater purpose is a beautiful thing. No one can take that away from you. You're contributing to something greater than yourself. And, that's one of the proudest moments you'll have. I've also learned that life's biggest profit isn't a number; it's what you give back that inspires people. I hope with BeProud my journey is just the beginning.

orginal source: http://www.entrepreneur.com/blog/224916?cam=Dev&ctp=Carousel&cdt=4&cdn=224916

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What the US elections mean for business in Cambodia

US Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney (L) and US President Barack Obama speak directly to each other during the second US presidential debate in Hempstead, New York, last month. Photograph: Reuters

[phnompenhpost]

With the results of the US presidential elections expected to be announced later today, The Phnom Penh Post asked a selection of business people what the outcome could mean for business in Cambodia, and who they would prefer to win.


Ken Loo - Secretary general of the Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia

It will affect the Cambodian garment industry only via the US economy. The election will only impact our industry via the impact on the US economy. We’ll have to see how it develops.

Kang Chandararot - President of the Cambodia Institute for Development Study

I don’t believe that there will be any impact to our economic ties between the two countries due to the fact we don’t have much of a financial market link with them like other Asian countries such as China and Korea. Moreover, the investment from the United States to our country is still small, so I do hope that there will be no change in our economic ties with them.

Ross Darrell Feingold - Asia chairman of Republicans Abroad

Mitt Romney is a better candidate for the business environment in Cambodia because from his long experience as an investor, Romney understands the importance of free trade among nations. He desires to expand trade ties between the United States and its trading partners. This is contrasted with President Obama’s record of not pursuing expanded trade whether via bilateral free trade agreements, or though expansion of multilateral relationships within the World Trade Organization framework or between the US and ASEAN. In fact, unions that are President Obama’s biggest supporters have encouraged him to oppose trade expansion, in order to protect uncompetitive United States industries. Not only does this decrease exports from countries such as Cambodia, but it also keeps prices high for US consumers during a time when many families are struggling to pay their bills, causes job losses in shipping and logistics industries, and decreases the likelihood our trading partners will create a welcome environment for US investment.

Longdy Yi  - President of youth leadership development organisation AIESEC

In terms of the exchange programs of AIESEC, the outcome of the US election would have no major impact at all; our exchange number would decrease or increase depending more on the effectiveness of our internal work, rather than who wins the election.

I don’t think the result of the election would pose any major impact on the educational exchange between Cambodia and the US either. I don’t think it’d be likely that any administration, if winning, would suddenly cut down the quota of Cambodian students sponsored to go study in the US, for example.

However, looking at how much interest Obama has had over ASEAN (for example, by coming to Cambodia), such attention may continue with an Obama administration. The question then would be if Romney’s administration will bring more attention or less to Cambodia, which I don’t have enough knowledge and understanding about to comment on.

Yang Saing Koma - President of the Cambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC)

I don’t think I expect any change. In terms of Cambodia, there is no impact. Actually we are also exporting rice to the US, so I hope there is no change. Because we export organic rice to the US market and I don’t expect that to change.

John Muller - Global Security Solutions Cambodia

I believe whether Republican candidate for presidency Mitt Romney, or our current Democratic Party president, Barack Obama, wins the election, the outcome will be the same. America announced its shift in focus from the Middle East to Asia, especially, SE Asia a year ago.

There are many reasons, both economic and political. Number one, the US is fearful of China becoming the next superpower. China’s influence in SE Asia, particularly Cambodia, is of great concern. As we see with the lifting of US sanctions in Myanmar, the strong growing relationship between Vietnam and now the move back into Cambodia, the outcome of the election will be positive for Cambodia. US policy will not change.

We only need to look back 10 years ago when the new, latest, high-security embassy was built in Phnom Penh. This major commitment was an early sign that the US was soon going to take more interest in Cambodia and its neighbours. I also believe Prime Minister Hun Sen has been very wise in having an open policy to discuss partnerships with any nation that is willing to benefit the Cambodian people by providing economic aid, business investment, jobs and opportunities to market their products to the largest market in the world – the US.

Chhay SivLin - Vice president of the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents

I personally think any win would have the same impact for business development in Cambodia. The key is the relationship between Cambodia and the US. It is better and better from day to day. In the last few months we have seen US business groups and Cambodian business groups meeting to discuss more business opportunities. This will bring more jobs for Cambodia and better economics.

Wayne Weightman - Former chair of Democrats Abroad in Cambodia

Generally speaking, when Democrats are in the executive office, or when we have a Democratic president, they have been the best years for our economies. If you want to cast that wider, I guess it would have good effects on other economies. We have great confidence in Obama, who diverted us from a potential depression and I think he deserves four more years to complete the great work he’s done so far.

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Upcoming Event Talking Technology and Social Sharing at September 22-23th in Cambodia-BarCamp Phnom Penh

BarCamp Phnom Penh – Source

There are always exciting events happen in Phnom Penh. Don’t misss Cambodia, here I am this weekend.

I have another exiting event to recommend.

It’s BarCamp Phnom Penh.

We do it once a year and this year 2012 is the 5th one!

What is BarCamp

It’s a free event where all the fans of technology reunite to learn and share experiences.

Thank to Chantra Be, the organizer of BarCamp, and all the volunteers who spend a lot of their time to organize it every year.

Each year, I learned something from the event.

There are not only Cambodian but people come from around the world to join the BarCamp.

This is your chance to make connection and learn about new technology that they are using in other countries.

When

It’s a two days event:

22nd September 2012 08:00 – 17:30

23rd September 2012 08:00 – 17:30

Where

University of Puthisastra
No. 55, Croix Rouge Khmere (St. 180), 12211 Phnom Penh
Check out the map for more details.

Register

It is good if you register in advance to the event, especially if you want to present something. It would help the team organizers to estimate how many people will join the events, and how many presentations etc.

Please take a few minutes to register here.

How can you get involved?

You can be the listener or presenter or you can be both. If you have something to present, prepare it and don’t forget to mention it when you register.

You might need a laptop and electrical power extension. The internet will be provided for free during the two days events.

For this year, I plan to present a topic on how to be a 4-hour workweek blogger. I will share what I know about blogging in Khmer.

This is our chance to meet each other face to face as well.

I will confirm again about the date and time of my presentation. I hope we can reserve it in advance!

Contact detail:

Email: info@barcampphnompenh.org
Web: http://2012.barcampphnompenh.org/
Chantra Be: chantra.be[at]gmail.com

article source from khmerbird.com

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Famous people died too young in Cambodia

Chut Wutty

Chut Wutty (Khmer: ឈុត វុទ្ធី; died – 26 April 2012) was the Founder and Director of the Natural Resource Protection Group (NRPG). He was a Cambodian environmental activist best known as the country’s most vocal critic of the military's alleged role in illegal logging conducted by companies granted land concessions in protected forests and related government corruption.

Life

Wutty was born in Svay Meas village, Vihear Sour commune, Kchlach Kandal district, Kandal, Cambodia. Chut Wutty obtained a Masters Degree in Military Studies from Russia in 1992. After his graduation, Wutty worked for the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) and as a military trainer at the Ministry of National Defense. In 2003, he was a Deputy Director of Global Witness in Cambodia who acted as a watchdog on the illegal logging all over the country. After the expulsion of Global Witness by the Cambodian government, Wutty founded an organization namely the Natural Resource Protection Group (NRPG) with financial support from Germany with the focus on the protection of the forest and natural resources in Cambodia.

Death

On 26 April 2012, Wutty was shot dead while escorting two Cambodia Daily journalists near a protected forest in Koh Kong province, where he had repeatedly attempted to expose illegal logging rackets that include military officials. He was 48 years old. The human rights group Licadho immediately dispatched investigators, and the organisation’s Koh Kong provincial coordinator, In Kong Chet, said that after talking to ballistics police, he had established that Chut Wutty was shot as he tried to drive away from the military police. Wutty is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chut_wuthy

Chea Vichea

Chea Vichea was the leader of the Free Trade Union of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia (FTUWKC) until his assassination on Chinese New Year, 22 January 2004. Following his death, he was succeeded in his position at the FTUWKC by his younger brother Chea Mony.

Vichea was shot in the head and chest early in the morning while reading a newspaper at a kiosk in Daun Penh district, Phnom Penh. He had recently been dismissed by the INSM Garment Factory (located in the Chum Chao District of Phnom Penh) as a reprisal for helping to establish a trade union at the company. He also had close affiliations with the opposition Sam Rainsy Party.

Investigation

A few days after Vichea's killing, and facing mounting criticism for their failure to act, Cambodian authorities arrested two men and charged them with the murder.

The first, Born Samnang, was arrested in Prey Veng Province and transferred to Phnom Penh overnight. He initially admitted to the killing but then publicly retracted, claiming to have been tortured into confessing. Multiple eyewitnesses have placed Born Samnang in a different part of the country at the time of the murder.

The second suspect, Sok Sam Oeun, has consistently denied any involvement and also has alibis placing him in a party with friends at the time of the murder.

The criminal investigation was done by Phnom Penh's Tuol Kork district police and plagued by irregularities. Officers focused on threatening and rounding up those who provided alibis for the suspects, while witnesses were intimidated.'[1]

On 22 March 2004, the case's Investigating Judge, Hing Thirith, threw out the charges against the two men, citing a lack of evidence against them and weak credibility of the police investigation [2]. The next day, Hing Thirith was removed from his position at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, and his decision to drop charges was subsequently overturned on 1 June 2004 by the Appeals Court Presiding Judge Thou Mony [3].

The trial took place more than a year after the murder while Born Samnang and Sok Sam Oeun remained in custody in Phnom Penh, despite a Cambodian legal limitation that no one be detained without trial for longer than six months. The case has been taken up by both national and international organisations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and ILO.

Trial

On 1 August 2005, the Phnom Penh Municipal Courts delivered a judgment which was highly criticized by both local and international organizations, who deemed it unfair and politically biased rather than based on independent and reasonable judgment.

Sok Sam Oeun and Born Samnang were judged guilty after a trial where no witnesses testified against the accused and no forensic evidence was brought to court. Both individuals were sentenced to 20 years in prison and ordered to pay $5,000 compensation each to the family of the victim.

Chea Vichea's family turned down the compensation, stating that they did not believe the two convicted were the real murderers.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chea_Vichea

Piseth Pilika

Oak Eap Pili (February 4, 1965 – July 6, 1999), was a Cambodian ballet dancer and actress. Pilika appeared in hundreds of movies and thousands of karaoke ranging from the 1980s through the 1990s. Her career was brought to a premature end when she was murdered by a gunshot.

Piseth Pilika was very involved in movie making. That was when she met Khai Praseth, also a well-known actor. The two played together in many movies and music videos and in 1990, they became husband and wife. In 1992, their first child was born named Kai Seth Lesak. Piseth Pilika starred in more than sixty movies and was in numerous advertisements. Apart from making movies, she was also very active in stage performance. During her lifetime, she went out to perform in many countries such as India, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, China, Korea, Japan, Russia, France, Italy, Denmark, and the United States.

On July 6, 1999, she was shot dead by an unknown gunman while shopping at Orussey Market in Phnom Penh. At 6:30 am on 13 July 1999 she died (UTC+7). In October 1999, following Pisith Pilika's assassination, the French magazine L’Express claimed that the actress’ diary recounted a love affair with

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, and pointed to Bun Rany, Hun Sen's wife, as responsible for arranging the shooting; the magazine also claimed that on her deathbed the actress had named Bun Rany to several people. Bun Rany quickly denounced these charges, and announced that she would press charges against L’Express for defamation. No charges were ever brought against l'Express, however.

Source from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pisith_Pilika



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