AKP Phnom Penh, March 04, 2026 --

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Hun Many on Tuesday called on young Cambodians to become creators of cultural content, digital artists and promoters of Khmer values on both national and international stages, as the country marked its 28th National Culture Day.

H.E. Hun Many, who also serves as Minister of Civil Service and represented Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet at the event, encouraged youth to help promote the concept of “one citizen as one national cultural guide.”

He was speaking at a ceremony celebrating National Culture Day on Mar. 3 and a gathering with artists from across the country held at the Chaktomuk Conference Hall in Phnom Penh.

Addressing the function, H.E. Hun Many said digitalisation offers significant support to the arts and cultural sector. He noted that applying digital technology not only helps diversify cultural products and tourism services and enhance visitor engagement, but also enables Cambodia to promote Khmer culture globally in a faster and broader manner.

Digital tools, he added, play a vital role in preserving and safeguarding Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage for current and future generations.

The deputy prime minister also pointed to what he described as recent attempts to misinterpret or appropriate Cambodia’s cultural heritage. He stressed that culture, arts, customs and traditions form the essential foundation of national identity, particularly at a time when territorial integrity and cultural ownership face challenges from neighbouring countries.

At the same event, Culture and Fine Arts Minister H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona said this year’s National Culture Day was held under the theme “Youth for National Culture.”

She noted that the annual observance, now in its 28th year, has for more than a decade emphasised the central role of youth in preserving and promoting Cambodia’s cultural legacy. 

The artists’ gathering, now in its seventh edition, was initiated under the leadership of former Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen.

H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona said Cambodian youth are increasingly exposed to powerful global cultural currents flowing through digital technology, bringing both opportunities and challenges. While young people can broaden their knowledge through global connectivity, foreign cultural influences can also affect national identity, she said.

“As the next generation, youth play a crucial role in selecting, adapting and innovating upon foreign cultural elements in ways that align with our noble national traditions,” she said, urging efforts to foster pride in Khmer culture while encouraging creativity grounded in strong cultural foundations.

By K. Rithy Reak