MY PHNOM PENH: Soeung Samnang, College Lecturer

Editorial by School of Vice: 

'Culture' [civic] may influence most things, including politics, but kindness is rarely absent in most human societies and cultures. In South East Asia the Khmers [Cambodians] are at times respected and adored for their natural 'sweetness', docility and kindness, whilst the same qualities are seized upon by their neighbours as points of weakness to be exploited as well as frowned upon as evidence of naivety and gullibility. Some self-important French educated Cambodians [referred to as "intellectuals"] in the post-colonial era [such as Keng Vansak and others who would later rally to the radical left; a movement armed and abetted by North Vietnam and which eventually came to the surface under Pol Pot] saw these characteristics as inherent flaws in Khmer mindset and culture too, tracing them to the historical advent and adoption of Buddhist influence. We witnessed the tragic consequences of these out of context interpretations and determinism only too well when all such misplaced, half-baked ideas and yearnings found their expression in the 1970s.

As for public services and activities that companies and municipal authorities in developed economies provide for the public's convenience, these amenities are not - strictly speaking - there out of 'kindness' found in a given culture as such, but they are rather embodiments instituted in social legislations and regulations of those countries, and such legal requirements are in turn the realisations and executions of a range of influences and pressures in confluence, including, first and foremost, the democratic aspirations of the people or electorate at large as the most powerful pivotal force. 

Historically and ironically [given the virtual absence or dearth of such public services for the disabled, the mentally ill, the sick, the unemployed, the aged and so forth in Cambodia today despite much lauded increase in GDP rate, income per capita and such like] Cambodia was possibly among the first in the region to have formally introduced these amenities during the era of the Angkorean civilisation, reaching its peak under King Jayavarman VII's reign - who was himself a Buddhist. 

Following his brief study trip to Australia recently, the late social commentator - Kem Ley - spoke of the importance of formally instituting these social measures to assist those in the neediest circumstances, urging that they be implemented in selective districts or areas as pilot schemes to begin with. Sadly, Ley's subsequent brutal slaying tells us as much about the culture of compassion already latent in Cambodian society as this event does its denial and rejection by an unrepresentative and self-grasping minority at the helm of state power.

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Soeung Samnang, 31, is a lecturer of Applied Linguistics and Research Methodology at the Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL) of the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP).

Fri, 3 February 2017

Rinith Taing

ppp

It may sound a little bit weird, but I find the bathrooms the special feature of AEON Mall. Most of the places in Phnom Penh have only two types of bathroom, male and female, but at AEON they have another bathroom for the handicapped. Most people may not pay much attention to that, but I think it shows the thoughtfulness and kindness in Japanese culture.

Soeung Samnang College Lecturer Soeung Samnang, 31, is a lecturer of Applied Linguistics and Research Methodology at the Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL) of the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP). A native of the capital, Samnang always tells himself: ‘Happiness is what you make on your own.’ This week he spoke with Rinith Taing about the places where he lives out that philosophy in Phnom Penh

The Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL)

The Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL) 

Considered one of the most prestigious colleges in the country, IFL is the target for many Cambodian students, just like Harvard University in the United States, and I was one of those lucky enough to pass the entrance exam to study in its English program in 2004. When I was awarded my B.Ed in 2008, I was among a few students who were recruited to be lecturers at IFL. Despite having worked here for more than eight years, I have never found it boring or tiring to leave my home for IFL. My work environment, the combination of exotic nature and the unique, stunning structures designed by the famous architect Vann Molyvann, is so relaxing that I sometimes feel like I’m teaching in a palace, with fish ponds and flower gardens. It is also filled with memorable moments I have had with my friends, my lecturers – who are now my colleagues – and my students – some of whom are also now my colleagues as well.

Sopheak Barber Shop

Sopheak Barber Shop

Although I care very much about my hair, I have never changed my hairstyles. That means I always have it cut at the same barbershop, by the same barber. Sopheak Barber Shop [on Street 380] in Boeung Keng Kang is just like the other barber shops in Phnom Penh, except my barber there is so familiar with my family. He knows my father and my brother, plus he is a friendly and persuasive talker. While cutting my hair, he usually talks about things in Cambodia, such as politics, economy, music and so on. Surprisingly, I really enjoy talking with him.

Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC)

Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC)

I love almost everything about the Japanese – their lifestyle, architecture, education, and so on, for their perfection and inspiration. In Cambodia, there is nowhere as Japanese as CJCC. In my own words, this place is perfectly harmonious. The unique grey building within green, blooming surroundings creates a peaceful and attractive ecosystem. Besides being a place for events and activities organised by JICA and other institutions, CJCC provides Japanese language courses to the public, one of which I have been taking for a year. Its canteen also serves Japanese dishes, such as ramen, curry rice and sushi, most under the price of $2. Unfortunately, the food is the only Japanese thing I don’t like, and I usually bring food from outside when I have my meal.

Korean BBQ & Soup

Korean BBQ & Soup

Unlike Japanese food, I really love Korean food, especially Korean barbecued beef. Korean BBQ & Soup is my favourite place to go to enjoy that. The restaurant has two branches one in Sovanna Shopping Center, and the other at Koh Pich. The food there really satisfies my taste buds, maybe due to the taste that Korean and Cambodian [food] has in common, while the prices are affordable too. The sauce is the most special thing not too salty, not too spicy. The first time I learned about Korean BBQ & Soup was when my students took me there for a party. Since then, we often go there for our parties, especially at the end of the semesters.

AEON Mall

AEON Mall

Like many other busy Cambodian people, I often go to AEON Mall to get a taste of modern lifestyles: going shopping for electrical devices and fashionable clothes, eating international foods, and watching movies at Major Cineplex. Nevertheless, the most interesting part of AEON to me is the Japanese modern architecture of the building. It may sound a little bit weird, but I find the bathrooms the special feature of AEON Mall. Most of the places in Phnom Penh have only two types of bathroom, male and female, but at AEON they have another bathroom for the handicapped. Most people may not pay much attention to that, but I think it shows the thoughtfulness and kindness in Japanese culture.