PHNOM PENH, March 4, 2026 – Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many urged young Cambodians to become creators of cultural content and digital artists to promote Khmer values domestically and abroad, during events marking the country’s 28th National Culture Day, according to state-run Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP).
Hun Many, who also serves as civil service minister and attended as the prime minister’s representative, encouraged youth to advance the concept of “one citizen as one national cultural guide.” He made the remarks at a March 3 ceremony and an artists’ gathering at Phnom Penh’s Chaktomuk Conference Hall, AKP said.
He argued that digitalisation can strengthen the arts and cultural sector by diversifying cultural products and tourism services, improving visitor engagement, and enabling faster, wider international promotion of Khmer culture. He also said digital tools can support preservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage for future generations.
AKP reported that Hun Many pointed to what he described as recent attempts to “misinterpret or appropriate” Cambodia’s cultural heritage, framing culture, arts, customs and traditions as core to national identity amid what he said were challenges to territorial integrity and cultural ownership from neighbouring countries.
At the same event, Culture and Fine Arts Minister Phoeurng Sackona said the 2026 observance was held under the theme “Youth for National Culture,” and warned that digital connectivity brings both opportunity and exposure to foreign cultural influences, calling on youth to adapt and innovate in ways aligned with national traditions.
