One Vision, One Siem Reap: A Visionary Panel Discussion on Sustainable Development

The ‘One Vision, One Siem Reap’ event, held on July 12, 2024, at Rose Apple Square, brought together a diverse group of leaders and visionaries, all sharing a common goal: to ensure the sustainable growth and modernization of Siem Reap. 

The event emphasized the necessity of synergy between public initiatives and private endeavors to achieve this vision and was in part sponsored by Cambodia Lifestyle.

Media was spearheaded at the event by Cambodia Lifestyle alongside other notice outlets, EAC News, ThmeyThey.com, as well as Cambodia Investment Review.
You can read our previous write up here.

One Vision, One Siem Reap

Philip Kao, President of the Siem Reap Tourism Club, opened the discussion by highlighting the untapped potential of Siem Reap as a tourist destination. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to unlock this potential fully. “Despite Siem Reap’s popularity, many aspects of its tourism landscape remain unexplored,” Kao noted. He also underscored the role of technology in modernizing the city’s tourism infrastructure, making travel more accessible and improving visitor experiences to keep Siem Reap globally competitive.

In attendance from the Cambodia Lifestyle team was co-founder Dennamanith Premprey, who noted that audience members admired the stunning image of the Apsara dance on stage.

“From the exquisite costume design to the beautifully crafted lighting and stage setup of the Rose Apple Auditorium, it was certainly a captivating kickstart to what was an amazing session.”

He also added that there was lots of positive feedback from the attendees.

“Many commented on the unique nature of the show and how it demonstrated the rich lifestyle on offer in Siem Reap.”

He said that one participant noted that there aren’t many cities in the world where a digital nomad can work at a modern co-living space like Rose Apple Square, travel back in time to the Khmer Empire during lunch, and later enjoy a vibrant nightlife in Siem Reap.

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Katrine Solhaug, owner of Babel Hotels, shared insights on their sustainable practices, such as eliminating single-use plastics and adopting eco-friendly operations. Babel Hotels’ zero-waste bulk shop promotes local products and supports local employment, thereby reducing the environmental impact of tourism. Solhaug also recounted how Babel Hotels supported their staff and local Tuk Tuk drivers through successful fundraising during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating strong community support.

Developing Siem Reap

The real estate market in Siem Reap was another key focus, with David Granger, IPS Siem Reap Branch Director, discussing the market’s dynamics. He noted pre-pandemic activity, the impact of COVID-19, and the current buyer’s market due to property oversupply. Granger highlighted investment opportunities in growth areas like strata-title condos and Western-style villas, which are in high demand and offer substantial rental returns. Despite pandemic challenges, Granger remains optimistic, citing ongoing urban development and a growing demand for higher living standards as signs of recovery.

Chris Varin, Siem Reap Branch Manager for Confluences, emphasized the importance of integrating technology into Siem Reap’s infrastructure to drive progress and modernization. He pointed out that modernizing systems to facilitate business operations can make Siem Reap more attractive to new enterprises. Varin envisioned a tech-driven urban environment with advancements in sectors like sports, education, healthcare, and tourism.

Sophany Mao, Director of SPOONS, spoke about empowering Cambodian youths through education and training in hospitality, with a focus on sustainable practices. SPOONS provides vocational training, equipping youths with essential skills for the modern workplace and ensuring they can succeed in competitive job markets. Mao highlighted the importance of cultural preservation, noting that SPOONS celebrates Cambodian heritage through authentic cuisine and reinvests profits into training programs, supporting local community development.

Phloeun Prim, co-founder of Artisans Angkor, underscored Siem Reap’s resilience and optimism about its recovery driven by a rich arts and culture scene. He emphasized that these cultural treasures not only attract tourists but are central to fostering a strong and vibrant community. Prim announced the reopening of the Silk Farm by Artisans Angkor, aimed at enriching the cultural experience for tourists and providing insight into Cambodian traditions.

Takeaways from One Vision, One Siem Reap 

The event concluded with a significant announcement from Deputy Governor H.E. Yun Linne and representatives from the Tourism Department. They unveiled an ambitious plan to create a third tourist hotspot in Siem Reap, focusing on the Riverside and Wat Bo surrounding area. This 40-hectare project aims to revitalize the city’s charm and complement existing attractions like the Angkor Archaeological Park and Pub Street. A green campaign was also launched, focusing on extensive tree planting along newly developed roads and various districts in Siem Reap.

It was further added that it was hoped that the event would further lead to improvements in the areas discussed and this would be a springboard to such development.

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