Personal tales of triumph, Cambodian food, unscrupulous microfinance lending and factory workers’ struggles are among Kiripost.com’s top stories
The story of Reach Champaradh, a Cambodian food reviewer who has persisted in her quest to share the flavors of her country's cuisine with the world, has attracted top readership on Kiripost.com.
This is following the recent saga of Malaysian comedian, Nigel Ng, whose online character, Uncle Roger, made negative comments about Cambodian food on his YouTube channel.
Despite being bullied online for her appearance, Champaradh has not let this deter her from her passion. She has continued to write positive and informative reviews of Cambodian restaurants, and her work has helped raise awareness of the country's culinary offerings, both at home and abroad.
The Ministry of Tourism's demand for an apology from ‘Uncle Roger’ was Kiripost.com’s second most popular news story, only surpassed by Champaradh’s journey. This is interesting, as it is an indicator of what the public is more interested in.
Readers were fascinated by a probe into alleged adverse borrowing practices by Cambodia's top microfinance lenders. The story about the probe into the alleged adverse lending practices by ACLEDA, Amret, Prasac, Hattha, LOLC, and Sathapana Bank was one of the most popular news items.
The story said that the adverse impacts of microfinance lending have been raised by complainants. This includes loss of land, impacts on livelihoods and indigenous people, and threats and reprisals.
Elsewhere, Kiripost.com reported on factory workers’ struggles to make ends meet on slashed incomes after the suspension of work amid tough global economic times. In the face of uncertainty and amid concerns about the possibility of factories shutting down, some are considering moving abroad to find employment.
The Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC) and Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA) have called for a thorough review into allegations of suicides and attempted suicides in Rattanakiri due to over-aggressive handling by loan officers.
The ABC and CMA said they are taking the allegations seriously and want to ensure that the victims and their families receive justice.
Jean-François Tain has resigned from his role as managing director at Radio France International after 30 years of broadcasting from the Cambodian and French capitals.
ACLEDA Bank Plc’s net profit fell 31.5 percent year-on-year to $33 million in its second quarter ended June 30, 2023 from $48.5 million as a result of higher expected credit losses (ECL) of loans and advances of $6.8 million.
International online transfer transactions are constantly rising in Cambodia. Kiripost’s Seng Mengheng looks at the different options available in the nation.
Other important reads
From gang life on the streets of Long Beach, USA, to taking kids off the streets of Phnom Penh, Tuy Sobil, AKA KK, has been using the power of breakdance, music and song to offer a basic education to vulnerable youth since founding Tiny Toones in 2004.
The next cabinet to lead Cambodia under its future Prime Minister, Hun Manet, has been revealed, with more than 10 young ministers - mostly relatives of previous ministers - taking to the helm.
Four five-year term loans maturing in 2028 have been obtained from Cambodian and Singaporean banks for debt refinancing activities.
Hun Manet, the newly-appointed Prime Minister, has spoken out against the idea of legalizing marijuana cultivation in the country.
Unprecedented rising paddy prices, driven by an increase in demand from Vietnam, present a “double-edged sword” for Cambodia’s rice sector.
Business leaders from across the region will gather in Phnom Penh in September for the ASEAN-Cambodia Business Summit, to explore business opportunities while connecting ASEAN to the world.
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asking a popular comedian to apologize instead of inviting him to try our food or coming up with media that challenges that notion is probably the worst strategy to defend "national prestige" and gives the wrong message that we are so insecure -.-