On April 4-6, 2024, SOI Asia-Keio, Goki Miyakita and Eliko Akashi, traveled to Cambodia to meet with SOI Asia-ITC: Samnang Khiev and Sieng Chamroeun.
The primary aim of this gathering was to foster collaboration and cooperation on the ‘Community-Centric Open Science Infrastructure for Digital Humanities in the Asia-Pacific’ project.
During the visit, SOI Asia had the honor of engaging in discussions with Mr. Huot Samnang and his esteemed team from the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. Our dialogue delved into the current status of Cambodia’s historical artifacts, emphasizing the significance of digitization and proposing practical strategies for preservation. Mr. Huot’s insights shed light on the challenges confronting Cambodia’s cultural heritage and underscored the importance of safeguarding it for future generations. Together, we explored the potential of digitization in preserving these treasures and ensuring their accessibility to a broader audience.
Following the meeting, Mr. Huot graciously extended an invitation for us to tour the Cambodia National Museum, where he had previously worked. Mr. Huot passionately recounted the stories behind artifacts, highlighting their deep-rooted historical and cultural importance. Our interactions served to reaffirm the critical importance of future collaboration in safeguarding the cultural heritage of the Asia-Pacific region.
Last but not least, we extend our gratitude to Samnang Khiev and Sieng Chamroeun for their invaluable contributions in facilitating this enriching experience.
