Cambodia Investment Review
Following the closing ceremony of the 3rd National Games on Wednesday evening, November 30, 2022, there has been much speculation as to the ‘missing footage’ of famous rapper Mann Vann Da’s live performance from the livestream on Smart Axiata’s and Pleng’s official Facebook pages.
Smart Axiata, the main sponsor of the 3rd National Games, explained that the non-broadcast of the footage in question was not at the behest (request) of Smart Axiata. Instead, it was because of a last-minute scheduling change and a subsequent request that Smart Axiata not broadcast the aforementioned footage.
Change to the program and agenda
The company subsequently respected the request to change the event agenda as well as the request to not screen “Time to Rise” live on the Smart Axiata and Pleng Facebook pages.
“At the Closing Ceremony of the 3rd Games, we were informed of a change to the program that required Mr. Mann Vann Da, a well-known Cambodian rapper, to perform “Time to Rise”. Smart respected the request to change the event agenda and also respected the request to not stream “Time to Rise” live on our Smart Axiata and Pleng Facebook pages.”
The closing ceremony was also broadcasted live on national channels such as TVK, and Facebook pages such as BTV Cambodia.
Smart Axiata further stated in the statement that they have no intention of excluding any performance unless requested otherwise. They reasserted their commitment to respecting and protecting any artist’s intellectual property rights.
No intention of excluding any performance
“Smart reaffirms that we had no prior plans to exclude his live performance unless requested. Smart would also like to convey the company’s deepest respect to the artistry of all performers who participated and their commitment to Cambodia’s cultural heritage and ecosystem. Additionally, Smart respects intellectual property rights. It is an essential part of Smart’s way of working with multiple artists in Cambodia and overseas, and we apply an equal approach toward all artists.”
The leading telecommunication company urged the public to concentrate on the positive aspects of the program which included spectacular performances from all concerned, and called for mutual understanding and efforts to promote art and sports in Cambodia.
Smart has been actively involved in the organization of the Cambodian National Games since the 1st National Games in 2016 and appreciates opportunity to be main supporter given by National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC). Recognizing the importance of sports and art in nation-building, Smart collaborated with well-known Pleng artists to compose a special song, “Vireakpheap Keila”, for the 3rd National Games, which was performed during the Opening Ceremony.
The closing ceremony of the 3rd National Games was a massive success with astounding interest from the public as Cambodia is preparing for the upcoming SEA Games 2023.
