Cambodia Investment
A new tripartite partnership has been forged between Wing Bank, the Malaysian Business Chamber Cambodia (MBCC), and the Khmer Times. The three entities have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to generate funds to support the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) and the Royal Government in their mission to rid Cambodia of landmines by 2025.
The event witnessed H.E. Ly Panharith, Secretary General of CMAA, Mr. Han Peng Kwang, CEO of Wing Bank, Oknha Tan Khee Meng of MBCC, and Mohan Bandam, Publisher of Khmer Times. Also in attendance were H.E. Senior Minister Ly Thuch, the First Vice President of CMAA, H.E. Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Kingdom of Cambodia, and other notable figures.
Contributed significantly to socio-economic development
Senior Minister Ly Thuch highlighted the importance of mine action in societal development, stating that “humanitarian mine action has contributed significantly to socio-economic development in Cambodia by making available safe land for local livelihood activities and sustainable economic development while also reducing casualties.”
Read more: H.E. Ly Thuch on the economic benefits of a mine free Cambodia
The 4,000 KHR campaign, spearheaded by MBCC and the Khmer Times in collaboration with Wing Bank, will leverage the bank’s widespread network to raise funds and awareness for the landmine clearing efforts. The campaign allows the public to contribute towards clearing 5 square meters of land with a donation of just 4,000 KHR.
MBCC President, Oknha Tan Khee Meng, expressed his confidence in the campaign, emphasizing that everyone can play their part to make a difference. “Let us all give our fullest support to this campaign and play our part in making Cambodia a mine-free country by 2025,” he said.
Wing Bank’s CEO, Han Peng Kwang, added, “We are more than happy to do our part to help Cambodia to eliminate the terrible impact of landmines on people’s lives. We hope that our contribution can help bring about positive changes to the community as people will have more land for farming and other development.”
Substantially boost the nation’s farming potential
A landmine-free Cambodia will substantially boost the nation’s farming potential. With over 75% of its 16 million population engaged in farming, clearing all arable land of mines is a priority. The country has the potential to become a regional food supplier with its ample fertile land and seasoned farmers.
Since June 2022, the MBCC and Khmer Times partnership has successfully raised over $100,000 and contributed to the redevelopment of several villages in the Kong Pisei District. Mohan Bandam, Publisher of Khmer Times, expressed his personal commitment to eliminating landmines, describing it as a “scourge.”
According to the CMAA, the remaining $138 million required to make Cambodia mine-free is a significant challenge. However, the campaign will alleviate some of the government’s financial burdens.
From 1992 to March 2022, about 2,579 square kilometers of explosive hazard-infested land has been made safe for use. However, approximately 563 square kilometers of land remains to be cleared. The recent initiative spearheaded by Wing Bank, MBCC, and the Khmer Times is a crucial step towards achieving this goal.
