Cambodia Investment Review
The Southeast Asia Public Policy Institute (SEAPPI) and the Asian Vision Institute (AVI) have formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on policy research and public dialogues. Their first joint initiative will focus on understanding and addressing harmful alcohol consumption in Cambodia, culminating in the development of a policy white paper on responsible drinking guidelines.
The partnership aims to bridge gaps in research related to alcohol misuse in Cambodia, where alcohol-related harm has been steadily increasing since 2010. The initiative will analyze existing data, propose policy solutions, and provide recommendations to the Cambodian government.
Addressing Alcohol-Related Public Health Concerns
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global alcohol-related deaths declined by 20% between 2010 and 2019. However, Cambodia continues to face high rates of harmful drinking and road traffic accidents, disproportionately affecting young adults aged 20 to 29. The absence of reliable national data further complicates efforts to tackle the issue, with unrecorded alcohol consumption accounting for nearly 48% of total alcohol intake in the country.
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To provide a clearer picture, the project will include a review of existing data, a new national survey led by Dr. Chandara Gnim, CEO of MM4A, in partnership with the National Institute of Social Affairs, and an analysis of best practices from other countries. The findings will inform recommendations on national drinking guidelines and educational programs to promote responsible consumption.
Aiming for Policy Change
The initiative seeks to support the Cambodian government in developing policies that encourage a culture of moderation. As part of this effort, the research will explore the introduction of government-endorsed drinking guidelines, aligning Cambodia with 89 other nations that have similar frameworks in place.
Funded by the Asia Pacific International Spirits and Wine Alliance (APISWA), the research is being conducted independently using recognized methodologies. The findings will be presented at a policy roundtable on 6 March 2025, bringing together stakeholders from the public and private sectors.
SEAPPI Executive Director Ed Ratcliffe highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating, “This initiative will bring together a coalition of experts to uncover the root causes of harmful alcohol consumption in Cambodia. Our goal is to provide policymakers with clear, actionable recommendations that enhance public health and safety while fostering a culture of moderation.”
AVI President Dr. Chheng Kimlong echoed this sentiment, noting, “This partnership represents a crucial step in equipping the Cambodian government with research-backed recommendations to tackle alcohol-related harm. Understanding the social and economic impacts of alcohol consumption is essential to shaping evidence-based policies that align with Cambodia’s needs and global best practices.”
Industry and Government Collaboration
The announcement comes as Cambodia’s alcohol industry takes steps toward self-regulation, including the introduction of a Responsible Marketing Code to govern alcohol advertising. The government has also moved to establish a Legal Purchase Age (LPA) to prevent underage alcohol consumption.
The partnership between SEAPPI and AVI marks a key development in Cambodia’s policy landscape, signaling a shift towards more research-driven decision-making in public health. The upcoming policy roundtable is expected to pave the way for future interventions that balance economic interests with social responsibility.
