Filed under: Soma Norodom
Left to right: Arlene, Soma, Chantelle, and Sophia at the taping of the final PUC Radio Talk Show. Soma wearing a custom suit made by JB, designer of Colorblind
CTN, Cambodia's #1 television network, getting footage for a story about Soma's departure from PUC Radio to Bollywood
Soma as a guest speaker, and not a host, as PUC Radio Talk Show ended its stint on the airwaves
Left to right: Arlene, Soma, Sophia, and Chantelle are colleagues and close friends outside work
Dr. Kol Pheng, Founding Father and President of PUC, made a speech about his first meeting with Soma during the farewell dinner held at Dara Restaurant. He knew instantly that the radio talk show would be a success and Soma was going to be the future leader of Cambodia.
PUC RADIO TALK SHOW team are the cream of the crop and the pioneers of English-speaking radio talk show in Cambodia!
My farewell interview aired on February 28, 2012, and not only was it my last interview, but it was PUC Radio’s last show as well. It was a decision made by the President, as they could not find a host who could fill my shoes, and it was best to end the show at its highest point. The final taping was held on February 26, and my radio staff, few close friends, Mike from Mike’s Burgers, and the media were there to witness an end of an era. It was a bittersweet moment, but I was ready to write my next chapter in my adventurous life.
PUC’s Professors Arlene, Sophia, and Chantelle guest-hosted and interviewed me as I bid farewell to PUC as PUC Radio Talk Show Host & Media Manager for Pannasastra University of Cambodia. They were chosen because they are my closest friends and they also represented the university. The one hour and 25 minutes show reflected on my experiences creating the first, English-speaking, educational, radio talk show in the country, the challenges and the rewards, the first internship program, my top 10ish guest speakers, the toughest guest speakers, the most boring interview, and the impact which PUC Radio Talk Show has made on the young generations and the listeners in Cambodia.
PUC Radio Talk Show became the number one radio talk show in Phnom Penh, with listenership in 6 provinces since its inception on December 12, 2010. I have interviewed over 180 influential people, ranging from government officials, business leaders, NGOs, university professors and students, and celebrity entertainers, in a little over a year. Due to the rapid success of the talk show, it elevated me to the level of stardom and a credible journalist in Cambodia. Andy Brouwer, author, blogger, and media professional wrote, “The success of the show has been based on Soma’s preparation beforehand and her limitless enthusiasm during the broadcasts. She will be sorely missed on-air.”
In addition, I revealed my new new career move, future plans for Cambodia, and my thoughts on topics which included the issues affecting Cambodia, fulfilling my father’s last wish in Cambodia, and not getting the support from many faculty and staff at PUC. I was honest and spoke about this re-occurring issues of jealousy and envy in Cambodia, not just employees at PUC, but this happens in many companies and organizations here in the country. “We should be supportive and not sabotage one another because of our successes, as this will not help in the progression of our country”, I stated. “This includes men and women.”
My new job is Public Relations Director for S. Ram and M. Ram Resources Limited, an Indian investment company. In January 2012, the firm opened up its Phnom Penh office, and has offices throughout Asia, which includes Macau, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and California, U.S.A. The firm has invested businesses in the fields of agriculture, animation and aviation schools, construction, and media and entertainment, which includes pageants, film festivals, television shows and Bollywood movies.
Bollywood is the name given to the Mumbai-based Hindi-language film industry in India. Combined with other Indian film industries (Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Malayalam, Kannada), it is considered to be the largest in the world in terms of number of films produced, and the number of tickets sold. The term Bollywood was created by conflating Bombay, the city now called Mumbai, and Hollywood, the most famous hub of the film industry. Film companies such as Warner Bros and Twentieth Century Fox are setting up offices in India.
Siren Media Company, a division of S. Ram & M. Ram Resources Ltd., is involved in motion picture production and distribution of Indian and crossover films. Siren Media has a joint venture association with Kria, Inc. (USA) whose first production venture was a commercial Indian (“Bollywood”) film titled “PadmaShree Laloo Prasad Yadav” which released worldwide in January 2005. Siren Media is in the midst of pre-production of multiple films. Some of these films will be commercial Bollywood films while others will be crossover projects.
“We are going to make the first Bollywood film set in Cambodia this year. The team is very excited about filming in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and the local countryside with its breathtaking landscapes and unrivalled temples, history and spirituality,” stated Renuka Pullat, Managing Director of Siren Media.
Siren Media is also looking to release its films in China as the market is opening up and thirsty for foreign films. But at the moment, the location is Cambodia, and pre- production plans are currently underway. I am resposible for the production in Cambodia, and will be organizing the first audition and casting call this summer for the upcoming Bollywood movie produced by Siren Media. They have also asked me to act in a few Bollywood movies, and I was thrilled for this blessed opportunity.
“Cambodia’s pristine environment is a big draw and we hope our film will focus attention on the beauty of Cambodia and open up new markets but also alert people to the dangers of over-development. We hope this beauty and serenity can be preserved in the long run”, said Sailesh Hiranandani, Managing Director of S. Ram and M. Ram Resources.
In addition, I will be the host of two television talk shows, and will be broadcast on India’s #1 television channel, ZEE TV. The popular ZEE TV is in more than 167 countries and has a viewership of 500 million globally. The management team and I are currently working on the show’s title, which will feature my name “Soma”. The television talk show will have me travelling and interviewing successful and influential people throughout Asia, and with a twist, which I cannot reveal. I am following my passion and love of television. As my uncle, Prince Sisowath Sirirath predicted when PUC Radio Talk Show first aired, “I am the Oprah Winfrey of Cambodia.”
With this new career move, I will have the financial freedom to take care of my family, get more experience on an international level, and be able to help my country of Cambodia. Dr. Kol Pheng, Founding Father of PUC, and the person who had the confidence to choose me to create the first English-speaking radio talk show in the country, stated, “It is karma, as you left your family, friends, love, and career to move to Cambodia to take care of your beloved father. I am responsible for grooming future leaders of Cambodia, and when I met you, I knew instantly that you would be that chosen one.”
The best part about PUC Radio Talk Show is my staff; my dedicated team consisting of PUC interns and Royal University of Phnom Penh volunteers. I never had kids, and I feel like mother hen, as I helped nurtured my ”kids” into experienced radio talk show professionals. Here is a message from one of my staff member who was not able to join us at the final taping on February 26, 2012.
“Time has been passing so fast but all of our sweet memories are stored in a very special place inside my heart. I really enjoyed working with you, you always take care of the team, accepted our mistakes and corrected us and taught us new things. We have learned a lot from you, my lovely princess. Thank you for everything, I’m hoping to see you around after leaving PUC. Best of luck to you. I love you so much and miss you always” Chetra Seng
Thank you PUC Radio Team, Arlene, Chantelle, Sophia, Ms. Bonne Op, Dr. Raymond Leos, and especially to His Excellency, Dr. Kol Pheng, for giving me an opportunity which has changed my life forever.
Filed under: Soma Norodom | Tags: Cambodia, controversial woman, PUC Radio Talk Show, Royal Rebel, Theary Seng
Royal Rebel meets Controversial Woman
Theary Seng, most controversial woman in Cambodia
- Soma interviewing Theary Seng, Lawyer, Author, Human Rights Activist
My second to last interview on PUC Radio Talk Show was with the most controversial woman in Cambodia, Ms. Theary Seng. Many did not want her on the radio, especially government officials and leaders of PUC, including the President. I asked that she come on and I will not allow her to criticize the government, but rather give her views on several topics, by backing it up with the facts. Also, I have received the respect from many of my peers, including the President, and thanks to my style of hosting, Ms. Theary Seng appeared on February 21, 2012, and it was an interview to remember.
Ms. Theary C. Seng is currently writing her second book, the founder of the Cambodian Center for Justice & Reconciliation, and the founding president of CIVICUS: Center for Cambodian Civic Education, registered with the Ministry of Interior. After a 2-year stint as a commercial lawyer, Theary, in March 2006, joined the Center for Social Development, a local human rights organization based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia as its executive director until her removal in July 2009 by a politically-motivated court injunctive order.
Theary was born in Phnom Penh probably in January 1971. Under the Khmer Rouge, she lived in Svay Rieng province bordering Vietnam, where the killings were most intense and where she spent five months in Bung Rei prison. The Khmer Rouge killed both her parents. She and her surviving family trekked across the border for Thailand in Nov. 1979 and emigrated to the U.S. one year later.
Since 1995, Theary has been in Cambodia volunteering with various labor and human rights groups. In January 2004, she moved permanently to live and work in her country of birth. Of choice, home is now again Cambodia.
Theary graduated from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service (Washington, DC) with a Bachelor of Science in International Politics in 1995 and from the University of Michigan Law School with a Juris Doctor in 2000. Theary is a member of the New York Bar Association and American Bar Association.
Theary has written about her life in a book entitled Daughter of the Killing Fields (London, 2005). Theary made history when she testified as the first ECCC-recognized civil party against the pre-trial detention hearing of the most senior, surviving Khmer Rouge leader, Brother No. 2 Nuon Chea on 7 Feb. 2008.
Theary is a Executive Committee member of the World Bank-funded Affiliated Network for Social Accountability in the East Asia & Pacific (ANSA-EAP) operated by the Ateneo School of Government, now an independent Foundation registered in the Philippines; a member of the Preparatory Committee and now the Governing Board of Directors for the Human Rights Resource Center for ASEAN (HRRCA), a Foundation registered in Indonesia; a member of the Global Advisory Board of Human Dignity and Human Studies (HumanDHS); a member of the World Forum for Democratization in Asia (WFDA), the World Movement for Democracy, and the Non-Governmental Process of the Community of Democracies; a former Board member of the Cambodian Living Arts (Silapak Khmer Amatak, which produced Where Elephants Weep), a co-founder and former vice-president of Women’s Association of Small & Medium Businesses (WASMB), etc.
Theary and her Civil Party of Orphans Class are members of the Association of Khmer Rouge Victims in Cambodia (www.akrvictims.org), the first Cambodia-based association to be registered with the Ministry of Interior and the first to be recognized by the Extraordinary Chambers (ECCC).
Theary founded the Voice of Justice Radio Program (now Voice of Justice & Reconciliation) excellently managed and hosted by Cambodia’s golden voice of Ms. CHAP Chandina as well contributed articles for the Voice of Justice columns for the Phnom Penh Post and Khmer-language daily Koh Santepheap.
Theary is the co-host of the popular reality-TV program Youth Leadership Challenge aired on CTN and CTN International for five seasons (2006-2009) with Dr. Chea Samnang, Actor and Goodwill Ambassador, my dear friend.
When in Phnom Penh, she worships at the International Christian Fellowship and sometimes at Khmer-speaking New Life Community Church, Living Hope in Christ Church or Prek Eng Peace Church.
Theary is frequently invited to speak at international conferences all over the world on issues of justice and reconciliation, democracy and human rights, faith in action, and is the subject of countless TV and radio broadcasts on CNN, BBC, AlJazeera, ABC, NHK, VOA, DW, RFA, RFI as well as many documentary films, including a feature film using Theary to tell the larger Khmer Rouge story, in production.
Theary, thank you for being a fan of PUC Radio, as your interview received the most listenership and validated me as the “Oprah Winfrey” of Cambodia. Our paths will cross again in the future.
Excerpts from the interview:
Royal Rebel (aka Princess Soma Norodom): We’re going to talk about my uncles, okay?
Most Controversial Woman (aka Theary Seng): Okay, I love your uncles. I am a fan of theirs, especially Prince Sirirath who is so regal (beside the fact he’s a prince).
Royal Rebel (aka RR or Soma): Do you know you’re the most controversial woman?
Controversial Woman (aka CW or Theary): Really? [laughs] I did not know that.
RR: Really. It’s a compliment. There were people who feared to have you be on our program.
CW: I am only articulating publicly what everyone is thinking privately.
RR: But you don’t care what people think of you…
CW: But I do… I am not perfect. No one is perfect. I learn from the criticisms, if they are constructive. Ones which are malicious, I ignore them. I have thick skin. [laughs]
RR: Have you been in love?
CW: Yes, twice.
RR: Have you been married?
CW: No. I do want to be married and have children. I can’t cook for the life of me, so I need a man who can cook. I am taking recommendations. [laughs]
CW: There’s a presumption against women. We are worse than second class citizens.
CW: Our generation, the older generation, we owe the young generation an apology. We have limited their future. Rather than being a generation of sacrifice, we–the older generation–have squandered the future of our children. For that, we owe this young generation an apology. I think of my grandmother, my mom’s mom, an illiterate woman to her dying day, who sacrificed her life so that her children, not only her children but her grandchildren (me!), and now her great-grandchildren (all 70-plus of us) could have a better life… From one life, limitless opportunities have been created for the children, grand children and great-grandchildren.
Filed under: Soma Norodom | Tags: Anida Yoeu Ali, censorship, Global Agitator, Muslim Khmer American, naked, Pizzaworld, Royal Rebel, shock radio, Soma Norodom, Studio Revolt
Anida Yoeu Ali, the Global Agitator, on PUC Radio Talk Show, made history by being the first naked guest speaker.
Thank You Pizzaworld for the delicious pizzas!
"No where else in the world can I bring my daughter to a live radio interview, eat pizza and be naked talking to royalty," stated Anida.
Soma enjoying the interview of Anida Yoeu Ali and wondering how she can top this with the next interview.
On January 30, 2012, I, the Royal Rebel, met the Global Agitator on PUC Radio Talk Show, and the encounter was raw. Anida Yoeu Ali’s interview on PUC Radio Talk Show was the talk of the town, and the photos from the interview were shared on FACEBOOK by fans and friends throughout Cambodia and all across the world and to the U.S.
Anida Yoeu Ali made history on PUC Radio Talk Show as the first guest speaker to do an interview naked. As a performance artist, Anida wanted to be interviewed with no clothes on to make a statement on the issue of censorship. A no holds barred interview with Anida, in the flesh, catapulted PUC Radio Talk Show into an area never explored before in the country called “shock radio.”
Censorship is the suppression of speech, information and ideas circulated within a society, and controlled by a government or media outlet. Censorship in Cambodia is real. There is no freedom of speech or press, due to the government’s regulation. But Cambodia does have a little more flexibility of freedom of expression than other countries like Myanmar (Burma) and Malaysia.
“Basically I believe in freedom of expression. I believe in standing up for yourself, for others, and for a greater cause. I believe there is nothing more sacred and precious in artmaking than the freedom for self-expression. The other angle on all this is basically I didn’t know what to wear. I was about to meet real royalty so should I wear something formal or informal? I didn’t pack my prom dress to Cambodia, and I thought it would be too weird to wear my Buddhist Bug costume. Soma wanted me in a Chicago Bulls jersey to which I was like ‘hell no! I’ll never be seen in any kind of sport jersey’. So I told her that since I couldn’t figure out what to wear, I might as well just come naked. After all, I am a performance artist,” expressed Anida.
Anida did do that, and her “birthday suit” was the highlight of the interview. Here are Anida’s favorite lines from the interview:
“On my right breast is a tattoo of Angelina Jolie. On my left breast is her son, Maddox, and when I squeeze my cleavage together they make the Bayon!”
2.) “If we are the Prime Ministers of Cambodia, (Soma and Anida) which we will call ourselves “Prima Ministras“, we would have two embassies in the US, and all deportees would be able to go back to the US on our embassy land!”
3.) “No where else in the world can I bring my daughter to a live radio interview, eat pizza and be naked talking to royalty!”
Thank you, Anida, for challenging us to express ourselves as individuals, and lifting PUC Radio Talk Show into a league of its own.
Special thanks to Chy Sila and the Pizzaworld Area Manager and staff at Kampuchea Krom, for making sure the pizzas were delivered on time, fresh, and delicious. Your generosity was appreciated by the PUC radio staff, Anida’s family, and of course, the Global Agitator and the Royal Rebel.
…and who knew that pizzas can play a major role as prop in “shock radio.”
Here is Anida Yoeu Ali’s bio:
Anida Yoeu Ali is a performance artist, writer, and the first generation Muslim Khmer woman born in Cambodia and raised in Chicago. She graduated with a B.F.A. in Graphic Design, at the University of Illinois in May 1996, and an M.F.A Performance at School of the Art Institute Chicago, in May 2010.
Her performance work transforms loss into conversations about reconciliation. Since 1998, Anida has toured over 300 colleges and venues with the spoken word ensemble, I Was Born With Two Tongues, and the multimedia collective Mango Tribe. The Tongues’ pioneering live performances and critically-acclaimed debut CD, “Broken Speak”, ignited a new generation of Asian American voices.
She is also a founding member of Young Asians With Power!, Asian American Artists Collective-Chicago, the National APIA Spoken Word & Poetry Summit, and MONSOON fine arts journal. Her artistic work has been the recipient of grants from the Rockefeller Foundation, Ford Foundation, National Endowment of the Arts and Illinois Arts Council.
Currently, Anida is the Creative Partner, along with her husband, Masahiro, of Studio Revolt, a collaborative media lab producing motion imagery and performance projects. In January 2011, Anida, her husband, and their 2 young kids, arrived in Phnom Penh, and the city has never been the same again.
Filed under: Soma Norodom | Tags: Cambodian Davis Cup Team, Cambodian Tennis Team, Davis Cup, JB of Colorblind, Nagaworld, National Olympic Committee in Cambodia, Tennis Federation of Cambodia, Tep Rithivit
Kevin Nyland, Nagaworld VP for Investor Relations, addressing the media about Nagaworld's sponsorship with the Tennis Federation of Cambodia for the upcoming Davis Cup
Soma at the press conference on January 25th, representing PUC Radio, and out supporting her designer friend, JB, of Colorblind, and bringing her friend, Chantelle, who used to play tennis in college in the U.S.
(Left) H.E. Vat Chamroeun, NOC's Secretary General (Middle) Tep Rithivit, TFC's Secretary General, thanking Nagaworld for its support and for acknowledging the Tennis Federation's hard work in earning international recognition
The Tennis Federation of Cambodia, Nagaworld, and the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, working together to help Cambodia achieve sporting excellence
Tep Rithivit and JB, designer of Colorblind, who is Soma's designer for suits, will also design the Cambodian National Team's uniforms
Bun Kenny, #1 Cambodian tennis player, offered to teach Soma a few pointers about tennis, as Soma used to play tennis in jr. high, and wasn't good at all
The Davis Cup began in 1900 as a competition between USA and Great Britain. It is the world’s largest annual international team competition in sport, with 130 countries entering in 2011. The list of tennis legends to have competed in Davis Cup over the years includes all of the game’s most well known names such as; Jimmy Connors, Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, Mats Wilander, Ivan Lendl, Stefan Edberg, Boris Becker, Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, Andy Roddick and Rafael Nadal. All these tennis champions have represented their country with passion and commitment.
Cambodia earned the right to play in one of the oldest and most prestigious team competitions in the world, after the International Tennis Federation elevated the Tennis Federation of Cambodia (TFC) to a B Class Membership, at the annual general meeting in Bangkok in 2011. Cambodia is placed in the Asia Oceania Group IV, in a cluster of 10 countries that include Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Myanmar, Qatar, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan, and the United Arab Emirates.
During the week of April 16, the countries in the Asia Oceania Group IV will compete in Doha, Qatar, and the top nation in each pool plays off against runner-up in other pool, with two winning nations promoted to Asia Oceania Zone Group III for 2013.
“The Cambodian National Team will be announced in early March. There may be one or two surprises in store. We are expecting two smart youngsters with plenty of college tennis experience in the United States to join the national team in March. That should come as a great support for our #1 player, Bun Kenny, who in the past one year has worked hard to improve his world rankings and is now a more seasoned campaigner and a far better and fitter player on the circuit,” stated Tep Rithivit, Secretary General for the Tennis Federation of Cambodia.
In partnership with the Tennis Federation of Cambodia, Nagaworld will sponsor the entire expedition to Qatar, keeping with its belief of supporting community development in Cambodia and helping the country achieve sporting excellence. Nagaworld has worked closely with the National Olympic Committee in Cambodia (NOC), and has supported the Rugby Federation and the Football Federation.
“The chance for Cambodia to participate in the Davis Cup is truly a giant leap forward for tennis and the future of sports in the country. We are happy to sponsor the national team as they embark on their quest to Doha,” said Rajesh Kumar, Nagaworld Vice-President for Events, Promotion and Entertainment.
“I hope it’s all aces and roses for the Cambodian National Team, while wishing the team a grand success in Doha, Nagaworld would be delighted to share this extraordinary moment with the country’s tennis community which richly deserves its place in the sun,” expressed Kevin Nyland, Nagaworld Vice-President for Investor Relations.
Tep Rithivit, the son of a former national champion, and a former junior tennis player, added, ” When Cambodia plays the first rubber in Doha, no matter against whom and with what result, Cambodian tennis would be on a pedestal that had seemed almost impossible to climb a few years ago. That’s the reality and that’s the reason why Davis Cup is such a big deal. Lastly, I would like to underline the presence of His Excellency, Vat Chamroeun, NOC’s Secretary General as a witness in this sponsorship agreement. NOC has been a steadfast supporter of the TFC. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank him personally for being with us, again.”
Good luck to the Cambodian Davis Cup Team, and congratulations to Tep Rithivit and the Tennis Federation of Cambodia for debuting Cambodia to the tennis world.
Filed under: Soma Norodom | Tags: AsiaLIFE magazine, Cambodia, english language magazine, January 2012, king norodom sihanouk, Norodom, norodom sihanouk, phnom penh, Raffles Hotel, Royal Family of Cambodia, Sisowath, Soma Norodom, young royals
Soma's niece helping her get ready for the photoshoot
Soma with N.M. Sisowath Sieng Dy, her advisor for royal protocols, taking a break from the photoshoot. The picture above is of Soma's great uncle, former King, Norodom Sihanouk with Jacqueline Kennedy O'Nassis
Soma's uncle, Prince Sisowath Sirirath, reading her story in the December 2011 issue of AsiaLIFE
Soma's cousin, Bijou, and Soma getting ready for the casual/style wear photoshoot
Soma, Bijou, and Nikko looking stylish as they are the young generations of Cambodia's Royal Family
Soma-1 of 6 pages in the cover feature story about the Lifestyles of Young Royals in Cambodia
Ringing in the New Year, 2012, with style and class, and on the front cover of AsiaLIFE magazine
The most popular and reputable English language magazine in Cambodia is AsiaLIFE, a monthly lifestyle magazine, which is distributed throughout Phnom Penh, and in other provinces. It is the essential guide to life in Cambodia, at no charge. Last month I was honored to be featured in their Q & A section, and received positive feedbacks via texts and emails the first day the magazine came out.
On January 2nd, the first issue of 2012 arrived, and profiled my cousins and I as the cover story. I received an email from a friend stating, “Hey, I saw you on the cover of AsiaLIFE! Young and Royal! Good shot.” Of all the days that the cook and driver had to be gone (they went to a wedding), was the day that the magazine was hot off the press, and I couldn’t get my hands on one. But I had Mariam pick up a few, one for my father, and one for me.
To be featured in a magazine is an honor, and to be on the cover of the premier magazine in the country, it’s surreal. Just looking at my father’s expression when he received the magazine the following day during dialysis, was priceless. Yes, he was proud of me again, and you could see it in his eyes. When I saw the magazine I was speechless. Andy Brouwer, Blogger, Author, and Writer, texted me and said that the cover is, “Very posh.”
The photoshoot was held at Raffles Hotel Le Royal on December 17, 2011. The hotel is located in the heart of Phnom Penh, and was first established in 1929, with clienteles ranging from backpackers, journalists, to distinguished royalty. This grand historic hotel has undergone restoration and refurbishment, and now fulfills all the requirements of a modern world-class hotel.
Travel & Leisure magazine rated it as the “Top 50 Hotels in Asia, World’s Best Awards”, from 2006-2008, as well as “Award of Excellence”-Wine Spectator Award in 2007. Exuding an old world charm through its distinctive style, the art director and photo editor decided that Raffles would be the location for the cover shot of the January 2012 issue.
My cousins, Nikko and Bijou, who are my uncle, Prince Sisowath Sirirath kids, participated in the photoshoot. Uncle Nan, as I call him, was a proud papa and uncle, as he was beaming with joy throughout the entire shoot. My other cousins, Sisowath Vic, Norodom Narithipong and his wife, Ermine, and Sisowath Chivannariddh and his wife, Phala, were also interviewed.
The cover story focuses on the lifestyles of young royals in Cambodia. Interviewed by Michael Sloan, the story profiles our current status in Cambodia and our ambitions and attitudes towards the Cambodian monarchy, both as a family and an institution. Less than 30 countries in the world represents kingdoms and monarchs, and Cambodia is one of them.
Managing Editor, Ellie Dyer, stated in her editorial, “We’ve also talked to some of the most respected people in Cambodian society, members of the royal family, about their lives in Cambodia, the palace, and abroad. In a country with such rich history and traditions, their views provide a wonderful insight into life at the heart of the Kingdom.”
Arlene, my friend and consultant, and my cousin, Bong La (who made the red dress), and her daughter were also present at the photoshoot. Bong La also made the gold dress for my photoshoot at the Royal Palace, which was featured in the July 2011 issue of Southeast Asia Globe magazine.
We were asked to bring 2 outfits; one formal and one representing our style and personality. The gold belt for my formal attire was not finished. My niece helped me get dressed as my cousin sewed the belt onto the dress, and Arlene took pictures of this momentous occasion, and also re-curled my hair, as the hairstylist did not do a good job earlier. This was a team effort, and Hillary Rodham Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State, would agree that “it takes a village” to make me look pretty.
The photoshoot took about 3 hours, and I was ready to get some food in my stomach. I didn’t eat the night before and earlier that morning, as a few pounds can make a difference in a photo. Can you imagine doing this fulltime? I couldn’t do it, since I would have to give up food, especially delicious, high calorie food.
AsiaLIFE magazine was distributed throughout hotels, coffee shops, cafes and restaurants in Phnom Penh. A grand portrait of Her Royal Highness Norodom Buppha Devi, Cambodia’s most legendary classical dancer, daughter of former King of Cambodia, Norodom Sihanouk, half sister of current King of Cambodia, His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, mother of Sisowath Vic, as well as our beautiful aunt, provided a majestic backdrop for the shot.
Special thanks to Ellie Dyer, Managing Editor, April Hunt, Art Director/Designer, Michael Sloan, Writer, and Dylan Walker, Photo Editor, for an opportunity to be a cover model. But most important of all, listening to what we have to say, as we represent the young generations of the Royal Family, the Norodoms and the Sisowaths, and will likely carry on the tradition of the royal monarchy in Cambodia.
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Filed under: Soma Norodom
Soma, Arlene, and Vattey celebrating New Years at NagaWorld
Real M&Ms candies on a real gingerbread house at NagaWorld
NagaWorld still had beautiful holiday decorations for us to enjoy
The Royal Rebel of Cambodia has new plans for 2012
Outside NagaWorld, a live musical concert was held, and fireworks began at midnight to ring in the New Year for 2012
Happy New Year Cambodia! xoxo Arlene, Vattey, Reaksmey, and Soma
Soma, Arlene, and Vattey enjoyed the great fireworks and now heading to the next venue: Memphis Bar, by the riverfront, to watch a popular, local band perform
The beginning of the new year in Cambodia is a big event, especially this year. Prime Minister, Hun Sen, announced that Cambodia will be ringing in New Year’s Eve by the sea, which will be in Sihanoukville, not Phnom Penh.
Organized by the Ministry of Tourism, the First Sea Festival was held in Sihanoukville, the beach destination of Cambodia. More than half of the population attended this event, including my friends, PUC faculty and staff, as well as Mike, from Mike’s Burgers.
I had several opportunities to attend the New Year’s Eve celebration in Sihanoukville, but chose not to. Why didn’t I go? Just like what the editor of Southeast Asia Globe Magazine nicknamed me, “the Royal Rebel with a good cause”. Being called a rebel is not considered negative. I am an individual, and this is what makes me stand out from above the rest. Just because everybody is doing it, doesn’t mean I have to go along, and I didn’t. I have always been a leader, and never a follower.
My New Year’s Eve celebration was in my hometown, and birthplace, and the capital city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. The riverfront area, Diamond Island, and NagaWorld were packed with tourists, locals, and people who wanted to ring in the new year in Phnom Penh, the best city in the country.
Earlier that day, I hung out with dad and made his favorite snack, grilled cheese sandwich. Later that evening, I celebrated the new year with my good friend and consultant, Arlene, who decided not to go out of town. Also, Vattey and Reaksmey, whom I both met when I was filming the Malaysian movie this past summer, joined me on New Year’s Eve.
Hanging out at NagaWorld to watch fireworks on New Year’s Eve was the plan. This was Arlene and my first time watching fireworks on New Years Eve in Cambodia, and I was not disappointed. The fireworks were amazing, just like during the Fourth of July celebrations in the U.S.
I always like to get dressed up on New Year’s Eve and go somewhere special with friends. Can you picture getting all dressed up, hair and makeup done, and walking on the beach, with high heels? I can go to the beach anytime. Remember, I grew up in California, the beach state. I prefer to stay indoors for New Years, and that’s what I did.
NagaWorld was the destination of choice for my New Year’s Eve celebration. This is an exquisite, 5-star hotel, with a casino, spa, restaurants, karaoke rooms, dance clubs, and more than 500 luxurious rooms and suites, located in the heart of Phnom Penh.
According to legend, the name, NagaWorld, came from the mythical story of a 7-headed dragon or “Naga”. The dragon was believed to be residing in the rivers and guarding the entrance to Phnom Penh. The Naga was only seen during the appearance of a rainbow, and was considered a symbol of good luck, new beginnings, and prosperity. This was why I chose NagaWorld, as my future plans in Cambodia will be revealed and implemented in twenty twelve.
First item on the agenda of 2012: train the new hires to replace me as PUC Radio Talk Show Host, Station Manager, and Media Manager. Yes, it will take 3 people to fulfill my job responsibilities.
Second item on the agenda for 2012: get a new job.
Third item on the agenda for 2012: get married?
Have a healthy, prosperous, and successful New Year!
Filed under: Soma Norodom
(Left to right) Soma with Dr. Nancy Beavan, Archaeologist, and Suwanna Gauntlett, Founder and CEO of Wildlife Alliance, appeared on PUC Radio, last show of 2011
The past 16 months working at PUC Radio Talk Show has been an exciting roller coaster ride. But like all good things, they must come to an end. On December 27th, I interviewed the last guest speaker(s) for 2011, and at the end of the show, announced that I will be leaving PUC Radio Talk Show in 2012.
Dr. Nancy Beavan, Archaeologist, and Suwanna Gauntlett, from the Wildlife Alliance, made the last show of the year so inspirational that this was the right moment to announce my early retirement, from radio. PUC Radio Talk Show Advisory Board Members and my team were aware of my plan to leave no later than the spring of 2012, but nobody was aware of my decision to announce it live on-air, that evening.
Founding Father of the university, Dr. Kol Pheng, gave me his blessing to continue on with my career outside PUC. He predicted that in a year, the show would be a success, I would be a star, and leave PUC. His forecast was almost accurate, except, it has already been a year and a half, and I’m still here.
This was his goal right from the beginning, as he is a mentor to future leaders of Cambodia, and has been grooming me to follow his path. “PUC is just a stepping stone, and we are always supportive of our members pursuing other opportunities to better your career, life, and the country,” expressed Dr. Kol. “The doors of opportunities have now open for you. Take it and challenge yourself on another project and teach our young generation the skills that you have learned, as this is what a leader is all about.”
It will take at least 6 months to train the new person for the positions of Radio Talk Show Host, Manager of the radio team, and Media Manager for PUC. I have fulfilled these roles successfully, and now PUC will be hiring three people to replace me. The interview process began last month, and by February, we will announce the new PUC Radio Talk Show Host. The manager positions have been appointed by Dr. Kol Pheng a few weeks ago. The new host will interview me as I switch hats from a host to a guest speaker on my last day at Pannasastra University of Cambodia. Stay tuned.
Now back to the interview.
Dr. Nancy Beavan received her Bachelor’s degree in Geography in 1989, and later her Master’s degree in Social Work, with an emphasis on Social Research and Evaluation from Columbia University. Dr. Nancy later pursued her Ph.D degree at the University of Christchurch in New Zealand and received her Ph.D in Zoology in 2001.
She has worked as a laboratory technician in countries such as Switzerland and New Zealand, and also served as the United Nations NGO representative for Defense for Children International-Advocacy and monitoring of the development and ratification of UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Dr. Nancy has written journals, articles, and publications on radiocarbon ages of rat, the human skeleton, and archaeology. Currently, she is a Senior Research fellow, Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology Otago School of Medical Sciences, at the University of Otago. Dr. Nancy is originally from Rhode Island, and has dual citizenships in the U.S. and New Zealand.
Ms. Suwanna Gauntlett is the Founder and CEO of Wildlife Alliance, which provides direct protection to tropical forest and endangered wildlife. The main focus is to stop deforestation in the tropical belt.
For the last ten years, Suwanna has been working in Cambodia to stop deforestation of the Cardamom Mountain Range, one of the last standing rain forest in Southeast Asia, and it is one of only seven remaining elephant corridors of Asia. With a maximum elevation of 1,770 meters, the Cardamom Mountains in southwestern Cambodia spans an area of 4,420,000 hectares.
Before working in Cambodia, Suwanna saved the Siberian tiger from extinction, when only about 100 were remaining in Russia Far East. She is a recipient of the Gold Medal, given to her by Prime Minister, Hun Sen, for the conservation of the Cardamom Mountains. Suwanna is originally from San Francisco, California, and her family currently resides there.
At the beginning of the interview, the guests enjoyed delicious burgers from Mike’s Burger Place. Dr. Nancy and Suwanna heard about the fabulous burgers, but haven’t tried them, until that evening. Hey, it’s the last show of the year, and why not celebrate with Mike’s Burgers. Sweets and desserts were enjoyed by our guests and also my staff.
Dr. Nancy is very passionate about her work in the preservation of Cambodia’s cultural heritage. Located on a remote jungle ledge in the Cardamom Mountains, are mysterious burial jars and log coffins, filled with human skeletal remains, dating back between 1440-1630 AD. Dr. Nancy and the team have been pursuing this project for eight years, without any financial support, except one year when she received the Australian Research Grant to support the field work. On January 4, 2012, Dr. Nancy and the team will be on another field work, surveying 70 more ceramic jars. I hope Dr. Nancy does accomplish her goal in preserving Cambodia’s cultural heritage.
Suwanna and her organization, Wildlife Alliance, has been working with the Cambodian Ministry of Environment to save the endangered species in the Cardamom Mountains. The species includes birds, reptiles, amphibians, elephants, tigers, clouded leopards, the Asian sun bear and black bear, pleated gibbons, and Siamese crocodiles. As of this year, Wildlife Alliance have rescued 102 animals from being extinct.
I asked the two guest speakers the last question of the night; what is your New Year’s resolution? Suwanna’s answer was to continue the conservation preservation in Cambodia, and to go out on more dates next year. I agreed with her and want to go out on more dates as well in 2012. Dr. Nancy couldn’t think of an answer, as she mentioned that she doesn’t do New Year’s resolution.
I answered my own question by thanking my team for a great job, and for making PUC Radio Talk Show a success, as December 12th marked the show’s one year anniversary on air. I also wished them continued success, and I announced that I will be leaving PUC Radio Talk Show next year.
Dr. Nancy was shocked and flabbergasted. But then she realized the reason for my decision to leave the show, and just smiled. The message throughout the interview was about following your dream and doing something you are passionate about. “Continue to follow your dream, and be passionate of what you believe in. Don’t stop until you make it, even when no one believes in your dream,” stated Dr. Nancy.
Dr. Kol Pheng was the only person who believed that I could launch the very first educational, university, English-speaking, radio talk show in the country. Many were skeptical and didn’t think that I, a woman, and also, someone who grew up in the U.S., who has never lived in Cambodia, who didn’t know the language, or the culture, could accomplish such an impossible task. Several have tried, but never succeeded. In addition, his critics stated that an educational, English-speaking radio program will not be successful in Cambodia, because it is boring, and nobody will listen.
He never gave up on his vision, and continued on with his search to find the right person. On June 26, 2010, I arrived in Cambodia, and destiny stepped in. PUC Radio Talk Show became the first, educational, university, English-speaking, radio program in the country, with listenerships in 6 provinces and the capital city of Phnom Penh.
I don’t know what my next job will be in 2012, but I will always be grateful for the opportunity that was given to me by Dr. Kol Pheng, former Minister of Education of Cambodia. It has changed my life forever.
After my announcement on-air, supporters of PUC Radio Talk Show commented on FACEBOOK.
Dear Princess Soma, we will miss you a lot. Thank you so much for achieving a great job bring dialogues among professionals, students, and English speaking public together. Amazing!
(Ana Nov)
Oh that’s sad! we will truly miss you but this will give another chance to have opportunity to others and explore more outside the box! Where is the Princess going? My best wishes to Princess Soma and her next challenge where ever would that be.
(Elma Placido)
You will be greatly missed but know that you will be successful in helping Cambodia! You will be missed on PUC Radio, but I know you will be successful at whatever you do dear!! Thank you for serving Cambodia and making a difference! Love you Soma!
(Robin Flanagan)
All the best HRH Soma. You have done a great job starting your show, and like anything other people always need to step up and rise to new heights. I wish you all the best for 2012 and new adventures!!!
(Aaron Watson)
Merry Christmas from California (Left to right) says Sothavy a.k.a. Nick, Norindra, and Tana. Back: Ty and Seda. Not pictured: Norapong
The holidays are tough in Cambodia especially Christmas, as it is too far to travel to the U.S. for a week or so to see family and friends. This will be my second Christmas without my family, and even Seda this year. Adjusting to my new life in Cambodia includes moments like this, when it’s hard not to feel depressed and lonely. The holidays is not always a joyous occasion, especially for those living overseas. But as I always managed to do, is to make the best out of what I have.
I decided to invite my father’s nieces and their kids to come over and celebrate Christmas at our place. They prepared a special Vietnamese dish for my father called banh hoi, a rice vermicelli noodle, bundled into a flat rectangle, and eaten with meat, like pork, and fresh vegetables, like lettuce, cucumbers and bean sprouts, and herbs, like basil and shiso, and dripped with fish sauce. I ate rice with my favorite Khmer food; mango salad with shrimp and dried fish.
I have planned a special surprise for my father after our Christmas lunch. He will be able to see and talk to his kids and grandkids in California through Skype. Microsoft, a network for Skype, allows users to communicate by voice, video, and instant messaging over the Internet, also known as the internet phone.
It was after 12 noon in Cambodia, which is 9:30 pm in California, and Seda called to let me know that they are ready to be on Skype. I couldn’t get my Skype to work, as I found out later, I had to re-install Skype on my computer again. A half hour later, it’s showtime!
My father was so happy to see his kids. He didn’t recognize his granddaughter, Norindra, as she is a big girl now. Also, my father asked if my little sister, Nick, wears glasses. He mentioned that Ty, his grandson’s hair, is long and straight. My father asked where my brother, Norapong, was. ”He’s on his way to L.A. and will be here in two more hours,” said Seda.
For half an hour, my father just smiled, and was happy at this moment. He thanked them for the Christmas gift, which was cash, and wished them a Merry Christmas. He hasn’t seen them for over 2 years, and Skyping was as close as being there. Thank you Microsoft, for the best gift this Christmas for my father.
Merry Christmas to my family and friends back home in the U.S.
Filed under: Soma Norodom
Dana Langlois, owner of Java Cafe & Gallery
Jan Cornall performing her comedic and musical act
(Left) Sophia Chhoeng and her friends enjoying the Body Poetry at Java Cafe & Gallery
Soma with her friends, Kai Park and Steven Path, outside Java Cafe to watch the eclipse of the moon that night
My friends and I spent this past Saturday evening hanging out at Java Café & Gallery to watch the entertaining performances of Philip Heijmans and Christopher Crawford. They were hosts of Body Poetry night, and it was an evening of enjoyment and relaxation.
Australian author, Jan Cornall, was in attendance as well. Jan has been travelling, performing and collaborating in Southeast Asia since 2002. Her Bali based novel, “Take Me To Paradise”, was launched at the Ubud Writers Festival in 2006, along with her jazz poetry CD.
The highlight of the night was a poet named Kosal. He expressed himself through a combination of rap style rhythm and powerful words about his past experience in California, where he was in detention, or jail, for 14 years, and now he is back in Cambodia. Kosal was deported from the U.S., and his spoken words tugged at our hearts. Kosal was appreciative of his freedom to live, but most of all, the freedom to speak. This act received the thumbs up of the night, and if he is back at Java, you can guarantee my friends and I will be back.
I also had the opportunity to say hello to my former guest speaker on PUC Radio Talk Show, Ms. Dana Langlois, and introduced her to my friends, and also the photographer from LEBOOST, who was out shooting pictures of events in the city. Java Café & Gallery was established by Dana in 2000 as a combination café and art gallery to support the growth of a dynamic art scene in Cambodia.
Through exhibitions, forums, presentations and collaborations, local artists have had opportunities to develop and exhibit their masterpieces and work with visiting artists. With selection of coffees, teas and muffins, salads, sandwiches, fajitas and breakfasts, and desserts to choose from, Java Café & Gallery is a favorite local hangout.
Photos by Visal of LEBOOST.
