Phnom Penh Post, Issue 16 / 24, November 30 – December 13, 2007Veng Sereyvuth, Cambodia's new Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, has been active in Cambodian public affairs since the late 1980s when he became a senior official in Funcinpec. Infectiously youthful and positive, he appears completely passionate about Khmer culture, both ancient and new. He served 11 years as Minister of Tourism from 1993-2004 and has been a member of parliament for nearly 15 years. His youth was spent in the turmoil of the 60s and 70s. He explained: "I was born on 31 May 1960 in Prey Veng where I experienced a lot of US bombing. My village in Prey Veng was 'liberated' by the Khmer Rouge in 1970, and in 1971 I escaped to Phnom Penh. From 1971 to 1975 I was a cyclo-driver - as well as selling noodles." After the fall of Phnom Penh, he was sent back to Prey Veng for one year and then on to Battambang. "I was just waiting to die during this time. I lived under the Vietnamese for one year as a smuggler - fishing nets and hooks, sarongs etc." He finally escaped across the Thai border in 1980. His family resettled in New Zealand where he received a degree in 1987 from Victoria University in Wellington. In 2002, he studied economic reform at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. Sereyvuth spoke to reporter Dan Poynton about his philosophy of simplification and preserving Cambodia's arts and culture.
Tell us about your experience as Minister of Tourism and head of the National Tourism Authority.
I was 11 years as minister. In 1993 there were only 120,000 tourists per year in Cambodia. Now we have two million, which isn't too bad! We have an average growth rate of 20 percent plus, and I foresee that this growth rate will continue. The prime minister had a very clear vision at that time: we adopted an open sky policy, visa on arrival, and we gave every Cambodian who was born here or had parents who were born here a permanent life visa. We got the ball rolling in the worldwide promotion of the country. We embarked on massive tourism investment and construction of infrastructure such as airports and roads.
Is being Minister of Culture and Fine Arts your "dream job"?
For a long time I have had a habit of loving my work. I just get along, and I have a burning desire to get the job done effectively. I am very proud that the prime minister has entrusted me to work in this ministry. We Khmers do not like to openly express our ambitions, and it is not for me to say which area I should be working in. That is for those above me to decide.
What does "culture" mean to you?
I see culture as instilling spirit in people. Through this spirit people become aware of their cultural codes, ways of proper behavior, and good and bad. Culture is not just dance shows, it's education. It teaches you about life, society and ways of living. Culture is also identity. For example in a crowd you should be able to immediately see that a person is Khmer. I am not conservative but I would like to see a return to more traditional dress, especially at official functions. We are in a mess in terms of resources in Cambodia. A challenge working in this ministry is to learn how to use those resources for the benefit of society. The richness of Khmer culture can mobilize the country for years to come. We will try to get people to participate in training programs - from schools upwards.
Does the CPP give enough important cabinet positions to FUNCINPEC members?
This is a very important job. What's more important than culture for a society? After all we are here for a short time and human life is all about culture, custom, education, humanity and these things. Life needs more than material things. Can you imagine human life without culture? But the society that Pol Pot tried to destroy came rushing back. The sharing of political positions is above me, and not for me to comment on.
Does the government have the will to put enough money into culture and the arts?
The government is getting richer every year and they're already pumping more money into different departments. They've already increased their budget for cultural activities but we can certainly ask for more. The government is fully aware of the value of the arts.
How are the arts doing in Cambodia today?
For example just look at how many more Cambodian movies are now being produced, even compared with just a few years ago. Cambodians are now watching their own movies. If sometimes they get a bit sexy, well that's only a detail that can be addressed, but the main thing is that movies are being made.
How is globalization affecting Khmer arts and culture?
You cannot try to prevent globalization in the 21st century, because it brings economic power with it. Pol Pot threw everything away in a short period, but Angkor civilization had developed to a great extent and today it has come back vibrantly and quickly. It shows our culture is rich and very, very strong. To conserve our culture and counter globalization we are going to have to find out how to train people, and teach the cultural values of this society in all areas.
Does Cambodia run risk of being "culturally swamped" by its larger neighbors?
In fact the countries around us are also being swamped by our culture. Angkor civilization is in the blood. We're talking about "those dark Khmers" - you see their expression in the faces of Bayon. They're very peaceful and self-confident. It is a special Khmer character formed 2000 years ago with the coming of Indian influences. This produced the real Khmer culture. Our civilization is going to be here forever - I'm not that panicked about the impact of other cultures.
Can you keep alive the Royal University of Fine Arts, Dey Krahorm and the Bassac Theatre ?
The government has put in a lot of effort to preserve these living arts but it's never enough. I'm very positive that'll we get more from the government to undertake different programs. I know the government's economic power is getting stronger and the trickle-down effect will benefit the arts.
Can Cambodia provide better protection for the Angkor antiquities?
We have to transform the people into being their own guards. They must see that whatever is around their village or district is a treasure, and they can turn this treasure into economic prosperity.
How do you cope with the pressures of your work?
Keep it humble and simple. My father taught me to be honest and to preserve your dignity and honor at all costs. If you have to eat noodles on the street tomorrow so be it. Nothing is permanent. My job is busy, but at the same time it's similar to any other job. I believe in the simple equation. There is a solution to every issue. I tend to simplify this whole business of government. You should be able to laugh when you work. It's not a matter of life and death. You will then find plenty of time to do your job. Worry is a terrible disease. Do not worry, worry gives you nothing.
Go back to the faces of Bayon - serene, above everything else.
Tell us about your experience as Minister of Tourism and head of the National Tourism Authority.
I was 11 years as minister. In 1993 there were only 120,000 tourists per year in Cambodia. Now we have two million, which isn't too bad! We have an average growth rate of 20 percent plus, and I foresee that this growth rate will continue. The prime minister had a very clear vision at that time: we adopted an open sky policy, visa on arrival, and we gave every Cambodian who was born here or had parents who were born here a permanent life visa. We got the ball rolling in the worldwide promotion of the country. We embarked on massive tourism investment and construction of infrastructure such as airports and roads.
Is being Minister of Culture and Fine Arts your "dream job"?
For a long time I have had a habit of loving my work. I just get along, and I have a burning desire to get the job done effectively. I am very proud that the prime minister has entrusted me to work in this ministry. We Khmers do not like to openly express our ambitions, and it is not for me to say which area I should be working in. That is for those above me to decide.
What does "culture" mean to you?
I see culture as instilling spirit in people. Through this spirit people become aware of their cultural codes, ways of proper behavior, and good and bad. Culture is not just dance shows, it's education. It teaches you about life, society and ways of living. Culture is also identity. For example in a crowd you should be able to immediately see that a person is Khmer. I am not conservative but I would like to see a return to more traditional dress, especially at official functions. We are in a mess in terms of resources in Cambodia. A challenge working in this ministry is to learn how to use those resources for the benefit of society. The richness of Khmer culture can mobilize the country for years to come. We will try to get people to participate in training programs - from schools upwards.
Does the CPP give enough important cabinet positions to FUNCINPEC members?
This is a very important job. What's more important than culture for a society? After all we are here for a short time and human life is all about culture, custom, education, humanity and these things. Life needs more than material things. Can you imagine human life without culture? But the society that Pol Pot tried to destroy came rushing back. The sharing of political positions is above me, and not for me to comment on.
Does the government have the will to put enough money into culture and the arts?
The government is getting richer every year and they're already pumping more money into different departments. They've already increased their budget for cultural activities but we can certainly ask for more. The government is fully aware of the value of the arts.
How are the arts doing in Cambodia today?
For example just look at how many more Cambodian movies are now being produced, even compared with just a few years ago. Cambodians are now watching their own movies. If sometimes they get a bit sexy, well that's only a detail that can be addressed, but the main thing is that movies are being made.
How is globalization affecting Khmer arts and culture?
You cannot try to prevent globalization in the 21st century, because it brings economic power with it. Pol Pot threw everything away in a short period, but Angkor civilization had developed to a great extent and today it has come back vibrantly and quickly. It shows our culture is rich and very, very strong. To conserve our culture and counter globalization we are going to have to find out how to train people, and teach the cultural values of this society in all areas.
Does Cambodia run risk of being "culturally swamped" by its larger neighbors?
In fact the countries around us are also being swamped by our culture. Angkor civilization is in the blood. We're talking about "those dark Khmers" - you see their expression in the faces of Bayon. They're very peaceful and self-confident. It is a special Khmer character formed 2000 years ago with the coming of Indian influences. This produced the real Khmer culture. Our civilization is going to be here forever - I'm not that panicked about the impact of other cultures.
Can you keep alive the Royal University of Fine Arts, Dey Krahorm and the Bassac Theatre ?
The government has put in a lot of effort to preserve these living arts but it's never enough. I'm very positive that'll we get more from the government to undertake different programs. I know the government's economic power is getting stronger and the trickle-down effect will benefit the arts.
Can Cambodia provide better protection for the Angkor antiquities?
We have to transform the people into being their own guards. They must see that whatever is around their village or district is a treasure, and they can turn this treasure into economic prosperity.
How do you cope with the pressures of your work?
Keep it humble and simple. My father taught me to be honest and to preserve your dignity and honor at all costs. If you have to eat noodles on the street tomorrow so be it. Nothing is permanent. My job is busy, but at the same time it's similar to any other job. I believe in the simple equation. There is a solution to every issue. I tend to simplify this whole business of government. You should be able to laugh when you work. It's not a matter of life and death. You will then find plenty of time to do your job. Worry is a terrible disease. Do not worry, worry gives you nothing.
Go back to the faces of Bayon - serene, above everything else.
3 comments:
If our leaders of cambodia Now care lots about our cultural of Angkor Civilazation. All thing will be done,If not all thing will be damages or may be destroy.But I believe our people do care and also our leaders too.
The election is coming up it's good topics to talk about,It's very important for all cambodia people and our country.
i happened to share the same believe; honesty, simplicity are the best policy. life is hard as it is we don't need to add anymore pressure on it, but not to forget our responsibilities and morality toward one another. we jsut have to set a path and work hard at it. then you can play...
Cambodia needs more optimistic, realistic, and humble people like you, Mr. Veng, to manage the government. I hope your dedication to your works (whatever you are placed to work in) will help both you and the country mature and prosper together.
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