Cambodia’s Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training on Wednesday received donations of supplies, food items and cash from the Korean Business Association in Cambodia (KBAC) to assist Cambodian families displaced by border tensions.
Labour Minister H.E. Heng Sour presided over the charity event, titled “Humanitarian Support for Cambodian Victims Along the Border,” held at Booyoung Town in Phnom Penh. The event was attended by ministry officials, members of the Korean business community in Cambodia, Cambodian workers and other participants.
Speaking at the ceremony, H.E. Heng Sour said that although a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand has taken effect, tens of thousands of displaced people, including women and children, have yet to return to their homes.
He said the donations of funds, essential supplies and food, as well as a blood donation drive organised during the event, come at a critical time and demonstrate the compassion and solidarity of the Korean community in Cambodia toward those affected by the Thai invasion.
“The size of the contribution is not what matters most,” H.E. Minister said. “What matters is the sincere spirit of sharing from the heart. Such generosity, especially the valuable blood donations, will be remembered by the Cambodian people.”
He expressed confidence that displaced families and frontline soldiers would welcome the assistance and extended gratitude on behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, the Labour Ministry and the Cambodian people to the KBAC and other donors for their continued humanitarian support.
H.E. Heng Sour said the initiative reflected not only the spirit of “Cambodians helping Cambodians,” but also the solidarity of the Korean community standing with the Cambodian people.
In reply, Mr. Lim Woo-taek, Vice President of the Korean Business Association in Cambodia, said the association organised the charity event because it could not overlook the hardships faced by displaced families.
He expressed hope that the collective goodwill of the Korean community would send a message to the displaced that they are not alone.
“We want them to know that the Korean community here supports them and stands with them,” he said, adding that the initiative could further strengthen friendship and trust between the peoples of the two countries.
The donations included US$10,000 in cash, instant noodles, clothing, face masks, rice, seaweed and various other essential supplies.
