By Lorn Thary
April 7, 2013: The University of Cambodia Student Senate (UCSS) organised an event on April 7, 2013, at the University of Cambodia to celebrate Khmer New Year. As in previous years, this was an all-day event which was led by Miss Saya Linda, President of UCSS, with the help of members of UCSS and the University of Cambodia Cambodia Red Cross Youth (UCCRCYC).
In the morning, Buddhist monks came to pray and ensure good luck, happiness and prosperity. This event was honored by the presence of H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn (President of the University of Cambodia); many faculty, staff and students also joined this event; most participants were dressed in traditional Khmer clothes.
After this, UC and also some non-UC students enjoyed playing Khmer traditional games such as Chol Chhoung, Leak Kanseng, and dancing happily together until 11:30 a.m.; games resumed at 2:00 p.m., when the approximately 600 participants also receuved gifts. Throughout, here were also 12 stands prepared and run by UC students to sell things such as meatballs, soft-drinks, souvenirs, an auction on recycled materials, etc.: half of the profi t from these went to the UCCRCYC to fund humanitarian acts to help Cambodia society.
Then, at 5:00 p.m., a concert commenced. This was honoured by the presence of H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, H.E. Samraing Kamsan (member of the UC Board of Trustees) and Mrs. Por Malis (Vice President for Operations), as well as UC lecturers and staff. Apart from various performances by UC students, such as the Cambodian Flag song. Robam Neh Sat, Khmer traditional dance and singing, there was the appearance of two superstars from Hang Meas Productions: Miss Tep Boprek, and Mr. Zono.
UCSS spent almost US$1,500 in preparing for and running the various events. However we think that it was money well-spent. Apart from promoting Cambodian culture and a feeling of a common UC community, it also promoted UC to outsiders and succeeded in raising 1,306,700 riels for the UCCRCYC through sales and the donations of participants, to help promote awareness of this student organisation and its humanitarian activities.
