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Transforming Lives with Philanthropic Efforts in Southeast Asia
This edition of the A&K Southeast Asia Insider is packed with inspiring stories and updates from various initiatives that are making a difference in communities across Southeast Asia. This month, we delve into the heart of philanthropic efforts worth mentioning and share the latest developments in the region.
Marking Milestones: Inauguration of Kokchan School in Cambodia
We are thrilled to announce the grand opening and blessing ceremony of Kokchan School, located in the outskirts of Siem Reap, marking another significant step forward in Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy’s (AKP) mission to provide quality education to underserved communities. This monumental event is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our dedicated team, local partners, generous donors and the resilient community.
AKP has long been committed to bridging educational gaps in disadvantaged regions. The inauguration of Kokchan School represents the fruition of years of planning, fundraising and construction. By offering a safe and conducive learning environment, we aim to empower children with the knowledge and skills necessary to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future.
As we celebrate this milestone, we also look forward to the culmination of the Tapang School project, which is situated nearby. Slated for a similar inaugural ceremony in early September, Tapang School, which was recently completed on July 17, 2024, promises to follow in the footsteps of Kokchan School. We are diligently working to ensure that Tapang School will also provide high-quality education and foster a nurturing environment for students.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey –– and we know that it does not end here. We continue to seek support from individuals and organizations who share our vision. Together, let us make a lasting impact on the lives of countless children and their communities.
For more information or to get involved, please contact our team. Let's continue to mark milestones together!
Philanthropy Across Borders: Conversations with Our AKP Coordinator
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Célia Hulin, our newly appointed AKP Regional Coordinator for Southeast Asia. Originally from Belgium, Célia brings a wealth of experience from her previous work in Costa Rica and Myanmar. Now based in Siem Reap, Cambodia, she is poised to lead our projects in the region. Join us as Célia shares her unique insights on philanthropy, community engagement and life in Cambodia so far.
Q: Can you tell us about your previous experience in corporate social responsibility (CSR) or philanthropy? What attracted you to the role of Regional Philanthropy Coordinator at A&K?
A: I worked in tourism in Myanmar for several years developing travel experiences around the country. As travel operators, we respect certain standards to ensure our guests do not leave any negative impact on the communities they are visiting. I quickly got to know the various networks of sustainable tourism in the region and took part in local groups working on specific topics such as CBT (Community Based Tourism) and plastic reduction. In my role as a Regional Philanthropy Coordinator, I see a perfect balance between my expertise in tourism and a strong willingness to be more involved in giving back to communities.
Q: What motivates you to work in your field? Can you describe a regular day in your role?
A: There is no regular day; every day looks different –– and that is what motivates me. As a coordinator, I balance my days between meeting with current and future partners, discussing their projects, following up with our projects in the field and making sure AKP contributions are utilized as we planned it. I have the pleasure of hosting guests when they come to visit projects as well. In addition, I am also doing a lot of research on the region and the communities to better understand where our support is the most relevant and reporting these findings to our head office. Everyday inspires me with new encounters and knowledge.
Q: How do you engage with local communities and understand their needs? How would you go about building and maintaining relationships with organizations and other community partners in our region?
A: Through my years working in tourism, close to many different communities in Southeast Asia, I have learned that humility and respect are your best tools to build and maintain relationships. I approach any new encounter with an open mind, curious about any outcome a conversation could have. I always ask our partners for an introductory call or meeting, during which I will mainly want them to tell me three things:
What are your proudest successes in the past few years?
What are your current hurdles?
What are your biggest aspirations for the future?
Q: What is your favorite Cambodian dish and what are your favorite things to do in Siem Reap during your free time?
A: I have recently discovered num banh chok, a Cambodian noodle dish with lemongrass gravy, kaffir lime and coconut milk –– and I love it! Or anything with fresh green pepper from Kampot!
I would describe myself as a restless, curious mind. In my free time, you will find me cycling or walking around corners of the city I haven’t explored yet, looking left and right for those details on the street you usually miss on daily commutes. I am a fervent believer that you can create your own adventures even around your own home.
To get involved or learn more about AKP’s long-term commitment to philanthropic projects around the world, please visit akphilanthropy.org.
Discover our top picks for philanthropic initiatives in Southeast Asia that exemplify a commitment to sustainable development and community well-being. From environmental conservation to education and healthcare, learn how each project is transforming lives and find out how you can get involved.
Clean Water Project | Siem Reap, Cambodia
Since 2008, AKP has been providing families in Siem Reap with clean water by drilling and installing water wells and bio-sand filters. Recently, the project celebrated a milestone by drilling its 2,000th well, ensuring safe drinking water for over 16,000 people. Additionally, the team has constructed a clean water station in the floating village of Peam Ta Our on Tonle Sap Lake, eliminating the need for residents to use contaminated lake water for cooking and bathing.
Wildflower Home & Chiang Mai Mushroom House | Chiang Mai, Thailand
Wildflower Home, a foundation based in Chiang Mai, offers a safe haven for women and children facing challenging circumstances, helping them work towards independence and self-sufficiency. Within Wildflower Home is the Chiang Mai Mushroom House and Organic Farm, a mushroom-growing facility. Each house is a farm in miniature, where mushrooms are cultivated, grown and harvested, and then sold in the local markets. Motivated by Wildflower Home’s commitment to self-sufficiency, AKP funded the construction of the mushroom house to supply the residents and staff with nutritious food and create a sustainable income source through mushroom sales.
KOTO, which stands for “Know One Teach One,” is the first social enterprise in Vietnam that provides positive, permanent change for disadvantaged youth in a two-year hospitality training program that incorporates both vocation training and life skills. During their 24-month training, the students share their time between the restaurant and the classroom. Moreover, they are provided with full-board accommodation, healthcare and a valuable internship in a 5-star hotel at the end of their training. KOTO also promotes the Her Turn initiative, training women from disadvantaged backgrounds or ethnic minorities in hospitality and entrepreneurship.
Based in Sihanoukville, on the coast of Cambodia, TonToTon creates a circular solution for all types of plastic. As the name implies, the “Ton To Ton” program converts a ton of plastic litter into a ton of neutralized plastic. From collecting to processing, TonToTon offers a 360 solution to keep the coastlines of Cambodia and nearby Vietnamese islands plastic-free. On top of its team of 450+ waste collectors, all coming from underemployed social groups, the initiative collaborates with hundreds of households in Cambodia and Vietnam to tackle the issue at the roots, where no formal solid waste management is in place.
Meet APOPO’s remarkable scent detection animals, affectionately known as “HeroRats” and “HeroDogs.” These extraordinary creatures are on a mission to rid the world of landmines and tuberculosis. By reclaiming safe land for communities to thrive and assisting in the recovery from serious illnesses, they are not just heroes—they are life-changers, paving the way for safer travels and healthier lives.
Click the links below for more travel ideas or contact us for personalized recommendations in Southeast Asia.
• Cambodia launched the e-Arrival (CeA) scheme on 1 July 2024, requiring all travelers to complete an online e-immigration application within 7 days prior to arrival
• Vietnam's premier luxury railway journey experience, Sjourney Luxury Train, is targeted to start operating on 18 December 2024 with routes between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
• Phu Phra Bat in Udon Thani recently named as a new UNESCO World Heritage site in the cultural category, becoming Thailand’s fifth cultural heritage site
• The new international Bangkok-Vientiane railway service begins operations on 19 July 2024
• The historic Japanese Pagoda Bridge in the UNESCO ancient city of Hoi An in Central Vietnam reopens after a year-long renovation
• Laos’ capital, Vientiane, saw 700,000 visitors in the first half of 2024, a 26% increase from last year
• Vietnam to welcome two new luxury hotel openings: Namia River Retreat in Hoi An and Garrya in Mu Cang Chai in the northwest region
• Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel is targeted to reopen in September 2024
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