(Phnom Penh): The leadership of the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction said that the Mekong River Green Community Architecture Competition is not just a competition, but a showcase of the artistic ideas of students and architects involved in the field of architecture. Cambodia cannot stop here, it must grow to survive on its own and compete with other countries in the world, and Cambodia will do it.

Speaking at the final presentation of the six candidates in the Mekong River Green Community Architecture Competition, which was held on October 31, 2024.

On that occasion, HE Deputy Prime Minister Say Samal thanked the Cambodian Architects Association for initiating the competition and thanked the students who participated, which is a testament to the participation in building the strength of Cambodian architects. The results of this competition are an important result, an example for other private companies that do business in architecture, and an example for other Boreys to understand that this is what needs to be done.

The Deputy Prime Minister believes that this is an effective response to the concept of the Royal Government, especially Prime Minister Hun Sen, to transform Cambodian society through architecture. He said that the Pentagon Strategy may be implemented over 25 years or 5 mandates, so by 2050, we hope that Cambodia will become a high-income country and the architecture sector is an important part of achieving this vision. He said that this is not just a competition, but an artistic display of the ideas of students and architects involved in the field of architecture. Cambodia cannot remain here, it must grow to survive on its own and compete with countries in the world, and Cambodia will be able to do so. Organizing this competition not only responds to Cambodia’s sacred purpose, but also helps to push Cambodia forward in the field of architecture. We need architects with traditional arts, customs, civilization, and sentiments so that architecture is vibrant, quality, and beautiful in line with the context in which Cambodian society is currently reborn and full of sentiments.

His Excellency considered the participation of students and architects in this competition as a great contribution, a starting point for changing the mindset and life of the Cambodian people, and Cambodians will love each other more, love their own lives, their families, and the lives of others more. We must work together to build Cambodia into a peaceful village, a haven of happiness for citizens who can easily live in harmony, have housing, decent jobs and income, have enough food to eat, and receive education for all.