Best Startup Award 2024

Best Startup Award 2024 Official Announcement: A Milestone in Innovation and Sustainability It is with great honor and pride that we officially announce ANON CAMBODIA as the Champion of the “Best Startup Award 2024.” This distinguished accolade, hosted by Khmer Enterprises under the esteemed authority of the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MISTI), recognizes unparalleled excellence in innovation and sustainability within Cambodia’s entrepreneurial landscape. The “Best Startup Award” is an annual competition that brings together the most promising startups from across Cambodia to showcase their innovative solutions and sustainable practices. Judged by a panel of experts from various industries, the award evaluates startups based on criteria such as innovation, impact, scalability, and sustainability. Winning this award highlights our commitment to excellence and our significant contribution to Cambodia’s economic and cultural advancement. This achievement underscores our steadfast dedication to integrating traditional Cambodian craftsmanship with sustainable and eco-conscious practices. It reaffirms our mission to preserve cultural heritage, empower local communities, and drive sustainable development across all our endeavors. We extend our deepest gratitude to our exceptional team, valued partners, loyal customers, and supporters who have been instrumental in this journey. Special thanks to Khmer Enterprises and the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation for organizing such an inspiring platform to celebrate innovation and entrepreneurship in Cambodia. Our Winning Innovation Our entry focused on product innovation, process innovation and business model innovation. This innovation has increased productivity, created new job opportunities, enhanced sustainability, demonstrating its significant potential to contribute to the growth and success of Cambodian enterprises. We invite you to stay connected with us as we embark on the next chapter of our journey. Visit our workshop to witness firsthand the innovation behind our award-winning products and learn more about our mission. Together, let us honor tradition and work towards a sustainable future.

Siem Reap Statue Firm Sculpting sawdust into traditional art

Siem Reap Statue Firm Sculpting sawdust into traditional art After seeing the amount of sawdust that was thrown away as waste at his brother’s manufacturing plant, Kuoch Seng Thai decided there must be a use for the overlooked material. With the idea of encouraging the use of recycled products – and not cutting down more trees – the 37-year-old man found a way to turn valueless waste into valuable statues. The pieces are in the same style as traditional Khmer works which are made from copper, sandstone or hardwood. Seng Thai, owner of Reakossa Arts in Siem Reap, told The Post: “from the beginning to the end of the process, our statues are created in house. This includes the moulds we use to shape them. We have carved more than 100 different moulds.” He used his experience working in a souvenir company and his upbringing in the tourism and culture hub of Siem Reap to realise his vision. Sawdust statues are produced in a large quantity over a short period of time, using waste from his brother’s furniture workshop. The sawdust is mixed with three kinds of glue to create the pieces. The material has the advantage of being cheaper than copper or timber, and is more environmentally friendly, thanks to being largely recycled. He was the sales and production manager for a foreign company in Siem Reap that produced soaps and lip balms which were boxed in woven palm leaf boxes from 2004 until 2016, when he joined the handicraft association. This set him on the path of searching for a product he could manufacture himself. “I was always wondering what I could do with the beautiful sawdust that my brother’s factory produced. It is available in many rich, natural hues. I used to use the darkest timber by-products, but demand is now so high I use all kinds of shades,” he said. From 2016 to 2018, he experimented with ways that the sawdust could be recycled. His initial trials were not always successful, with early formulas not binding at all, or taking up to three months to cure. Breakthrough blend At the end of 2017, he hit upon the perfect blend. By mixing three types of glue in just the right proportion, he produces a pulp that can be removed from its mould in between three and eight hours. This allows his team to ensure that the final finishing is carried out and the piece is of a high enough standard that it can be sold. “Once I knew I could successfully produce the statues, I needed to figure out how to make them more attractive. I began adding additional colours to the mixture so that the finished statues had the appearance of copper or aged timber,” Seng Thai added. Eventually, he arrived at a formula which he says means only experts can visually tell them apart from the more expensive alternatives. When a customer holds a statue made from sawdust, he will notice that it is very light. When compared to copper, they are “five to six times” lighter, and “three times” lighter than those made of timber. Naturally, they are far lighter than those made of stone. Even better, production is 10 times faster than the traditional ways of manufacturing comparable products. “Carving one of these from timber might take an artisan seven days, whereas we can produce seven in a single day,” he said. He added that their light weight is a huge advantage to international tourists, as they can easily be added to a suitcase and taken home without the risk of huge fees for overweight luggage. He said they will last almost as long as traditional carvings. They are slightly more brittle, but will only break in extreme impacts. Another advantage is that the glue mixture means they cannot rot or be infested with insects, both issues for timber carvings. He said that a similar technique could be employed with rice husks or dried leaves, but they would have to be ground into a fine powder before they could be used. The sawdust mixture is prepared and then poured into a mould, resulting in a hollow product. This technique meant the pieces were lighter, and significantly less brittle. Reakossa Arts produces different sizes of statues, ranging from a few centimetres tall to the size of a full grown man. The company was commissioned to produce large statues for both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap international airports. He said the costs – in both raw materials and time – were so much better than those of copper or timber, and he was able to offer small souvenirs for as little as $5. A half metre piece might be as high as $99, with larger ones often special commissions. “At the beginning of our first year, the business was very successful, and even in 2019 our sales were looking promising. Of course, as we are focused on tourism, we almost closed down during the Covid-19 pandemic and the closed borders – which kept us all safe,” he added. Airports, souvenir shops, hotels and resorts were Seng Thai’s primary markets, and he had never considered employing social media to sell his products. However, the situation was suddenly turned almost 180 degrees by the pandemic. He said that when tourists stopped travelling, many local businesses were badly affected, although by late 2020 tourists had begun to return. Small-money digital Covid deals “During the closures, I had to think about how now I could sell our existing products to generate an income. I started learning digital marketing skills to attract local customers and lowered my prices,” he said. He often gets orders for small dolls and key rings for use as wedding mementos. These small items cost 2,000 riel [$0.50] each and are nicely packaged with stickers featuring the names of the bride and groom. Seng Thai stressed that the business has not yet returned to profitability, with the pieces it sells for 2,000 riel once having

Angkor Social Innovation Park Announces Winner of i-Stories Season 1

Angkor Social Innovation Park Announces Winner of i-Stories Season 1 Innovations that make Cambodian enterprises thrive in the new normal have finally found a winner. A very congratulations to Mr.Kouch Sengthai, the founder of ANON Cambodia, for successfully completing an innovative idea to create a lasting impact on his business. Angkor Social Innovation Park, in collaboration with Khmer Enterprise and GIZ Cambodia, is thrilled to announce the winner of the highly anticipated i-Stories project, the project aimed at promoting social innovation, medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Cambodia and empowering local communities to share their stories, which took place at Hotel Somadevi Angkor Resort, Siem Reap on February 19, 2024. After a rigorous evaluation, the champions have been selected based on their creativity, impact, and ability to inspire positive change. The winner of the i-Stories project is Mr. Kouch Sengthai, owner of Anon Cambodia, who is a flexible and hardworking person. Renowned for his unwavering dedication to sustainability and the preservation of Khmer Arts, he masterfully merges these passions to claim the coveted trophy. The winner was awarded 16 million riels in cash, a trophy, and an eco-tile and will have the opportunity to showcase their projects on various national and international platforms, further amplifying the impact of their stories. The i-Stories project has not only provided a platform for these talented individuals to express themselves but has also raised awareness about pressing social issues in Cambodia. “We are truly inspired by the creativity and passion displayed by the winners of the i-Stories project,” said Dr. Vannarith Chheang, Chairman of Angkor Social Innovation Park. “Their stories have the power to inspire change and create a positive impact in our society. We are proud to support their journey and look forward to seeing their projects make a difference.” The i-Stories project has not only showcased the incredible talent and creativity of individuals like Khouch Sengthai but has also highlighted the power of storytelling as a catalyst for social change. Angkor Social Innovation Park, Khmer Enterprise, and GIZ Cambodia are proud to have implemented and supported this initiative, which has brought forth inspiring narratives that resonate with audiences locally. Through the i-Stories project, we hope to continue fostering a culture of social innovation and empower more individuals to share their stories, creating a brighter and more inclusive future for Cambodia. https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501442431/angkor-social-innovation-park-announces-winner-of-i-stories-season-1/

Waste into wonders

Waste into Wonders Mr. Kouch Sengthai‘s art passion has driven him from a teenage dreamer to a sculpting master. Born in Siem Reap, a culturally rich Cambodian province. Cultural preservation has always been Sengthai’s goal. Discover ANON Cambodia, founded in 2022 to safeguard Cambodian landscapes, and its magical world. Imagine sawdust, leftover wood, husks, leaves, and trash turned into beautiful handicrafts, bringing sustainability to life. ANON Cambodia creates beautiful objects, protects the environment, and promotes Cambodian culture to tourists at all levels. The process of crafting beautiful sculptures starts with carefully choosing and refining discarded materials such as sawdust, wood, husks, and leaves sourced from different partners in Siem Reap. Mr. Sengthai appreciates the inherent beauty of these items and skillfully repurposes them into the building blocks of his art. Following a careful filtration process, the materials are then mixed with resin and subsequently dried. Next, they are carefully moulded into various designs, including Buddha and apsara sculptures, crafted to match his artistic vision. During the sculpting process, a strong dedication to storytelling becomes evident. Every item is carefully labelled, providing a detailed account of its origin and intended use. Take, for instance, a Buddha sculpture that bears inscriptions, unveiling its remarkable journey and the profound spirit it encapsulates. These labels not only add depth to the sculpture, but also create a meaningful bond between the artwork and its admirers. Once finished, the sculptures are carefully prepared for shipment to important partners such as souvenir retailers, hotels, villages, and other recipients. Each sculpture took him around a week to make, but he’s confident they’ll be significant and worth it for him and his buyers. He sells sculpture directly, partners with souvenir retailers/wholesalers, and works with hotels and villages. Digital platforms like social media and websites affect public image, sustainability, and cultural preservation, especially for eco-friendly souvenir lovers. Did you know that heis also taking part in the innovative i-Stories project by Angkor Social Innovation Park(ASIP)? This exciting project aims to foster innovation in the local business community. By utilizing the collaborative platform provided by ASIP, Mr. Sengthai is paving the way for his ambition of promoting product development by the end of 2024. He’s taking things up a notch by building a website to reach and engage a broader audience, keeping up with the latest technology trends. Written by: Phat Panhaboth, Intern at Angkor Social Innovation Park https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501433872/waste-into-wonders