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