A tourist visits Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in 2020. Post Staff
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has committed an additional $3 million to fund the second phase of the “Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Archives Preservation and Digitisation” project, which aims to address challenges that remain in ensuring the quality and accessibility of the archives.
The grant arrangement was signed by KOICA country director Choi Moon Jung and Alam Sardar Umar, UNESCO representative in Cambodia, while the record of discussions was signed by Jung and Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona on August 8 at the museum in Phnom Penh.
The project's objectives include promoting the values of Cambodian memorial sites (CMS) through record preservation and the advancement of archive digitisation. It also aims to improve conservation conditions and visitor experiences, enhance exhibitions and foster a deeper understanding of peace through education.
Jung emphasised the profound importance of the initiative, stating, “KOICA's aid project in Cambodia symbolises the shared sorrow and burden between the Cambodian and Korean people.”
Through this project, we aim to alleviate Cambodia's grief and pain, providing a foundation to educate future generations about the country's tragic past, thereby helping to protect it from similar tragedies in the future,” she added.
The first phase of the project achieved significant milestones, including the digitisation of over 745,494 pages and nearly half a million archives, according to an August 8 press release from KOICA Cambodia.
It noted that these records are now accessible through a bilingual website, and the project has also provided essential technical assistance to staff, contributing to the museum’s recognition with the UNESCO/Jikji Memory of the World Prize in 2020.
“Building on the success of the first phase, KOICA has committed an additional $3 million over five years, starting in 2024.
“This phase extends the project by one year and provides an additional $1 million in funding compared to the original proposal. The project aims to promote a peaceful society through culture and heritage education, as well as youth empowerment,” the release said.
KOICA country director Choi Moon Jung (centre left), culture minister Phoeurng Sackona (centre) and UNESCO representative in Cambodia Alam Sardar Umar (centre right) display the grant documents during a signing ceremony at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum on August 8. KOICA
KOICA highlighted the importance of Cambodia’s tourism sector, noting its significant economic contribution. In 2019 alone, it said the sector directly employed 630,000 people, with tourism receipts reaching $4.9 billion, accounting for 18.2 per cent of Cambodia’s GDP – the highest among ASEAN+3 economies.
According to KOICA, the project aims to attract more visitors, further boost tourism revenue, create jobs in conservation, digitisation and education, enhance skills development – particularly in archival management and peace education – increase employability and ensure sustainable economic growth.
“By ensuring the preservation and accessibility of historical archives, the project facilitates academic research and fosters a deep awareness of the past, encouraging a collective responsibility to prevent future atrocities.
“Protecting and preserving our cultural heritage sites and promoting intergenerational dialogue not only safeguards our rich cultural legacy but also preserves the oral histories and practices that define our identity. These efforts are vital for fostering a sense of continuity and connection among all generations of Cambodians,” the release stated.
