Center for Khmer Studies (CKS)

On July 18, CKS welcomed 10 new Ponlok Chomnes Research Fellowship (#PCRF) fellows from Cambodian universities. Fellows learned PCRF, Ponlok Chomnes Phase II, research guidelines, and shared experiences with past and current fellows.

On July 18, 2025, #CKS launched its 2025 Research Workshop Series with a session on Academic Presentation Skills. Led by Dr. Theara Thun, it equipped 120+ scholars with strategies for impactful presentations. Thanks to Dr. Thun and all participants!

History of Cambodia in the Angkorian Period by Prof. Ang Choulean details the Angkorian Empire’s rise from 802 CE, key monarchs, temples, and infrastructure, through its decline and Angkor’s abandonment in 1431. Available in Khmer at the #CKSLibrary, Siem Reap.

Join CKS on July 25, 8:30–10 AM (Cambodia time) via Zoom for a webinar by Dr. Téphanie Sieng, presenting a qualitative study in Takeo province on health issues, care-seeking behavior, and antibiotic use among 75 community members. Details: khmerstudies.org/healthcare-ant…

During the first week of #JRFP, our fellows explored Cambodia’s heritage through readings, discussions, and visits to Banteay Srey, Preah Khan, Bayon, Angkor Wat, Angkor National Museum, and more. They also started refining research projects with bibliographies and data tools.

Our 2025 KLCP fellows recently conducted a study tour in Siem Reap and Kompong Thom, visiting Tonle Sap Lake, Kompong Khleang, Angkor National Museum, Banteay Srey, Preah Khan, Bayon, Angkor Wat, and Sambor Prei Kuk. They also explored landmine clearance at APOPO. #CKS #KLCP

"Cambodia: The Rise and Fall of the Khmer Rouge Regime" by Eve Zucker explores the #KhmerRouge's rise, Cambodia’s 1953 independence, socio-economic factors, foreign roles, and post-genocide reconciliation efforts. Learn more at the #CKS Online Library: library.khmerstudies.org/cgi-bin/koha/o…

On July 8, 2025, #CKS and Bophana Center hosted a screening of LOOT: A Story of Crime and Redemption at CKS Conference Hall, Siem Reap. Over 80 attendees, including JRFP and KLCP fellows, researchers, students, and residents, explored cultural heritage looting and restitution.

CKS invites you to watch the full recording of our webinar with Tiyas Bhattacharyya, Ph.D. candidate at the University of Oregon, as she shares preliminary findings from her zooarchaeological study at Angkor Borei. youtu.be/zpmkdt34bok #CKSWebinar #Zooarchaeology #Funan

CKS in Siem Reap seeks a Librarian to manage resources, catalog, support users, and coordinate academic events. Apply by Feb 20, 2025: khmerstudies.org/librarian/

On July 7, 2025, #CKS in Siem Reap welcomed the 2025 JRFP and KLCP cohorts with an orientation led by Ms. Samedy Suong and Ms. Sivleng Chhor. Fellows toured the library, learned about CKS’s mission, and connected as they began their academic journey in Cambodia. Welcome to all!

Blood and Soil by Ben Kiernan, a leading Cambodian genocide scholar, explores mass violence from ancient Sparta to Darfur. It uncovers recurring ideological patterns behind the genocide, offering global context for Cambodia’s history. Available at the #CKSLibrary, Siem Reap.

#KLCP Week 4: Students immerse in Cambodia’s heritage through daily classes, visits to the National Archives and ECCC Resource Center, plus field trips to the Royal Palace and Silk Island on the Mekong River. CKS extends heartfelt thanks to all institutions sharing resources.

CKS hosts its 2025 Research Workshop Series kickoff: "Effective Academic Presentation Skills for Early-Career Scholars." Led by Dr. Theara Thun, this session equips students and researchers with strategies for clear, confident presentations. Info: khmerstudies.org/academic-prese…

Join Tiyas Bhattacharyya, Ph.D. candidate at the University of Oregon, for a Zoom webinar on July 11 at 8:30 am (Cambodia Time). She’ll present zooarchaeological findings from Angkor Borei, highlighting early human-animal-environment interactions. More: khmerstudies.org/fauna-from-fun…

Join CKS and Bophana Center for a screening of LOOT, a documentary exploring Cambodia’s looted cultural heritage and restitution efforts, on July 8, 6-7:30 PM at CKS Conference Hall, Wat Damnak, in English. Admission is free with limited seats; register at khmerstudies.org/loot/

"Pagoda in Cambodia" by Danielle and Dominic Guéret explores Cambodia's 100 oldest pagodas, their societal role, destruction, and renewal. It details unique architectural features and their evolution. Available in Khmer at the #CKSLibrary in Siem Reap.

#AAS 2026 Conference in Vancouver, Canada (Mar 12–15) seeks Asia-focused proposals from scholars in social sciences, arts, & humanities. 8 formats, including new Author-Meets-Critics session. Deadline: Aug 6, 2025. Details: asianstudies.org/conference/cal…

In the first two weeks of the 2025 #KLCP, participants studied Khmer, explored Cambodia’s history and art, and cooked traditional dishes. By using their language skills in local communities, they are immersing themselves in Cambodia’s vibrant heritage. #CKS

CKS welcomes Summer Communications Intern Tha Dah Mwee Kyet, a Cornell sophomore majoring in Government. From June 20 to August 15, 2025, Tha will support outreach efforts at our Siem Reap HQ through communications, social media, and event promotion.