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PM Hun Manet: Border Bureaucracy Hurts Trade despite Improved Roads

NEWS: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that while Cambodia currently has good roads, the issue lies in the complicated procedures at the border gates.

These complexities negatively impact operations by causing delays, disrupting transportation, and leading to increased prices. He noted that in the past, significant adjustments had been made concerning customs procedures at ports.

The premier spoke on Thursday (Jan. 23) during the closing ceremony of the annual meeting of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

Samdech Thipadei acknowledged that some procedures have been in place for too long and suggested that, in order to eliminate these complications efficiently, changes should be implemented gradually rather than all at once.

Prime Minister Hun Manet underlined the importance of the transportation system, stating that it not only serves domestic needs but is also a crucial factor in competitiveness. He pointed out that transportation costs significantly affect the competitiveness of Cambodian products in international markets.

Samdech Thipadei continued that while considering our logistics system, it is essential to take the infrastructure into account. He added that relevant ministries and institutions play a vital role in streamlining procedures at border crossings. He noted that although the roads, infrastructure, and locations may be adequate, complicated procedures at border crossings can waste time and create challenges for pricing.

On the occasion, the premier stated that the government has undertaken numerous reforms in collaboration with relevant ministries and institutions, particularly the Ministry of Economy and Finance, to adjust various customs procedures at border crossings and ports.

Samdech Thipadei underscored, “In this context, there is a commitment to refine these procedures further. Some practices have persisted for many years. To expedite the process, I propose that we avoid unnecessary complications in certain areas. This approach should involve gradual implementation rather than an instant nationwide overhaul; at times, it is more effective to rollout changes in stages.”
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China calls on Thailand, Myanmar to crack down on cross-border telecom fraud with strong measures

NEWS: China hopes that Thailand and Myanmar will crack down on cross-border telecom fraud with strong measures and never allow criminals to go unpunished, a Chinese foreign ministry official has said.

Liu Jinsong, director general of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Chinese foreign ministry, made the remarks on Wednesday when meeting separately with Thai Ambassador to China Chatchai Viriyavejakul, and Ambassador of Myanmar to China Tin Maung Swe. Liu expressed concerns and discussed cooperation in cracking down on cross-border telecom fraud during their meetings.

A series of vicious cases of telecom fraud have recently occurred in the border region between Thailand and Myanmar, threatening and harming the vital interests of citizens of China and other countries, Liu said.

It is hoped that both Thailand and Myanmar will pay great importance to the matter, take vigorous measures to combat these offenses, safeguard the safety of people’s lives and property, and never allow the criminals to go unpunished, Liu said.

China is willing to strengthen bilateral and multilateral law enforcement cooperation with ASEAN countries to create a safe environment for the exchanges among people and maintain good order in interactions and cooperation among neighboring countries, including normal tourism and cultural activities, Liu added.

The ambassadors of Thailand and Myanmar to China noted that they attach great importance to China’s concerns and are deeply saddened by these vicious cases. They acknowledged the serious threat posed by telecom fraud and voiced their respective governments’ commitment to resolutely combating such crimes through comprehensive measures and international cooperation.

The ambassadors pledged to make every effort to rescue those trapped, impose severe penalties on criminal gangs in accordance with the law, strengthen border control and supervision of key areas, and establish long-term mechanisms to eradicate the breeding grounds for cross-border crimes.

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Cambodia Wins Two Medals at ASEAN Digital Awards 2025

NEWS: Cambodia secured two prestigious medals at the ASEAN Digital Awards 2025, held in Thailand under the framework of the 5th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN 2025).

The event took place on 16 January 2025, with the participation of ASEAN Digital Ministers, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN partners, including the Republic of Korea, China, Japan, India, the United States, and the International Telecommunication Union.

There are two Cambodian programs received recognition. Machine Translation for Khmer Braille, developed by the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT), won the Gold Medal. Meanwhile, the Tenbox app, developed by Wave Asia Co., Ltd., earned the Silver Medal.

The 2025 ASEAN Digital Awards featured 120 outstanding digital products and services from the ten ASEAN member countries. Participants competed in six categories including Digital Solutions for Public Services, Digital Solutions for Private Services, Digital Solutions for Digital Transformation, Digital Content Solutions, Digital New Business Solutions, and Digital Innovation Solutions.

The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications congratulated both programs for their achievements, highlighting their contributions to Cambodia’s progress in digital innovation and technological advancement. These accomplishments demonstrate the nation’s growing leadership in the region’s digital transformation.

The Khmer Braille Translation Program has received recognition both nationally and internationally. It won the “Best Digital Research and Innovation of the Year” award at the 2024 Cambodia Digital Awards and the “Best Accessibility Award” at the “AI for Good” program during the 2024 World AI Conference in Shanghai, China, organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The Tenbox app is an innovative digital solution designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food and hospitality sectors. It simplifies the process of searching for, selecting, and ordering products from suppliers efficiently and effortlessly. Notably, the app was also awarded the “Best Digital New Business of the Year” at the Cambodia Digital Awards 2023.
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Chinese netizens welcome influx of “TikTok refugees”

NEWS:Chinese internet users on a popular social networking patform have noticed a sudden influx of foreign newcomers who claim to have migrated from TikTok due to concerns about a potential ban by the U.S. government within the week.

On Xiaohongshu, a Chinese platform with combined features of Instagram and Pinterest, hashtags such as #TikTokRefugee have garnered hundreds of thousands of posts from accounts mostly registered in the United States.

The surge in activity has propelled Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote abroad, to the top of the U.S. Apple app store download rankings within just a few days.

TikTok, owned by Chinese internet company ByteDance but operated independently, has approximately 170 million users in the United States, nearly half that country’s population.

Washington has sought to ban TikTok for many years, citing unfounded national security concerns and alleged risks to data privacy. It faces a possible ban on Jan. 19 as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on enforcing a law that could either ban TikTok or force ByteDance to sell it to an American firm.

While anxiously waiting for the outcome, some content creators did not waste time laughing at the proposed ban and the irony it has created.

“They tried to ban TikTok (for national security concerns), so everybody now goes to an actual Chinese app,” said a self-claimed “TikTok refugee” on Xiaohongshu, via a short video post.

“TikTok refugees are migrating to legitimate Chinese apps to willingly give their data directly,” another post said on X in a sarcastic tone.

The proposed ban is not an isolated case. In recent years, an increasing number of Chinese tech companies, including Huawei and DJI, have been unfairly targeted by Washington – which rolled out a slew of measures to restrict their presence.

“U.S. TikTok users are voting with their feet,” said Lyu Xiang, a non-resident senior fellow at the Center for China and Globalization.

“This demonstrates that suppressing normal business activities of non-U.S. companies is unpopular, as such actions by U.S. politicians are harming the immediate interests of the American public,” he added.

Lyu suggested that Washington should instead adopt an open mindset, ensure fair competition, and encourage U.S. companies to innovate in creating products that meet the evolving demands of American users for social networking.

“TikTok refugees” have been warmly received by Xiaohongshu users, who shared photos and videos with these newcomers, offering food and travel tips, while even providing free language lessons, given that the app’s content is predominantly in Chinese.

Founded in 2013, Xiaohongshu initially focused on shopping tips but has evolved into a comprehensive lifestyle platform, blending social media and e-commerce. Users can share content and purchase products directly through the app, creating a seamless shopping experience.

“Welcome you to join us in this vibrant and colorful community,” said a Xiaohongshu user who works as an English interpreter in Beijing.

“Let’s start the new journey with Chinese food,” posted another user from Sichuan, introducing the southwestern province’s signature food recipes.
As conversations deepened, some Chinese students began seeking help with their English homework — and help they did receive.

A “TikTok refugee” named “Rosie_in_Wonderland” said Xiaohongshu is very similar to TikTok in making content and easy to do, and she hopes to find her community soon like she did on TikTok.

“You are not refugees. You all are explorers. Welcome to the new world,” said another Xiaohongshu user who lives in China.