Monash students explore Cambodia

17 July 2008

The School of Arts and Social Sciences of Monash University, Sunway Campus recently organized an educational study tour to Siem Reap, Cambodia.Eighteen local and international students embarked on the eight day journey for a greater understanding of Cambodian historical, socio-cultural, economical and political issues.

Organized by Senior Lecturer, Dr. Yeoh Seng Guan, ‘In Search of Siem Reap’ was held between 4 – 11 July. The trip was hosted by Centre for Khmer Studies (CKS) which aims to facilitate and promote research to help strengthen Cambodia’s cultural and academic structures.

Throughout the week, students attended talks by Dr. Michael Sullivan from the Centre for Khmer Studies, Ms. Depika Sherchan from Centre on Housing Rights and Eviction, Venerable Y Nol and Mr. Duong Than of Life and Hope Association and Mr. Serge Rega from the National Center for Khmer Ceramics Revival.

Aside from the formal sessions, students were free to pursue stories on topics of their own interests in relation to Cambodian culture which included shadow puppetry, general elections, Cambodian fashion and cuisine, supernatural folklore, Angkor architecture and traditional (Apsara) dancers.  

“The backdrop of Angkor was so majestic that it inspired me to film a short movie about treasure hunting at Bayon and Ta Prohm,” said Nurina Malinda, an Indonesian student. Besides the Angkor Wat Temple, students explored various temples including The Elephant Terrace, Bat Chum and Bakheng Hill.

Students juggled between work and play, with daily updates on their blog (http://www.insearchofsiemreap.blogspot.com) which consists of a collaboration of works, including articles, photographs and video documentaries collectively completed by students.

 “This was an amazing trip, an eye-opening experience that may only come to me once in a lifetime” said Aron Raj.

 He added, “I was able to further develop my video expertise and helped other students who were interested in videography beyond the classroom environment.”

Five history student guides from the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) provided the students with an extensive informal background of Cambodian history, as well as helped out with translations, interviews and everyday activities.

“Despite not being able to communicate fluently, we learnt to understand each other through more than words, which made this experience more special,” said Maxine Lim, a final year student.

The students braved themselves for a taste of fried grasshoppers, which oddly tasted similar to prawns. Students also enjoyed open air tuk-tuk (motorcycle taxis) rides along the outskirts of Siem Reap, something they would not have experienced in Kuala Lumpur.

“This trip allowed me to appreciate the social and cultural situation in an ASEAN country. It took me out of my own comfort zone, into a real world with real issues,” said Miriam Gubovicova, a student from Slovakia. 

“Everybody has taken away something invaluable with them. People have learnt to work as a team, communicate and interact closely for a highly effective output, and they have showed good organization skills,” said Mindy, a final year student.

“Cambodia is far from landmines, orphans and human trafficking. It is also a developing country with a lot of potential for economic and social growth,” said Kemi Harahap, an Indonesian student. - Mindy Wong and Kemi Harahap