The evening of Saturday, April 27^th saw the Cambodian New Year celebrated on campus. The International Student Center of the Global Engagement Office (GEO) at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) worked with Zhixin College, Melting Rock Station Cultural Association and the Cambodian students studying at SUSTech. Cambodian New Year’s Day is traditionally held in mid-April.

Associate Dean of Zhixin College Rong Yiming,and Associate Vice President of GEO Thomas Schneider joined more than 60 students. Cambodian students dressed in traditional festive costumes. Senior Manager for Global Education of GEO Christopher Clarke presided over the ceremony, in conjunction with junior Cambodian student Vong Sinnarith and sophomore Cambodian student Pech Pichmunny.

The party also saw the announcement of on-site teaching of Khmer, the language of Cambodia. The party was imbued with a lively atmosphere, with Cambodian students introducing the culture and customs to those in attendance.

Khmer food was served and was accompanied by a traditional dance performance. Our Cambodian community also took the opportunity to provide an in-depth understanding of traditional Khmer culture to the attending students and faculty members by playing a game of “Bingo.”

Since 2016, SUSTech has enrolled more than 20 undergraduate students from Cambodia. The junior students that arrived in 2016 have since chosen majors in biology, computer science, finance, materials science, and mechanical engineering.

Background: Khmer New Year starts on April the 13th, 14th or 15th depending on the ancient horoscope “Maha Sangkran.” In 2014 it began on April 14^th. The majority of the Cambodians are still farmers and Khmer New Year marks the end of the harvest season when farmers enjoy the fruits of their labor and relax before the start of the rainy season. In the villages, the people engage in traditional Khmer games. They play games such as the Bas Angkunh ‘seed throwing’, Chaol Chhoung ‘twisted-scarf throwing,’ Leak Kanséng ‘twisted-scarf hide’ and dance to traditional Khmer songs.