His Excellency HUOT Hak, Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism, recently met with representatives from the Cambodia Southeast Asian Youth Association, including His Excellency Mrs. SROY Socheat, Director General of the General Department of Youth at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.
The meeting focused on preparations for the 50th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP), which Cambodia will host from January 14 to 16, 2027, in Preah Sihanouk Province and Phnom Penh.
Over forty members of the Cambodia-Japan Southeast Asian Youth working group attended the meeting. Discussions emphasized the vital role of youth in fostering cultural diplomacy and promoting heritage tourism through international exchange programs like SSEAYP.
Minister HUOT Hak highlighted that youth are not only the future of international relations but also key drivers of cultural heritage tourism. “As global youth engage in cultural exchanges, they become ambassadors for their countries’ rich heritage and help promote cultural tourism,” he said. The Minister expressed strong support for SSEAYP as a platform to enhance Cambodia’s profile as a cultural tourism hub.
The program offers Cambodia a unique opportunity to showcase its historical and cultural treasures, including ancient temples, traditional arts, and landmark sites. Cambodian youth will interact with peers from Southeast Asia and Japan, sharing the country’s vibrant culture and inspiring international visitors to explore Cambodia firsthand.
Such cultural exchanges are expected to stimulate interest in UNESCO World Heritage sites like Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, and Preah Vihear, strengthening the nation’s tourism sector. By connecting youth with global audiences, SSEAYP helps position Cambodia as a destination for cultural heritage tourism while fostering international goodwill.
The 50th SSEAYP marks a milestone in Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to combine youth engagement with the promotion of its rich cultural heritage, highlighting the country’s potential as a leader in regional tourism and cultural diplomacy.
