Heritage and Stewardship: PPIU and National Defense University Join Traditional Fishing Festival
SIEM REAP, February 8, 2026 — In a vibrant display of national unity and cultural preservation, students from Phnom Penh International University (PPIU) and the National Defense University (NDU) traveled to Prasat Bakong district to participate in the historic Phum Kong Traditional Fishing Festival.
The event, organized in cooperation with the Prasat Bakong district administration, brought together thousands of locals and international tourists under a shared atmosphere of peace and celebration.
Preserving the “Plow and Net” Traditions
The Phum Kong festival is a cornerstone of Siem Reap’s cultural identity, where communities gather to catch fish using traditional tools. For the visiting students, the experience offered:
- Cultural Immersion: Witnessing the traditional methods of fishing that have sustained Cambodian communities for centuries.
- Civil-Military Cooperation: A rare opportunity for PPIU students and NDU officer cadets to work side-by-side, fostering mutual respect and national solidarity.
Leadership Through Environmental Action
The engagement did not end with the festivities. Demonstrating the “discipline of a leader,” the National Defense University led the student body in a massive environmental cleanup immediately following the ceremony.
The “Green Activity” focused on:
- Waste Management: Collecting garbage and debris around the lake to ensure the natural habitat remained pristine.
- Sustainable Celebration: Setting a standard for how large-scale traditional festivals can be enjoyed without harming the local ecosystem.
- Community Responsibility: Encouraging juniors to take ownership of public spaces, a core value of both PPIU and NDU’s educational philosophies.