Phnom Penh, 05 August 2024 – The Philippines, together with the embassies of the other nine ASEAN member states and Timor Leste, collaborated with the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of the Kingdom of Cambodia to mount an ASEAN Food Exhibition on the occasion of the 57th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Held at the Chaktomuk Convention Hall on 2 August 2024, the exhibit showcased the region’s signature dishes and desserts while also featuring an ASEAN trivia quiz for hundreds of students and members of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC).
Crowds formed at the Philippine stall where students enjoyed samples of Oishi snacks (branded locally as Tenta) with many coming back for more. Guests, including Her Excellency, Minister for Culture and Fine Arts, Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, were also treated to Filipino street food such as kwek-kwek (coated quail eggs), deep-fried squid balls and pichi-pichi (coconut-sprinkled cassava balls) at the Philippines’ kubo-inspired food cart.
The ASEAN Day celebration culminated in live performances by artists from the Department of Performing Arts of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and students of the Secondary School of Fine Arts, alongside a video montage of tourist attractions in each member country.
“There are remarkable events and achievements that we look at the history of ASEAN over the past 57 years. We have grown into a full ASEAN community of ten (10) Member States, with Timor-Leste set to become the 11th member following the decisions of ASEAN Leaders at the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits in Phnom Penh,” Minister Sackona said in her remarks.
Organized in line with its cultural, economic and public diplomacy program, the Philippine Embassy’s participation in the event received support from Liwayway (Cambodia) Food Industries and Courtyard Marriott Phnom Penh. END.
