THE KHMERICAN

Co-founder Phatry Derek Pan talks to The International Examiner...

Wed, 02 May 2012 15:05:00 -0700

Co-founder Phatry Derek Pan talks to The International Examiner in this latest article entitled, “Being Khmerican” by Ana Knauf. Check it out at http://khmr.cn/being-khmerican.

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Wed, 02 May 2012 15:03:17 -0700

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Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:27:23 -0700

Introducing Diana Pereda of Los Angeles

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:53:00 -0700

“I think one of the natural inspirations that drives me is my heritage. Having family both in Cambodia and the Pacific, I have always dreamed of giving back to such regions that currently face a number of social issues, such as poverty, environmental degradation, and low levels of education,” says Diana Pereda, who also describes herself as mixed race Cambodian and Chamorro.

Pereda’s diverse upbringing includes time in Texas, California, and even Kansas. Summer was when she would always reconnect with her Khmer relatives, times she enjoyed as opportunities to immerse herself and learn the benefits and the drawbacks of the communities in Long Beach and San Diego.

Now studying entrepreneurship and developmental economics at the University of Southern California, Pereda sees a similar resolve in those around her:

“When I think of the state of Khmer America today, I feel there is a resilient entrepreneurial spirit in our communities, as we have accepted the challenge to take what limited resources we are given and make something new and remarkable out of them. Cambodian American game-changers deserve to be shown in a fresh new spotlight, and I am confident that the Khmerican— which is a change-maker itself—will be able to deliver.”

In fact, she credits Khmerican with making her aware of the many Cambodians across the country who are achieving great things. Pereda’s realizes, however, that there is still much work to be done here and abroad; she cites family in Cambodia with precarious livelihoods as rural farmers. Yet she is optimistic that her business education and resourcefulness can be applied to such real-world situations.

“The Khmerican has the potential to become an authoritative as well as philanthropic resource for Cambodian Americans,” says Pereda, whose expertise is a much needed addition to the team. “I look forward to helping develop our business model to promote sustainability so that we may better serve our community in the future.”

Introducing David Chau of Orange County

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:14:00 -0700

A proud member of Cal State Fullerton’s Cambodian Student Association, David Chau is a graduating senior majoring in business marketing. He acknowledges involvement with his student organization as being the catalyst for his cultural immersion and appreciation.

Growing up, Chau felt like the only Cambodian person among his peers, although he did attend weekly Khmer lessons and the annual New Year celebration in Long Beach. “Other than my parents, I didn’t really have role models, but I know with the people I meet in college now, there are so many potential leaders that are going to advance our growing community,” says Chau.

“The Khmerican helps showcase everything from culture and arts to community work, and I want everyone to know about it!” he says. “I want Cambodian-Americans to be informed of the news happening in all parts of Khmer America and what’s going on in Cambodia as well.”

Khmerican will eventually serve as an archive for future generations to read about their history, according to Chau, but he also believes that just like others living in America, Cambodian Americans want to learn about themselves and their own heritage.

Joining us as a community liaison based in Orange County, California, David Chau brings his business experience, networking skills, and energy/passion to the team.

Khmerican has compiled a compilation of New Year events and...

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:02:07 -0700

Khmerican has compiled a compilation of New Year events and activities in the US. To view our community calendar, please visit http://khmerican.com/events.

** Submit your community event

Cal State Long Beach's "The Missing Piece" recapped

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:26:00 -0700

By Eric Chuk

The Cambodian Student Society (CSS) hosted a successful culture show on Sunday, March 25th at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center on the campus of California State University, Long Beach. The show was notable for its overall bilingualism and refreshingly creative story line—a modern, Khmer-inflected reinterpretation of the Wizard of Oz, incorporating history, action (martial arts), humor, and romance.

The play format, unusual for CSS, followed five main characters who were mysteriously transported to the Cambodia of yore: Boran, an amiable young man whose as-if Hanuman heroics save a village (paralleling Dorothy’s arrival in Oz); his pet-like companion Ah Touch, often a source of comedic relief; Romdoul, a contemporary/classical dancer; Kunthea, a waifish girl (reminiscent of Oz’s cowardly lion) struggling to learn the Khmer language; and Samouth, a soulful singer mistaken for Sinn Sisamouth. Along the way, they meet other colorful characters: a cryptic old man who tells them to follow the “yellow k’tael road” through the jungle to get back home, cackling witches who the five friends must outmaneuver, and a flirtatious but helpful prince.

Master of ceremonies duties were handled by two female former presidents of CSS (a nod to the almost exclusively female cabinet of officers this year), whose self-deprecating banter was just right for telling the audience of approximately 750 what to expect next while also providing time for brief transitions between certain scenes. Interspersed during the two and a half hours of the performances were graceful classical dances by two well-known local troupes and a folk dance by CSS members.

Other highlights included an opening rendition of chhayam drumming with energetic flair and a concluding hip-hop dance number, both by CSS members as well. By the time of the curtain call at the end, it was clear that as with any successful cultural event, much thought and effort had gone into the production, and the jubilant cast and crew crowded onto the stage to receive very deserved applause. In all, CSS presented a memorable 28th annual culture show, paying tribute to the past while making it uniquely their own and relatable—a true fusion of American and Khmer themes that will hopefully serve as inspiration for years to come.

Main cast/characters:
Austin Bou as ”Boran”
Richard Chum as “Ah Touch”
Debbie Phak as ”Romdoul”
Alisa Man as ”Kunthea”
Peter Duong as ”Samouth”

More standout moments:

confident a cappella American anthem by Raimondel Men, and Khmer anthem sung by CSS members in unison
president Brenda Man’s welcome speech in full Khmer and English, with special recognition of longtime sponsor Mkott Pich Jewelry
CSS alumni Alex Dy and Malay Kim showing their continued support by starring in fight scenes
the mellifluous vocal stylings of Peter Duong, who did credit to his character’s namesake
the witches’ shrieking, sidling entry on stage
ending on a happy note, with Boran awaking from his reverie more enlightened about Cambodia

Introducing Sinoun Chea of Atlanta

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:31:38 -0700

Sinoun Chea seeks to be a source for and a recipient of inspiration relating to the Khmer American community. With a wide range of interests, including technology, art, music, cosmology, and mythology, she hopes her entrepreneurial spirit will carry her forward in someday pursuing all of them.

A web designer by vocation, Chea grew up in Texas and only recently began to realize the personal significance of Cambodian culture: “Growing up, I did not have many role models other than my family to look up to. I think this is one of the reasons why I want to be a part of a bigger picture. I want to help find those role models and connect them to others.”

Of the distinction between Cambodia and America, Chea says, “I think providing a resource with news and stories at a grand scale will be a positive influence in bridging the gap.” As far as other differences, she jokes that not having been to Cambodia herself, “I can only make assumptions when I see the karaoke songs that my parents and their friends play!”

Chea believes that soon, Khmer Americans are going to make a big impact, and she is eager to be a part of the renaissance.

“I’m ready to take some action and share my knowledge, energy, and experiences with young Khmericans,” says Chea. “I want to open people’s eyes and create a profound movement that will expose the diversity, creativity, and achievements of Cambodians.”

Toward that laudable ambition, Sinoun Chea will be our first reporter in the South, hailing from Atlanta, Georgia.

Introducing Seth Sin of Portland

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 14:32:32 -0700

“I think Cambodian Americans are interested in seeing people who we can relate to succeed in the worlds of politics, entertainment, sports, philanthropy, community outreach, business, and science,” says Seth Sin, an Oregon resident employed in information technology. “They provide a blueprint for how we should conduct ourselves in the public eye and can give us guidance on how we can become a productive and proud part of America while still maintaining our cultural identity.”

Sin believes it is important to make such success stories visible as inspiration for future generations. The relationship between the past and the present, elders and youth, is something he has reflected upon—the emphasis many Cambodian families place on respectful attitudes toward older family members and the high value of education. These were instilled in his own family: “My parents stressed the fact that even though we might live the United States, under the roof of their house was Cambodia, we spoke Cambodian, and their children were Cambodian children.”

Although such a stance might seem contrary to assimilation into life in the United States, Cambodian parents simultaneously set a strong example through their own work ethic in providing for their children, according to Sin; indeed, the virtues of education, determination, and tradition account for Cambodians’ ability to move past the adversities they have faced.

Both Cambodians and Cambodian Americans live with those virtues in mind, but our societies are certainly different, especially the dependability of the justice system and the level of rights of the powerless. “I want the Cambodian-Americans here to be informed of what is going on back in Cambodia,” says Sin. “Most importantly, I want the Cambodian Americans of future generations to never forget our legacy, our contribution to history, and our will to survive despite insurmountable odds.”

Based in Beaverton, Oregon, Seth Sin will be a Khmerican reporter covering lifestyle, culture, and business.

Introducing Sovannimul Bou of Lowell

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 10:45:42 -0700

A certified medical assistant majoring in nursing at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Sovannimul Bou dreams of becoming a doctor and returning to Cambodia, where she was born: “I have a goal to one day treat the poor, especially in the countryside, where they have no access, no knowledge of how important health issues are, and hopefully to work with the health system there to make things better.”

Since coming to the United States in 2005, Bou has had some difficulties adjusting to the culture and the academics. Of course, communication was one of the biggest barriers at first. It helps that there is enough of a Cambodian community in Lowell that Bou is often able to use her native language. She truly appreciates the opportunity to pursue higher education and does not take it for granted, since it is even harder to do so in Cambodia.

But that is not the only difference or connection she has noticed between her homeland and America. “I am hoping to positively influence the two worlds by spreading the culture and the language. By doing so, we might be able to change the minds of those who wish to have nothing to do with the Cambodian American community at all—get them to become more active and involved in learning and sharing Cambodian culture,” said Bou.

As part of her work as Khmerican’s second photographer in Lowell, Bou would like to increase recognition of our community’s talents instead of just the past tragedy and hardships many Cambodian families have experienced.

Introducing Chan Kay of Merced

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 21:05:00 -0700

Chan Kay, a peer mentor for freshmen at the University of California, Merced, has had to fight others’ negative perceptions of Cambodians—as being gang members or dropouts. “I have always worked hard to defy these stereotypes and show others that Cambodians are capable of getting an education just like anyone else,” said Kay. “I know there are many other Cambodian Americans out there who do not follow the stereotypes and have made something of themselves.”

Indeed, in his job, Kay is able to act as a role model and advisor for the younger generation, something that was lacking while he was growing up. But things are changing: “I feel that Khmerican is able to provide representation for the Cambodian Americans that are doing some sort of good for themselves and the community, so that the youth are able to find role models that they can relate to.”

He hopes his affiliation with Khmerican allows him to learn more about his own identity as well as keep informed about what other community members are accomplishing. He believes in the importance of publicizing the many forms of that success, whether in activism, entertainment, or academics. As a student himself, Kay balances extracurricular activities and two jobs along with his schoolwork, striving to stay organized and manage his time well.

“Being a Cambodian American, I have a large amount of pride in who I am and for my community,” said Kay.

A native of Fresno, California, Chan Kay will serve as our third community liaison, putting his interpersonal/communication skills to good use.

MAKE YOUR PLEDGE AT http://khmr.cn/pledge-page Our story: all of...

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:56:00 -0800

MAKE YOUR PLEDGE AT http://khmr.cn/pledge-page

Our story: all of yours

Three decades after first immigrating, Cambodian Americans are stepping into the spotlight not as refugees, but as performers, activists, scholars, and entrepreneurs. There is an increasing number of new-generation “Khmericans” (as we like to call them) who are accomplishing amazing things while building off the advances made by their pioneering elders.

The stories of all our people—young or old, Cambodian or Cambodian American, well-known or not yet—deserve to be told. Yet when news does spread, it’s isolated within certain geographic boundaries or personal networks. Communicating between the different spheres is hard, and the many fragments don’t give a clear sense of the entire vibrant picture. In other words, newsworthy information about our community is often scattered, poorly documented, or not publicized.

Why Khmerican.com?

Engaging the Khmer diaspora and reporting its progress is the reason we exist. For us as national and even international (bicultural) journalists, the domain we cover is broad, and we want our scope to match the flourishing of our multifaceted community. But we intend to innovate, going beyond the news to become a strong resource for anyone who cares about the state of Khmer America. Whether databases of relevant student/professional organizations, a public event calendar, or the hub for sharing media and popular culture, our goal is to offer valuable ways of connecting to information and others.

The Khmerican team consists of many perspectives on Cambodian American life. Despite other obligations and little reward, our spare-time staff members have consciously decided to do something productive toward the greater good. It’s not just willingness or motivation, but delivering results.

Since September 5th, 2011, we have conducted 75+ interviews resulting in 25 published articles, 10 photo essays, and 4 podcasts. We hope these pieces have gotten people to want to know more. In fact, we’ve garnered over 3,300 Facebook friends and 1,300 Twitter followers. There have been a total of 300,000 page views (and counting) of Khmerican.com in more than 50 countries. These numbers illustrate our growth, our influence, and the interest we have generated among our audience through our efforts.

Your contribution

To keep up the momentum, we’re asking for help. Just like any other serious news organization, we need to compensate our staff for their hard work and continue developing the projects we have in mind. Reporting isn’t just writing articles or taking pictures, but a whole process of research, fieldwork, synthesis, editing, and presentation. The more we can fund our photographers and writers, the better we can keep you informed about all the things that make us who we are: from descendants of to survivors of tragedy, and everything in between.

With your support, Khmerican can officially register as a media company. The postal address will symbolically be in Long Beach, right off of America’s first and only “Cambodia Town” neighborhood. But reporting from various locations is what will create the foundation for a truly connected, nationally aware Khmer America. It’s not just a Long Beach phenomenon, or a Lowell one, but a rising unified movement for the betterment of our people everywhere.

By enabling more thorough representation, the Khmerican means proof to the world that our community is worth knowing. Your contribution is a vote of confidence for that sentiment, turning our voices into an anthem.

Other ways to help

We would be glad to get your assistance in various forms. If you can’t make a financial contribution, spread the word through email, Facebook, Twitter or other networks. THANK YOU so much! Som arkun.

For more information, please visit http://khmerican.com or contact Co-Founder Phatry Derek Pan at (206) 599-9444. Please note that donations are not tax deductible.

With respect and appreciation,

Team Khmerican

Khmerican talks to the creators of the hilariously profane...

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:04:59 -0800

Khmerican talks to the creators of the hilariously profane ‘Stuff’ Cambodian Folks Say. Phanit Duong (Kosal Jivit) and Chantha Luk (Loc Bong Chluy) are planning a Hella Chluy Empire. Check out their videos at http://youtube.com/chluyfilms.

Introducing Will Koenig of Salem

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:52:38 -0800

“I want to learn what it means to be a Khmerican, so I can better understand what my wife and son experience,” says Will Koenig, a journalist who lived in Cambodia for three years, returning to the states in 2006.

Koenig didn’t have much contact with Cambodians until he went to the country and found various employment, including at publications, academic institutions, and development agencies. His communication and technical skills allowed him to earn his keep while experiencing the culture and meeting people who changed his life, including the woman he would eventually marry.

But he sees the relationship between America and Cambodia in terms of strides to be made abroad. “I think a lot of Cambodians look to Cambodian Americans for a hint at the possibilities the future holds. America offers a beacon for freedom and progress, and Khmericans will have an out-sized role to play in the development, in every sense, of Cambodia,” says Koenig. “That’s why Khmerican.com is so valuable, because it is a place to showcase the best and brightest.”

Koenig believes his involvement with Khmerican will be a chance to experiment with the possibilities of online journalism. He feels his long background in the profession is strength yet also a weakness, given the precarious position of news personnel as their industry changes dramatically thanks to technology. And how is his Khmer linguistic ability after his sojourn in the Southeast Asian kingdom? “Terrible.”

Even so, we welcome Will Koenig, based in Salem, Oregon, to our team. He brings to the table further multimedia competency, having initiated our podcasting, and an eye for copyediting, his day job. An ebook compilation of columns he has written about his adventures in Cambodia is available at http://khmr.cn/at-home-on-the-mekong

Introducing Darlene Ly of Long Beach

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:46:00 -0800

“One of the things I hope to achieve for myself while at Khmerican is to be more informed and active in the current happenings of the Cambodian American community,” says Darlene Ly, a grad student at Cal State Long Beach and seasoned participant in several local organizations. “Simultaneously, I hope that the Cambodian American community will utilize Khmerican as a great resource to stay connected and work collaboratively towards a common cause, such as developing better learning communities for the youth.”

Ly’s concern for youth stems from her realization of the power of mentorship. In her personal experiences, she has seen how beneficial the interaction between a student and a mentor can be. “I realize that education may be the only key to success for many low income students, such as Cambodian Americans, and I want to help them see that they are capable of achieving in school and in life.”

Ly grew up in the city that would eventually be officially recognized as Cambodia Town, and her formative experiences reflect that. She always enjoyed attending the Cambodian New Year festivities at a sprawling local park, with her family and friends surrounding her during the day-long event with food, games, and performances every year. Ly also credits her father and older sister as being positive influences in regard to her culturally-aware upbringing.

While noting the bicultural status of Khmer Americans, Ly believes that the generational gap is significant, with many of the youth today respecting their heritage but perhaps most comfortable with an American outlook. After all, as she points out, it has been more than three decades since the first wave of immigration.

As a community liaison, Ly would like Khmerican to serve “people who are interested in better understanding Khmer Americans” and relevant happenings. Ly brings some photography skills along with her networking abilities; she will reach out and facilitate our contact with various networks, including the broader Southeast Asian community in Southern California.

EC

Kyoum salanh blog neeh' meyn theyn ! :D

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:45:06 -0800

Oh word? Thanks, we ‘sralanh’ it a lot too! -__-

Introducing Donny Te of Tempe

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:41:00 -0800

Donny Te has a passion for writing. Combined with his love of politics, he’s glad to be working as an editor for an elections news website in Arizona. Growing up around the Twin Cities in Minnesota, Te learned Cambodian values from his close-knit family and the considerable community there. Even so, it wasn’t always easy trying to fit in with mainstream society, and aside from family members, he knew of few figures that inspired Khmer pride.

But he believes that’s starting to change, thanks to social media. “I hope Cambodians can go to our website and discover things that they’ve never realized before. My goal is to reach out to the visitors and inform them of what’s going on,” says Te.

Another point of community contact that he has maintained is his visits to Buddhist temples, which his parents took him to in his early years and which he now seeks out for himself since his recent move to Arizona. He plans to get to know the local population better through involvement with two temples he now knows of with large gatherings of Cambodians.

His interest in politics partly results from feeling that “today’s generation isn’t that involved with how they could make a difference in their community.” In addition, Te especially enjoys covering athletics and once dreamed of becoming a sports writer. Although he has always found that writing comes naturally to him, Te expects to learn about things as well by becoming a part of Khmerican’s staff: “I want to become closer to my heritage than I was growing up. I hope that our visitors will do the same when they read our articles.”

“I want to write on a variety of issues concerning the Khmer community in the Phoenix area, from politics to entertainment and restaurant reviews.” Te will serve as Khmerican’s first reporter in the Mountain time zone, based in Tempe, Arizona.

Introducing Kenith Oun of Lowell

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:09:00 -0800

“I can try to express stories with my photography skills and hopefully help the younger generations to learn and not repeat history,” says Kenith Oun, a customer support technician by vocation but a photographer in his spare time. He hopes to turn that hobby into a full-time job one day, maybe even getting some of his shots published in National Geographic.

Oun believes there are plenty of role models for today’s Khmer American youth, but that those born here don’t fully appreciate or take advantage of the tremendous opportunities in front of them. “We who live here are so adapted to American customs that we don’t take opportunity seriously like people who live back in Cambodia.” Educational achievement is one area in particular that we take for granted, according to Oun, whereas many in Cambodia can only dream of having good schools to attend.

However, there is reason for optimism. Not only are there role models, but we can be whoever we want to be: “Most of us born in America can be raised properly and do so much for our future,” says Oun, whether becoming entertainers, researchers, or politicians. Indeed, by “declaring the success of Khmer people all around the world,” sharing their positive stories in online social networks, Khmerican can influence many in the US and beyond—this will give Khmer youth hope and proof that we do succeed.

Representing Lowell, Massachusetts, home to the largest population of Khmer Americans after Long Beach, Kenith Oun will be the fourth photographer to join our team.

Click below for the full transcript of today’s live...

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:45:00 -0800

Click below for the full transcript of today’s live tweeting by Eric Chuk of Michael Haas’ book talk, Modern Cambodia’s Emergence From the Killing Fields at UCLA. Feedback and discussion are always welcomed.

Transcript in PDF
Transcript in PDF
Transcript in PDF

Khmerican.com CEO and co-founder Phatry Derek Pan, Khmerican.com...

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:22:01 -0800

Khmerican.com CEO and co-founder Phatry Derek Pan, Khmerican.com content manager and editor Eric Chuk, and journalist Will Koenig discuss the purpose and goals of the Khmerican team. This podcast is audio only.

Music courtesy of Bochan Huy at bochanmusic.com.