(Phnom Penh): The Singapore Embassy celebrated Singapore’s 61st National Day with a reception attended by over 340 distinguished guests, including deputy prime ministers, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, and business leaders.

The guest of honour was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron.

In his remarks, Ambassador Steven Pang reflected on the deep and enduring friendship between Singapore and Cambodia.

He recalled that Cambodia was among the first countries to rec

ognise Singapore’s independence in 1965, and that the friendship between His Majesty the late King-Father Norodom Sihanouk and Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew helped lay the foundation for the close relations both countries enjoy today.

The ambassador also reflected on the importance of heritage and the ties that connect people across generations. He highlighted Singapore’s hawker culture and the kebaya as examples of living heritage, as well as Singapore’s longstanding tradition of orchid diplomacy.

Over the decades, orchids commemorating visits by members of the Cambodian Royal Family and Cambodian leaders have become living symbols of the friendship and goodwill between both countries.

The ambassador emphasised that the strength of bilateral relations would ultimately depend on the people who connect both countries, students who learn from one another, businesses that create opportunities, officials and professionals who exchange experiences, and communities that bring people together.

He said, “As we celebrate Singapore’s 61st National Day tonight, I hope we can also celebrate something larger: the enduring friendship between Singapore and Cambodia, and the shared belief that our best years are still ahead of us.”

In his address, Minister Hang Chuon Naron congratulated Singapore on its 61st National Day and praised Singapore’s transformation from a young nation into a dynamic and prosperous global hub.

He said that Singapore’s achievements in economic development, social harmony and nation-building reflected the vision, resilience, and hard-working spirit of the Singaporean people.

The minister also highlighted the longstanding friendship between Cambodia and Singapore and the continued growth of cooperation between both countries.

He noted the broad and forward-looking partnership in areas including trade and investment, human resource development, digital transformation, renewable energy and people-to-people connectivity.

The minister also highlighted growing air connectivity between both countries and the cooperation on cross-border electricity trade.

Minister Hang Chuon Naron reaffirmed Cambodia and Singapore’s shared commitment to ASEAN unity and centrality, as well as regional peace, stability and prosperity.

He expressed Cambodia’s full support for Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027 and confidence that the longstanding friendship between both countries would continue to flourish.
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Ambassador Steven Pang and Guest of Honour Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Dr Hang Chuon Naron at the Reception.

Ambassador Steven Pang, Guest of Honour Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Dr Hang Chuon Naron and guests during the Cambodian National Anthem.

Ambassador Steven Pang delivering his remarks at the Reception.

Ambassador Steven Pang and Guest of Honour Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Dr Hang Chuon Naron raising a toast to celebrate Singapore’s 61st National Day.

Guests joining in the toast to celebrate Singapore’s 61st National Day.

Guest of Honour Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Dr Hang Chuon Naron delivering his remarks at the Reception.

Ambassador Steven Pang delivering his remarks at the Reception.

Guests at the Singapore National Day Reception in Phnom Penh.