Chum Sounry, Cambodian Ambassador to Australia and NZ
First of all, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Radio Australia for giving me the opportunity to share my testimonial for the celebration of Radio Australia’s 70th Anniversary.
Radio Australia, which provides its audiences with radio and online content, has been recognized as the international radio focusing on Asia and the Pacific. It comprises seven languages, including Khmer language.
It should be recalled that during the visit to Australia in 1991, Samdech Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, granted an interview to Radio Australia’s English service. At that time, when Radio Australia staff informed the Prime Minister about its broadcasting service, including in Thai, Vietnamese Indonesian and Chinese languages, Samdech Hun Sen suggested Radio Australia to broadcast its service in Khmer language. As a result, Radio Australia’s Khmer service was established in 1992. Since then, Radio Australia’s Khmer service has become an important source of information for the Cambodian people in the country as well as abroad.
It is a fact that with an hour daily and online service, Radio Australia’s Khmer service has played an active role in Cambodian society as it provides the Cambodian audiences with information about Australia as well as objective, accurate regional news and current affairs. At the same time, Radio Australia’s Khmer service has brought about the general knowledge for its audiences through many interesting programs such as rural development and environment, social affairs, health, science, regional events, youth, economy, interview, English Leaning Program for students, etc.
On the occasion of the Radio Australia’s 70th Anniversary, I would like to extend to Radio Australia and all its staff, particularly its Khmer service, my best wishes of further great success and that they may be endowed with the four Buddhist blessings: longevity, distinction, good health and strength.
Chum Sounry
Ambassador
Royal Embassy of Cambodia
