• Society

Breaking Gender Norms to Become Female Kun Khmer MC

• By Kim Makara
• January 21, 2024 7:30 PM

PHNOM PENH—Ny Limhorng, popularly known as MC (master of ceremony) Vicky, has overcome all obstacles and managed to become Kun Khmer martial arts MC despite discrimination and distrust of having a woman in this position.

Born in Kampong Cham Province, Limhorng, who is 24 years old, spoke of the challenges she faced when she started her MC journey in 2019.

At first, it was hard, she said, as she had limited understanding of the technical words of Kun Khmer and did not perform smoothly.

“As a woman MC, I did not get much trust from the organizers because they believed that women could not use as pleasing voices and tones as men,” she said. “All this discrimination and challenges did not discourage me from becoming the first Cambodian woman MC who can use both Khmer and English in the boxing arenas.

“This career requires me to be as brave as men,” Limhorng said. “Whether using tones or speaking, I have to be fully confident.”

As Limhorng explained, there are not many women in this profession. But there have been Prak Samphors and Khieu Sansana, two national sports MCs who inspired her to get into this field herself, she said, adding that she admired their abilities and attractive voices.

So, with a clear goal and strong determination, Limhorng has overcome obstacles to become who she is today.



When it comes to Kun Khmer martial arts, the public recognizes her as an MC who, not only can use both Khmer and English in the boxing arenas but, most importantly, for the way she uses words during tournaments.

Because now, Limhorng uses Kun Khmer martial arts’ technical words with ease. Her constant improvement has made every tournament she MCs more exciting for the audience.

And yet, these achievements have not stopped her from striving for more.

Limhorng said she is grateful to have been able to come this far and realize all her childhood dreams.

“However, I intend to share my experience and knowledge about sports with the next generation,” she said. “If possible, I want to become a leader in one sports institution.”

Regarding Kun Khmer, Limhorng is optimistic about the growth of this martial art because of the continuous support of public and private institutions, she said.

Plus the fact that this martial art is being recognized by many countries and there is Kun Khmer training offered in several countries, she said.

In 2023, Kun Khmer was included in the Southeast Asian Games, the same year that Cambodia hosted the games.

Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this story was translated by Rin Ousa for Cambodianess.