Top Anthropologist Wins Japanese Honor

Anthropologist Ang Choulean during an interview with ThmeyThmey News. Photo: Touch Sovandy

PHNOM PENH  – Cambodian anthropologist Ang Choulean is to receive the "Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon" award from Japan.



The Japanese embassy in Phnom Penh said this was in recognition of his contribution to the promotion of academic exchanges and mutual understanding between Japan and Cambodia.



The formal award ceremony is due to take place on May 12 at the ambassador’s residence.



"In the field of conservation and restoration of archaeological sites, Dr Ang Choulean has fully supported Japan’s contribution in cooperation with Japanese researchers and relevant institutions," the embassy said.



"He enabled the smooth operation of the projects and contributed to the enhancement of Japan’s presence.



"These honors are conferred on foreign nationals who have made significant contributions to the promotion of friendly relations and mutual understanding with Japan."



Choulean , a professor at the Royal University of Fine Arts, received Japan’s Fukuoka Grand Prize in 2011. According to a jury member, Choulean’s study on supernatural beings in Cambodian tradition was groundbreaking and had opened new horizons in Cambodian ethnology.



He is also an advisor to the Apsara National Authority in Cambodia — the government agency managing the Angkor Archeological Park.


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