The “GX Foundation Khmer Cuisine Charity Dinner” was held on December 3 to raise funds for medical aid projects in Cambodia as well as celebrate the China-Cambodia Year of People-to-People Exchanges. The event had 27 tables and was graced by GX Chairman Mr. LEUNG Chun-ying, Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia Mr. HUOT Hak, Secretaries of State from the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Cambodia Dr. YOUK Sambath and Dr. SUNG Vinntak, Deputy Commissioner of the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong S.A.R. Mr. LI Yong-sheng, and Consul General of the Kingdom of Cambodia in Hong Kong, Mr. YOS Sokhemrin.
The dinner gathered over 300 prominent business leaders and GX supporters, with well-known Hong Kong host Ms. CHAN Pui-yee Janis as the master of ceremonies. The evening also featured a charity sale of Ningxia red wine, with all proceeds directly contributing to GX’s medical aid projects in Cambodia. These initiatives include the provision of free cataract surgeries and dengue fever prevention for those in need.
During his speech, GX Chairman Mr. LEUNG Chun-ying stated, “GX colleagues and I build strong bonds in Cambodia as we do elsewhere with government officials, medical personnel, patients, and their families. Hawkers in the markets refuse to take money from our Guangxi doctors and nurses, and villagers quietly leave their farm produce on the bicycles parked outside our quarters”. Food has become a popular form of compensation for GX colleagues stationed in Cambodia, symbolising the gratitude and warmth of the local community. Therefore, the Khmer cuisine was not only the highlight of the evening, it also served as a bridge for Chinese-Cambodian cultural exchange, and offered guests an immersive experience of Cambodian cultural features.
The dinner was curated by Mr. LUU Meng, who is GX’s project advisor in Cambodia as well as a celebrated Cambodian chef. To present the most authentic Khmer dishes, Mr. LUU travelled extensively across Cambodia to uncover nearly lost traditional recipes. These classic dishes shone brightly at the dinner, embodying the unique charm of Khmer cuisine in all aspects.
This dinner played a significant role in deepening cultural exchange and cooperation between the two nations. Deputy Commissioner Mr. LI Yong-sheng remarked, “Through its medical aid and public health assistance work in Cambodia, GX Foundation has strongly promoted people-to-people connectivity, strengthened the friendship between our nations, demonstrated the warmth of the Belt and Road Initiative, showcased China’s commitment, and highlighted Hong Kong’s contributions
