“Gems Being Crafted”
By Chin Tyheng (UC Student and UCSS Vice President)
On July 3, 2010, the UCSS hosted its first Cambodian student concert. The concert was held at the SEATV studio, and consisted of UC students, who organized and participated in the event. The concert was a cultural event to celebrate the University of Cambodia’s 7th anniversary. We decided to name this event, “Gem Being Crafted,” in honor of the hard work and dedication of the University, since its inception. The event was open to the public, and lasted from 4:00 to 7:30 pm.
The concert was a very special and unexpected event, because the performers were UC students who only had fifteen days to learn how to perform traditional Khmer dances. Those dances included lady in range, pestle dance, singing, free-form dance and Bassac drama performed in English. This was also a live event, and, although we were nervous, we were really excited to be given this opportunity.
There were many objectives to the concert. First, it was to commemorate UC’s 7th Anniversary and all of its successes. Second, the concert demonstrated the willingness of UC students in recognizing UC as a forward-looking university committed to academic excellence. Third, it introduced UC students to an event for Arts and Culture, so as to enable them to understand the soul and identity of their ancestral cultural heritage, which is an important base for the patriotism and protection of the nation. Fourth, it instructed UC students about organizing grand activities through which knowledge of leadership and management can be gained. Fifth, the event demonstrated to the public, through their artistic performances, the importance of preserving, revitalizing, and developing Cambodia’s intangible natural heritage.
Finally, we would like to thank the University of Cambodia, Southeast Asia Television, the University of Cambodia Student Senate, and the University of Cambodia students for their support and cooperation. “Gem Being Crafted” would not have been possible or a success without you.
