Mut Somoeun (Mongkol)

Today, I’d like to share some personal reflections on the roots of Khmer morality and how these values shape who we are as a people. As I think about this, I realize how deeply intertwined our moral principles are with our history, community life, and spiritual beliefs. It’s a journey of understanding, both intellectually and emotionally, about what it truly means to live according to these values. Having spent over ten years teaching Khmer Studies and Moral Philosophy, I’ve come to see these disciplines as much more than academic subjects. They are windows into our collective soul—ways of understanding ourselves, our past, and our hopes for the future. They help us see how our moral values originate, how they endure, and how they continue to influence our everyday lives. In my view, the roots of Khmer morality can be captured in five core virtues: kindness, friendliness, politeness, ease and comfort in relationships, and warmth and sincerity. These aren’t just abstract ideals; they ar...

In fostering a nuanced understanding of moral philosophy among undergraduate students, integrating culturally contextualized ethical discourse is essential. Recently, I had the privilege of inviting Dr. Prak Samphose—a senior lecturer in Buddhist Studies at Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University (SBU) in Phnom Penh, and an international news analyst for a well-known Cambodian TV channel—to deliver a session titled "Morality and Cultural Identity: Ethical Perspectives in the Cambodian Context." This session profoundly enriched our exploration of morality beyond Western paradigms and highlighted the importance of grounding moral reflection within Cambodia’s rich religious and cultural heritage.  According to Dr. Samphose, Cambodian culture is a blend of Buddhism, Hinduism, and indigenous Animist beliefs. Theravāda Buddhism influences Cambodian’s daily conduct and social harmony based on the concepts of karma and rebirth. While Hinduism influences, rooted in the Angkorian legac...

Most of the time, grade 12 graduates are asking important questions: Should I go to university? What should I study? Which university should I choose? These are not easy questions, but they are necessary. The answers will shape your future – not only your career but your growth as a complete person. From over ten years of working experiences with students at this stage, I want to share my personal perspective. University is not just about earning a degree. It is about preparing yourself for a better, more meaningful life. It is one of the most powerful investments you can make in your own future. To explain why, we can look at a simple but helpful model: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. This psychological theory shows five levels of human needs, from basic survival to personal fulfillment. A university education, when approached with purpose, can help meet each of these five needs: 1)      Job Opportunities (Physiological Needs): Maslow’s first level is about basic...

Phnom Penh, 23 August 2025 Mut Somoeun, Lecturer of Khmer Studies When the call for national unity echoes across Cambodia and the global diaspora, it is a powerful and deeply moving experience for me. I feel it as the sound of a people coming together against a perceived threat, a moment where our differences seem to melt away in the face of a shared purpose. I have frequently observed this phenomenon during border disputes or geopolitical tensions with neighboring countries, particularly Thailand and Vietnam, or other affiliated countries. While this unity is often hailed as an inherent trait of Khmer resilience, my personal reflection reveals a more complex reality. I have come to deconstruct Social Cohesion not as a spontaneous act of patriotism, but as a reactive and strategically mobilized phenomenon driven by what I see as a strong spirit of National Unity and Nationalism. This analysis explores how powerful sociological and Buddhist theories have helped me understand why and how...