AKP Phnom Penh, August 19, 2026 --

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has called on Cambodian society to embrace development and modernisation while preserving moral and ethical values, warning that excessive focus on material prosperity could create social challenges if traditional values are neglected.

The Prime Minister made the remarks on Wednesday while presiding over the 11th National Gathering with Achar and Acharini (laymen and laywomen) from across Cambodia at the National Institute of Education in Phnom Penh.

“We cannot stop development, but we must not forget the values of morality and virtue. Otherwise, our society could face difficulties,” he said.

Samdech Thipadei stressed that living together in communities and society requires mutual support and solidarity, which should be built on strong moral and virtue values.

He noted that although development and modernisation cannot be halted, society can help shape people's behaviour and attitudes towards material resources by promoting morality, virtue and Cambodian identity.

“We cannot stop development, but what we can help shape is changes in people's character and behaviour in their use of material things. This is where moral and virtue values come in, especially our identity,” he underlined.

According to the Prime Minister, moral and virtue values should become an integral part of people's character through education at schools and homes, as well as through various social institutions.

Samdech Thipadei also pointed out that as society becomes increasingly competitive, people may sometimes lose sight of these values. In this context, Achar and Acharini have an important role to play in educating communities and helping preserve moral and virtue principles.

The Premier emphasised that human modernisation is necessary for a developing society, but it must go hand in hand with strong moral and ethical foundations.

He stressed that Cambodia's progress should therefore not be measured solely by material development, but also by the ability of its people to maintain good character, social responsibility, cultural identity and harmony within society.

By Heng Panha