Khmer Sbai Takes Center Stage at Cambodia’s Cultural Heritage Seminar
Khmer Sbai Takes Center Stage at Cambodia’s Cultural Heritage Seminar
PHNOM PENH, October 8, 2026 — Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has held a seminar highlighting the cultural significance of the Khmer sbai and its traditional use in Cambodian customs, ceremonies and weddings.
The orientation seminar was presided over by Dr. Phoeung Sakona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, at the ministry’s headquarters on the afternoon of October 6.
More than 300 participants attended the event, including ministry leaders and officials, artists, beauty and bridal service professionals, fashion designers and other stakeholders involved in the preservation and use of traditional Khmer attire.
Speaking at the opening, Minister Phoeung Sakona said the seminar aimed to raise awareness and deepen understanding of the Khmer sbai, which she described as an important part of the nation’s valuable cultural heritage.
The sbai is closely connected with Cambodian daily life, customs, traditions and beliefs, particularly its use during weddings and other traditional ceremonies and celebrations.
According to the minister, the sbai serves a purpose beyond beauty and decoration. Its use carries symbolic meaning, representing the dignity and identity of Khmer women while reflecting the richness of Cambodia’s traditional arts, customs and cultural heritage.
The seminar also provided an opportunity for relevant professionals and practitioners to gain a deeper understanding of the appropriate cultural context and significance of the sbai, helping promote greater appreciation of the traditional garment and its role in Cambodian cultural practices.
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts continues to emphasize awareness and preservation of Cambodia’s cultural heritage, particularly traditions that remain connected to contemporary Cambodian society.
