Youth Training Revives Cambodia’s Ancient Stone Carving Tradition

SIEM REAP, April 1, 2026 (KPT) — Young Cambodians are being trained to master the country’s centuries old stone carving craft, part of a government backed effort to preserve cultural heritage while creating new jobs.

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and the APSARA National Authority have launched programs in Run Ta Ek Village to sustain one of the Kingdom’s most iconic art forms, seen in temples such as Angkor Wat, and to pass the skill on to a new generation.

Local artisan Sek Sen, who trained at Artisans Angkor and has spent more than two decades perfecting the craft, is now teaching apprentices. “With support from the authorities, I am committed to passing this knowledge to young people so they can preserve our heritage,” he said.

Trainees are learning to transform raw stone into intricate designs, from floral motifs to apsaras and deities. For many, the program offers a pathway to stable income. One participant, Sek Kin, said the training had already changed his outlook: “I can now carve basic designs, and I believe this skill will help me earn a better living than construction work.”

The initiative plays a broader role in safeguarding Cambodia’s intangible cultural heritage, while also supporting economic resilience. Authorities plan to expand training over the next three years, though participation remains limited, underscoring the need for greater awareness and engagement.