Phnom Penh, Cambodia – The Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum of Economy and Money (EMMA), established by the National Bank of Cambodia, and the Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC) have officially renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a third consecutive year. This vital collaboration aims to significantly bolster economic and financial literacy among Cambodian youth across the nation.
The extended partnership is set to continue providing invaluable opportunities for students from public schools nationwide to delve into Cambodia’s rich economic and monetary history. This educational journey will be facilitated through the museum’s state-of-the-art, technology-driven exhibitions, offering an engaging and immersive learning experience.
The official signing ceremony for this renewed agreement took place on May 12, 2026, at the EMMA Museum. This new accord is effective from its signing date until May 12, 2027, and is anticipated to serve as a robust conduit for imparting crucial financial knowledge to the younger generation of Cambodians, empowering them for the future.
Mr. Yim Leat, Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, underscored the significance of this third-year MoU renewal. He affirmed that it stands as a testament to a long-term commitment towards fostering financial inclusion and cultivating knowledge among Cambodian youth, particularly through the museum’s educational visit programs. He emphasized that the banking sector’s continued dedication to youth capacity building is clearly demonstrated by this extended MoU.
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Rath Sophoan, Chairman of the Association of Banks in Cambodia, highlighted the profound value of the learning experiences offered at EMMA Museum. He stated that these educational journeys provide students with essential insights into the worth of currency and the historical economic foundations that are pivotal for their future.
Mr. Blaise Killian, Co-Director of EMMA Museum, expressed an ambitious vision to broaden the program’s reach, extending its benefits to an even greater number of schools throughout the country. This expansion seeks to enhance the museum’s accessibility and inclusivity for a wider audience.
Over the past two years, the collaboration between EMMA and ABC has already yielded substantial positive impacts on the education sector. Through the impactful “Banking Sector for Economic Literacy Program,” an impressive 15,000 students have received free access to visit and study directly at the EMMA Museum. These students hail from various public educational institutions, not only from Phnom Penh but also from distant provinces such as Kampong Thom, Ratanakiri, Stung Treng, Kratie, and Kampong Cham.
For context, the Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum of Economy and Money (EMMA) was established by the National Bank of Cambodia with a primary focus on educating the public about Cambodia’s economic and monetary history. It achieves this through a unique blend of historical artifacts and cutting-edge modern technology exhibitions. In its first two years, the museum welcomed over 100,000 visitors and was notably recognized with a prestigious TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award.
The Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC), on the other hand, serves as the representative body for the private banking sector in Cambodia. Its core mission is to promote constructive dialogue and champion sustainable and responsible financial operations. ABC continues to play a pivotal role in facilitating and driving the banking sector’s contributions to national economic development and enhancing financial understanding among the Cambodian populace.
