Biography

Born in Cambodia and raised with a passion for cultural heritage, H.E. Kheav Sambat embarked on a journey of education and public service that has contributed significantly to his country. After completing his Master's degree from the prestigious University of Paris IV Sorbonne in France in 2005, he returned to Cambodia to make a difference in the field of tourism.

In the same year, H.E. Kheav Sambat joined the Cambodian National Tourism Authority of the Office of the Council of Ministers. His expertise and dedication quickly earned him recognition, leading him to serve on the organizing committee of the Angkor-Gyeongju International Festival in 2006. This unique event aimed to strengthen cultural exchanges between Cambodia and South Korea, showcasing the richness and diversity of both countries' heritage.

H.E. Kheav Sambat's commitment to conserving and developing Cambodia's historical treasures further manifested through his work with the Special Task Force for the development and conservation of the Preah Vihear protected zone in 2009. This task force focused on preserving one of Cambodia's most significant cultural sites, promoting sustainable tourism and ensuring the proper management of this world heritage site.

In recognition of his extensive knowledge and dedication, H.E. Kheav Sambat was chosen to accompany the Special Envoy of the Prime Minister in seeking support for Cambodia as Chairmanship of the World Heritage Committee. In 2013, Cambodia was elected as chairman of the World Heritage Committee, a prestigious position that reflects Cambodia’s commitment and leadership in preserving and promoting the world’s cultural heritage. H.E. Kheav Sambat’s role encompassed building relationships and advocating for Cambodia's continued preservation and promotion of its cultural heritage on the global stage.

Since 2015, H.E. Kheav Sambat is serving as Deputy Director General of the National Authority for Preah Vihear, a Cambodian government agency responsible for the management and conservation of the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. He also in charge of the secretariat of the International Coordinating Committee for Preah Vihear (ICC-Preah Vihear), a joint mechanism between Cambodia and UNESCO to support the safeguarding of the temple and its surrounding areas.

Throughout his career, H.E. Kheav Sambat has proven himself as a tireless advocate for the preservation, development, and promotion of Cambodia's rich cultural heritage. Passionate about fostering cross-cultural understanding through responsible tourism, he continues to serve as a guiding force in shaping the future of heritage conservation in his country.

This biography captures the key milestones and accomplishments of H.E. Kheav Sambat, showcasing his unwavering commitment to preserving the cultural treasures of Cambodia while promoting sustainable tourism.