CICADA at the Mekong Forum 2025: Showcasing Cambodia’s Creative Power
CICADA was pleased to partner with the Mekong Institute as a co-organiser of the Mekong Forum 2025, held under the theme “New Economies for a Resilient GMS: Balancing Growth, Sustainability, and Inclusion.” The forum brought together regional actors to explore collaborative solutions for sustainable development in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), focusing on three interconnected economies: the Bio-Circular Economy, Care Economy, and Creative Economy.
As co-organiser, CICADA proudly engaged 15 members across 11 cultural and creative domains, showcasing the depth and diversity of Cambodia’s creative industries.
Driving the Conversation on Creative Economy
Our Chair of the Steering Committee, Ms. Lim Solinn, played a leading role as facilitator for Track 3: Creative Economy as a Growth Driver. This session generated three project ideations, setting pathways for future collaboration in the region.
Meanwhile, CICADA’s Director, Ms. So Phina, delivered an inspiring lightning talk titled “Building the Creative Ecosystem: Policy, People, and Platform.” Her talk highlighted the urgent need for supportive policies, stronger networks, and platforms that enable artists and creative practitioners to thrive.
Together, these contributions reaffirmed CICADA’s mission to strengthen the creative ecosystem, ensuring it is not only vibrant but also resilient, sustainable, and inclusive.
Showcasing Cambodia’s Creativity
At the exhibition, CICADA members brought Cambodia’s creativity to life through four vibrant booths that captured the spirit of our cultural and creative sectors:
🎬 Film, Digital Content & Music
🎭 Performing & Visual Arts
📚 Crafts and Literature
🍲 Cultural Tourism, Culinary Arts & Recreation
These showcases reflected not only artistic excellence but also the role of culture as a driver of innovation, identity, and sustainable growth.
CICADA believes that the three economies—Bio-Circular, Care, and Creative—must continue to grow hand in hand to shape a future that is prosperous, resilient, and inclusive for all. By bringing together diverse voices and creative talents at the Mekong Forum 2025, we took one more step toward building a stronger regional ecosystem where culture and creativity stand as key pillars of development.
