Cover Story: H.E. Pheaktra Neth Embarks on a New Chapter as Minister of Information

Cover Story: H.E. Pheaktra Neth Embarks on a New Chapter as Minister of Information

By Sotheavy Nou

CAMBODIA’S MINISTER FOR INFORMATION, PHEAKTRA NETH, WENT FROM A QUIET PAGODA LIFE TO LEADING THE FIGHT AGAINST CYBERBULLYING AND FAKE NEWS.

From the tranquil serenity of a pagoda to the bustling halls of Cambodia’s Ministry of Information, Pheaktra Neth’s life reads like a script penned by an optimist with a flair for drama. Here’s a man who transformed his humble beginnings into a narrative of success, leadership, and vision. Today, as Cambodia’s Minister for Information, His Excellency Pheaktra Neth juggles modernising the media landscape, tackling cyberbullying, and combating fake news while wearing a smile and patience from his childhood in a Buddhist pagoda.

From Humble Beginnings to a Life of Purpose

“I’ve always believed that being the eldest comes with responsibilities,” Pheaktra shared. As the eldest of six children in a farming family, he embraced being the family’s role model early on. “Your behaviour must be exemplary,” he says, explaining how he balanced his studies with household chores, setting the bar for his younger siblings.

His journey wasn’t without sacrifice. After completing high school, Pheaktra moved to Phnom Penh to pursue higher education. He did not have the means for accommodations; he lived in a pagoda for a decade. “The pagoda became my refuge,” he recalls. “It’s a Khmer tradition for pagodas to support students like me who come from the countryside to study.” This period instilled in him a sense of independence and perseverance, values he later passed on to his siblings, whom he supported through their education.

Pheaktra often recalls his father’s words: “Son, knowledge is your true wealth. It’s something no one can take away from you.” These words became a mantra for him during challenging times. “Even when money was tight, my father’s encouragement kept me going,” he says.

The Spark of Passion for Journalism

Pheaktra’s love for journalism blossomed in childhood, inspired by his father’s habit of bringing newspapers home from the market. “Reading those newspapers sparked my passion for storytelling and information,” he says. This passion guided him through university, where he majored in journalism, understanding its potential for immediate employment.

“I studied to fit the market,” he explains. “Journalism was not just a passion but a pragmatic choice.” His career began at TVK, Cambodia’s national broadcaster, where he gained experience in bilingual programming. Over the years, he evolved from a regional correspondent to the Managing Editor of the Phnom Penh Post, playing a pivotal role in launching its Khmer edition in 2009. “That was a milestone for me,” he says, pride evident in his voice.

Embracing Public Service and Legal Justice

Pheaktra’s career trajectory took a turn in 2011 when he became the spokesperson for the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), the tribunal tasked with addressing crimes committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. “Meeting senior Khmer Rouge leaders was a profound experience,” he reflects. “It taught me the importance of justice, not just for individuals but our society.” In 2013, Pheaktra began as an Assistant at the Ministry of Environment, concentrating on public relations and press affairs. By 2018, during the 6th Legislature, he had risen to the Secretary of State and Spokesperson position, playing a pivotal role in promoting environmental protection and raising public awareness.

Ministerial Appointment and Vision for Media Modernisation

In 2023, Pheaktra’s appointment as Minister for Information marked the culmination of 23 years in the media and communications sector. His mission is clear: to modernise Cambodia’s media landscape, strengthen public information networks, and combat the pervasive issue of fake news. “Cyberbullying and misinformation are significant challenges,” he notes; “They underscore the importance of journalist training and ethical reporting.”

“My role is not just protecting state media,” he explains, “but creating a national platform that influences positively and responsibly.” He’s also focused on fostering collaboration among media associations to enhance journalistic standards.

Pheaktra’s mission is a delicate balance between embracing modernisation and safeguarding the integrity of traditional media. “We’re not here to bulldoze the past,” he says with a smile. “We’re here to build on it, like adding a modern roof to a cherished ancestral home.”

He frequently emphasises the importance of public engagement. “A well-informed society is a resilient society,” he states. “My vision is to empower people with accurate information to make better decisions for their families and communities.”

Upholding Values: Knowledge, Perseverance, and Honesty

Pheaktra credits his success to his three guiding principles: knowledge, perseverance, and honesty. “These values have earned me the trust of Cambodia’s leadership,” he says. His rise to ministerial rank as the son of farmers is a testament to the opportunities available to all Cambodians based on merit.

When asked about his role models, he mentions Samdech Techo Hun Sen as a leader and someone whose background and resilience resonate deeply with him. “His song called “Chivit Kmeng Wat” or “Life of Pagoda Boy” about perseverance inspired me during my university days,” Pheaktra shares. “It’s like the anthem for anyone who’s ever biked through Phnom Penh traffic dreaming of something bigger.”

Pheaktra also draws inspiration from international figures. “I admire leaders who have a clear vision and the determination to implement it,” he says. “Winston Churchill’s speeches, for example, always resonate with me. Similarly, the famous words of Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, “It doesn’t matter whether a cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice,” highlight the profound impact of language. They are a powerful reminder of how words can inspire action and mobilise nations.”

A Life Beyond Work: Family, Education, and Books

Despite his demanding schedule, his family remains central to Pheaktra’s life. Married since 2012, he and his wife, who once worked in banking, have two daughters, aged 12 and 7. “Family harmony is rooted in understanding and mutual respect,” he says, highlighting the importance of shared responsibilities and trust in his marriage.

Their household operates without domestic help, which is a deliberate choice to maintain their privacy and freedom. “We want our family problems to stay within our family,” he says. On weekends, he cherishes moments with his daughters, indulging their love for European and Japanese cuisine or taking short trips to Cambodia’s coastal provinces. “My youngest loves sushi,” he quips. “It’s a long way from the rice fields of my childhood, but I’m not complaining.”

Pheaktra is also deeply involved in both his daughters’ education. “I always tell them, ‘Learn something new every day, even small.’ It’s the habit of learning that matters most.”

A voracious reader, Pheaktra attributes much of his knowledge and perspective to his reading habit. From Cambodian history to world politics, he devours books and documents daily. “Reading broadens your mind and equips you to lead,” he emphasises, recalling his university days when he read over 300 books in a year.

Even today, his car and workspaces are full of books. “Whether it’s geopolitics or governance, reading keeps me informed and prepared,” he says. He even jokes about his insatiable appetite for knowledge: “If my brain were a stomach, it’d always be calling for a second helping.”

Pheaktra’s reading list spans history to philosophy, with a touch of political science for flavour. “my form of escape and my avenue of education,” he notes. “And unlike people, they don’t mind if you only call on them late at night.”