Human Resources Development in Sambor Prei Kuk Conservation Activities

The programs of the NASPK contributed to an increase in trained human resources that will be available for future activities. The extended effects of this project will lead to a long-term framework of sustainability in the safeguarding, preservation, and conservation of monuments in the Sambor Prei Kuk site. A newly enhanced program of educational outreach to the next generation of archaeological research and conservation university students in the field of pre-Angkor studies. There are five keys of human resource development programs that support the conservation activities in Sambor Prei Kuk:

1. Local community student training

The NASPK has been approached to provide a series of training programs to the local communities in the protected property area. Along with this vision, the DSAC in cooperation with local educational institutions contributed expertise to a one-day training program with the theme: “Cultural Heritage of Sambor Prei Kuk”. This program has provided general knowledge to the high school students to understand more about the Sambor Prei Kuk site. The training also gave them an awareness of the notion of “what heritage is,” and encouraged them to join in the protection of the site. We hope, as will its value and its place in the community. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 effect situation forced a postponement of these activities in 2020. However, we have been reactivated in designing a small group of training programs and online educational materials, mainly focusing on communication via webinar systems.

Site visit to provided general knowledge of Sambor Prei Kuk to the high school students.

2. University student training

Annually, the students from the Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA) were selected to join the site of Sambor Prei Kuk. Not only giving the chances to learn with an on-site practice but also the opportunities in practical research and conservation with the specialists in NASPK. The program will also contribute to a rise in trained human resources for the continuation of archaeological research and conservation work. This program is a long-term vision and program of NASPK in the field of pre-Angkor studies which has developed from a pilot project to the annual training program of the DSAC. Presently, this type of program also cooperated with Waseda University-Japan, to the extent of the other universities.

The activities in the training program for the group of students from the Royal University of Fine Arts.

3. On-the-job training

There was on-the-job training for local community people. They were selected to work in the various conservation projects based on this willingness, and proximity of their residence to the site. This program will also contribute to an increase in trained human resources that will be utilized to improve the experience in brick temple restoration, excavation, and conservation. Presently, this program also cooperated with Waseda University-Japan.

On-the-job trainingprogram for a group of local people.

4. Tour to conservation sites

There is an academic tour for capacity-building trips for the DSAC ’s technical staff in a conservation focused mainly on archaeology and conservation/restoration. Mainly, visiting the various restoration sites in the Angkor Archaeological Park and the Ministry of Culture and Arts conservation sites are a principal part of this tour program. Improvement of skills and challenges have been observed and exchanged. Another benefit is a much better comprehensive understanding and view of problems and restoration techniques has prompted an expansion of their knowledge in brick, lime stucco and plaster, sandstone, site maintenance, and site monitoring.

Site visiting at conservation site in Angkor.

5. Exchange programs

The exchange programs were held to develop the capacity building of staff who work in NASPK and to open a global vision in the fields of cultural property, archaeology, and conservation. Very recent, under the Cooperation between the NASPK and the Waseda University-Japan, a series of exchange programs with the Japanese experts are ongoing. Because of the COVID-19 effect, some activities were postponed, however, the method of online exchange programs is in process.