Report on the CLA Annual General Meeting (AGM) & Awards 2025
The Cambodian Librarians Association (CLA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) & Awards 2025 on 14 November 2025; a gathering that rose above routine administration and became a heartfelt celebration of Cambodia’s library community. Bringing together librarians from ministries, universities, schools, and community libraries, the event honoured achievement, strengthened professional unity, and set a clear direction for the future of librarianship in Cambodia.
At the center of this year’s gathering was a simple but powerful message: Librarians are the foundation of learning, guardians of knowledge, and essential partners in national development.
A Host That Inspired Excellence: CamEd Business School
CamEd Business School served as an exceptional host for this year’s AGM, offering a modern, creative, and intellectually stimulating environment. Participants began their day with a visit to the CamEd Art Center, where contemporary artworks and conceptual installations created an energizing space for reflection and curiosity.
The Art Center’s distinctly innovative atmosphere mirrored the spirit of the gathering itself; a sector evolving, advancing, and embracing new ideas. It set a tone of inspiration and possibility, reminding participants that libraries, like art, are living spaces where knowledge, expression, and imagination meet.
CamEd’s support demonstrated its continued commitment to education, research, the arts, and the advancement of Cambodia’s professional library community.
A Joyful Start: Fun Activities & Community Spirit
The day began with pure energy. Before the main program even started, librarians jumped into a series of lively, laughter-filled activities that immediately brought the room to life. It wasn’t just ice-breaking; it was team spirit in action. People cheered, moved, teased, and bonded in the most natural, joyful way. For a moment, the hall felt less like a formal gathering and more like a reunion of friends who were excited to be together.
These fun activities did more than warm up the room, they transformed it. The playful challenges, quick interactions, and shared laughter created an atmosphere of openness and connection. By the time the AGM officially began, everyone carried a sense of ease, positivity, and community that stayed throughout the entire event.
And none of this would have been possible without our incredible volunteers. Their creativity, enthusiasm, and behind the scenes effort turned simple ideas into unforgettable moments. They brought joy into the program, gave everyone a reason to smile early in the morning, and proved once again that community spirit shines brightest when people give their time and heart.
Key Updates & Initiatives Strengthening the Community
Beyond celebration, the AGM provided important updates on CLA’s progress and future directions. Participants were briefed on several initiatives designed to enhance professional development, improve organizational systems, and support a more connected library workforce.
Highlights included:
The launch of TactLink, a new digital networking app supporting collaboration and communication.
Structural reforms within CLA, including clearer divisions, strengthened committees, and a more robust Continuous Professional Development (CPD) framework.
Improvements in member services, emphasizing transparency, responsiveness, and accessibility.
Expanded partnerships with ministries, universities, NGOs, and international library networks.
These developments reflect CLA’s ongoing efforts to professionalize the sector, strengthen governance, and ensure that librarians across Cambodia have the support they need to grow and excel.
Conversations for Growth: Shaping the Future of Librarianship
Beyond the celebrations, librarians engaged in deep, forward looking discussions about the future of their profession. Participants reflected on their experiences, exchanged insights, and explored strategies to enhance professional skills, strengthen institutions, and elevate the impact of libraries across Cambodia.
These conversations were more than brainstorming sessions; they were a testament to the community’s shared dedication to growth, innovation, and excellence. Librarians collectively examined challenges, envisioned opportunities, and began mapping out practical steps to advance their work and the sector as a whole.
Through these exchanges, a clear and inspiring vision emerged: a Cambodian library community that is confident, capable, and ready to lead, where knowledge, creativity, and service come together to empower learners, enrich communities, and shape a stronger future for the nation.
These discussions reaffirmed that progress is not only celebrated in awards but also built through collaboration, reflection, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement; a foundation that will guide Cambodian librarians for years to come.
Celebrating Excellence: Honouring Outstanding Librarians
The emotional heart of the event was the Awards Ceremony, where librarians were recognized for their dedication, leadership, innovation, and impact. Their achievements represent years of service, countless acts of support for learners, and creative contributions that strengthen communities across Cambodia.
Library Lifetime Contribution Awards
Honoring individuals whose long-term commitment has shaped institutions, mentored generations, and safeguarded the country’s knowledge heritage.Global Library Advocate Awards
Recognizing librarians who elevate Cambodia’s presence in international networks and foster meaningful regional cooperation.Library Legacy Awards
Celebrating consistent service and community impact; the fundamental strengths that keep libraries vibrant and accessible nationwide.Emerging Library Leader Awards
Highlighting rising professionals whose innovation, curiosity, and leadership represent the future of Cambodian librarianship.
The ceremony carried a deep sense of pride and unity. Each award served as a reminder that the strength of Cambodia’s library sector lies in its people — their resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to public service.
Partners & Supporters
This year’s event was made possible through the generous support of CamEd Business School, whose role as host elevated the gathering with professionalism and warmth. The program was further enriched through the collaboration of Sipar, Institut Français du Cambodge, One Book One Community, the University of Puthisastra, and the Center for Khmer Studies, each adding depth, resources, and collective energy to the event.
Media sponsorship from the Institute of Technology of Cambodia helped bring greater visibility to the celebration, ensuring that the accomplishments of librarians reached a wider audience. In-kind support from the Royal University of Law and Economics and the American University of Phnom Penh added valuable contributions that helped create a smooth, meaningful, and well-supported event.
Together, these partners demonstrated a shared commitment to strengthening the nation’s library ecosystem and uplifting the professionals who serve within it.
Strategic Direction for 2026
A forward-looking strategic presentation by Ms. Huy Roseka, CLA Chair of Academic Libraries Division outlined CLA’s vision for 2026; a road map designed to support modernisation, capacity building, and greater regional presence.
The strategy is guided by four foundational pillars:
Professional Development & Certification
Building clear, structured pathways for learning, accreditation, and career growth.Library Innovation & Technology Support
Supporting modern service models, digital tools, and knowledge management innovation.International Collaboration & Partnerships
Positioning Cambodia as an active contributor within global library networks.Research, Policy & Advocacy
Ensuring librarians’ work and insights inform national educational development.
Together, these pillars form a unified mission: to elevate librarianship in Cambodia with confidence, capability, and regional visibility.
Looking Ahead: Cambodia’s Voice at CONSAL 2028
The Cambodian Library Association is approaching a significant milestone in regional engagement. With Singapore set to host the 20th Congress of Southeast Asian Libraries (CONSAL) in 2028, Cambodian librarians have a unique opportunity to showcase their research, innovations, and contributions on a respected international stage. This reflects the community’s growing skill, vision, and confidence, building a strong foundation for meaningful regional collaboration.
The 2025 AGM & Awards celebrated outstanding librarians and reaffirmed strategic priorities, highlighting a future defined by excellence, unity, and ambition. The event demonstrated the sector’s creativity, resilience, and dedication, inspiring all participants to aim higher, innovate further, and contribute to strengthening Cambodia’s library community.
As Cambodia moves into 2026, the library sector steps forward with renewed energy, clarity, and determination. This is a moment of promise and possibility, where libraries thrive because librarians lead with heart, skill, and vision ready to grow, collaborate, and shine on both national and regional stages, shaping a stronger, more vibrant future for Cambodian librarianship.
