Cambodia’s new VVIP terminal at Techo International Airport features design elements inspired by Angkor Wat, including traditional lotus motifs and intricate carvings, reflecting the country’s cultural heritage as it prepares to welcome international dignitaries for the upcoming Francophonie Summit.
Following a blessing ceremony at the new VVIP terminal on November 4, Charles Vann, Managing Director of CAIC, said the facility would begin operations on November 13, coinciding with the arrival of guests for the Francophonie Summit.
Vann said:
Samdech Hun Manet has placed great importance on this project, given the need to host international guests, particularly for the Francophonie Summit. Consequently, the entire airport team has been fully committed and determined to ensure that construction of the VVIP terminal is completed on time.
Today, we are witnessing the successful completion of the work undertaken by Samdech Hun Manet’s team, marking a major milestone. We have invited the Supreme Patriarch to conduct a blessing ceremony and perform a ritual sprinkling of holy water to ensure peace and well-being at this VVIP facility. This marks another tremendous achievement, following the recent inauguration of Techo International Airport. We have prepared this facility not only to welcome domestic guests but also to facilitate cargo handling, serving our continent and region while contributing to global logistics.
Historically, this VVIP area is unique. It is the first of its kind to incorporate design elements inspired by Angkor Wat, including lotus motifs and intricate carvings that reflect our national culture. These elements were carefully selected and integrated into the design of the facility.
We will soon establish a dedicated centre to showcase these features to the public and explain the vision behind the original design. This will include details of the cultural motifs selected and how our architects incorporated them into the VVIP facility and the broader complex.
Regarding the VVIP areas in particular, as we can see in many other countries, the reception and treatment accorded to VVIP guests here are of great importance and grandeur, making this a particularly distinctive feature. The design concepts originated entirely with our own Khmer team before being handed over to our architectural colleagues, who refined the details and finalised the drawings.
We believe this approach is highly appropriate, as the Angkorian era is deeply reflected in many of our ancient artefacts. Consequently, we have incorporated these historical elements and traditional design styles into the “Techo Era” under the leadership of Samdech Hun Manet. Through this construction, we aim to help younger and future generations understand how our design styles have evolved across different eras, tracing the nation’s development from the past to the present while laying the foundation for the future.
Regarding the bas-reliefs and carvings featured in the VVIP rooms, we worked closely with the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, consulting the Minister and Secretaries of State, who personally inspected the selections. We also visited the National Museum to carefully select the pieces, ensuring that each was appropriate for its designated room, including those reserved for His Majesty the King, the President of the National Assembly and the Prime Minister.
onsiderable thought has also gone into selecting the sculptures for these spaces. Those currently in place were provided by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and are intended only as a temporary arrangement. Meanwhile, our internal team is working on creating new, custom-made sculptures specifically for the VVIP rooms. We are planning for the long term, but this process requires time. Given the current circumstances, we cannot proceed with the installation just yet and will address it at a later stage.
