Six Cambodian heritage specialists completed a two-month training program on restoring ancient metal and ceramic artefacts, conducted by the APSARA National Authority (ANA) in partnership with the Korea Heritage Agency (KHA).

The program, which ran from August 31 to October 30, trained staff from three key cultural management bodies: three from the ANA, two from the Sambor Prei Kuk National Authority and one from the Preah Vihear National Authority.



Archaeologist and course instructor Kam Sophearum said lessons covered the examination, cleaning and preservation of bronze, iron and ceramic items, alongside scientific documentation and methods to prevent degradation from oxidation and humidity.

KHA Project Director Kim Dong-min said building local expertise ensures sustainable heritage preservation, laying the groundwork for Cambodian researchers to run future training at a conservation laboratory established with South Korean assistance.

ANA Department of Training, Research and Communication Director Im Sokrithy noted that while Cambodia has advanced in temple restoration over three decades, the country faces a shortage of metal conservation experts.

He said cooperation with KHA and the Korea International Cooperation Agency addresses this gap through the ANA Conservation Science Centre.