His Excellency Hei Virak Pays Courtesy Visit to Living Human Treasure Master Chea Hea in Battambang Province

On September 3, 2026, His Excellency Hei Virak, Director of the Department of Cultural, Religious, and Historical Movement Promotion and Chairman of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC) Cultural and Fine Arts Working Group, representing Her Excellency Academician Minister Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, paid a courtesy visit to Master Chea Hea (Natakosol Vicha Chea Hea), a designated Living Human Treasure residing in Chamkar Samraong Village, Chamkar Samraong Commune, Battambang District, Battambang Province.

During the visit, His Excellency conveyed warm greetings and high regards on behalf of His Excellency Hun Many, President of the UYFC, and Her Excellency Academician Minister Phoeurng Sackona, while also delivering a financial contribution from the Minister to support Master Chea Hea.

Master Chea Hea is recognized as a Living Human Treasure—a title conferred upon individuals possessing exceptional skill, knowledge, and mastery vital to preserving and transmitting Cambodia’s cultural heritage. His artistic contributions include:

• Artistic Beginnings: Commenced training in Lakhon Bassac in 1941 before learning Lakhon Khol under Masters Pech and Ang, primarily excelling in comic roles.
• Troupe Leadership: Founded his own Lakhon Khol troupe around 1982 while continuing to support local Lakhon Bassac performances.
• Traditional Craftsmanship: Mastered the intricate art of crafting khmok (traditional paper-mâché masks) required for Lakhon Khol and actively passed down this craft to younger generations.
• Heritage Preservation: At 97 years of age, he remains widely respected by the artistic community and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts for his lifelong dedication to safeguarding traditional Cambodian performing arts.