From Ancient Coins to ABA Pay
Touring the Sosoro Museum
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting the Sosoro Museum in downtown Phnom Penh. Conveniently located just down the street from Sisowath Riverside Park, which straddles the Mekong River, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the region's economic history. Officially known as the Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum of Economy and Money, it is housed in a French colonial-era building that adds a touch of historical charm to the experience. Upon entering, I was immediately captivated by the array of interactive exhibits showcasing Khmer currency through the ages. The museum features numerous touch screens and video documentaries that make complex economic concepts accessible and engaging, providing a unique and immersive way to understand Cambodia's monetary evolution.
The museum is divided into several modules, each focusing on different periods and aspects of Cambodia's economic history, from the ancient Funan era to the present day. One of the highlights for me was the section on the Angkor Empire, which operated without a formal currency system for a period, relying instead on barter. The museum does an excellent job of contextualizing these changes and their impacts on society. Whether you're a history buff, a monetary policy enthusiast, or simply curious about Cambodia, the Sosoro Museum is a fantastic destination to visit in Phnom Penh.
Cambodian Securities Exchange
Right next door to the Sosoro Museum is the Cambodian Securities Exchange (CSX), a cornerstone of Cambodia's financial infrastructure since its establishment in 2012. The CSX has provided the private sector with an alternative means of raising capital. Currently, the exchange lists 11 stocks, reflecting a modest but growing market. Recent initiatives by the CSX aim to attract small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and increase market participation. These efforts include the introduction of new financial instruments, such as sustainability bonds, and the launch of an online trading account opening platform, which simplifies the process for investors. By enhancing public investment knowledge and offering zero-commission trading periods, the CSX is fostering a more robust and dynamic capital market in Cambodia. These steps are pivotal in increasing market liquidity and accessibility, setting the stage for a more vibrant economic future.
