AKP Phnom Penh, June 11, 2026 -- The Cambodia-Japan Friendship School and Italian NGO IL NODO have received a total of US$20,000 in donations raised from a recent charity concert to support educational projects and underprivileged students in Cambodia.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron presided over the official handover ceremony for the "Carnegie in Cambodia" concert proceeds, which took place Wednesday evening at the Canadian International School (CIS) in Phnom Penh.

The funds will provide scholarships and educational resources for students at the Cambodia-Japan Friendship School in eastern Prey Veng province and those supported by IL NODO Cambodia.

During the ceremony, H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron expressed his gratitude to Étoile Performing Arts and corporate donors, including Vattanac Bank, OCIC, Cellcard, Sofitel, Singapore Airlines, and the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port, for their contributions to the event's success.

The education minister also highly commended Anna Sophie Abe, the 17-year-old founder of the initiative, praising her visionary leadership and compassion in organising the concert to help children from low-income families.

"This initiative is not just a one-time donation; it is a vital driving force and an investment in human potential for the future of Cambodia," H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron said, noting that the Étoile Scholarship Fund will allow underprivileged youth to pursue their dreams.

By K. Rithy Reak