I Spy – The Magic of Raffles, an exceptional artistic initiative celebrating 96 years of history and solidarity

Christophe Gargiulo
15 minutes ago
6 min read

It is a beautiful story unfolding today within the prestigious spaces of Raffles Hotel Le Royal, carried by a unique initiative: inviting the children from the NGO Sunrise Cambodia to express themselves through painting, inspired by the elegance and unique atmosphere of the hotel. Their works will then be exhibited and distributed as postcards, offering great visibility to their creativity and their vision of the world.

Above: the selected works

With the passionate support of dedicated artists and the backing of the prestigious Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Sunrise is redefining solidarity through this initiative that blends art, heritage, and human development.

On November 7, 2025, in Phnom Penh, Raffles Hotel Le Royal celebrated its 96th anniversary by launching this cultural and charitable initiative entitled "I Spy – The Magic of Raffles".

This initiative, created in partnership with Sunrise Cambodia, comes in the form of an art exhibition and a charity gala dinner, highlighting creativity, community, and compassion.

An approach inspired by the game of discovery

The project "I Spy – The Magic of Raffles" draws inspiration from the classic observation game, inviting participants to discover the details that make Raffles Hotel Le Royal unique: its history-filled corridors, its colonial architecture, and the generous "spirit" that has been part of its identity for nearly a century.

Through the eyes of young Cambodians, this project not only celebrates the hotel’s timeless beauty but also the essence of heritage, imagination, and hope.

An art competition for 25 Sunrise Cambodia children

Guided by renowned Cambodian master artist Chhim Sothy, as well as artists Li Ming Hang and Emmeline Mulder, the children were invited to freely interpret "The Magic of Raffles" according to their own sensibilities.

Some of these children, discovering painting or photography for the first time, were able to express their creativity while exploring the history and environment of Raffles. The project’s goal is to inspire confidence and provide a wonderful opportunity for self-valuation.

Charity gala dinner and auction

On November 24, 2025, Raffles Hotel Le Royal will host an exceptional gala dinner at Restaurant Le Royal, combining a three-course gourmet meal with a benefit auction featuring works by the children and their mentors.

This prestigious evening, running from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, is a major opportunity for financial support for Sunrise Cambodia.

Tickets, offered at the symbolic price of 96 USD net for two people in honor of the hotel’s 96 years, grant access to this experience blending gastronomy, art, and social commitment.

children happy to express themselves through art

The dedicated artists

Chhim Sothy, master artist, known for merging traditional Khmer symbolism with contemporary forms, mixing history and everyday life in his works. For this anniversary project, he generously contributes his time and talent to support Sunrise, convinced that creativity is a bridge between heritage, compassion, and hope.
Li Ming Hang, a Chinese artist based in Phnom Penh, founder of LiMH Studio, explores the intersection of visual identity, urban rhythm, and cultural translation. His works reflect his commitment to combining art, compassion, and community connection.
Emmeline Mulder, a Dutch artist and longtime friend of Raffles Hotel, brings human warmth and gentle expression. As a mentor, she guides the children in their artistic expression, passing on the belief that art is a language of hope.

Dagmar Lyons, General Manager of Raffles Hotel Le Royal, declares:

"For 96 years, Raffles has been a symbol of heritage, hospitality, and heart. Through ‘I Spy – The Magic of Raffles’, we celebrate our legacy by giving back—inspiring the next generation of Cambodian artists and supporting Sunrise Cambodia’s vital mission."

Geraldine Cox, founder of Sunrise Cambodia, adds:

"This collaboration brings immense joy to our children. It gives them a platform to express their creativity and confidence while connecting them to the community. We deeply thank Raffles for turning art into hope, and imagination into opportunity."

A project made possible by generous support

The initiative "I Spy – The Magic of Raffles" was made possible by the charitable support of Peace Book Centra and Pivot Management, two active contributors to community and creativity.

This project gracefully blends colonial heritage, artistic engagement, social inclusion, and philanthropy, perfectly illustrating the dynamic solidarity driven by Sunrise Cambodia and its valued partners such as Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

For over thirty years, Sunrise Cambodia has been a beacon of hope in the Cambodian social landscape, dedicated to breaking the cycles of poverty and abandonment that too often affect childhood. Founded in 1993, the organization has evolved into a complex network of care, education, and community support, serving hundreds of disadvantaged children.

The founder of Sunrise Cambodia: Geraldine Cox, a life dedicated to Cambodia's children

Geraldine Dorothea Cox AM was born in 1945 in Adelaide, South Australia. Considered a "wild child" within her family, her path led from diplomacy to an exceptional humanitarian mission. After a long career with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, Geraldine was sent to Phnom Penh in 1970, as Cambodia was ravaged by the Vietnam War and internal turmoil.

It was during this time that she fell in love with the country and the children she met, quickly becoming aware of their dire situation. Her commitment crystallized in 1993 when she founded Sunrise Cambodia, on the Cambodia-Thailand border, to aid displaced orphans living in horrific conditions. Geraldine chose to live onsite in 1995, dedicating her life to the children she now considers her family.

The affectionate nickname "M’Day Thom" (Great Mother) was given to her by the local community, reflecting the maternal role she has embodied ever since. In 1999, she obtained Cambodian citizenship by royal decree from King Norodom Sihanouk, a rare recognition of her significant contribution to the country.

Beyond daily management, Geraldine is also a model of humanity, advocating a philosophy centered on dignity, empowerment, and the creation of a family environment for the children. She sees education, sports, music, and art as the keys to unlocking the potential of young people, often marked by deep trauma.

During her career, Geraldine has mobilized a wide array of support, from individual donors to international institutions, including unique collaborations with artists and private companies like Raffles Hotel Le Royal. In September 2022, she handed leadership to Australian journalist Tracey Shelton, though she continues as a fundraiser and ambassador for the cause.

From its humble beginnings, Sunrise Cambodia has become a reference organization for protecting Cambodian children. Originally focused on residential care for orphans and abandoned children, the association has gradually adapted to the changing needs of the country.

Today, Sunrise places major emphasis on community education, family reintegration, and vocational training. More than 60 children live in residence at its centers, while hundreds more receive educational and material support at the home.

Sunrise manages educational projects open to all, offering free, quality education and social integration programs. These initiatives have helped children escape forced labor or prostitution, especially in high-risk areas.

The organization also meets the specific needs of children with disabilities, providing tailored medical and psychological support and integrating a multidisciplinary approach where art, music, dance, and sports are tools for healing.

The artistic and heritage alliance with Raffles Hotel Le Royal

A remarkable example of this innovative strategy is the project "I Spy - The Magic of Raffles," the result of close collaboration with contemporary artists and Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh's historic gem.

This program invites children to discover the hotel, its architecture, and its history, to capture its magic through photography, painting, sculpture, and music. This artistic dialogue offers emotional therapy, enhances their creativity, and enables their works to be showcased in exhibitions and auctions, generating vital resources.

The logistical and financial support of Raffles Hotel embodies an exemplary partnership between culture, private enterprise, and social action. This support is essential to the sustainability of the projects and shows how heritage and solidarity can enrich one another in service of a humanitarian cause.

The stories told by those who live or have lived the Sunrise experience reveal the deeply human dimension of the project.

Chhim Sothy, an artist supporting the initiative, confides: "I grew up with war and family violence. Art saved me, helped me heal. Today, I can dream and create a different future and I recognize myself in these children."

A young beneficiary testifies: "Before Sunrise, I was abandoned, without family. Here, I found a home, education, a family. Without them, I would be lost."

Educators emphasize the importance of holistic support, including artistic and sports therapies, allowing children to express their pain and rebuild their confidence.

Future perspectives and calls for solidarity

Sunrise Cambodia faces many challenges, notably financial, following the closure of orphanages with contentious practices, which has doubled the number of children taken in. Public and private solidarity is therefore crucial.

The organization aims to strengthen family reintegration, expand educational and cultural activities, enabling more children to flourish. Private partnerships, like the one established with Raffles Hotel, are models of success.

Every donor, every partner is invited to join this human adventure, rich in values, hope, and social innovation