When Cambodian culture comes to Paris: a landmark exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the AEPK

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Association of Khmer Pharmacy Students and Pharmacists (AEPK), Sabay Events Production had the honor of designing and orchestrating an exceptional cultural exhibition in the cocktail hall of the Pavillon d'Armenonville, an iconic venue nestled in the heart of Paris’s 16th arrondissement, just steps from the Jardin d’Acclimatation and the Fondation Louis Vuitton.

This event, unprecedented in its format in France, brought together exceptional craftsmanship, traditional silks, and authentic Cambodian flavors, offering guests a rare sensory and cultural immersion: a journey into the heart of Khmer heritage, in Paris.

An exhibition in service of a living heritage

Designed as a showcase for the richness of Khmer culture, the exhibition highlighted three essential dimensions of Cambodian heritage, represented by leading partners recognized for their commitment to preserving and transmitting ancestral know-how.

Craftsmanship — Satcha

Located in the heart of Siem Reap, Satcha is much more than a craft center: it is a living celebration of Khmer art, heritage, and innovation. The center houses six workshops specializing in twelve traditional crafts (weaving, stone and wood carving, painting, ceramics, lacquer, braiding, leather carving, jewelry), led by master artisans with ten to twenty years of experience. Sabay Events Production and Satcha share a common conviction: Khmer culture deserves to be known, recognized, and celebrated far beyond Cambodia’s borders.

It is in this shared spirit that Satcha entrusted Sabay with showcasing its artisans’ creations in France, and offered two monumental pieces specially created for the occasion: a sandstone statue of Suryavarman, an emblematic figure of Khmer royalty, and Erawan, the majestic three-headed elephant—striking works that served as the centerpiece of the exhibition.

Fine silk — IKTT (Institute for Khmer Traditional Textiles)

Founded in 1996 by Kikuo Morimoto, a master dyer from Kyoto, Japan, the IKTT (Institute for Khmer Traditional Textiles) was born from an urgent mission: to save traditional Khmer silk from disappearance after the Khmer Rouge era devastated weaving communities. Established on 23 hectares of regenerated forest near Siem Reap, the Institute preserves the art of hôl (Khmer ikat) through a living community of several hundred weavers, working with Cambodia’s golden silk using natural dyes sourced from the forest. In this same spirit of transmission and cultural outreach, IKTT chose to partner with Sabay Events Production to bring its creations to Paris, offering the French public a rare encounter with one of Southeast Asia’s most refined textile heritages.

Flavors — Evaan Market

Evaan Market curated the “Flavors” segment of the exhibition, presenting a selection of authentically Cambodian products and introducing guests to the rich culinary identity of a country still too often overlooked on the international gastronomic stage.

A warmly received event

The exhibition received an exceptional response from guests, partners, and distinguished attendees present at the gala evening. Emotion, pride, and discovery shaped this memorable event, confirming the public’s appetite for an authentic and vibrant representation of Cambodian culture in France.

To date, such a comprehensive presentation of Khmer craftsmanship in such a prestigious setting remains unprecedented in France, aside from the permanent collections of the Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts.

About Sabay Events Production

Founded and led by Dara Thong, known as Dara Sabay, Sabay Events Production is an event agency specializing in Asia, particularly Cambodia.

As the founder and organizer of the Sabay Festival and the Asian Street Food Festival, the agency also produces cultural events (exhibitions, concerts, performances) and supports its clients in organizing exceptional celebrations. Committed to promoting Southeast Asian cultures, Sabay creates events that carry meaning, emotion, and excellence.