July 2025, Phnom Penh, Cambodia — Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) and Princess Buppha Devi Dance School have signed a new partnership agreement to strengthen their shared commitment to preserving and promoting Cambodia’s performing arts, with the Chenla Art Center serving as a central pillar of this collaboration. The partnership was signed by His Royal Highness Prince Tesso Sisowath and Thierry Tea, Vice President of OCIC.

This next step builds on an already meaningful relationship. Today, the dance classes of the Princess Buppha Devi Dance School, led by H.R.H. Prince Sisowath Tesso, is held at the Canadian International School of Phnom Penh (CIS), an OCIC affiliated company. Offered free of charge, the classes foster diversity among youth in a modern educational setting while helping sustain Khmer classical dance for future generations.

This initiative is part of OCIC’s broader support for the performing arts. The Group notably supported the screening of the documentary film The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, by Xavier de Lauzanne, which celebrates the elegance and heritage of traditional Khmer dance.

OCIC aims to create more opportunities for students and artists to perform and share their art with wider audiences through the revitalized Chenla Art Center and its iconic stage. Opened in 1969 and driven by the vision of His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk, the venue was inaugurated during the second Phnom Penh International Film Festival in a ceremony presided over by renowned architect Vann Molyvann.

“This collaboration will bring a multidisciplinary cultural space to the capital, and the Princess Buppha Devi Dance School is proud to be part of this OCIC initiative by giving our artists the opportunity to perform on the historic stage of the Chenla Theater,” said His Royal Highness Prince Sisowath Tesso.

After standing unused for several decades, the venue was renovated in 2002 by Canadia Bank, part of Canadia Group alongside OCIC. Today, the Chenla Art Center remains an architectural landmark, with its striking Brutalist lines and sculptural roof — a legacy of Cambodia’s New Khmer Architecture movement.

“Cultural expression is essential to a thriving city,” said Thierry Tea, Vice President, OCIC. “Chenla Art Center reflects our commitment to supporting artists and making cultural heritage accessible to all.”

Together, the Princess Buppha Devi Dance School and OCIC aredeveloping a calendar of performances and cultural events that spotlight Khmerdance, engage the community, and celebrate Phnom Penh’s vibrant cultural life.

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