Her Excellency Buntha Nhek

Cambodia

H.E. Buntha Nhek was born in 1953 and attended school in Battambang Province. During the Pol Pot regime, from 1975 to 1979, she worked as a farmer. It was a difficult period in Cambodian history and many people suffered. In 1980, she began working in Cambodia’s Customs Department and soon rose to become the office’s deputy head. Her strong belief in Buddhist teachings, coupled with what she saw as the great need of the Cambodian people, led her to where she is today. She really wanted to be able to do something that would help relieve the suffering of Cambodians. More specifically, H.E. Buntha Nhek wanted to find a way to help develop good minds. In the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge rule, people were killing each other out of hatred or because of jealousy. Society was greatly lacking in morals. In order to promote good morals, she created and currently leads the Buddhist Association of Cambodia. Her Master’s Degree in Philosophy from the Royal Academy of Cambodia has well served her in creating Cambodia’s Buddhist revival.

As head of the Buddhist Association of Cambodia, her primary tasks are to promote the teachings of morality and peace. Thus, in 2001, she created, “Buddhist Debates,” which bring together monks, laity, and various members of society of different ranks and standings, to discuss issues pertinent to Buddhism. They often discuss topics, such as: morality, peace, how Buddhism can help Cambodia heal, how Buddhism can help Cambodia develop, and how people may be productive members of society. The debates are often broadcasted on radio and television so that large numbers of Cambodians have a chance to learn from them. H.E. Buntha Nhek also goes on radio and television quite regularly to talk about these very issues. In addition, to her work at the Buddhist Association, she is also an advisor to the Great Supreme Patriarch of Cambodian monks.

Achievements

Receiving Buddhist relics from the USA to Cambodia

Participation in International Buddhist Meetings

Organizing Pilgrimages to India, Sri Lanka & Myanmar

Donations to the Royal King for Humanities & to the Red Cross

Tree Offering Ceremony 30,000 trees and flowers

Creation of the Buddhist Cultural Center of Cambodia (BCCC) at Kirirom National Park

Honors

Highest Honorific Title from the Royal King & Royal Government

Executive Advisor to the Maha Nikaya Sect of Cambodian Buddhism

Honorific Title from Preah Samdech Maha Sangharach

World Alliance of Buddhists 2014 Award & 2018 Leader’s Award