Retrospective of 2023 events linked to the 70th anniversary of the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge
The year 2023 was marked by the grandiose celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, created at the request of the Kingdom’s authorities in 1953, the year of the country’s independence. Several events during the year were organized, culminating in a cocktail party and photographic exhibition at the French Embassy, conferences at the Institut Français du Cambodge and a Gala dinner for all employees in a hotel in Phnom Penh.
On Tuesday May 23, 2023, the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge celebrated its 70th anniversary in Cambodia in the magnificent garden of the French Embassy. His Excellency the Minister of Health, Professor Mam Bunheng, His Excellency Mr. Jacques Pellet, French Ambassador to Cambodia, Mr. Fernando Arenzana-Seisdedo, Director of International Affairs at the Institut Pasteur (Paris), Professor André Spiegel, Director of the IPC, and other local authorities and institutions honored us with their presence. The event provided an opportunity to recall the importance of the IPC’s work in the fields of research and public health, and a tribute was paid to all of its staff who worked at the Institute for these 70 years.
A photographic exhibition, retracing some of the highlights of the Institute’s history and presenting some of its emblematic activities, was also installed on the walls of the French Embassy in mid-May and on view until October 2023.
A first conference entitled “The three lives of Louis Pasteur”, hosted by Professor Patrice Debré, member of the Académie Nationale de Médecine, was held at the Institut Français du Cambodge on Thursday June 8, 2023. Around a hundred people attended, including the French Ambassador to Cambodia, His Excellency Mr. Jacques Pellet, and Professor Yves Buisson, member of the Académie Nationale de Médecine and former Director of the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (1999-2001). The conference also took place on the occasion of the Académie Nationale de Médecine’s mission to Phnom Penh, as part of its long-standing collaboration with the University of Health Sciences.
A second conference entitled “L’Institut Pasteur du Cambodge: 70 years of presence for the benefit of Science and Health in Cambodia”, led by Professor André Spiegel, Director of the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, took place on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at the Institut Français du Cambodge. Around a hundred people attended, including the Deputy Director General of Calmette Hospital, His Excellency Professor Koy Vanny, and the French Ambassador to Cambodia, His Excellency Mr. Jacques Pellet.
A film and a historical booklet, posters, a booklet presenting a series of historical images generated by the Artificial Intelligence of French artist and photographer Jérémie Montessuis, a book entitled “Insects in Cambodia” edited by SIPAR, goodies such as tote-bags, notebooks, pens, mugs, magnets and medals were also designed to commemorate this 70th anniversary.
Finally, this anniversary was also the occasion to organize a beautiful Gala dinner for all the employees of the Institute, on Friday December 8, 2023, in the restaurant located on the 20th floor of the Sokha Hotel & Residence. Around 270 guests enjoyed a sit-down dinner with a breathtaking view of the city of Phnom Penh. A number of events punctuated the anniversary, including speeches, a video and an interactive quiz on the history of the IPC, and a singing competition. This unique event ended with a dance party to bring all the guests together and enjoy a festive and joyful moment.
