Khmer Voices Live in Hamilton was our first live audience show. It began with a Buddhist blessing followed by an interview with Venerable Dhammo and a panel discussion. Speakers: == Venerable Thach Truong Dhammo is a distinguished Khmer Krom Buddhist monk born in Vietnam and ordained as a Novice Monk in 1980. He subsequently took higher ordination as a full Theravada Buddhist monk in 1985. Arriving in Toronto, Venerable Dhammo’s leadership was instrumental in establishing Buddhist Temples in Toronto, London, Windsor, Vancouver, and Orlando, Florida. Since November 1999, he has served as Abbot at the Khmer Kampuchea Krom Buddhist Temple in Hamilton. Bhante Dhammo is actively involved with the Khmer Kampuchea Krom Federation (KKF) and International Religious Freedom. He completed his Ontario College Diploma in Social Service Work from Mohawk College in 2023 and speaks 5 languages: Khmer, Vietnamese, Laotian, Thai, and English. == Lok Kru Manin Hak was a student of the famous Kun Khmer fighter Chhin Khvan. He spent many years in a Thai refugee camp after escaping Cambodia. In this period Lok Kru Manin had numerous Muay Thai matches with Thai opponents while in Thailand. Dedicated to preserving and teaching our ancient martial art, Pradal Serey/Kun Khmer, Lok Kru owns and operates Black Eagle Martial Arts in Hamilton. It is one of only two gyms in Canada that teaches this ancient Khmer martial art that nearly perished during the civil war and genocide. == As the youngest of six children, Chanthoeun Son immigrated with her family to Hamilton in 1986 after being accepted to Canada as refugees. She built a 15-year career in the digital fintech sector alongside a decade of experience in real estate. As a Senior Manager and Consultant, she led large development teams and release management initiatives for major digital transformation programs at leading financial institutions. Following the passing of her father, Chanthoeun experienced a pivotal turning point that deepened her sense of responsibility and purpose. She is now dedicated to renewing connections to Cambodian culture, history, and identity. == Mary Prum is your classic third culture kid - trying to fit in, whether it meant not feeling Cambodian enough or trying to assimilate into Canadian culture. Born to Khmer refugees in Vancouver, she eventually set her roots in Hamilton. She tried following the path that was expected of her, but getting burnt out and feeling stuck landed her in South Korea teaching English. Since returning to Canada in 2017, she realized there was always a calling and passion for food. An opportunity came Mary couldn't ignore and thus came Pintoh and Eem Khao, two Thai restaurants that became her creative outlet. == Khmer Voices Live in Vancouver - October 24, 2026 ------------ Subscribe to Khmer Voices Letter https://khmer-voices-letter.beehiiv.com/ Learn Khmer with the ReanKhmer app! This is what I’m using to increase my proficiency. Hosting an event in Canada? Use Bloom Tickets to sell your tickets, like me! Here's my referral link. Let's connect on Instagram @KhmerVoices Do you have an inspiring story you'd like to share on Khmer Voices? DM me on social. Intro and outro music by https://pixabay.com/users/chhuchchhuch-26181660/
