Manulife Helps People in Cambodia Live Healthier, More Active Lives, Brings Economic Benefits to Local Communities Through Angkor Wat International Half Marathon
Over 75,400 lives supported through fundraising for Angkor Hospital for Children!
NEWS RELEASE
December 7th, 2023
Siem Reap – Manulife Cambodia, the first wholly foreign-owned life insurance company in the kingdom, proudly celebrated the completion of the 28th edition of the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon (AWHM), marking its tenth year as the principal sponsor of the iconic race. With 10,154 runners from 78 countries taking part, the half marathon with the theme of “Run for the Better” is a testament to Manulife’s commitment to helping people in Cambodia live healthier, more active lives, and contributing to the local economy.
In addition to being the principal sponsor of the annual event since 2014, and with the support of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, Manulife initiated a fundraising program among its employees globally to support Angkor Hospital for Children (AHC), a non-profit organization with a mission to improve healthcare for Cambodian children. Manulife Cambodia's contributions have crucially funded treatment at AHC and health education in rural Cambodian communities. This year, $100,000 was raised, bringing Manulife's total support for AHC to over $650,000 (with $540,000 to hospital service) – reaching 17,400 children[1]. This funding is also equivalent to performing 13,000 life-saving surgeries or sustaining the emergency department for 253 weeks. Through funding the community outreach program in 2022, Manulife helped reach close to 58,000 rural Cambodians with education to improve their health and wellbeing.
Manulife’s sponsorship of the event and the fundraising program has encouraged Manulife employees and Cambodian people to live healthier lives, both physically and financially, and to help those in need. Srey Ngim, a mother of a former patient at the AHC, is grateful to the donation raised from the AWHM to AHC in providing free quality medical treatment to her son and other disadvantaged children. “I was in fear and worried for my child who was seriously ill. When I went to the emergency room, the doctors immediately started to treat my child with so much care until he fully recovered. I hope people will continue to donate to the hospital so that they can continue to help children in need,” said Srey.
Phil Witherington, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Asia, said “I’m delighted to see close to 300 Manulife staff joining runners from all over the world to participate in this year’s event. As the principal sponsor of the Angkor Wat Half Marathon over the past 10 years and a long-time partner for the Angkor Hospital for Children, our sponsorship is aimed at getting the people in Cambodia into the habit of living healthier lives and bringing economic benefit to local communities. It is a key element of our Impact Agenda, which has a bold goal of building a better business to better the world. I also want to congratulate all the runners in the race for taking part in the half marathon and hope everyone had a fantastic experience.”
Rotha Chan, CEO and General Manager, Manulife Cambodia, added, “Today’s success reflects Manulife’s position as a trusted partner for our employees, our customers, and people in Cambodia, in contributing to the growth of local economy and tourism – improving the well-being of the people and the communities that are indigenous to and live and work in the Angkor World Heritage Site. I look forward to many more years of successful marathons and impact for our community.”
H.E DR. Thong Khon, Senior Minister and President of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), thanked Manulife for being a cooperative and long-term partner, and for supporting the sport sector not only in Cambodia: “The cooperation between the NOCC and Manulife has promoted the Olympic sector. This reflects that Manulife is a great partner and a good model to other companies in Cambodia in being socially responsible for the community they operate in.”
"Manulife's generosity and commitment have made a positive impact on thousands of lives through our programs and medical services. We are honored to have them as our partner and look forward to continuing our collaboration in the future," shared, Dr. Ngoun Chanpheaktra, AHC’s CEO and Hospital Director.
For more information on, and updates from Manulife Cambodia, follow the ‘Manulife Cambodia’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ManulifeKH or visit www.manulife.com.kh.