Keng Vannsak dies, leaving profound intellectual legacy

Keng Vannsak dies, leaving profound intellectual legacy
Written by Sam Rith
Monday, 22 December 2008

Scholars praise deceased colleague whose contributions to education,
they say, continue to shape young Cambodian minds

A RENOWNED professor of Cambodian literature credited with creating
the first Khmer typewriter died of lung failure on Thursday at the
Montmorency hospital in Paris. He was 84 years old.

The death of Keng Vannsak, who was formerly a professor at Phnom
Penh's Lycee Sisowath, was mourned by many of his erstwhile
colleagues, who said it was a great loss for the nation.

"He was a true scholar, and he helped to establish modern Khmer
literature, culture and civilization," reflected Miech Ponn, a scholar
at the Buddhism Institute in Phnom Penh.

"We respect him because he was a real patriot, and he offered a basic
education for the young generation," said Cambodian historian
Michel Tranet.

Keng Vannsak had an unparalleled depth and breadth of knowledge, and
was a truly original thinker, said Ros Chantraboth, vice president of
the Royal Academy of Cambodia.

He had written many books on Cambodian culture, theatre, poetry and
was also a creative author - penning a series of short stories and
establishing the first centre for higher education focused entirely on
Khmer literature. He also created a writing system to guide the
creation of Khmer words.

Keng Vannsak left Cambodia for France in 1974 when he was appointed
the Cambodian ambassador to that country. After the Khmer Rouge seized
power in 1975, he decided not to return. He has never been back to
Cambodia.

"We're sorry he never returned to Cambodia, [as he could have]
instructed the young generation who still learn from his
achievements," Ros Chantraboth said.
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