Issue(s) to be researched
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Review literature/theories relating to topic/area
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Formulate research question(s)
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Consider whether a social survey is appropriate (if not, consider an alternative research design)
Monthly Archives: October 2008
Letter: Kith Meng’s use of the English language
| Written by Sophan Seng | |
| Tuesday, 14 October 2008 |
Dear Editor,
I am also uneasy [re: Letters October 9] with the very explicit words of Kith Meng in an interview “From ATMs to fried chicken” (October 6). But I understand [interviewer] Roger Mitton’s intention to maintain the original version articulated by Kith Meng.
In his speech, Kith Meng is understandable as a very aggressive capitalist. With his businesses ranging from financial marketing to KFC, Kith Meng might not forget the theory of economic efficiency that “it cannot make someone better off without making someone else worse off”.
The questions which need to be answered by tycoons like Kith Meng are: Do they continue their extreme business monopoly? How much do they care about social externalities, including social inequity? How much of their business is used to alleviate poverty through social entrepreneurship schemes? Do they prefer property rights, regulations, fair bidding or do they prefer the current ongoing lack of good governance in order to boost their profit?
Kith Meng: a tycoon of conscience
Dear Editor,
I am also at unease with very derogatory and explicit words of Kith Meng in an interview “From ATMs to fried chicken” (PPP, Oct. 06, 2008). But I understand Roger Mitton’s intention to maintaining original version articulated by Kith Meng.
In his speech, Kith Meng is understandable as a very aggressive capitalist. He elaborated many aspects instrumental to those who wish to succeed business. Ranging his business from financial marketing to food shop of KFC, Kith Meng might not forget the theory of economic efficiency saying that “it cannot make someone better off without making someone else worse off”. His incremental profit with businesses expanding feasibly narrowed inequity or continue benefiting at the expense of Cambodian poor.
Cambodia’s current economics is experiencing equilibrium inefficiency. There is no balance of supplying (producer) and demanding (purchaser). According to AFP, 35 percent of 14 millions of Cambodian people are living on less than 50 cent US a day. Cambodian officers and teachers are living on their government wage of about 40US per month. This is not included 83 percent Cambodian farmers, the major social stratum of Cambodia are living on daily subsistence life. The power of purchasing is vulnerably incompetent.
Beware of globalisation
| Written by Sophan Seng | |
| Thursday, 09 October 2008 |
Dear Editor,
It’s just the same song with different melodies. The change of world politics from barbarianism, to colonialism and to contemporary neo-liberal globalism lie on the same latitude: the strong exploit the weak. The change is just moving from explicit exploitation to implicit exploitation.
Civil society has become institutionalised; many rich countries have created their aid agencies to support other poorer countries.
Some aid has strings attached, some does not; but both are for the benefits of the donors primarily.
Aid is good for Cambodia. It is also good for donors because they can earn respect and business profits.
Japan’s aid to build bridges or pave roads is good for Cambodian people to commute easily, and it is also good for Japanese automobile companies to increase their sales of vehicles.