More than atmosphere: MC at the UHS 80th anniversary gala

On 6 October 2026, I had the opportunity to be the English MC at the gala dinner celebrating the 80th anniversary of the University of Health Sciences. The event was attended by H.E. Yit Sunnara, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Health and Chairman of the UHS Governing Board, and H.E. Professor Saphonn Vonthanak, Rector of UHS, among other guests.

Serei Van Kosaun and her fellow MC in traditional Khmer dress before a crimson curtain: she in gold with a draped shoulder cloth, he in a patterned jacket and gold belt — With my fellow MC at the UHS 80th anniversary gala. · Photo: Courtesy of Serei Van Kosaun

The programme featured three distinct forms of Cambodian performing arts: classical dance, including Apsara Dance, Neary Jea Jour, and Moni Mekhala; folk dance, including the Cardamom Harvesting Dance, Pailin Peacock Dance, and Plov Souy; and Lakhon Khaol, an excerpt of male masked theatre from the Reamker.

A masked giant and a crowned goddess dance before a stage screen filled with lightning — Moni Mekhala, from the classical part of the programme. · Photo: Courtesy of Serei Van Kosaun

My role was to introduce each performance briefly in English and share some background about it. I valued having the opportunity to provide context for the audience instead of just announcing what they were about to see. I also appreciated that UHS chose to include traditional performing arts as part of its celebration, giving the Royal University of Fine Arts the chance to curate and present these seven performances.

Two performers in ornate Khmer costumes pose together; the performer on the left holds a giant mask and axe, while the performer on the right wears blue and gold with a tall crown. — The artists who performed Mekhala and Ream Eyso. · Photo: Courtesy of Serei Van Kosaun

For me, sharing the stories and cultural context behind a performance is just as important as presenting the performance itself. The arts can accompany an occasion and become part of a shared experience, but when the audience also learns something about what they are watching, they have another way to connect with it. I hope traditional performing arts can be appreciated for more than the atmosphere or entertainment they bring to an event.