Interview by Evangelia Kagkelidou with Christoph Lüthy, Chairman of Laung Phnom

PRODYNA is a leading IT consultancy that not only excels in providing innovative technological solutions but also actively engages in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. One of their significant CSR initiatives is their partnership with the association “Laung Phnom”, an association for a good cause dedicated to promoting and preserving the sport of climbing in Cambodia.

The association Laung Phnom, which means Journey to the Mountain, was founded by expatriates who have lived in Cambodia for a decade. They established the country's first indoor rock-climbing gym, aiming to create a central hub for the climbing community. Their mission extends beyond just sports, as they strive to make climbing accessible to disadvantaged individuals, fostering values such as trust, community, and empowerment. The collaboration between PRODYNA and Laung Phnom began with PRODYNA becoming the first corporate sponsor of the association, marking a pivotal step in supporting the growth and development of climbing in Cambodia.

Can you give us a brief overview of Laung Phnom and its mission?

Christoph Lüthy: The association Laung Phnom aims to preserve and promote the sport of climbing in Cambodia. Established by expatriates who have lived in Cambodia for a decade, the association founded the country’s first indoor rock-climbing gym. This gym serves as the heart of the climbing community, providing accessible climbing opportunities for disadvantaged individuals. Climbing is not just a sport but a source of essential values such as trust, community, and empowerment—traits often lacking in the daily struggles of survival. By making climbing accessible, Laung Phnom offers joy, achievement, and a sense of community to those in need. The association's mission is to expand climbing programs, support international competitors, and strengthen the necessary infrastructure and institutions for the sport’s growth in Cambodia.

How has the sponsorship from PRODYNA helped Laung Phnom in its efforts to support children and athletes in Cambodia?

C.L: PRODYNA, as the first corporate sponsor of Laung Phnom, has played a pioneering role in supporting the association. Their contributions, both practical and financial, have directly benefited athletes and local climbing competitions. With minimal overhead costs, the association ensures that all funds go directly into the programs. PRODYNA's design expertise and monetary support have been invaluable in enhancing the climbing experience for Cambodian youth.

Can you tell us about specific programs or projects that have been particularly successful due to PRODYNA’s sponsorship?

C.L: Thanks to PRODYNA’s sponsorship, young climbers have been able to travel to the capital for national competitions—an eye-opening experience for many who had never left their hometowns. PRODYNA also supported a national climbing competition, crucial for athletes aiming to qualify for international events sanctioned by the International Climbing Federation. Such visibility is vital for the sport's success in Cambodia, where sponsorship is hard to come by. PRODYNA’s support has made a significant impact, allowing local climbers to compete on a global stage and inviting international athletes to Cambodia.

What are some of the challenges you face in your mission to help children and athletes in Cambodia, and how does sponsorship aid in overcoming these challenges?

C.L: Climbing is lacking priority in a sport system that does not have a lot of resources anyway. Climbing cannot count on the support of a climbing association. Furthermore, the number of companies that can sponsor sport activities rather put their funds into sports that deliver greater visibility like football or kickboxing. Climbing is depending on very few institutions in Cambodia and we want to make sure that those institutions are equipped to further grow the sport.

What are the future goals and aspirations of Laung Phnom, and how does the continued support from sponsors like PRODYNA fit into these plans?

C.L: Specifically, the association is involved in the following areas:

• Access to climbing activities
• Enablement of elite climbing activities
• Knowledge transfer
• Securing and expanding the climbing infrastructure

To do this, the association needs financial resources and people with the appropriate skills. The great thing about PRODYNA's investment is that they can deliver both. Our hope is that we will be able to invite Cambodian athletes to Europe so that they can train in top-notch facilities and experience real mountains and climbing experiences.

As the chairman, what motivates you personally to be involved in this cause, and can you share a memorable experience from your work with the children and athletes in Cambodia?

C.L: When we were running this climbing gym, it was always on our heart to make climbing available to anyone who wants to climb. At the same time, we had to earn money to pay salaries and rent. From some generous people, we received funds to support climbing. This enabled us to invite NGOs with disadvantaged children for climbing programs for a very low price. We used the gifts to subsidize the fees and to make the programs affordable for those NGOs. Every single kid that was able to break out of their daily struggles to join the gym and to climb those walls was a success. I remember seeing them looking up at the walls with eyes that said, “I will be never able to do this.” Then they tried and their friends were cheering them on, clapping, yelling, encouraging. And eventually, they made it to the top. I will never forget the smile on their faces. For children that do not hear a lot of encouragement in a normal day, such an experience can be powerful, and I hope that we can enable many more climbing experiences for disadvantaged children.

How can individuals and other organizations get involved with or support the mission of Laung Phnom?

C.L: We need brains and funds. And I am not talking about massive amounts. With 500 Euros, you can enable a group of 10 kids to participate in a weekly climbing program for half a year. We need people who see the potential behind the values of climbing and the difference it can make in people's lives who want to put time and thought into new ideas, outreach, fundraising, awareness, and other activities. The association is still very small, but each year when we review, I am amazed at how much we achieve with very little. So, imagine what we could achieve with more.