The resurgence of contemporary Khmer cuisine continues apace with the news that Cambodia will enter the prestigious Bocuse d�Or - described as the culinary equivalent of the Olympic Games - for the first time ever this year; an unprecedented opportunity to showcase and celebrate the country�s flourishing culinary scene to a global audience. At a press conference at H�tel de la Paix in Siem Reap, Minister of Tourism His Excellency Dr. Thong Khon confirmed that Mr Prom Mear Yeat, master chef of culinary arts at the nearby Paul DuBrule School, had been selected to represent Cambodia at the Bocuse d�Or Asia Qualifying Round, which takes place in Shanghai from 17 � 20 March 2010.

The selection of Mr Mear Yeat is a great honour for the Paul DuBrule School. Inaugurated in 2002 by Paul DuBrule, co-founder of the Accor Hotel Group, following an eight-month bicycle trip from Fontainebleau in France to Siem Reap, the school is a charitable NGO providing young Cambodians with world-class training and practical experience in a real working environment, preparing them for dynamic careers in the hospitality and tourism industries. More than half of the students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and the school is reliant on charitable donations and a sponsorship programme, yet 90 per cent of its students secure employment after graduation.

H�tel de la Paix�s pioneering executive chef Joannes Riviere was also confirmed as Cambodia�s Bocuse d�Or president, reaffirming the hotel�s position at the cutting edge of contemporary Khmer cuisine. Since relocating to Cambodia for voluntary work in 2003, French-born Riviere has immersed himself in Khmer cuisine and culture, founding the Siem Reap Chef Association and writing the first ever French language Khmer cookbook. As well as identifying and helping to prepare the Cambodian candidate, Riviere will sit on the judging panel at the Bocuse d�Or Asia event.

Brainchild of celebrated chef Paul Bocuse, the Bocuse d�Or was established in 1987 and was the first professional culinary competition to take place in front of a live audience. Having established itself over two decades as the world�s pre-eminent chef championship, the Bocuse d�Or launched regional competitions for Europe and Asia in 2008, extending the opportunity to qualify for the global finals to many more nations.

For further information on the Bocuse d�Or visit: www.bocusedorasia.com. For further information on the Paul DuBrule School visit: www.ecolepauldubrule.org. For further information on Hotel de la Paix visit www.hoteldelapaixangkor.com or call tel: +855 63 966 000.

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Notes to editors: The Paul DuBrule School is a non-governmental organisation which seeks to give young Cambodians excellent training and stringent qualifications necessary to contribute towards sustainable tourism in Cambodia. A firm commitment has been made to handing the school over to the Cambodian authorities in the medium term, once the school has identified and trained Cambodian staff to assume key managerial and instructional positions. The 2000m2 school campus comprises three buildings containing full professional kitchens, a hotel and two restaurants open to the public, seminar and catering facilities, eight classrooms, conference rooms and a comprehensive library, not to mention a cutting edge digital language laboratory. The school�s hotel and restaurants welcome guests and allow students to gain real-life experience under the watchful eye of experienced teachers. For further information visit www.ecolepauldubrule.org or call tel: +855 63 963 671.

Located in the heart of Siem Reap, close to the cultural and historic heart of Cambodia, H�tel de la Paix is a luxury boutique hotel within easy reach of colourful markets and vibrant nightlife; and just a few kilometres from the breathtaking temple complexes of Angkor Wat, often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Khmer culture is celebrated in every aspect of style and service at H�tel de la Paix, from the Meric Restaurant, with its seasonally inspired local cuisine to the Arts Lounge, which pays tribute to Cambodian artists; and Spa Indochine, which offers signature traditional treatments. Each of H�tel de la Paix�s 107 spacious, beautifully appointed en suite rooms features chic interiors and contemporary furnishings complimented by intricate wall mountings and handcrafted lamps, creating a balance between modern design and traditional detailing.

H�tel de la Paix is operated by Ativa Hospitality, an experienced, Asian-based management company specialising in the development and management of independent deluxe boutique hotels. Ativa Hospitality currently manages properties in Thailand and Cambodia with project developments in Vietnam, Laos and India. For further information visit www.ativahospitality.com.

For further press information, or to discuss opportunities to visit H�tel de la Paix, contact:

Eleanore Longley, Nat Frogley or Flora Gandolfo Bacall Associates, 63 Catherine Place, London, SW1E 6DY Tel: +44 8704 288 401 Fax: +44 8704 288 402 E-mail: firstname@bacall.net Web: www.bacallassociates.co.uk