Cambodians have begun turning to Chinese-brand air-conditioners and tech gadgets to beat the heat during this scorching summer season.
At a Gree air conditioner store in Phnom Penh, sales have steadily increased over recent years, as consumers experience the products' quality, performance and reliability firsthand.
Chinese company Gree is the largest manufacturer of air conditioners in the world.
"Our products consume less energy and can cool the room down in a very short time after they are turned on," said Lim Moyly, a Gree salesperson.
For many Cambodian households, electricity remains a significant monthly expense, which makes energy efficiency a key consideration.
After-sales service is another major concern for consumers. To address that, Gree has established a rapid-response maintenance and repair network, helping build customer confidence and contributing to its growing popularity in the Cambodian market.
"When customers require on-site repair service, our team will arrive within 15 minutes to examine the issue and then schedule a repair appointment with them," said Lim Moyly.
While Gree air conditioners meet household demands, other Chinese brands focus on individuals to provide more subtle help.
"It's pretty hot lately in Cambodia, so I came here to buy a portable fan, and wet wipes to cool my face and neck. I think Chinese products are pretty good, and the prices are not high," said a customer.
Portable handheld fans, neck-hanging fans, cooling sprays, and ice neckbands are increasingly common sights on the streets of Phnom Penh. Many people are using at least one of these gadgets to stay cool amid the intense heat, reflecting a surge in demand for affordable, easy-to-use cooling solutions during Cambodia's hot summer months.
"They sell so good that they are out of stock now. We are ordering more from China and trying to ship them to Cambodia quickly. The prices generally are around 10 dollars so everyone can afford them," said Ngoun Sivleang, another salesperson.
These Chinese brands see strong growth potential in Cambodia, driven by rising demand from industrial and commercial customers placing larger-volume orders. To serve the local market better, they plan to introduce new customized models tailored to the needs of Cambodian consumers and businesses.
Chinese brands gain traction in Cambodia as heatwave drives demand for cooling products
Chinese box-office hit "Dear You" premiered in Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday ahead of its nationwide theatrical release, warming the hearts of numerous local viewers.
The premiere was jointly organized by Vietnamese distributors Mockingbird Pictures and Galaxy Studio, with the support of the China Cultural Center in Hanoi.
Nearly 1,000 guests, including representatives of Vietnam's film industry, cultural scholars, members of the overseas Chinese community, representatives of Chinese enterprises in Vietnam and media organizations, attended the event.
Shot entirely in the Chaoshan (Teochew) dialect, the low-budget film became a massive box-office phenomenon in China this summer, with its global box office revenues surpassing 2.1 billion yuan (about 310 million U.S. dollars) since its April 30 release.
Known in Chinese as "Love Letters to Grandma," the movie centers on remittance letters used by overseas Chinese to stay connected with their families back home from the 1940s to 1970s. Through these letters, the characters uncover memories, love and interconnected family bonds in a simple yet deeply genuine narrative.
Even before its premiere, "Dear You" had generated significant buzz across Vietnamese social media platforms.
Doan Thi Trang Anh, deputy CEO of Mockingbird Pictures, said securing the distribution rights for "Dear You" in Vietnam was a special opportunity for the company, hoping that it could bring more Chinese films to Vietnamese audiences in the future.
"We consider it a remarkable piece of work full of new and creative touches. We can see that it is more than just a movie -- it carries deep cultural and historical significance for China, while also offering a moving portrayal of the true emotional connection between a husband and wife," Doan Thi Trang Anh told China Media Group (CMG).
After the premiere, the audience responded with great enthusiasm and offered glowing reviews.
"I feel that this movie speaks to the hearts and minds of Vietnamese audiences as well," said Nguyen Tuan, an audience member.
"There are many scenes in the film that remind me of my own grandparents. it really struck a chord with me," said Thu Thuy, a Vietnamese singer who also attended the premiere.
The film is set to hit cinemas nationwide in Vietnam beginning Wednesday. It will be available in three language versions: Mandarin Chinese, Chaochan dialect, and Vietnamese to cater to different viewing preferences.
The movie has also hit the screens in several other Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand and Indonesia.
Chinese film 'Dear You' resonates with Vietnamese audience at premiere
