Founder
Amanda Imai is a paintings and objects conservator. She received her Master of Science (MSc) in Conservation from University College London and Master of Arts (MA) in Art History and Archaeology from Columbia University. Her past work includes projects for UNESCO, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the National Gallery Singapore, the Brooklyn Museum in New York, Sotheby’s, and archaeological conservation in Italy. Amanda is also the director of Art Conservatory, a private practice that specialises in paintings conservation.
Amanda has been involved in archaeological conservation in Cambodia since 2022, where she experienced the unforgettable wonder of ancient Khmer temples. Her continuing quest to spread knowledge of vital conservation skills so our world’s historical treasures can be preserved led her to becoming the founder of the Khmer Temple Foundation in 2023.
Amanda Imai
Conservator
“The first time I saw the shrine at Prasat Pram in Koh Ker, a 25-metre-high tree was growing on it, and it was completely enveloped in winding branches. I had never seen anything so magical and ancient before. Over 7 centuries, the architecture had become one with its environment, but it required careful conservation so that the tree would not break the building apart. From then on, I wanted to dedicate my conservation skills to protect such historic sites from ruin so that future generations can also look in wonder at ancient Khmer temples.”
Heritage Team
Here at the Khmer Temple Foundation, we’re thankful to have a passionate team of experts who share the same motivation to save our precious temples from ruin so they can continue to be a vital part of Khmer heritage and culture. Through our team’s range of crucial conservation skills, we put your kind support into action on the ground in Cambodia.
Sim Eum
Chief Groundskeeper at Preah Ko,
a 9th c. temple
“My family has lived on the temple grounds at Preah Ko for 3 generations and looked after it. In 1966, I stopped thieves from stealing a relief sculpture, and I carved some of the replacement columns myself. Now I’m teaching my grandson the skills to do the same, but it’s hard for us to keep doing so with so little funding. For an entire day of conservation work, I am sometimes paid as little as $7 USD by government aid. With the help of your donations, I hope my family can keep protecting Preah Ko and other temples like it.”
Saray Kimhuol
Conservator
“Many ancient temples are hidden in the jungle and end up being neglected, overlooked by grant committees, and falling into ruin. Even when we’re given grants, funds are limited for each project—not enough for all the materials and hired workers we need to conserve these temples. Oftentimes I must fund these projects myself and work on them in my free time with volunteer help from locals. My goal is to help all these lesser-known temples, which are just as important to preserve as the famous ones.”
Mey Kosal
Archaeological and Heritage Advisor
“Preserving Khmer temples is important to me because many are on the brink of collapse throughout Cambodia due to insufficient funds. It’s imperative that we support these temples, which cannot be fully appreciated or even accessed in their current, dangerous states.”