Dear Friends,
Thank you very much for the interest in my book and for the number of letters I had received from you.
Also, please be advised that the full version of my book "The Kingdom of" will be exclusively posted on the site of Cambodia Business Network at: http://www.
Read: "The Kingom of" part seven: fragment III here.
Part Eight: Robert F. Armao
To my regret, a heavy schedule of planned activities precluded our visitation of the museums and other tourist sights of New York. And I must admit that after Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and the Royal Palace, I found it extremely difficult to amuse my Cambodian brother Bunnaroeun An with New York’s architecture. And so, in keeping with the flavor of the city and its people, I tried to show the best that New York City has to offer. I scheduled our meetings in the most luxurious restaurants and hotels, thus allowing my friend to experience a wonderful combination of business and leisure in one of the richest cities in the world. Even so, I was reminded of a bit of wisdom from the great Albert Einstein: everything is relative in this world.
Once we got home after the usual daily business routine, my brother Bunnaroeun was ready to drop onto the bed from exhaustion. As I passed his room, I heard wonderful pearls of the Cambodian folk melodies that my brother had brought with him to America. The songs gently filled the Manhattan atmosphere, drowning out the sounds of vibration that dominate this huge megalopolis.
One week in New York passed quickly. I have to give recognition to Bunnaroeun; he achieved so much in his adaptation to the civilized world of business and fully adopted the rules of this urban jungle.
Thanks to Mr. Leslie, a meeting was scheduled with Robert Armao. Before the meeting with Mr. Armao I was fortunate enough to explore areas of business opportunities, and I was immensely impressed with Mr. Armao’s international involvement and the grand scale of its possibilities.
Studying his list of associations and the projects in which Mr. Armao was directly involved as a political consultant and business advisor; I did not doubt for a second the eventual success of the company.
Mr. Armao, long served as an Advisor to the Late Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi of Iran and as of today is still associated with the Pahlavi family. .”
While awaiting our scheduled meeting, which was supposed take place at the Bon-Bon World corporate office, I concentrated on prayer:
“May it please You Lord, our God and God of our fathers, lead us for a peaceful journey, and direct our steps on the safe path, and show us reliable ways, and support us, giving us peace, and lead us to the goal of our journey for life, joy and prosperity ...” As the intercom rang, “Mr. Shukhman, you have a guest, Mr. Armao’” the astonishing voice of our beautiful Lucrisia, our building’s concierge, was on the other end. “Please lead him up,” I cheered to her.
Mr. Leslie and I went out the door to meet Mr. Armao in the hallway. A speedy elevator made our wait a short one. Surrounded by his secretarial staff, Mr. Armao was greeted by the sight of Leslie’s cheerfully smiling walk in his direction. He shook hands with Mr. Leslie, who introduced me, “That’s my partner, Gregory.”
The man was instantly recognizable by his marvelous deportment, impeccable dressed and his smiling face shared a certain similarity with the Prince of Wales’s.
When we walked into the room, we were all cheerful. The absolutely positive atmosphere predicted the beginning of a good business partnership. Mr. Armao politely greeted Bunnaroeun, saying “I'm Robert Armao; it’s nice to meet you, Mr. Minister.” Bunnaroeun then responded in English to Mr. Armao saying, “As a personal advisor to Samdech Chea Sim, the President of the Cambodian Senate and the Chairman of the Cambodian People’s Party, I thank you for coming, Mr. Armao.” Afterward, Mr. Armao introduced his assistants to the Minister.
This amazing start quickly led us to the place of feeling that we had known each other for a long time. Mr. Leslie, who had joined us in New York, then shared some stories and legends about the city with us.
Mr. Armao, with his characteristic respect for guests of our country, shared some amazing facts regarding historical events in the Kingdom of Cambodia, effectively pulling Bunnaroeun into the conversation as he started. “The President of the Senate and the Chairman of the Cambodian People’s Party, Samdech Chea Sim, has sent me to the United States with the mission of attracting American investors to our country where we have a variety of available opportunities within mining, construction and development, tourism, and agriculture.” He had continued in Russian with my translation, “If you visit us, we will certainly show you and your team all available opportunities within your areas of interests, and we will give our support to help you achieve your goals in the future business.”
At that time, Mr. Armao was working in South Korea, a relationship which worked in our favor because of the close location of the two countries.
Mr. Armao will be able to visit the Kingdom knowing that our side will be capable of meeting any of the needs that attracted Mr. Armao’ efforts to achieve the noble purpose of our goal. I believe there were no promises from our side given and was just as it sounded, “Please visit this country, and for your future consideration we will show the all the possibility we have to offer.” Because Mr. Armao planned go to Korea , he accepted the invitation and promised that during his stay in Korea, he will spend some time to looking into prospects in Cambodia, if doing fit his expertise or ideas. This response was a good sign for us.
Finally, after one week, our brother Bunnaroeun no longer suffered from jet lag or homesickness and he returned to normal. He needed to go to Lowell city in Middlesex County of Massachusetts, where approximately thirty thousand Khmer natives live, some of whom are friends who he promised that with twenty-five thousand dollars Bunnaroeun could obtain a position as an advisor for the President of Senate. He was in favor of The Cambodia Peoples Party and the organization’s need for funds to continue their movement for freedom and democracy. He asked me, “What is the appropriated charity for this position?” I couldn’t find an answer.
Also, Bunnaroeun was supposed to visit Alex who lived in Boston, which is just 30 miles away from Lowell city. Alex was with us in Cambodia at Mikhail’s invitation.
Alex’s friend, one of the famous doctors and as well lecturers at Harvard Medical School, volunteers to help with charity distributions, including medical supplies and medications for the Kingdom of Cambodia.
This was good news, which certainly justifies the arrival of the Minister with the prospects of his country.
We agreed to keep connected, since we were here in New York. It was like in the language of a tennis game, where all of the balls have been on the other side of the playing court and left only to wait. Now it was time for the ball to bounce back. I gave the Minister my cell phone so that he would look good and not need to borrow a cell phone from a friend. He told me to he was conveying greetings and gratitude from the President of the Senate for my assistance and the meeting with Robert Armao. I was very grateful for his words.
The Greyhound bus line was very convenient for his travel. I had dropped my brother Bunnaroeun at the New York Port Authority bus terminal in China Town. As long he had a cell phone, I was sure that his travel would be pleasant and that his friends would meet him in about four hours. They were meeting in Boston. His departure left a kind of gravity to our separation, but as it is said, "duty is a duty and it should be done, no matter what.”
When I was walking to the parking garage to get my car, the first snow in New York started. The snowflakes were melting on my cheeks, seeming to try to cheer me up and carry out the sadness of our parting.
The minister kept me informed of his comfortable stay in Lowell city where he was visiting with his friends. His political voyage was impressive. He sent me pictures with William F. Martin,Jr., the Mayor City of Lowell, (holding symbolic key from the city), and the other community leaders. In meantime, he had met with Alex in the business regime, and they were discussing humanitarian aid to Cambodia. So far, few formal legal procedures had ended.
Everything was in favor of our Cambodian prospects, which was meant to be in the right pass of our expectations.
Two and a half weeks had passed quickly, and I was so glad to meet him upon his return to New York. A harbinger of Christmas at a time when New York was all dressed up in festive garb, brother Bunnaroeun was surrounded by the gift boxes he had brought with him. It made him look like Santa Claus, cheerful and happy to see me.
I was hoping that he might stay in New York to celebrate 2007’s New Year, but he had to return to Cambodia. The President had granted him the opportunity to sell the license granted by the ministry of posts and telecommunications for the provision and operation of VOIP (voice over Internet protocol) services in the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Once again, we went with Elena Trincher and Sonny Lee to meet with the board of directors for a charity fund, where they wanted to correct the structure of the organization’s funding. The minister proposed the establishment of a fund in Cambodia with the respect of the President of Senate, and our colleagues disputed this. In order to control future cash flow into an appropriate stream for the liquidation of land and mines, such operations were required to be established such an operation within the observation of the U.S. I would have been satisfied with any decision, as I had absolutely no fear that the transfer of assets might not achieve its goals for the people of Cambodia.
On the business side we had a meeting with some Wall Street bankers, who were considering expanding their operation into Cambodia.
And the rest of the time we were shopping for presents in accordance with the good spirit of the Christmas and Hanukkah season in New York.
I was glad that my brother gave me a list of necessities to buy for him, even if they were over my budget limits. It was not regretted for a second, as it is understood that real friendship has no limits. If you can to bring miracles to your loved ones, you must do it.
Time, as usual, never surprises us and promptly runs away from us. New York had become colder when I said “Have a great flight” to Brother Bunnaroeun at the JFK Airport and asked him to call me when he gets home.
For me, it was the perfect time to stay within the warmth of my family due to our excellent tradition, based on our religious beginnings, where we celebrate Christmas (because of my wife) and Hanukkah as well. This custom kept my daughter in happiness the most, as it was consistent with her belief in human unity despite the reality of differences in the two religions. This outgoing year was particularly significant for her because she had successfully completed her education at Fordham University. We could safely say that this year for our family as a whole was joyful and that the expectations for 2007 were exciting, even with the impossibilities of New Year’s predictions.
The first advantage of New Year spirit was brought Mr. Leslie Schwartz, who informed us that his biography will be published in Denmark.
Dr. Bunnaroeun had kept contacting me with some e-mail offers. At this time he was selling rubber on behalf of Chhea Rethy Co., LTD. His friend, Michael Kuoch, sent me a proposal for the heavy equipment; unfortunately, executing that offer was impossible for our company as long as Burma was excluded from our prospective partners because of the ruling junta regime. There also were a lot of complications in terms of economic sanctions and we didn't want to compromise.
Brother Bunnaroeun had been offered a new project, selling new telecommunications licenses as an ISP (Internet Service Provider) and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) provider on behalf of G-Tell Cambodia Investment Group Co., LTD.
But the most wonderful news I would receive in January ‘07 was via Robert Armao. He had scheduled his arrival to the Kingdom of Cambodia for the 19th of January. He proposed in the meantime, flying to Korea from his Singapore office to spend four days in Phnom Penh.
At the request of the Minister I therefore arranged my trip to Cambodia to meet Mr. Armao and his delegation. On January 17, I flew into Phnom Penh International Airport, where brothers Bunnaroeun, Vladimir and Murat were delighted to meet me.
Mr. Armao had arranged for himself and his delegation to stay at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal. The group included: Mr. Armao’s Executive Assistant, Lucas Gonzalez, his partner, David Morey, who is the founder and CEO of DMG, is one of America’s leading strategic consultants—and one of the nation’s most sought-after speakers. In addition, he is the award-winning co-author of “The Underdog Advantage: Using the Power of Insurgent Strategy to Put Your Business on Top“ (McGraw Hill). David Morey and Mr. Armao have participated in formulating strategy for several key political races around the world. They were active in the Presidential campaign and subsequent victories of Cory Aquino of the Philippines and Kim Dae Jung of South Korea amongst others. Mr. Armao and David Morey possessed a unique combination of credentials: the political experience and as equally important, the business acumen and ability to attract the key financial investors in the US and Europe.
I was very optimistic that I had found the right team to assist the Kingdom not only in developing associations with the international corporate world so necessary for attracting foreign business but capable of portraying the Kingdom in positive light in the media.
I myself had arranged to stay at the Cambodiana hotel, after a pleasant previous experience. It is physically quite close to the Raffles Hotel and on top of this excellent geographical location and value for money met all my requirements, which included safety and comfort. Ever since the last visit when we had a business meeting there, I had decided that the next time I would definitely stay there if the opportunity arose. I never regretted this choice. The Raffles, which was established in 1929, was a landmark colonial building but in truth needed some repairs and upgrades. By contrast the Cambodiana hotel was a recent construction and it was built with the ambition to reflect the new Cambodia. It was to combine the harmony of freedom and culture of this evolving nation, so on each visit the hotel was becoming better and more beautiful, mirroring the progress of Cambodia herself.
Part Eight: Robert F. Armao
To my regret, a heavy schedule of planned activities precluded our visitation of the museums and other tourist sights of New York. And I must admit that after Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and the Royal Palace, I found it extremely difficult to amuse my Cambodian brother Bunnaroeun An with New York’s architecture. And so, in keeping with the flavor of the city and its people, I tried to show the best that New York City has to offer. I scheduled our meetings in the most luxurious restaurants and hotels, thus allowing my friend to experience a wonderful combination of business and leisure in one of the richest cities in the world. Even so, I was reminded of a bit of wisdom from the great Albert Einstein: everything is relative in this world.
Once we got home after the usual daily business routine, my brother Bunnaroeun was ready to drop onto the bed from exhaustion. As I passed his room, I heard wonderful pearls of the Cambodian folk melodies that my brother had brought with him to America. The songs gently filled the Manhattan atmosphere, drowning out the sounds of vibration that dominate this huge megalopolis.
One week in New York passed quickly. I have to give recognition to Bunnaroeun; he achieved so much in his adaptation to the civilized world of business and fully adopted the rules of this urban jungle.
Thanks to Mr. Leslie, a meeting was scheduled with Robert Armao. Before the meeting with Mr. Armao I was fortunate enough to explore areas of business opportunities, and I was immensely impressed with Mr. Armao’s international involvement and the grand scale of its possibilities.
Studying his list of associations and the projects in which Mr. Armao was directly involved as a political consultant and business advisor; I did not doubt for a second the eventual success of the company.
Mr. Armao, long served as an Advisor to the Late Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi of Iran and as of today is still associated with the Pahlavi family. .”
While awaiting our scheduled meeting, which was supposed take place at the Bon-Bon World corporate office, I concentrated on prayer:
“May it please You Lord, our God and God of our fathers, lead us for a peaceful journey, and direct our steps on the safe path, and show us reliable ways, and support us, giving us peace, and lead us to the goal of our journey for life, joy and prosperity ...” As the intercom rang, “Mr. Shukhman, you have a guest, Mr. Armao’” the astonishing voice of our beautiful Lucrisia, our building’s concierge, was on the other end. “Please lead him up,” I cheered to her.
Mr. Leslie and I went out the door to meet Mr. Armao in the hallway. A speedy elevator made our wait a short one. Surrounded by his secretarial staff, Mr. Armao was greeted by the sight of Leslie’s cheerfully smiling walk in his direction. He shook hands with Mr. Leslie, who introduced me, “That’s my partner, Gregory.”
The man was instantly recognizable by his marvelous deportment, impeccable dressed and his smiling face shared a certain similarity with the Prince of Wales’s.
When we walked into the room, we were all cheerful. The absolutely positive atmosphere predicted the beginning of a good business partnership. Mr. Armao politely greeted Bunnaroeun, saying “I'm Robert Armao; it’s nice to meet you, Mr. Minister.” Bunnaroeun then responded in English to Mr. Armao saying, “As a personal advisor to Samdech Chea Sim, the President of the Cambodian Senate and the Chairman of the Cambodian People’s Party, I thank you for coming, Mr. Armao.” Afterward, Mr. Armao introduced his assistants to the Minister.
This amazing start quickly led us to the place of feeling that we had known each other for a long time. Mr. Leslie, who had joined us in New York, then shared some stories and legends about the city with us.
Mr. Armao, with his characteristic respect for guests of our country, shared some amazing facts regarding historical events in the Kingdom of Cambodia, effectively pulling Bunnaroeun into the conversation as he started. “The President of the Senate and the Chairman of the Cambodian People’s Party, Samdech Chea Sim, has sent me to the United States with the mission of attracting American investors to our country where we have a variety of available opportunities within mining, construction and development, tourism, and agriculture.” He had continued in Russian with my translation, “If you visit us, we will certainly show you and your team all available opportunities within your areas of interests, and we will give our support to help you achieve your goals in the future business.”
At that time, Mr. Armao was working in South Korea, a relationship which worked in our favor because of the close location of the two countries.
Mr. Armao will be able to visit the Kingdom knowing that our side will be capable of meeting any of the needs that attracted Mr. Armao’ efforts to achieve the noble purpose of our goal. I believe there were no promises from our side given and was just as it sounded, “Please visit this country, and for your future consideration we will show the all the possibility we have to offer.” Because Mr. Armao planned go to Korea , he accepted the invitation and promised that during his stay in Korea, he will spend some time to looking into prospects in Cambodia, if doing fit his expertise or ideas. This response was a good sign for us.
Finally, after one week, our brother Bunnaroeun no longer suffered from jet lag or homesickness and he returned to normal. He needed to go to Lowell city in Middlesex County of Massachusetts, where approximately thirty thousand Khmer natives live, some of whom are friends who he promised that with twenty-five thousand dollars Bunnaroeun could obtain a position as an advisor for the President of Senate. He was in favor of The Cambodia Peoples Party and the organization’s need for funds to continue their movement for freedom and democracy. He asked me, “What is the appropriated charity for this position?” I couldn’t find an answer.
Also, Bunnaroeun was supposed to visit Alex who lived in Boston, which is just 30 miles away from Lowell city. Alex was with us in Cambodia at Mikhail’s invitation.
Alex’s friend, one of the famous doctors and as well lecturers at Harvard Medical School, volunteers to help with charity distributions, including medical supplies and medications for the Kingdom of Cambodia.
This was good news, which certainly justifies the arrival of the Minister with the prospects of his country.
We agreed to keep connected, since we were here in New York. It was like in the language of a tennis game, where all of the balls have been on the other side of the playing court and left only to wait. Now it was time for the ball to bounce back. I gave the Minister my cell phone so that he would look good and not need to borrow a cell phone from a friend. He told me to he was conveying greetings and gratitude from the President of the Senate for my assistance and the meeting with Robert Armao. I was very grateful for his words.
The Greyhound bus line was very convenient for his travel. I had dropped my brother Bunnaroeun at the New York Port Authority bus terminal in China Town. As long he had a cell phone, I was sure that his travel would be pleasant and that his friends would meet him in about four hours. They were meeting in Boston. His departure left a kind of gravity to our separation, but as it is said, "duty is a duty and it should be done, no matter what.”
When I was walking to the parking garage to get my car, the first snow in New York started. The snowflakes were melting on my cheeks, seeming to try to cheer me up and carry out the sadness of our parting.
The minister kept me informed of his comfortable stay in Lowell city where he was visiting with his friends. His political voyage was impressive. He sent me pictures with William F. Martin,Jr., the Mayor City of Lowell, (holding symbolic key from the city), and the other community leaders. In meantime, he had met with Alex in the business regime, and they were discussing humanitarian aid to Cambodia. So far, few formal legal procedures had ended.
Everything was in favor of our Cambodian prospects, which was meant to be in the right pass of our expectations.
Two and a half weeks had passed quickly, and I was so glad to meet him upon his return to New York. A harbinger of Christmas at a time when New York was all dressed up in festive garb, brother Bunnaroeun was surrounded by the gift boxes he had brought with him. It made him look like Santa Claus, cheerful and happy to see me.
I was hoping that he might stay in New York to celebrate 2007’s New Year, but he had to return to Cambodia. The President had granted him the opportunity to sell the license granted by the ministry of posts and telecommunications for the provision and operation of VOIP (voice over Internet protocol) services in the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Once again, we went with Elena Trincher and Sonny Lee to meet with the board of directors for a charity fund, where they wanted to correct the structure of the organization’s funding. The minister proposed the establishment of a fund in Cambodia with the respect of the President of Senate, and our colleagues disputed this. In order to control future cash flow into an appropriate stream for the liquidation of land and mines, such operations were required to be established such an operation within the observation of the U.S. I would have been satisfied with any decision, as I had absolutely no fear that the transfer of assets might not achieve its goals for the people of Cambodia.
On the business side we had a meeting with some Wall Street bankers, who were considering expanding their operation into Cambodia.
And the rest of the time we were shopping for presents in accordance with the good spirit of the Christmas and Hanukkah season in New York.
I was glad that my brother gave me a list of necessities to buy for him, even if they were over my budget limits. It was not regretted for a second, as it is understood that real friendship has no limits. If you can to bring miracles to your loved ones, you must do it.
Time, as usual, never surprises us and promptly runs away from us. New York had become colder when I said “Have a great flight” to Brother Bunnaroeun at the JFK Airport and asked him to call me when he gets home.
For me, it was the perfect time to stay within the warmth of my family due to our excellent tradition, based on our religious beginnings, where we celebrate Christmas (because of my wife) and Hanukkah as well. This custom kept my daughter in happiness the most, as it was consistent with her belief in human unity despite the reality of differences in the two religions. This outgoing year was particularly significant for her because she had successfully completed her education at Fordham University. We could safely say that this year for our family as a whole was joyful and that the expectations for 2007 were exciting, even with the impossibilities of New Year’s predictions.
The first advantage of New Year spirit was brought Mr. Leslie Schwartz, who informed us that his biography will be published in Denmark.
Dr. Bunnaroeun had kept contacting me with some e-mail offers. At this time he was selling rubber on behalf of Chhea Rethy Co., LTD. His friend, Michael Kuoch, sent me a proposal for the heavy equipment; unfortunately, executing that offer was impossible for our company as long as Burma was excluded from our prospective partners because of the ruling junta regime. There also were a lot of complications in terms of economic sanctions and we didn't want to compromise.
Brother Bunnaroeun had been offered a new project, selling new telecommunications licenses as an ISP (Internet Service Provider) and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) provider on behalf of G-Tell Cambodia Investment Group Co., LTD.
But the most wonderful news I would receive in January ‘07 was via Robert Armao. He had scheduled his arrival to the Kingdom of Cambodia for the 19th of January. He proposed in the meantime, flying to Korea from his Singapore office to spend four days in Phnom Penh.
At the request of the Minister I therefore arranged my trip to Cambodia to meet Mr. Armao and his delegation. On January 17, I flew into Phnom Penh International Airport, where brothers Bunnaroeun, Vladimir and Murat were delighted to meet me.
Mr. Armao had arranged for himself and his delegation to stay at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal. The group included: Mr. Armao’s Executive Assistant, Lucas Gonzalez, his partner, David Morey, who is the founder and CEO of DMG, is one of America’s leading strategic consultants—and one of the nation’s most sought-after speakers. In addition, he is the award-winning co-author of “The Underdog Advantage: Using the Power of Insurgent Strategy to Put Your Business on Top“ (McGraw Hill). David Morey and Mr. Armao have participated in formulating strategy for several key political races around the world. They were active in the Presidential campaign and subsequent victories of Cory Aquino of the Philippines and Kim Dae Jung of South Korea amongst others. Mr. Armao and David Morey possessed a unique combination of credentials: the political experience and as equally important, the business acumen and ability to attract the key financial investors in the US and Europe.
I was very optimistic that I had found the right team to assist the Kingdom not only in developing associations with the international corporate world so necessary for attracting foreign business but capable of portraying the Kingdom in positive light in the media.
I myself had arranged to stay at the Cambodiana hotel, after a pleasant previous experience. It is physically quite close to the Raffles Hotel and on top of this excellent geographical location and value for money met all my requirements, which included safety and comfort. Ever since the last visit when we had a business meeting there, I had decided that the next time I would definitely stay there if the opportunity arose. I never regretted this choice. The Raffles, which was established in 1929, was a landmark colonial building but in truth needed some repairs and upgrades. By contrast the Cambodiana hotel was a recent construction and it was built with the ambition to reflect the new Cambodia. It was to combine the harmony of freedom and culture of this evolving nation, so on each visit the hotel was becoming better and more beautiful, mirroring the progress of Cambodia herself.
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