PHNOM PENH: Reigning Miss Belgium 2025 Karen Jansen has praised Cambodia’s warmth and resilience following a humanitarian mission that brought her to communities in the country’s northwest, describing the experience as one that “will stay with me forever”.
Jansen shared the reflection on Feb 11, as she prepared to conclude her reign and crown her successor.
The message accompanied photos of her visiting Angkor Wat and participating in charitable activities, underscoring what she called the “power of humanity beyond borders”.
“It has been an incredible honour to serve as your Miss Belgium and to represent our country on humanitarian missions around the world,” she wrote, adding that carrying her nation’s flag “in moments of compassion and service” had been among the greatest privileges of her tenure.
Her trip to Cambodia centred on the Rong Vean Charity project, titled “Hope for the Children”, located in Phnum Srok district of Banteay Meanchey province, near Siem Reap.
The initiative focuses on supporting vulnerable children and strengthening community welfare, aligning with Jansen’s advocacy themes throughout her year as Miss Belgium.
Reflecting on her time in the country, Jansen said she was deeply moved by “the warmth of the people” and “the resilience in their smiles”, noting that the encounters offered profound personal lessons.
From the journey, she said she carried a piece of Buddhist wisdom: “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
The quote, often attributed to the Buddha, mirrors her long-standing interest in psychology and holistic health — central pillars of her platform during her reign.
The beauty queen emphasised that the message serves as a reminder “to live fully, to love deeply and to serve with intention — here and now”.
Her visit also highlights Cambodia’s continued appeal as a destination not only for tourism but for humanitarian engagement and cultural exchange.
International figures frequently incorporate service projects into their travels, helping draw global attention to grassroots initiatives while reinforcing people-to-people ties.
As she prepares to hand over the crown, Jansen expressed gratitude for the experiences that shaped her year, saying she would “cherish them always”.
There are a bunch of other photos you can share, but I am not sure about bare shoulders at Angkor. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
