Tang Muy Keang 1

Discovering Identity Through

Traditional Khmer Clothings
MYP Personal Project 2021-2022

Name: Muy Keang Tang

Grade: 10D
School: Northbridge International School Cambodia
Supervisor: Andrea Bernoth
Word Count: 3,124

Table of Contents

Criteria A: Planning 2
Learning Goal 2
Criteria 2
Plan 5

Criteria B: Applying Skills 6

ATL Skill: Learning Goal 6
ATL Skill: Product Goal 6

Criteria C: Reflecting 7
Product Evaluation 7
Impact of the Project on Learning 9

Appendices 10

Bibliography 15
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Criteria A: Planning

Learning Goal
I am aiming to research and explore more about the process of sewing traditional Cambodian
clothings. Cambodian culture is a topic that I have very little knowledge about and considering that I am a
Cambodian myself, I personally feel that gaining knowledge and information of where I come from, is
essential. As I have entered my teenage years, fashion drew my attention as a common interest in a way
that connects me and my family more. Sewing has also been a habit of mine since middle school so I
decided to expand my prior knowledge and choose fashion as a topic for my personal project. I will be
aiming to learn about the process of traditional Cambodian clothing.

Product Goal
I intend to produce three different designs on traditional Cambodian clothing with a twist of
modernity, inspired by Cambodian provinces. My first design is inspired by Sihanouk Ville province
because it is my most visited province since I was young and I have made the most memorable memories
there. My second design is inspired by Kampong Cham as it is where my family comes from and my third
final design is inspired by the whole country of Cambodia. I chose to be inspired by geographical
locations instead of historical events as I personally think that geographical location is able to express
modern-day Cambodian society better. The thinking process is very challenging to me as there are many
aspects to my product where it looks traditional and historical but at the same time, modern designs can
also be identified with the inspiration of Cambodia’s geography. (Appendix D)
To present my product, I initially think of making a short article on my process however, I
thought it would be better to present it in a way where our current generation may gain more interest.
Being generation Z myself, I am more interested in presentations towards technology rather than classical
presentations so I am planning to make a video edit as a medium for other people who have similar
problems like me, to gain knowledge on Cambodia’s fashion and process of production. (Appendix E)

Criteria
I have made success criteria in order for me to understand how successful I am in creating the
products by assessing myself based on the categories I have chosen. Since I have two different products, I
have divided the success criteria into two. Below are reasons why the chosen categories are important:
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Product
1. Creativity: Having a unique and creative product attracts the audience to be more engaging with
the product while expanding their creative limitations.
2. Aesthetics: Having one specific set of aesthetics reflects on my personality, allowing me to
discover more about myself throughout the project. The aesthetics may also attract the viewer’s
attention to view the product in detail.
3. Quality: Having a good quality product for this project teaches me how to make an excellent and
wearable real-life-sized outfit by changing or developing the product.
4. Personal and Cultural Expression of Vision: Making sure that my product meets my expectations
and plans is important because it will increase my thinking and problem-solving skills.

Video
1. Evidence: Providing clear evidence of the process is important because it allows the audience to
easily and visually understand what is happening and they can follow along as well.
2. Aesthetic: Having a clear set of aesthetics will allow the audience to engage more and be invested
in watching the whole video.
3. Duration: Having a too-short video duration of two minutes will contain a very brief process and
the audience will not be able to learn much about the product. Having a too-long video duration
of around one hour will make the audience feel bored and less engaged.
4. Process Knowledge and Vocabulary: Using the appropriate terminology will make the video
appear professional and help the viewer to learn and understand as they watch the video.
5. Profanity: Inappropriate use of language is surely not allowed as I do not have an age limit to who
can watch my video.

Achievement Level Descriptors

level
Product Process Vlog

0 The submitted work did not reach any of the given level descriptors below.

1-2 The student: The student:

I. Presents a limited range of creative I. Includes almost no evidence of the

behaviors and visions. process.

II. Demonstrates an unclear and II. Displays are limited to no overall


mixed-up set of aesthetics for each outfit.
III. Displays incomplete work with very
bad quality.
IV. Express limited use of knowledge of
the personal and cultural expression of
vision.
3-4 The student:
I. Presents an adequate range of creative
behaviors and visions.
II. Demonstrates a minimal set of
aesthetics for each outfit. More than one
aesthetic can be identified.
III. Displays partially completed work
with average quality.
IV. Express adequate use of knowledge of
the personal and cultural expression of
vision.
5-6 The student:
I. Presents a substantial range of creative
behaviors and visions.
II. Demonstrates some set of aesthetics for
each outfit. One theme is identified
however it is still unorganized.
III. Displays almost completed work with
good quality.
Tang Muy Keang 4
aesthetic. The clips do not flow together.
III. Produce at least 2 minutes of video
duration.
IV. Demonstrates limited knowledge and
understanding of concepts and processes
with limited subject-specific vocabulary.
V. Includes lots of profanity. Lots of
inappropriate and disturbing content is
being used.
The student:
I. Includes minimal evidence of the
process.
II. Displays minimal overall aesthetic.
The clips partially flow together.
III. Produce at least 5 minutes of video
duration.
IV. Demonstrates adequate knowledge
and understanding of concepts and
processes with an adequate
subject-specific vocabulary.
V. Includes some profanity. Some
inappropriate and disturbing content is
being used.
The student:
I. Includes some evidence of the process.
II. Displays some overall aesthetic. The
clips almost flow together smoothly.
III. Produce at least 8 minutes of video
duration.
IV. Demonstrates substantial knowledge
 Tang Muy Keang 5

and understanding of concepts and

IV. Express substantial use of knowledge
of the personal and cultural expression of
vision.
processes with substantial
subject-specific vocabulary.
V. Includes minimal profanity. Minimal
inappropriate and disturbing content is
being used.

7-8 The student: The student:

I. Presents an excellent range of creative I. Includes full evidence of the process.

behaviors and visions.
II. Demonstrates a clear set of aesthetics
for each outfit. One theme can be
identified overall.
III. Displays fully completed work with
great quality.
IV. Express excellent use of knowledge of
the personal and cultural expression of
vision.
II. Displays clear overall aesthetic. The
clips flow together smoothly.
III. Produce at least 10 minutes of video
duration. But below 20 minutes.
IV. Demonstrates excellent knowledge
and understanding of concepts and
processes with excellent subject-specific
vocabulary.
V. Includes no profanity. No inappropriate
and disturbing content is being used.

Plan
Starting off the personal project, I was completely lost on how to start and struggled on how to
complete tasks. After several meetings with my supervisor to get my thoughts straight and talk about the
requirements, I was able to begin my project with ease. (Appendix A)
First off, I created a Gantt chart and download an app called, ‘Trello’ to get all my plans and tasks
organized throughout the months. Before the winter break, I chose to spend many weeks after school
researching and planning my project. This will be the foundation of my product. I used my winter break
to complete all my products from the outfit to video editing as I have more free time compared to school
days. I was also able to set up an interview with Rachana Chonry which had benefitted me on how to start
off my product. (Appendix C, Appendix F, and Appendix G)
After the break, I have completed majority of my product but I was not completely done as I have
underestimated the time I needed for research. I spend a few weeks working on my products, where I was
already late to my original plan and had to finish up my report last minute.
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Criteria B: Applying Skills

ATL Skill: Learning Goal

Communication Skills
Throughout the process of researching and planning, I have communicated with numerous
different people by speaking, listening, and non-verbal communication. I have especially stayed in contact
with my supervisor for keeping myself up to the task, receiving feedback, and developing my product and
report. Then I also had to contact a mentor, Rachana Chonry, in order for her to accept my interview
request and also think up questions that are relevant for her and this project. During the process of writing
my interview request, I had to make sure that it sounds respectful and formal because I am not physically
there with her to show my body language and tone of voice. I wanted to make sure that I have done my
research and know who they are, trying to make them feel comfortable and to be interested in their
personal story. I mainly try to communicate my emotions through the email sent for her approval.
(Appendix B)
Overall, communication is applied to my project by interviewing a mentor which has helped me
reach my learning goal as it allows me to have a deeper understanding of what design aspects fit the
Cambodian culture and how I am able to communicate the Cambodian culture through my final product.
Her suggestion of being patient while creating the outfits has helped me because it has motivated me to
continue my idea and be persistent throughout. (Appendix F)

ATL Skill: Product Goal

Thinking Skills
In order to make my product in a way that is different and unique, it was quite hard to think of a
concept that is new and original. It took me a few weeks to think up my final product and I have also set
up a meeting with my supervisor regarding my uncertainty with my ideas. Initially, my idea was to design
an outfit with a mix of traditional and modern culture however this idea appears to be commonly thought
up. I changed my vision from being inspired by history to being inspired by geography instead, however
still making my product in traditional clothing. My thinking skill was applied to my learning goal by
being creative and inspired by Cambodia’s geography which led to my final personal project idea of
designing two different Khmer outfits inspired by Cambodian provinces and one outfit inspired by
Cambodia as a whole. (Appendix I)
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Fashion is the overall topic of this project so I also had to gather some information through
research. I have found that there are lots of negative issues in the current fashion industry regarding fast
fashion and pollution. My outfits are made to model on a mannequin, not to be worn out on a daily basis
so I finalized my idea to produce smaller-scaled outfits instead of real-life-sized ones. My thinking skills
were applied to my project by critically viewing and researching the current global circumstances and
reflecting on my product of making the outfits smaller-scaled instead of real-life-sized ones because as the
outfits are no longer needed after the project, so making small-scaled ones will have a smaller
environmental impact. (Appendix H)

Criteria C: Reflecting

Product Evaluation
The table below shows the evaluation of my two products. I would grade myself an overall grade
of 7 as I personally think that I have successfully met the criteria.

Criteria Strand Product

I. Presents an excellent My product is made with creative visions in mind. The inspirations from
range of creative Cambodian provinces made the outfit look very unique. For example, the
behaviors and visions. ‘fur’ used as a necklace to represent Sihanoukville’s two lion roundabout or
the dragon necklace for the second outfit, used to represent Kampong
Band 7-8 Cham’s main dragon roundabout. Though a majority of traditional designs
are used, modern features can also be identified as well from the wavy sides
of the first outfit and the one-strap top from the third outfit. A failure that I
consider that does not have much creativity shown was for the second outfit
as it fully follows through the traditional designs and very minimum modern
designs can be identified for the product. My original plan is to make the
dragon’s body very long so that it can acts as a belt and necklace at the same
time. However, due to my lack of time-management skills, I was not able to
succeed in this area.

II. Demonstrates a clear Each outfit presents a clear set of aesthetics where a set of colors and styles
set of aesthetics for each can be identified. In the first outfit, there are even numbers of colors in the

outfit. One theme can be
identified overall.
Band 7-8
III. Displays fully
completed work with
great quality.
Band 7-8
IV. Express excellent
use of knowledge of the
personal and cultural
expression of vision.
Band 7-8
Criteria Strand
I. Includes full evidence of
the process.
Band 7-8
II. Displays clear overall
aesthetic. The clips flow
together smoothly
Band 7-8.
Tang Muy Keang 8
outfits such as blue top and bottoms, green colors for the sides, and yellow
golden colors for the belt and necklace. As for the second outfit, the top and
bottom share the same color and both designs are targeted to the right side.
As for the third one, the top and bottom share the same color with red
designs. The props used also match the outfit’s color theme. All the three
outfits combined share one overall set of aesthetics by the fabric type and
patterns despite their different targetted designs.
The clothes are securely sewn together with strong stitches by the sewing
machine. The hems are neat and no excess threads can be seen. The
hand-sewn buttons are sewn strongly into the fabric with many layers and
the stitches can hardly be seen from the other side. The color of the fabric is
vibrant and it does not fade away easily. The fabric is strong and thick which
makes the outfit hold together really well after a strong pull.
My outfit has aspects of personal interest and at the same time, cultural
aspects can be seen. The chosen inspiration for making the outfits, which are
the provinces, reflect on my personal identity whereas the style and form of
the outfits, reflect on my cultural identity of being a Cambodian. I was able
to communicate my expression of vision in a clear manner through my
product.
Process Vlog
I have included detailed step-by-step evidence of my outfit-making
process. I recorded videos of what to do and how to achieve the desired
outcome and the viewer is able to clearly visually understand my
process.
The video shows a clear aesthetics from the video editing to the music
used. The type of edits and animation fits with the music and content's
overall aesthetic. The video clips flow along with the beat of the music
as it plays, creating a satisfying sound and visuals. The aesthetics also
reflects on my personality as a whole.
 Tang Muy Keang 9

III. Produce at least 10 The video is at least 10 minutes long and below 20 minutes which is the
minutes of video duration perfect duration to get all the sufficient information through.
Band 7-8

IV. Demonstrates excellent
knowledge and
understanding of concepts
and processes with excellent
subject-specific vocabulary.
Band 7-8
The processes shown are clear with labels and the video demonstrates
how to achieve the outcome. The vocabularies used are simpler than
expected because traditional Khmer clothing focuses on the folding
processes of fabric instead of the sewing process. The presented
processes are clear and easy to follow, with guiding labels for the
viewers to follow through and learn along the way.

V. Includes no profanity. No The video product does not include inappropriate and disturbing content
inappropriate and disturbing for the viewer. It is child safe and all ages will be able to watch with
content is being used. ease.

Band 7-8

Impact of the Project on Learning

Throughout the research and making processes of my final product, I have learned many new
facts about traditional Cambodian fashion from different perspectives. Initially, I thought that the process
of creating Cambodian clothes would be similar to Western clothes, with many sewing patterns and
hand-sewn designs however during my research, I gained more knowledge on traditional Cambodian
clothing as it is focusing more on the folding aspect of the fabric. Different types of Sampot meant that
the person wearing it is from a different class. Furthermore, as I was trying to source my fabric in the
local market, I discovered that traditional Cambodian fabric comes with pre-made designs on them so
external designs are very rarely seen. This had helped me gain deeper knowledge on the significance of
how fashion is not only just about the aesthetics aspect of culture, but also how it reflects the wearer’s
place in society such as which class they belong to or which time period they are in. Today, I have found
out that Cambodian preserve traditional clothing by wearing it in important ceremonies such as weddings.
I have also developed skills as an IB learner and in ATLs throughout this project. I personally
think that my communication skills have improved because from the email request, I feel like I am more
open-minded on the topics I talk about and think twice before I say something. I find myself fully
listening, engaging, and being more comfortable with the people I am talking to especially my supervisor
 Tang Muy Keang 10

as I used to feel quite nervous and uneasy when setting up the meetings however I feel like I can interact
with her openly now. Not only this, I felt proud that I was able to communicate my personality through
my products effectively as the process video reflected on my character as being a calm and organized type
of person.
My open-minded aspect has grown as well through the actual process of creating the outfits.
During the sewing process, I made numerous sewing mistakes and had to repeatedly redo stitches and it is
very time-consuming. Whenever a mistake is made, it is very hard to cover up and I would usually take a
very long break to get myself together then redo the whole part. From my experience, patience and
motivation led to my final product. My empathy towards people in the fashion industry grew and I
became more open-minded on how patient they are, considering their occupation and how their mental
health may be affected as well.
Though I have developed several skills throughout the project, I was weak in my time
management skills as I often procrastinate by starting on the actual product by the end of winter break and
have also underestimated the research needed before starting on the product due to the imbalance between
my schoolwork and personal project.

Appendices
Appendix A: Meeting With Supervisor Request
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Appendix B: Email Interview Request

Appendix C: GANTT Chart

Appendix D: Outfit Product

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Appendix E: Process Vlog Product

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4w3M-dqkJg&ab_channel=MuyKeangTang

Appendix F: Interview Questions With “Rachana Chonry”

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Appendix: G: Trello Checklist

Appendix H: Research Chart

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Appendix I: Brainstorming to Final Idea

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