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Forum 2000 launches 'A Life in Democracy' series with Senator Mardi Seng
Forum 2000 opened its new conversation series with Senator Mardi Seng, recorded at the Forum for Democratic Cooperation in Taipei.
Official website
Senator Mardi Seng
Cambodian-American Senator · President, Khmer Will Party · Chairperson, Council of Asian Liberals and DemocratsHe survived the Khmer Rouge as a boy, grew up a refugee in Michigan, and came home to fight for a free Cambodia.
1965
Born in Cambodia
1980
Arrived in Michigan as a refugee
2024
Elected to the Senate of Cambodia
In his own words
Why he serves
As a ten-year-old, Mardi Seng watched the Khmer Rouge empty Phnom Penh. He lost his father in the first days of the regime and his mother in its last year. He made a promise that if he survived, he would give his life to the betterment of Cambodia. After nearly three decades in the United States he kept it — returning home, building an opposition, and in 2024 winning one of only three opposition seats in the Senate.
His full story →Rest — yes, but do not stop.
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News and statements
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Four years: Theary Seng remains in prison
Cambodian-American lawyer Theary Seng has now spent four years in prison for social-media posts. The United Nations has ruled her detention arbitrary.
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Mardi Seng addresses Japan's National Diet on universal values in the Indo-Pacific
The CALD Chairperson was received as guest of honour at a regional dialogue hosted at Japan's National Diet in Tokyo.
In photographs
Mardi Seng at work
Democratic dialogue, public service and international engagement.
Senator Mardi Seng outside the European Parliament.
Meeting international delegates at the European Parliament.
With an international delegation outside the European Parliament.
Speaking during a Renew Europe discussion.
Free Theary Seng
Imprisoned since 14 June 2022
Campaign
Free Theary Seng
1,554days imprisoned
Mardi's sister, Cambodian-American lawyer Theary Seng, has been jailed since June 2022 for Facebook posts. The United Nations has ruled her detention arbitrary.
Join the campaignA Life in Democracy: Mardi Seng — Forum 2000 (Taipei, 2026)
Watch
A Life in Democracy
Forum 2000 opened its conversation series on lives given to open societies with Senator Mardi Seng, recorded in Taipei in 2026.
All speeches →Partners
Mardi Seng on the world stage
Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats
Chairperson of Asia's only regional alliance of liberal and democratic parties
Liberal International
Featured in The Liberal Dispatch
Forum 2000
First guest of the 'A Life in Democracy' series
Dispatch from Phnom Penh
Occasional updates from Senator Mardi Seng.