Sreng (Sylvain) Lim
លឹម ស្រេង Lim Sreng or Sylvain Lim (b. 1951, Kep, Cambodia) has developed since his childhood a passion for Khmer traditional dance and the Apsara costumes of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia. He’d always remember that, visiting one uncle in Battambang when he was around 7, and asked what present would please him most, he answered without a blink: “A Singer sewing machine”!
Lim Sreng was one of the first students attending the Department of Dance at the Royal University of Arts since its establishment in 1964. at its. Leaving for France to complete his studies in 1972, he escaped the civil war staying there until 1999, he worked as a fashion designer for several famous brands, and developed his own collections.
Back in Cambodia in 2000, Sylvain Lim closely worked with Princess Norodom Buppha Devi to create new costumes and accessories for the Royal Ballet of Cambodia dancers. Since then, he has joined several projects related to classical Cambodian dance.
Costume designer Lim Sreng and dancer Savath Srey Len at a rehearsal of Princess Buppha Devi Dance School students, October 2021.
1) Lim Sreng (Sylvain Lim) with dancer Srey Len Savath, Phnom Penh, Oct. 2021 [photo DR]. 2) Honored for his work as Royal Ballet costume designer during an official event at Chaktomuk Theater, 18 March 2026 [photo ADB].
1) Lim Sreng (Sylvain Lim) with dancer Srey Len Savath, Phnom Penh, Oct. 2021 [photo DR]. 2) Honored for his work as Royal Ballet costume designer during an official event at Chaktomuk Theater, 18 March 2026 [photo ADB].