Bloggers of the world – well, of Asia anyway – unite. BlogFest Asia is an annual gathering of bloggers, and this year it is being held in Temple Town, at the Build Bright University. It kicked off yesterday and will run until November 5.

BlogFest originated in Hong Kong in 2009, and this year Cambodia was chosen, according to co-organiser Kounila Keo, because the committee felt that, “Cambodia is growing, and there is a need for the flow of information and knowledge to this part of the region.”

Cambodian writer and new media consultant Keo adds, “Asia has seen a boom in technology and development, and BlogFest serves as a platform for information exchange. It will also help bridge understanding between people in the region and help participants benefit from skills brought along by experts.”

Siem Reap was selected, Keo says, “Because it stands in testament to the greatness of our county and Khmer identity.”

The four-day festival will include a heritage tour of temples, cultural villages and Siem Reap town. Also on the agenda are conferences, parties and educational workshops for NGOs in Asia. Plus there is a blog post writing competition on the subject, “My Impressions of Siem Reap.”

Keynote speakers will discuss internet power, internet security and freedom of expression, information, and the media in Southeast Asia. In the afternoons there will be ‘breakout’ or sharing sessions led by invited experts.

Keo expects there to be over 50 bloggers from Asean and nearly 150 local participants. BlogFest is free to attend.

Keo feels that conferences such as BlogFest Asia are invaluable in this modern era where the internet is becoming increasingly powerful.

She said, “The Southeast Asian region is growing, therefore attracting a lot of attention from around the word. Furthermore, as bloggers become more vocal and active in their activities, internet and online security can be an important topic for them as well as for other internet users in the region.”