Over the next two month, six Cambodian men are to compete in numerous challenges in a new reality TV show You’re the Man

Over the next two months, six Cambodian men between the ages of 18 and 35 will undergo numerous challenges to compete for the title of "real man" in a reality TV show You're the Man, to debut on Cambodia's Channel 9 on Monday.

The men, who all come from different backgrounds, are to be filmed living together, travelling to different provinces and competing in a variety of games that will challenge their idea of what it means to be a real man.

Ben L Cheav, brand consultant and media manager of the Orange Brand Elements production company, said that 100 men applied to appear on the program.

Challenging stereotypes

"This program is very important for men in our country because it will challenge the perception that Cambodian men usually look down on women and go out to drink alcohol," he said, adding that the program will also educate contestants and viewers about the issue of HIV/AIDS.

"We selected six men including one disabled man to compete with each other," he said. "Now the men will have to compete in different challenges including being a soldier on a battlefield with an army, staying at a pagoda like a monk and cooking like a housewife."

He added: "We do not give them marks, but depending on the challenge,  the soldiers, monks or chefs will give them marks and select one to receive a  reward after they see their abilities," he said.

Choun Socheat, a 22-year-old student at Build Bright University who will be competing for the title of real man, said that while the prizes are not so important to him, he wants to be considered a real man.

"I really hope that I will win this program. I don't think winning will be that difficult for me, as I have had a difficult life since I was young. I have been living alone since my parents divorced, and I have managed to both work and study," he said. "Now I want to share my knowledge with other men."

Hoat Vicheat,  a 25-year-old student at Pannasastra University, is not as confident about winning the title but says that he will try his best to succeed.

"I can't swim, so I will lose if they ask me to swim," he said. "However, some of my past jobs show that I am a real man: I used to be a teacher."

You're the Man will air on Channel 9 until September.

The winner of the show will receive a grand prize of US$3,000 and a motorbike.