Noul Vanet, 18, grade 12 student at Russey Keo High School

“Reading the news online and in print makes me fee like society is really dangerous. I’m afraid that people will cheat me. So I try to think carefully before I make a decision. Even when I want to buy something new, I try to find out where it comes from so I know whether it is reliable or not. I also rely on the news to tell me what will happen. I read that there will be a free market for Asian countries in 2015. This is so important for me to know – it will make me study, since I know my future career will have its challenges.”

Chea Saroeun, 25, senior student at Norton University

“Media is invaluable to my education. Most of my friends talk about experiences they know about and I wonder why they are so clever. I used to felt ashamed when I talked with them, and I was the only one who listened without contributing to the conversation. Now I’m trying to improve my general knowledge. I’m trying to read the newspapers, magazines, watch television, and listen to the radio. I can learn a lot from it and can become more assertive. Having more knowledge makes it easier to talk to my friends.”

Pol Sopheaktra, 21, sophomore student at Phnom Penh International University

“Media is like the biggest library in the world. I can find out everything I want to know, and everything that happens in the whole world. But news is not just to inform, but to educate. Magazines or newspapers often have a page that gives tips about health, research, general knowledge or trends. I also learn from what they advertise. I get to know so much about what happens in the whole of society. Exams often ask about general knowledge, and if I am not good at reading and observing, I might not pass.”

Pech Konika, 24, postgraduate at Norton University

“The media taught me to take care. I’ve heard a lot about the traffic accidents, crime and chaos in the city. Now I understand the traffic law that the government has imposed. When I see traffic accident news, I start to worry about it, so I’m more careful when I’m driving – if I’m not, I could be a victim one day. I’ve heard so much about crime, so I’m really wary when I get to know people and look after my possessions. When I leave home, I always make sure that I lock all the doors and windows. I’m afraid that there will be a fire, so always turn everything off before I leave home.”

Yu Rath, 23, junior student at Royal University of Phnom Penh

“I’m really curious about what goes on in the world and the media gives me the information I’m after. I learn so much that I have never heard before. I need to know about the development of technology, and the media helps me understand what is happening in every country in the world. I hear about the floods, drought and other important events that take place. The media is a reliable source – without it, people gossip and spread rumours that can end up being disinformation.”