Fifty-four Cambodians, including 10 women, are to leave for China at the end of the month on year-long government scholarships, the Chinese embassy secretary said Thursday. In a news release, the embassy also stated that the recipients "are recommended by different ministries and institutions, and they are awarded the scholarships after rounds of strict selections." The students are comprised of 21 bachelor's degree candidates, 29 master's degree candidates, two general scholars and two doctoral degree candidates. "I am very proud that the friendship between our two countries has created opportunities for Cambodian people and students who win scholarships to go and study," said Lav Chhiv Eav, rector of the Royal University of Phnom Penh.