This year’s 60 outstanding students in Khmer literature, mathematics and physics from across the country have been identified after 480 candidates took examinations in Siem Reap last week.
The top 10 students from the 12 and ninth grades in each of the three subjects were awarded certificates and prize money.
“You who have been rewarded as outstanding students must continue to try hard to further advance and become sturdy pillars for the Kingdom and bring honour to your nation,” Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron said at the awards ceremony on Sunday at the January 10, 1979 High School in Siem Reap town.
Chuon Naron told those who had failed the nationwide examinations for outstanding students not to be discouraged and urged them to continue studying hard.
“Despite not passing, you must also continue to work hard to graduate with a secondary school diploma and get a good education. Those of you who
either passed and failed these outstanding student examinations, you must not abandon your studies or give up hope,” he said.
Chuon Naron said previous winners had brought pride to the nation by taking part in international competitions and bringing medals home.
He also urged all departments in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport to focus on finding outstanding students to enter next year’s examinations.
The top three students in each subject received certificates and gold, silver and bronze medals, while the seven others got certificates.
Prize money
Those who finished outside the top 10 went home with nothing, with the ninth-graders able to have another chance to take the outstanding student examinations.
Prize money for the top 10 in each subject ranged from 3.5 million riel ($875) to 800,000 riel ($200).
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport spokesman Ros Soveacha told The Post on Monday that the nationwide examinations for outstanding students found the top 30 ninth-graders and 12th-graders from across the country every year.
“We reward the 60 top students every year from 480 candidates – 240 outstanding ninth-graders and 240 outstanding 12th-graders – who sit the examinations,” Soveacha said.
This was the 26th year that the ministry has organised examinations to reward the nation’s outstanding students.