Youth Debate on Cambodia's 2050 Vision: Svay Rieng University Student Wins First Place

The Royal Government Spokesperson Unit organized a public speaking competition on the theme of youth preparation for achieving Cambodia's 2050 national vision. In the final round, Ms. Chan Pheatra, a student from Svay Rieng University, secured first place among 10 finalists. The event took place on July 25, 2026, at the Council of Ministers' meeting hall, with H.E. Pen Bona, Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister and Head of the Royal Government Spokesperson Unit, in attendance. Approximately 600 participants, including university officials, students, and distinguished guests, were present. H.E. Pen Bona stated that the competition's objective is to encourage youth to understand the 'Pentagonal Strategy' of the 7th mandate government, particularly the first angle on 'Human Capital Development,' and to participate in achieving Cambodia's 2050 vision. He emphasized that human capital encompasses not only knowledge and professional skills but also morality, virtue, discipline, responsibility, analytical thinking, creativity, and patriotism. In the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), youth must engage in lifelong learning, adapt to changes, and use technology responsibly to enhance productivity and add value to society and the national economy. He further noted that human capital development is the top priority of the 'Pentagonal Strategy' for the first phase of the 7th mandate government, led by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, with the goal of transforming Cambodia into a high-income country by 2050. The participation of all citizens, especially the youth, is crucial for achieving this goal. Following a rigorous competition and transparent evaluation by the judging committee, the winners were announced. Ms. Chan Pheatra from Svay Rieng University was awarded first place. Other winners included Mr. Hei Channy from the Royal University of Law and Economics (RULE) in second place, and Ms. Thea Chanra from the University of Health Sciences in third place. The top five winners received trophies, certificates of honor, and monetary prizes, while all finalists received certificates of honor and consolation prizes. Prior to the final round, preliminary and semi-final competitions were held in May and June 2026 via Zoom meetings, with a total of 46 contestants from 15 universities across various provinces participating. H.E. Pen Bona expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the Cambodian Youth Federation (CYF), The Perspective Cambodia, the Association of Banks in Cambodia for financial support, Koy-T Company, and Tube Coffee for their contributions. Source: CEN Cambodia