Youth Shine in Public Speaking Contest on Cambodia's 2050 Vision

The Government Spokesperson Unit held the final round of a public speaking competition on Cambodia's vision for 2050 on July 25, 2026. Thien Phearath, a fourth-year student from Svay Rieng University, was awarded first prize. The competition, themed "How should youth prepare to contribute to realizing Cambodia's 2050 Vision?", saw 10 selected students from higher education institutions nationwide present their ideas on contributing to the 2050 vision across various fields, including human resource development, education, health, food security, and citizenship. Thien Phearath's presentation on "Strengthening Social Protection and Food Systems" earned high praise and the top award. Other prize winners included: - Second place: Hiey Channy, a fourth-year student from the Royal University of Law and Economics. - Third place: Thea Chanra, a third-year student from the University of Health Sciences. - Fourth place: Sem Vina, a fourth-year student from the Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen Buddhist University, Kampong Cham. - Fifth place: Samitt Virakbout from the National University of Management and Yom Pido, a third-year student from the University of Cambodia. Pen Bona, Minister Delegate Attached to the Prime Minister and Head of the Government Spokesperson Unit, stated at the event that the competition serves as a platform for Cambodian youth to showcase their knowledge, analytical and research skills, and genuine commitment to nation-building, rather than just identifying a winner. He expressed his hope that students would present rational, creative, and practical solutions. He emphasized that the 2050 vision is a shared aspiration for all Cambodians, aiming for Cambodia to become a high-income country with a strong economy, a just society, and improved quality of life and dignity for its citizens. This initiative, supported by Prime Minister Hun Manet, was organized by the Government Spokesperson Unit to encourage students to demonstrate their capabilities and courage, fostering them into valuable human capital for the nation. It also aligns with the "Flourishing" strategy to broaden understanding of national policies within higher education institutions.