Siem Reap School Triumphs in National Debate
Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports with the young debaters from Hun Sen Prasat Bakong high school, Siem Reap province. Photo: National Youth Debate
- By Sam Sopich
- August 12, 2022 5:42 PM
Phnom Penh – Hun Sen Prasat Bakong High School in Siem Reap has triumphed in a national debating contest.
Beltei International High School took second place in the competition with teams entering from 25 provinces. The Ministry of Education organized the program to develop young people’s abilities, skills and citizenship.
Beltei, from Phnom Penh, argued in favor of the proposition “Youth should have knowledge, skills and attitude to become a pillar of the nation.”
The competition started at the end of 2021, with four rounds with 32 teams, with the finals on Aug.12.
Choeurm Sreychen, one of the five representatives from Hun Sen Prasat Bakong High School, said she was happy because her team worked hard since they came from Siem Reap province to compete with a private school.
In her speech, Sreychen said young people need good mental and physical health, not just knowledge, skills and attitudes.
“How can they become a pillar of our nation if their health is very weak and always sleep on their bed? They should focus on their health,” she said.
Her team called on the Ministry of Education to improve students’ health education to ensure their well-being to make sure they are strong enough to contribute to the development of the country.
Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports said he appreciated that both teams could speak with confidence and an evidence base to give an additional lesson for the audience.
He said the National Youth Debate Program plays an important role to train young people in addition to the classroom studies by acquiring research and thinking skills especially 21st century skills, which are important for young people to become human capital in society.
Youth was important but cooperation between current and previous generations was more important to provide practical and lasting solutions to common problems.
"Past experience provides positive thinking for young people to become good citizens in society"” the minister said.
"Exchanging experiences and perspectives between young people of all generations brings harmony and social progress"
Yath Cheapharith, one of five members from Beltei International High School said he was happy to take part in the program because his team learned a lot, such as research skills, debating skill and government policies.
Even though his team came second, Pharith said victory cannot be predicted. They just tried their best to provide experiences, policies and arguments to show that Cambodian young people have real potential.
“We were born in the era of peace and do not need to endure bloodshed and learn amid bombings like our parents. Young people must know about three areas such as politics, economics, and culture,” he said.
Yath said that during the 4.0 industrial revolution, young people need knowledge and the right attitude to upgrade their skill and life in national and international stages.
