Siem Reap: The ‘Angkor Dictation’ competition, a significant event to promote Khmer literature and writing, was successfully wrapped up this evening with the award conferment ceremony for the winners. The event, the 2nd of its kind, was opened this morning at the Western Causeway of Angkor Wat Temple in Siem Reap province under the presidency of H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, and H.E. Hun Many, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Many Foundation.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Chea Savy from Siem Reap province won the first place for the senior category (over 18 years old), while Venerable Yun Panha from Battambang province and Yuy Sreynoch from Banteay Meanchey province got the second and third place, respectively. For the junior category (below 18 years old), Ren Wathana from Kandal province came in first, and the two runners up are Koeun Puthroth from Prey Veng province and Neth Sida from Siem Reap province. Ren Wathana also emerged as the contestant with the most beautiful handwriting. In the senior category, Aun Pey from Siem Reap won the same title.

Supported by various ministries and the APSARA National Authority, this year’s event attracted 1,220 contestants aged from six to 81 years old. Most of the contestants are from Siem Reap province, Phnom Penh capital, and Battambang province. The ‘Angkor Dictation’ competition aims to encourage participants to write Khmer accurately according to established spelling rules and to recognise those with exceptional writing skills.