Congratulations to Ms. Noun Reachny, a student of Japanese language at Nagoya University, Research and Education Center for Japanese Law, Cambodia (CJL), who won the first part of 26th Japanese Speech Contest in Cambodia under the topic of “Failure is an experience”. Ms. Chea Seavmey won the second part with her speech on “Curry Rice.” Both candidates received valuable gifts from the event and were awarded the opportunity to have a study tour in Japan. The winner of the first part will have a one-week study tour supported by NICHIGAIKYO, while the winner of the second part will have a two-week study tour supported by the Japan Foundation.

The 26th Japanese Speech Contest in Cambodia was organized through collaboration between the Embassy of Japan in Cambodia, Royal University of Phnom Penh, Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center(CJCC), The Japan Foundation Phnom Penh Liaison Office. The event took place on June 9, 2024, at the Angkor-Kizuna Hall of CJCC. This contest has been held in Cambodia since 1998, and CJCC received authorization to organize it in 2006, just two years after its establishment. The primary purpose of this event is to provide Japanese language students in Cambodia with a platform to showcase their knowledge and talent.

During the opening ceremony, His Excellency Ueno Atsushi, the Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia, delivered an enthusiastic speech. He highlighted that this year’s contest had more participants than previous years and emphasized the positive diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Japan. He also expressed gratitude to the event sponsors and encouraged all candidates for their commitment to participating in the contest.

Dr. Khim Leang, Director of the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC), further encouraged candidates to continue their educational pursuits. He emphasized the importance of research, vocational skills, and language learning, especially in Japanese. Dr. Leang underscored the growing demand for professionals proficient in the Japanese language within Cambodia’s job market.

Mr. Isogaya Hiroyuki, Director of the Japan Foundation, Phnom Penh Liaison Office, announced that the Japan Foundation would provide the winner with an opportunity to participate in a “Studying Tour to Japan for Students Studying Japanese.” This tour, held in Kansai Prefecture, Osaka, spans two weeks. Participants will not only explore Japan but also delve deeper into Japanese language, culture, and lifestyle.

Dr. Oum Ravy, Vice Rector of the Royal University of Phnom Penh, expressed hope that Japan, through its various agencies, would continue supporting Cambodia’s human resource development. She specifically mentioned the Embassy of Japan in Cambodia, the Japan International Cooperation Center, and the Japan Foundation. Dr. Ravy also advocated for more scholarship opportunities for Cambodian students.