It was a great honor for Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia (PUC) to win five awards at the China-ASEAN Public speaking contest which was held in Guiyang, China on July 31, 2016. The awards included Best Advisor, Best University, Best Team Work, and the first- and third-place awards for public speaking.

Dr. Kol Pheng, the founder and president of PUC, was proud to welcome his students back with the awards. “I was happy to see your big smile,” he said. “It represents prestige to the university.”

There were 37 public speaking participants, of which ten were selected in the first round. Two PUC students were among those chosen in the final list. In the end, they claimed the first and third prizes. Mr. Yann Aoudourm and Miss Eang Linda, who finished first and third, were greeted on their return by around 50 students and staff members, as well as members of the local media.

“I am proud to be a student at PUC,” said public speaking champion Mr. Yann Aoudourm. He thanked Dr. Kol Pheng and the other professors for sharing their advice and knowledge. He expressed his wish to see Cambodian youths participate in global competitions.

“I am confident and trust in my ability to debate the topic of The Role of Youth in Education,” third-place finisher Miss Linda remarked. “Conquer peace by love is what I bear in mind.”

China and ASEAN countries have cooperation in different fields, including education. Both parties have organized Education Cooperation Week for nine years and have signed almost 800 cooperation agreements.