STORY: Chinese song contest held in Cambodia to promote Chinese education
SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 13, 2024
DATELINE: Nov. 14, 2024
LENGTH: 0:02:52
LOCATION: Phnom Penh
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Chinese song contest
2. various of the awarding ceremony for winners
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Khmer): MAR LINNA, Student at Duan Hua Chinese School
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Khmer): KOEM KEAMHEANG, Student at Cambodia-China University of Technology and Science

STORYLINE:

A Chinese song competition for Cambodian youth was held in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, on Wednesday to promote Chinese-language education and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
   
Cambodian Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin presided over the final contest, which was convened at the Royal Academy of Cambodia.

As 2024 marks the 66th anniversary of China-Cambodia diplomatic relations, Wang said over the past 66 years, China and Cambodia have always provided mutual support and that the ironclad friendship between the two countries is "unbreakable."

A total of 16 Cambodian candidates, who had been shortlisted from dozens of contestants across the kingdom, showed their abilities and talents in the final stage.

Mar Linna, an 11th-grade student at the Duan Hua Chinese School in Phnom Penh, was awarded the top prize.
   
SOUNDBITE 1 (Khmer): MAR LINNA, Student at Duan Hua Chinese School
"In this contest, I won the first prize. I feel thrilled with and elated at this result. This contest is very good for learners of the Chinese language because it helps us better understand Chinese culture and increase our Chinese proficiency. I have learned the Chinese language for 12 to 13 years because I love Chinese culture very much."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Khmer): KOEM KEAMHEANG, Student at Cambodia-China University of Technology and Science
"This competition was a good opportunity for me and other talented candidates to show abilities and share experiences. It is good for learners of the Chinese language because it helps increase their knowledge and Chinese proficiency. I have learned the Chinese language for 13 to 14 years. I love the Chinese language because studying Chinese will provide a good opportunity in the future, to communicate with Chinese people, and to visit China conveniently. I would like to thank the Chinese Embassy for organizing this event, which allows us to show our abilities and get new experiences."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Phnom Penh.
(XHTV)