Angkor Dictation returned for its third edition on the morning of Jan. 18 at the causeway of Angkor Wat, attracting 1,860 candidates.
By Kim Chamna
As the sun rose above the iconic towers of Angkor Wat, soft morning light fell across the participants’ papers. When the dictation commenced, contestants gripped their pens and began carefully transcribing the words.
The event aims to promote cultural understanding, Khmer literacy, and a sense of national unity.
The dictation, which lasts about one hour, was read by Venerable Hak Sienghai, director of Buddhism for Education of Cambodia, an NGO based in Battambang province.
Although unregistered, some individuals were seen sitting near the competition site, writing the dictation on their own papers. Participants were divided into two categories: under 18 and 18 and above.
This third edition also attracted 231 Buddhist monks from across Cambodia. Writing has long been an essential aspect of monkhood, with Sanskrit and Pali taught daily in monastic education.
Deputy Prime Ministers Hangchuon Naron and Hun Many presided over the event.
Launched in 2024, Angkor Dictation has steadily expanded each year, with growing numbers of participants and supporters. The event was attended by senior government officials, representatives from the private sector, educators, NGOs, public figures, and volunteers.
This article was originally published by Cambodianess, a major Cambodian news website in English.
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