Kampong speu: Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many presided over a ceremony today awarding state honours to more than 1,300 teachers and education staff in Kampong Speu province, in a move underscoring the Royal Government’s focus on the education sector.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, a total of 1,314 individuals received medals for their service, with 306 awarded the Gold, 406 the Silver, and 602 the Bronze. The event was held at the Kampong Speu Provincial Hall and recognised educators from all nine districts and cities in the province.

In his address, H.E. Hun Many, who also serves as Minister of Civil Service and heads the Royal Government Working Group for the province, lauded teachers as “the heart of education” and crucial to shaping Cambodia’s youth. He stated their work is fundamental to developing capable citizens who can contribute to national development, aligning with the Royal Government’s Rectangular and Pentagonal Strategies.

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted ongoing reforms in teacher training colleges since 2014, crediting them with improved teaching quality and rising student achievement, particularly in national diploma exams.

He also issued directives to provincial authorities and the Department of Education, Youth and Sports to intensify efforts in ensuring all school-age children are enrolled. He specifically called for mechanisms to integrate the children of migrant workers returning from abroad into the local school system.

The medal presentation, personally conducted by H.E. Hun Many, served as a public gesture of the Royal Government’s appreciation for the educators’ dedication and their role in building the nation’s future human resources.