The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport has confirmed that it has granted automatic High School Examination passes to 26 medallists from the 32nd SEA Games. The awards are a part of the government’s incentive mechanisms which aim to stimulate the development of Cambodian sports.

Ministry spokesperson Khuon Vicheka explained that the passes aimed to encourage their continued participation in their chosen sport for several years, despite the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The efforts and tenacity of our sportspersons made it possible for Team Cambodia to be placed fourth on the SEA Games medal table. Permission to grant them automatic passes was made at the discretion of the government,” she said.

“These passes also promote the sports sector. We don’t just encourage the medallists, but encourage all Cambodians to contribute to enhancing the prestige of the Kingdom on the international stage, both in the present and the future,” she added.

She noted that the successful hosting of the games – for the first time in the Kingdom’s history – had not only drawn the admiration of the Cambodian people, but had also led to compliments from many regional nations and even other countries from around the world. 

She believed that the 26 medallists were a key part of the success, and added that the ministry expects them to continue to contribute to the growth of the Kingdom’s sporting success, whether as athletes or coaches.

“Encouraging these 26 medallists not only helps promote the sports sector, but also contributes to our goal of attaining high-income status by 2050. The education ministry encourages all Cambodians to put more effort into promote sectors of the Kingdom,” she said.

The passes were approved by Prime Minister Hun Manet, at the request of Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron.

Manet said that the decision followed the hard work of the athletes in question, noting that they had dedicated themselves to making the maximum effort, and it had paid off with when they claimed gold, silver and bronze medals for the nation. 

This was not the first time that the government had motivated sportspersons by allowing them to pass the grade 12 exams automatically. During the 31st SEA Games, former Prime Minister Hun Sen granted the same permission to eight athletes.

This year’s high school examinations took place on November 6 and 7. A total of 137,412 students sat the exams. The results of the exams are set to be released on the evening of November 27 in Phnom Penh and Kandal province, and on the following day for the rest of the country.