Phnom Penh: 1,500 candidates from across Cambodia will participate in the 3rd “Angkor Essay” public reading competition in 2026 in Siem Reap Province. This is a program created to promote Khmer literature through reading comprehension, which will become an annual reading comprehension day, focusing on the theme of “Angkor Resorts”.
Mr. Lim Bunhok, the organizer of the “Angkor Writing” program, said at a press conference on September 1, 2025 that the third “Angkor Writing” program will be different from previous competitions, as the organizers are mobilizing more foreigners who love Khmer literature to participate, from 15 to 20 out of 1,500 contestants, because we want to expand the understanding of the Khmer language abroad through them. He said that currently, many foreigners are learning Khmer at the Royal University of Phnom Penh and especially at various embassies who also know Khmer.
He also mentioned that To prepare for the competition and achieve good results, candidates should read a lot of books, especially official books from the Ministry of Education. Candidates should note and reinforce words that are often misspelled.
Mr. Lim Bun Hok also stated that the third “Angkor Writings” program in 2026 will invite Khmer literary scholars to participate as guests of honor and as witnesses. For readers of the third edition of “Angkor Writings”, we will also invite prominent figures in Khmer literature.
It should also be noted that readers of the program The first “Angkor Writing” event in 2024 was hosted by Ms. Phoeung Sakona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, and the second “Angkor Writing” event in 2025 was hosted by Mr. Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports.
Please also note that the third “Angkor Writing” public reading competition will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 7:00 a.m. at the west bridge of Angkor Wat. For registration, please call 092 337 626 (Telegram) and the last date for registration is December 22, 2025, with a limit of 1,500 participants.
