UC Scholarship Student Meas Chhen Studies English Literature


BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA

Meas Chhen, 20, one of The University of Cambodia’s Samdech Hun Sen-Handa National Scholarships 2008 students, was born in Tbeng Meanchey district, Preah Vihear province. He has four other brothers and two sisters in his family. He is now studying English Literature at The University of Cambodia (UC). He is the fourth brother to take the opportunity to embark on a course of further study.

Chhen studied at Chea Sim-Tbeng Meanchey High School in Preah Vihear Province, earning his Baccalaureate in 2008. He applied to study English Literature at UC following the introduction of the Samdech Techo Hun Sen Vision 100 scholarship and the Samdech Hun Sen-Handa National Scholarships in 2008.

“I am lucky as I passed The University of Cambodia scholarship exams. It has opened the door to a world of academic work with one of the most prestigious universities in the Kingdom; and thanks to the generosity of the scholarship providers, I get to study here for free,” he told The Southeast Asia Weekly on July 14.

Chhen said he decided to study English Literature at The University of Cambodia, as he knew that UC’s education programs are the best in terms of flexibility, up-to-the-minute materials and the flexibility afforded by the modular system. He added that a UC qualification in English Literature would be the best way to get a foothold in the teaching or managerial field.

“I decided to study English Literature because I need to speak English well if I am to become an English Teacher or Program Manager with a private company or non-governmental organizations. I prefer to study with UC because this organization will help me realize my dreams,” he said.

Chhen pointed out that prior to study with the University of Cambodia, he studied English for several years at a private English Center located in Tbeng Mean District, Preah Vihear province. However, he added that since studying with UC, his reading, writing, speaking and listening skills have improved to the point where he feels just as confident communicating with native English speakers as he does conversing with his friends in Khmer.

“I am now happy because I have achieved initial success in my English studies. I hope that after the completion of my studies with UC, I will be able to describe myself as fluent in the language. I will then apply for work and make money to support family,” he said.

He said that to reach his Bachelor’s degree goal, he studies hard every day and reads as many books related to his studies as he can. He also takes advantage of the internet, foreign newspapers and magazines – all excellent sources of additional information in his area of study.

Kun Vireak, 20, a first-year economics student with Norton University in Phnom Penh, and Meas Chhen’s former classmate, said he could understand Chhen’s drive for success.

Vireak said that he has known Meas Chhen since they studies together at Tbeng Mean Chey High School in 2005. He added that apart from Chhen’s steely determination, he was a gentle, friendly and helpful person.

“I hope that he realizes his dream to become an English teacher. Future generations of Cambodian students have much to learn from his mindset,” he said. ////

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Laotian gets life for drug trafficking

Image
Buth Reaksmey Kongkea The Phnom Penh Municipal Court has sentenced a Laotian drug trafficker to life imprisonment after the 42-year-old was convicted of trafficking about 7 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine. Presiding Judge Sin Sovannroath said Houa Choua was from Champasak province’s Moeung Khong district, Laos.     “The Phnom Penh Municipal Court has decided to sentence the accused Houa Choua to a life sentence and a fine of 100 million riels,” Judge Sovannroath said in his judgment yesterday.   He said that the accused was charged with “drug possessing, transport and trafficking” under Article 40 of Cambodian Law on Drugs Control and with “money Laundering” under Articles 38 of the Law on Anti-Money Laundering and Financing.   Judge Sovannroath stated that Houa Choua was arrested by police at a guesthouse in Por Senchey district’s Kakab commune on October 16, 2022, night.  Houa Choua was detained after he had transported the drugs by car from the Cambodia-Lao border in
Read more

Sorn Elit, the Tallest Cambodian Taekwando Champion

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA There are 18 Taekwondo fighters on the national team, according to Hem Samnang, Secretary General of the Cambodian Taekwondo Federation (CTF). He was speaking to The Southeast Asia Weekly on July 22. The Secretary General said that Sorn Elit, 22, is currently the best Taekwondo fighter in Cambodia. He has attended many competitions both at home and abroad and has achieved success in both fields. In 2008, he won the national heavyweight title in the Taekwondo championships. “I am very proud of Sorn Elit as he is the best fighter in Cambodia,” Samnang said. “I believe that he will continue to bring honor to the country, the sport and himself as he competes in still more competitions at home and in the international fighting arena. He is completely committed to his training schedule and is a credit to the sport.” The Secretary General said that to improve Elit’s skills, the CTF sent him to get Taekwondo training in South Korea over two weeks in 2007. The CTF plans
Read more

Chan Tra: Life of a Cambodian Traditional Tattoo Artist

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA Among tattooists in Cambodia, Chan Tra, 46, is the only tattoo artist to retain the ability to ink a wide range of subjects in different styles. His modern counterparts are limited in their repertoire in comparison. His subjects include the human form, birds and abstract patterns. Chan Tra is now an expert in drawing Ankor Wat on the skin of foreign clients, thus turning them into walking, talking promotional materials for Cambodia’s tourist sector. Chan Tra was born in 1963 in Sihanouk province and has two sons and one daughter. He is an orphaned and a Survivor of the Khmer Rouge regime. He lost his entire family during the years of terror between 1975 and 1979. “I have loved drawing and painting ever since I was a child and practised my art every day before the arrival of the Pol Pot regime. Consequently, I like the art of tattooing and it makes a solid source of income to keep my wife and kids happy,” he told The Southeast Asia Weekly during a personal i
Read more