Phnom Penh: PM Hun Sen donated 10 million riels (2,500usd) to Mrs. Hem Sinath, the oldest candidate for the Baccalaureate exam in 2022, and wished her success on the exam in 2023.

PM Hun Sen posted on his Facebook page: "As encouragement for lifetime learning, I would like to donate 10 million riels to Hem Sinath, 56, who failed the exam. I hope she will pass the exam in 2023."

Mrs. Hem Sinath is currently a contracted literacy teacher teaching children at Thmor Miel Primary School in Thmor Miel Village, Banteay Chhmar Commune, Thmor Puok District, Banteay Meanchey Province. Hem Sinath dropped out of the ninth grade in 1985. Her wish was to become a general education teacher, so she strives to pass the high school exam in 2022.

Hem Sinath stated that she had difficulty remembering because she was older and had poor math and English skills.

The 56-year-old candidate caught the attention of the public after a Facebook account holder, Lav Tola Serey Sohorn, recorded and posted content describing Hem Sinath's intentions of taking the exam, which earned the public's applause for her commitment to achieving her goal of becoming a general education teacher.