PHNOM PENH: Limkokwing University opened a world of possibilities for ten remarkable 12th graders this week, granting them the prestigious "Limkokwing Award for the Most Outstanding High School Student" which provides a full ride to its undergraduate program. In the presence of Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Education, Lav Chhiv Eav, and Limkokwing University Director Jean-Francois Brulet, the deserving students were given their hard-earned awards. It was a celebration of excellence and a promising step into a brighter future.
In 2023, the competition embarked on an exciting journey, starting with an online exam that drew 12th graders from more than 100 high schools across Cambodia. The next stage of the competition saw these bright minds converging at Limkokwing University, where they undertook the exam in person. Finally, the grand showdown unfolded on campus as the candidates faced an esteemed panel of judges for a final interview.
Undersecretary of State Lav Chhiv Eav spoke his own experience receiving a scholarship. As the son of impoverished farmers with limited resources, he was overjoyed at such a significant opportunity. He emphasized the importance of scholarship competitions that provide equal opportunities to individuals from various social backgrounds.
He also highlighted how this initiative aligns with the current government's efforts to promote human capital development. He firmly believes that increasing access to knowledge plays a crucial role in maintaining peace in Cambodia.
He expressed his confidence in the quality of education provided by Limkokwing University, noting that two of his own family members are currently enrolled as students at the school.
After fierce competition and rigorous evaluation, Limkokwing University was thrilled to announce the top ten winners of the prestigious scholarship program. Limkokwing Director Burlet explained it was a long process of three rounds and over 1,100 students entered the competition.
“Today is a great day, actually [as it] is an award ceremony. [It’s] actually the end of a long process of three rounds. When we [started] selecting grade 12 students nationwide, there were more than 1,100 candidates. They were selected in three rounds based on mathematics and English. The first round was made online because there were too many. Then there was a second round was am [in-person] exam on campus. We selected and reduced and chose the best,” he said.
After the exams, Limkokwing University followed with in-person interviews in front of judges. “About 30 came and they were tested on their communication skills,” said Mr. Burlet. “They had a subject they [weren’t told about] and they had to develop it in front of a jury. Out of this, the ten students we saw today were selected.”
All ten winners were granted 100% free tuition at Limkokwing University, while the top five students won cash prizes, ranging from $600 to $1,000, with no restrictions on how they can use the funds.
In first place was 18-year-old Ean Lin 18 from Sovannaphumi School in Siem Reap. She was so thrilled with her prize that she could hardly express it. “I feel so proud of myself. Words can’t actually express how happy I am because it’s like winning a 100% scholarship for one of the best international universities and also winning $1000 cash,” she said.
She also mentioned the honor of being the first in her family to receive a higher education. “It’s a very big achievement for me because I will the first one of my entire family to actually to reach a university level so yeah it’s a big reputation for our family too,” she said. “They are super proud of me.”
Limkokwing University, takes pride in being the first international-standard higher education university to be established in Cambodia. The main campus was founded in Malaysia in 1992, and they’ve since expanded to multiple branches in various countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe. In Cambodia, Limkokwing University has been serving the community since 2008, accumulating 15 years of specialized training in associate degrees, bachelors, and master's degrees. Limkokwing’s commitment to education has significantly contributed to the development of human resources in Cambodia.
