RATANAKKIRI: With the nationwide High School Diploma exam taking place this week, students of different ages, capacities and ethnic backgrounds are attempting to gain a valuable mark of their academic excellence. In rural Ratanakkiri, there are three exam centers hosting nearly 2,000 candidates, nearly 900 of which belong to indigenous populations.

Ratanakkiri Governor Ngin Nel, opened the high school diploma examination for the 2022-2023 academic year at Samdech Ov Samdech Mae High School on Monday, November 6, 2023 in Banlung City. He said that this year’s exams are no different from previous years and all the procedures are very careful and strict under the principle of “You study, you pass.”

He presented a test box as evidence of the exam’s security, sealed and stamped with the seal of the subject in from of the candidates to ensure them that the examination is conducted in accordance with the principles of law, justice, and transparency.

Director of Ratanakkiri’s Department of Education, Youth and Sports,Khat Samal, said that a total of 1,883 candidates were taking the exam, including 946 women. The participants include 873 indigenous candidates, including 444 indigenous women.

He also noted that the province is providing free parking for the exams in addition to medical staff for any health problems that may arise.