ANGKOR: Cambodia will hold its first “Angkor Writing” competition in front of Angkor Wat on January 21, 2024. So far, more than 800 candidates have registered.

Lim Bun Hok, representative of the Khmer Literary Group, said that the program was created to promote higher levels of Khmer literature to the general public, especially students of the digital age. He said that the writing competition is a way to draw public attention to the importance of Khmer literature, and will allow participants to expand their general knowledge on topics featured in the subject of the writing prompts.

The Angkor Writing competition is a dictation challenge in which someone will read a piece of Khmer literature which participants must then write down. They will be judged on the accuracy of what they have written and the correctness of their handwriting.

Speaking to local media, Lim Bun Hok said that the Angkor Writing program was organized by a group of Khmer literary lovers who wish to promote the Khmer language and domestic tourism potential as well.

"We created this program in order to help promote our Khmer language to prosper, because its our national identity,” he said. “The [program’s] second important purpose, is to help promote our local tourism so that our local tourism can prosper and help develop our nation."

The first public Angkor Writing dictation competition will take place on January 21, 2024 at the west entrance bridge of Angkor Wat. All members of the public, regardless of age or sex, are invited to register to compete. So far, 815 candidates have signed up.

The first place winner will receive $300 and a three-night stay at a five-star hotel, the second place winner will receive $200 and a three-night stay at a four-star hotel, and the third place winner will receive $100 and a three-night stay at a three-star hotel, in addition to supplementary prizes.