A post from education minister Hang Chuon Naron extending his congratulations to Koem Chan Lekna who won the first place in the 2024 SEAQIL Kartini Award (SEKAR) competition in the language teacher category. Supplied
Koem Chan Lekna, an English teacher at Prek Leap High School's New Generation School (NGS) programme, has been awarded first place in the 2024 SEAQIL Kartini Award (SEKAR) competition in the language teacher category.
The competition, organised by the SEAMEO QITEP in Language Centre in Indonesia biannually, recognises exceptional contributions to language education across Southeast Asia.
Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, congratulated Chan Lekna via Facebook, praising her dedication to promoting literacy and advancing professional development in language teaching.
"The SEKAR Award honours educators who are committed to literacy and inspire sustainable innovations in language education," Chuon Naron stated.
He emphasised the significance of the award in encouraging teachers to enhance their skills and foster collaboration within the education community.
Naron also emphasised that the establishment of the award aims to encourage language teachers to continuously enhance their skills, foster the participation of stakeholders in the education community and inspire sustainable innovations in language teaching.
“The competition is attended by representatives from the 11 member countries of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization [SEAMEO],” he added.
The award honours exceptional language teachers and education personnel across Southeast Asia.
Named after Raden Ajeng Kartini, an Indonesian national heroine who championed women's education, the award underscores the importance of education and the empowerment of educators in the region.
Koem Chan Lekna, first place winner of the 2024 SEAQIL Kartini Award in the language teacher category. Supplied
SEKAR celebrates outstanding contributions to language education, highlighting innovative literacy practices and the dedication of educators to professional development.
In 2024, SEAQIL called for nominations, inviting educational institutions to recognise deserving candidates who have demonstrated excellence in teaching and innovative practices.
This year’s awardees embody creativity, commitment and passion, inspiring others in the field of language education.
Seameo QITEP announced on its Facebook page, “SEAQIL is proud to announce the winners of the SEAQIL Kartini Award (SEKAR) 2024!”
“We deeply appreciate language teachers and education personnel across Southeast Asia for their hard work, creativity and commitment to literacy. Your dedication has truly inspired all of us through this programme.”
Through the Kartini Award, SEAQIL continues to promote transformative practices and celebrate the vital role of educators in shaping literacy and learning across Southeast Asia.
A journey to excellence
Chan Lekna said that the competition took place in late September, and only recently received the good news, with the education minister sharing a congratulatory message on social media
She explained that when applying for the award, she was required to submit an English essay, a scientific paper and a short video to the competition committee.
Chan Lekna told The Post, “I focused on the topic of developing English at the NGS in Prek Leap High School through the X-reading programme to enhance English teaching.”
The committee reviewed and evaluated the essays and written submissions of candidates from ASEAN countries.
She said she received the initial notification of winning the award through the ASEAN Department in late November.
"Just yesterday, the minister posted the official results," she added.
Koem Chan Lekna is an English teacher at Prek Leap High School's New Generation School (NGS) programme. Supplied
The NGS teacher stated that the competition and receiving the award has provided numerous benefits.
“Writing an article is like conducting small-scale research that highlights the value of reading, how reading aids in teaching English and how it benefits students in terms of knowledge and lifelong learning habits,” she explained.
“For me, I feel happy and motivated to work even harder because what I have been doing is on the right path and has been recognised by those around me,” she said.
Chan Lekna added that the recognition serves as encouragement for teachers and other educators to strive for excellence.
“It is truly an honour for me, my family, my school and the entire nation to see Cambodian intellectuals recognised on such a platform,” she said proudly.
The Cambodian teacher won first prize, with Malaysia taking second place and Indonesia, the host country, coming in third in the language teacher category.
The three winners of the award will receive a certificate of recognition, a cash prize and the opportunity to participate in a workshop in Thailand.
However, Chan Lekna noted that because the organising committee is not yet ready, the plan to attend the workshop in Thailand may be postponed.
The NGS teacher, a graduate of the Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL), recalled learning about the competition through a ministry post sharing details of the programme. She felt the competition aligned closely with her daily work and professional goals.
"To be honest, I didn’t expect to achieve such a great result. I just saw the opportunity and seized it while hoping to set an example for my students,” Chan Lekna told The Post.
Having taught for five years, she shared that during her time at the National Institute of Education, she reconsidered her initial plan to teach in Siem Reap province and instead sought to teach at an NGS.
Chan Lekna explained that the NGS model offers a superior educational experience.
"The learning environment, students and teachers are very different from the usual programmes I experienced as a student," she said.
She expressed gratitude to her family, friends, colleagues, Prek Leap NGS, and the ministry for their constant support and for providing teachers with opportunities to participate in competitive programmes.
