Students from six high schools in Phnom Penh have been preparing for a quiz today; but unlike exams they take in class, this involves cash prizes and airtime on television.

A quiz show focussed on questions about the ASEAN community is set to appear on TVK later this month, and will be filmed today and tomorrow at TVK’s studios.

The game show is a collaboration between the television network and Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ministry spokesman Chum Sounry said yesterday.

“We organised this show with the hope to enhance the knowledge of the Cambodian youth on the ASEAN community,” Sounry said.

“We are part of the ASEAN family, so we hope that the Cambodian community, and especially the Cambodian youth, will watch this show.”

The 18 students participating in the show – three from each school – will be tested on the region’s economy, politics and culture.

Students will compete in the tournament-style contest today and tomorrow, and the three episodes filmed will air on Friday, July 24 and 31, said Chey Sorthea, TVK’s deputy director general.

“One [episode will be filmed] in the morning and one in the afternoon,” Sorthea said, followed by the final showdown tomorrow.

First place will take home a $1,500 cash prize, followed by $1,000 for second, $800 for third, $500 for fourth and fifth and $400 for sixth place, Sorthea said.