A Cambodian teacher, Hay Chakrya, has been honoured with a prestigious accolade as the Princess Maha Chakri Award Foundation of Thailand recognised her as one of the finest teachers in the ASEAN region.

Chakrya teaches maths to Grade 12 students at Sok An Samrong High School in Takeo province.

Established in 2015 by Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, this award celebrates the best educators across the regional bloc.

Every two years, an evaluation committee invites the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport to put forward their top teachers. They compete alongside exceptional educators from other ASEAN member states.

Come October, the ceremony will take place, and each winner will walk away with a $10,000 cash prize.

They also receive a gold medal featuring the Thai King’s emblem and a certificate of commendation.

“We nominated Hay Chakrya for the 2023 Princess Maha Chakri Award. She was a distinguished recipient of the Samdech Techo Hun Sen award for her teaching in 2020-2021. Her nomination was officially approved this year in July,” noted the ministry.

It also revealed other nominations for this year’s Princess Maha Chakri Award. All nominees previously secured the title of “Best Teacher” at the Samdech Techo Hun Sen Awards. Among them are Touch Bandol from Wat Bo Primary School in Siem Reap province and Dy Sophoan from Kumrou Krong Primary School in Kampong Chhnang province. Loy Virak of Bun Rany Hun Sen High School in Kampong Chhnang and Norn Dary, teaching at Kouch Mengly Toul Beng Primary School in Kampong Cham province, were also recognised.

Each of these educators has shown unparalleled dedication and excellence in their field, added the ministry.