AKP Phnom Penh, March 11, 2025 -- 

Samdech Kitti Sangahapundit Men Sam An, Member of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King, has emphasised that the 10th National Reading Day, celebrated today, is a moment to honour the heroic legacy of Samdech Preah Sangha Raja Chuon Nath. 

The event pays tribute to his relentless efforts in preserving Khmer cultural and literary heritage, promoting a culture of reading, and instilling lifelong reading habits among students, scholars, and the general public.  

Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the 10th National Reading Day under the theme "Reading bridges generations in society" at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC) in Phnom Penh this morning, Samdech Men Sam An highlighted the importance of reading in enhancing the quality of life and fostering a love for literature among Cambodians. 

She called for collective participation and support to promote reading as a means to enrich lives and strengthen societal bonds. To further enhance the effectiveness of reading initiatives for students, scholars, and youth, Samdech Kitti Sangahapundit Men Sam An encouraged authors to continue and expand their writing and publishing efforts, particularly in the Khmer language. She urged relevant ministries and institutions to establish libraries and digital archives to facilitate access to books and resources. 

Additionally, she called on the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports to expand early-grade reading programmes, literacy initiatives in factories, enterprises, and prisons, and to promote reading corners in schools, pagodas, and community centres. She also expressed gratitude to Buddhist monks, relevant ministries, national and sub-national administrations, civil society, international organisations, private sector stakeholders, educational institutions, and all contributors who have consistently supported reading initiatives. 

Samdech Men Sam An particularly acknowledged the organising committees at all levels for their efforts in ensuring the smooth execution of the annual National Reading Day celebrations.  

The 10th National Reading Day serves as a reminder of the enduring value of literature and the collective responsibility to preserve and promote Cambodia's rich cultural heritage through the power of reading.

By K. Rithy Reak