On 19 June 2026, educators, students, librarians, cultural advocates, and distinguished guests gathered at CamEd Business School, for the Award Ceremony of The Reading Bridge 2026: Cambodia–Italy Intercultural Literacy Initiative.
Organized through the collaboration of the Italian Business Chamber in Cambodia (ItaCham), the National Library of Cambodia, the Cambodian Librarians Association, and the CamEd Library, the initiative aimed to strengthen intercultural understanding between Cambodia and Italy through reading, reflection, creativity, and dialogue. The program received an overwhelmingly positive response, attracting nearly 100 applications from university students and young professionals across Cambodia. The quality of submissions demonstrated not only strong literacy and analytical skills, but also a genuine curiosity about culture, identity, history, and the shared human values that connect people across borders. Many participants attended the award ceremony and received certificates in recognition of their efforts and contributions. Highlighting their participation in the news coverage would not only acknowledge their achievements but also celebrate the collective commitment to advancing research, innovation, and academic excellence.
Following a rigorous evaluation process, the judges (Dr. Riccardo Corrado, and Dr. Prohim Tam) selected five outstanding participants whose works exemplified the spirit of intercultural literacy and intellectual engagement. Top 5 Winners:
- Dr. Ken Thaw Zin (IMU University) – A Stoic in the Shadow of Angkor: How Marcus Aurelius Bridged My Cambodia and an Imagined Italy
- Ms. Mak Molisopheakneath (American University of Phnom Penh) – From Montessori to Trieste: Italy’s Philosophy of Hope
- Ms. Ly Por (Limkokwing University Cambodia) – Film Reflection: There’s Still Tomorrow (C’è ancora domani)
- Mr. Men Roza (CamEd Business School) – The Weight We Inherit: Family, Identity, and the Courage to Become
- Ms. Sovan Thidanisa (IT STEP Academy) – Artwork Showcase: Cambodia–Italy Intercultural Literacy Reflections
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the five award recipients for their remarkable achievements. We also celebrate all participants who contributed their time, creativity, and thoughtful reflections. The high standard of submissions made the selection process particularly challenging and stands as a testament to the growing culture of reading, critical thinking, and intercultural dialogue among Cambodia’s youth.
Special appreciation goes to the panel of judges for their professionalism, dedication, and thoughtful evaluation of the submissions. Their expertise and commitment ensured a fair and meaningful selection process. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the sponsors and supporters who contributed to the success of the initiative.
Special thanks go to Vespa HGB One, and Cam-Paint, for being our GOLD Sponsors. We express our gratitude also to the other sponsors Segafredo Zanetti, Bellini Bistro Italiano, LAMY, and Awesomepick, for supporting this project, and to Cambodianess, Fresh News, and Cambodia Investment Review for being our media partners. Also, special thanks to CamEd Business School for its continued support, as well as to Ms. Roseka Huy and Dr. Riccardo Corrado for leading the project.
As The Reading Bridge 2026 comes to a close, the initiative leaves behind something more enduring than awards: a stronger connection between cultures, institutions, and young readers, demonstrating the power of reading to build bridges of understanding across borders. Read. Think. Create. Connect.
Our Competition on the news: article on Cambodianess.
