A total of 30 Mathematics tests were held in three exam centres in Thailand on April 2. Thirteen Cambodian students from grades 3 to 12 took the exams.

Twelfth-grader Raingsey said he had taken the exam in person, while many other students took it online.

“Originally, I did not hope for very much because the candidates from other countries were outstanding students and there were far more of them than Cambodians. I took the exam at a Pattaya exam centre, alongside over 1,500 candidates,” he added.

To earn gold, candidates needed to score above 80 in the test. Raingsey, who won a place at an earlier international math event in New York but was unable to attend due to a lack of funds, originally guessed that he would score between 60 and 80.

He believed that more Cambodians could compete, but acknowledged that they might be challenged by the technical English terms and geometry questions.

“I now have the chance to compete next year for free. Normally, it would cost $290. With the experience I have gained, I am confident that I will earn gold next year, too,” he said.

Phok Phallkun, principal of Hun Sen Borey 100 Khnong High School, said that he, alongside the school’s board of management and students, were immensely proud of Raingsey, as well as several other students who earned silver medals.

He added that the result demonstrated the students’ ability to compete on an international level.

“Our high school has 3,318 students and 133 teachers. Raingsey is among the students from our school who claimed four or five medals at last year’s Cambodian maths competitions,” he said.

“Raingsey is due to compete at an April 19 competition in Phnom Penh, and expects to add to his reputation for excellence,” he added.

Phallkun said the school’s board of management encouraged students to acquire four skills: knowledge, wisdom, strong morals and harmonious living.

He believed that Raingsey’s excellent results stemmed from the dedication of the school’s teachers, and the active participation of his parents.

Heng Sonly, 45, who accompanied his son Raingsey to Thailand, said he was still ecstatic that the eldest of his three sons had done so well in the international exam.

“I waited outside, but my hands were shaking because I was so nervous. Eventually, we went to get something to eat. One of the other Cambodian parents called me to say my son had won gold! We were so pleased,” he said.

“I was very glad that I had fulfilled my son’s wishes and paid to bring him to the competition.”

According to phnompenhpost.com