TV Show Inspires Future Cambodian Leader

USAID

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia—A reality show based loosely on America’s “Apprentice” and “American Idol” is testing the leadership and debating skills of promising young Cambodians.

The USAID-funded “Youth Leadership Challenge” is giving Cambodian youth new opportunities to develop the next generation of leaders in a country where the median age is 22. With 2.1 million viewers, the show recently completed its sixth season and airs nationally on CTN, Cambodia’s most popular TV station.

Each season begins with 16 contestants. During weekly episodes, contestants are divided into two teams that compete in challenges such as organizing a petition campaign or a book drive. At the end of each episode, contestants vote off two fellow cast members. In the final episode each season, two finalists compete in a debate and the audience chooses the winner by texting in their votes.

Each season’s winner has the opportunity to visit the United States, an incentive that is highly prized by Cambodian youth and helps attract strong contestants. The private sector is capitalizing on the show’s popularity through sponsorship deals, which currently account for 23 percent of its budget, up from 7 percent during the first season.

Many former contestants have used the show to further their studies and careers. Kong Sorita, a 22-year-old international relations major, used the skills she learned on the show to win an election for student body president at Pannassasstra University, Cambodia’s most prestigious university.

During the 15-day campaign period, she formed a committee that polled students about their concerns and expectations and used the data to develop a platform. Kong won three times as many votes as her competitor.

After graduation, Kong plans to pursue a career in Cambodia’s diplomatic corps and eventually run for political office, perhaps even prime minister.

“International relations is not a very popular choice for women students in Cambodia, because they are afraid of getting involved in politics,” she said.

“Competing in the ‘Youth Leadership Challenge’ has given me the confidence and skills I need to pursue a career in this field.”

In September 2009, Sophal Yun, the winner of season four, and Chhem Pe, the winner of season five, visited New York City and Washington. Their twoweek study tour combined sightseeing in both cities with educational enrichment. In Washington, they toured the U.S. Capitol and attended a congressional hearing, enabling them to see firsthand how an open, democratic government functions.

“My parents are very proud that I earned my way through the program—and especially the trip to the U.S.,” said Chhem.

At age 19, Chhem was the competition’s youngest winner and came from a poor family in rural Cambodia. After gaining national prominence in the competition, he is making plans to attend university and study international relations and rural development.

“This program will help shape the skills that I will bring [to my career],” said Chhem.