Text by: Naratevy Kek

Oxfam in collaboration with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF)launched the NSSF Best Reporter Awards, the first ever initiative, during the national social security training to forty plus national media on 21 March 2024 in Phnom Penh. The initiative is to raise public awareness about social security, particularly to workers in the apparel industry.

Media applicants including those from traditional and online media as well as bloggers are invited to submit their best Khmer language story published between the launching date to May 31, 2024. The stories shall cover topics on strengthening workers’ knowledge of NSSF, employees’ perspectives or experiences accessing NSSF benefits and using healthcare services, and the challenges and requests that employees have for NSSF or healthcare service providers. All articled will be accessed and reviewed by the committee, and the top five outstanding articles will be announced on June 28, 2024.

Mr Bunthoeurn Orm, a reporter from the Phnom Penh Post and one of the participants in the training said, “I believe that this competition provides valuable opportunity for reporters to produce more in-dept story, particularly focusing on aspect of NSSF that the general public may not be aware of.”

The launch of the Award coincided with a training on NSSF to the national media, following a request made by the media last year after similar training to enhance media knowledge on social security. Speakers from NSSF shared their perspectives and presentation on the legal provisions and benefits of social security in Cambodia.

“The training has been instrumental in enhancing the knowledge and effectiveness of media professionals,” said Sopheavatey Lay, another participant in the training from the ThmeyThmey online media. “I encourage the media to continue reporting on social security and urge the government and civil society organizations to organize NSSF sensitization program for the media in the future,” Vatey added.

Deputy Director General of NSSF and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, H.E. Dr. Sophannarith Heng, expressed his appreciation for the training and the award initiative. Recently, there are many developments on social security so His Excellency encouraged the media to take the opportunity to ask as many questions as possible to the speakers.

Journalists play an importance role in disseminating information and influencing people. They act as messengers conveying concerns from the public to policy makers for intervention. They facilitate discussion on policies and social issues, including social protection, among the public, which is essential for the country’s sustainable development.

Oxfam and NSSF hope that the training will equip journalists with a comprehensive understanding of social security systems, policies, and their impact. We hope the training helps journalists to effectively communicate accurate and complex concepts related to social security, making the information more accessible to a broader audience, thus strengthening social accountability in Cambodia’s social security systems.