(VOVWORLD) - Danh Chanh Da, who was born into a poor Khmer family in the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang, worked hard to obtain a college degree and became an outstanding reporter of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA). He recently received a medal for his professional contributions to international friendship and cooperation.
 Khmer journalist Danh Chanh Da. (Photo: VOV) |
At a young age Danh Chanh Da developed a passion for literature and determined to become a writer when he grew up. In 2006, he entered the Literature Department of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities.
After graduation, he became a reporter at VNA’s bureau in Soc Trang province. It was difficult at first, but eventually Chanh Da became one of the bureau’s principal reporters and won a number of press awards. In 2018, he won first prize at the External Information Service Awards and second prize at the National Press Awards.
“Danh Chanh Da is a brilliant Khmer journalist and an exemplary Party member. He has worked as a VNA correspondent in Cambodia and has produced many high-quality multimedia works,” said Tran Ngoc Thien, Head of VNA’s bureau in Can Tho city.
 Cambodian Minister of Information Khieu Kanharith presents a medal of friendship and cooperation to journalist Danh Chanh Da on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Cambodia diplomatic relations. (Photo: VOV) |
Chanh Da was sent to work as a VNA correspondent in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, for 3 years, where he covered important events such as Cambodian elections, international workshops and conferences, and high-level visits by Vietnamese leaders. Many of his stories helped to promote friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia.
After completing his term in Cambodia, Chanh Da was given the Royal Order of Sahametrei, a distinction presented by the government of the Kingdom of Cambodia to foreigners who have rendered distinguished service to the King and people of Cambodia.
“As a young journalist, I will try to broaden my knowledge, improve my professional skills, and do my best to complete every assigned task,” said Chanh Da.