I have always been passionate about environmental issues, water management, and sustainable development. Growing up in a remote rural village in the eastern province of Cambodia, I nurtured a dream that I have now realized. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported this young rural girl in achieving her dream. I graduated from the Institute of Technology of Cambodia with a Bachelor’s degree in Water and Environmental Engineering. In 2018, I was honored to receive an award from WaterAid through the Center for Sustainable Water (CSW). This scholarship not only provided financial support but also equipped me with essential leadership skills that are crucial for success in the professional world.

Currently, I am serving as an environmental and social safeguard specialist at Inros Lackner (Cambodia) Co., Ltd., and I am assigned to local project development with the Ministry of Rural Development Cambodia under the Rural Infrastructure Development Program for Cambodia (RID4CAM) and Community Pipe Water Supply (CPWS). Additionally, I provide supervision to contractors to ensure they apply Environmental Social Health and Safety (ESHS) standards, address concerns at construction sites, and avoid activities harmful to biodiversity, taking into account feedback from all stakeholders, including local people, the government, and donors.

After graduation, I was awarded a master’s scholarship from the Wonders of Mekong (WoM) Project, which is funded by USAID. I thrived in a diverse working environment consisting of Cambodian researchers and expatriates, and I have been able to effectively communicate with all of my colleagues. Through the WoM, I had the precious opportunity to visit Philadelphia, USA, after receiving funding from The NexGen Mekong Young Scientist Program to present my research there. This reflects my proficiency in communication in diverse working backgrounds and my ability to enhance my work in multidisciplinary projects that I have learned and built a strong foundation for since my Bachelor’s degree, supported by CSW training and workshops.

My message to everyone, and especially to young women with big dreams, is this: No matter where you are, whether in a rural or urban area, it’s crucial to build your educational journey on a strong foundation. Without that foundation, it can be difficult to go far. Investing in education does not happen overnight; it can take years of hard work and dedication. While you wait for the right opportunities to come, do whatever you can to achieve your goals. This may include working part-time to support yourself financially, studying hard and smart, and always being open to learning something new.