Charles Sturt Cambodian Alumni: Illuminating brighter futures for women

Graduates from Charles Sturt’s Master of Business degree are now driving the next generation of women in business in Cambodia.

Through their Women Bright Program, they are ensuring that Cambodian women are equipped with the necessary confidence, skills and resources to adequately succeed in their academic pursuits, from a young age.

The program was first established in 2018 by the Charles Sturt University – Alumni Cambodia Association (CSU-ACA), who through a series of workshops and seminars, prepare young Cambodian women for a brighter educational future.

Focussed on ‘shaping skills and careers to empower women as the driving force of the economy’, the program helps them to set career goals, overcome obstacles and develop their talent. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences and build on both hard and soft skills to enable them to achieve professional success in the future.

The Women Bright Program hopes to inspire women through personal growth and provide them with the tools to succeed so that they too, can contribute to the broader socioeconomic growth of Cambodia.

Program Director Leng Somaly believes that, “Empowering young women through the expertise of our Cambodian Alumni is not just about celebrating their past academic achievements- it’s about investing in future potential, giving back to the community and mentoring a new generation of change-makers. Together, we can create a network of women who uplift, inspire, and lead with confidence.”

The Women Bright Program has collaborated with many local organisations, including the Chamber of Professionals and Micro-Enterprise and the Cambodia Women Entrepreneurs Association (CWEA), to deliver these workshops and seminars to more than 4,300 students since 2018. More than a dozen workshops have been held since its inception, with seminar themes such as ‘Strive for the Future’, ‘Women’s Value – Women Empower Women’, and ‘Family is Wealthier When Women Also Have a Job’.

As a fundamental part of the program, twenty-three university scholarships have been granted to Cambodian and overseas students. Without association and network members, local philanthropists, and company partnerships such as New Link Marketing, program resources and funding for the events would not be possible.

The CSU-ACA is a wonderfully active, not-for-profit, Alumni run organisation formed in 2016. With a focus on strengthening relationships through charitable and community-oriented events, the association currently has 658 members and works continually to improve the value that Charles Sturt’s Cambodian Alumni have on the community around them. Annual gatherings between Cambodian Alumni and current students strengthen this connection and lay the foundation for a larger Alumni organisation when those students graduate from Charles Sturt.

Notably, His Excellency Keat Chhon, who holds an Honorary Doctorate from Charles Sturt University, has spent significant time ensuring support for the program and building cooperative and fruitful relationships. As the first person to introduce Charles Sturt University to Cambodia and as the founder of the CSU-ACA, the association’s development and growth has been one of great pride for him. He remains the association’s Honorary President. Similarly, the dedication shown by the CSU-ACA President, Oknha Sorn Sokna, will leave a lasting legacy for all Alumni who follow. As one of Cambodia’s most respected and leading businessmen, Oknha Sorn Sokna continues to build on the strong relationship between Charles Sturt and Cambodia, proudly leading the CSU-ACA through its many humanitarian initiatives including The Women Bright Program and other programs such as Talent Development and Our Environment, Our Life.

Being a part of the Cambodia Alumni network enables those in the association to learn together, share expertise and work collectively to build stronger professional talent networks within Cambodia. Alumni in Cambodia hope to inspire future Cambodian students who may seek to follow in the footsteps of the many successful and generous alum who came before them. The association provides a valuable connection between Charles Sturt University in Australia, our Cambodian Alumni, local businesses and the community.

Charles Sturt University’s Director of Advancement said, “The university is incredibly proud of the work that our Cambodian Alumni do to create a difference in the lives of Cambodian women through the Women Bright Program. Organisations such as the CSU–ACA are a catalyst for change in their communities, donating valuable time and resources to ensure that their personal education and achievements positively impact and enrich the lives of others.”

Empowering young women through the expertise of our Cambodian Alumni is ... about investing in future potential, giving back to the community and mentoring a new generation of change-makers.

Leng Somaly Master of Business Administration, 2008.