Cambodia Investment Review
The Australian Alumni Association of Cambodia (AAA-C) hosted its annual Australian Alumni of the Year Awards, bringing together around 250 alumni and senior government officials to recognise the contributions of Cambodian graduates of Australian education programs.
The event placed a spotlight on the growing influence of Australian-educated professionals across Cambodia’s public and private sectors, particularly in areas such as foreign relations, human capital development, and sustainability.
The ceremony was attended by Guest of Honour Dr Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, alongside senior government figures including Senior Minister Dr Sok Siphana, Minister for Inspection Sok Soken, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Permanent Secretary of State Eat Sophea, and Minister Attached to the Prime Minister Samheng Boros.
Ambassador recognised for top honour
The Alumni of the Year Award was presented to H.E. Dr Choeunboran Chanborey, former Cambodian Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand and a graduate of the Australian National University.
The recognition reflects his role in strengthening bilateral ties between Cambodia and Australia, as well as his broader contributions to Cambodia’s engagement on the international stage.
Other awardees highlighted the breadth of impact made by Australian alumni across different sectors.
The Community Leadership Award was awarded to H.E. Ky Sokkim, Chief Executive Officer of the Skills Development Fund and a graduate of Charles Sturt University, in recognition of his work supporting workforce development and skills training initiatives in Cambodia.
The Young Leadership Award was presented to Long Morokot, Marine Conservation and Community Engagement Officer at the Song Saa Foundation and a graduate of the University of Sydney, reflecting contributions to environmental sustainability and community engagement.
Organisers noted that the awards aim to recognise alumni who are applying their international education and experience to support Cambodia’s development priorities.
Expanding alumni network supports national development
The Australian alumni network in Cambodia has grown steadily over the past three decades, supported in part by the Australia Awards Scholarships program.
Since 1994, around 1,000 Cambodian individuals have received Australia Awards Scholarships, completing higher education across sectors including governance, education, health, agriculture, trade facilitation, and environmental management. Many have returned to Cambodia to apply their knowledge, skills, and networks in both government and industry.
Australian alumni include Cambodians who have studied through Australian universities or vocational training providers, whether in Australia, online, or through offshore programs. This includes both scholarship recipients and self-funded students.
In addition to long-term degree programs, short-term initiatives such as Australia Awards Short Courses and Informal Learning Opportunities have further expanded the alumni base.
Each year, two recently returned graduates are appointed as Australia Awards Scholarships Ambassadors, engaging with prospective applicants and strengthening links with the Australian Embassy in Cambodia.
Building connections across sectors
Beyond recognition, the alumni network serves as a platform for professional engagement and collaboration.
Graduates are encouraged to connect through the Australian Alumni Association of Cambodia, the Australia Global Alumni network, and the Australia Awards Cambodia alumni database.
As Cambodia continues to integrate into regional and global markets, such networks are playing an increasing role in supporting knowledge exchange, professional development, and cross-border collaboration.
With thousands of Cambodian graduates having studied under Australian programs, the alumni community continues to expand, contributing to the country’s ongoing socio-economic development and strengthening ties between Cambodia and Australia.
