YIGF Cambodia Organizing Committee 2024
Advisory Committees
Taing Bunhong
Director of Policy and Legal Affairs
Taing Bunhong
Director of Policy and Legal Affairs
Mr. Taing Bunhong is the Director of Policy and Legal Affairs at the General Secretariat of the Digital Government Committee, and Vice-Chair of AI and Data Science R&D Working Group of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications(MPTC). Before his current position, Bunhong worked as the officer at the Office of the Council of Ministers (OCM).
Bunhong earned his Bachelor degree in Law from the American University of Phnom Penh (AUPP) in 2017 and further pursued an LLM in Drafting Legislation, Regulation and Policy at School of Advanced Study, University of London in 2020 as a Chevening scholar.
Dr. Ly Rottana
Advisory Committee
Dr. Ly Rottana
Advisory Committee
Rottana is currently Director of Research at Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT). He has been a lecturer and researcher since 2017. Rottana holds a Ph.D. of Artificial Intelligence from the University of Grenoble, and a Master’s degree of Computer Science from University of Paul Sabatier, France. His research interests focus on applications of AI and Machine Learning in different domains including education, healthcare, and agriculture.
DIEP KONG
Advisory Committee
DIEP KONG
Advisory Committee
More than 18 years of experience in ISP and telecom sector, building the Carrier class IP routing and switch network (Cisco and Juniper), IP Firewalls, Open Source software, data centers, MPLS, infrastructure and network planning, service operation, project management, quality assurance for major isp in Cambodia. Being KHNOG Executive Committee to operate the knowledge sharing conference to Cambodia Technical in ISP and telecom sectors.
SUN Rapid
Advisory Committee
SUN Rapid
Advisory Committee
Deputy Secretary General of Digital Government Committee in charged of Policy and Monitoring and Evaluation
With more than 20 years in ICT field for the government, he has participated in many projects and developed himself from ICT technical person to project manager and policy maker.
He has been nominated to be member of Government Advisory Committee (GAC) for the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in 2015, represents Ministry of Post and Telecommunications.
During 2020-2021, he worked extensively on formulating the Digital Government Policy and Draft Digital Development Policy for accelerating the digital transformation in the government. In 2022, he has worked on the national data governance baseline and open data report with inputs from multi stakeholders in cooperation with development partners.
CHHIT Kanika
Advisory Committee
CHHIT Kanika
Advisory Committee
Project coordinator of young digital citizenship in Cambodia
Chhit Kanika is a project coordinator of young digital citizenship in Cambodia, a not-for-profit project. She has worked as a digital security trainer for the past five years with regional and global organizations, university students, young people, and the private sector. She not only offers instruction and assistance in digital security, but she also creates content about digital hygiene in the Khmer language that is directed at young Cambodians via the social media platform “Chumrum Digital.” Previously, she worked with local and international media covering human interest stories in Cambodia before beginning her career in the field of digital security. She has a degree in media management.
PHEAP Bunleng
Advisory Committee
PHEAP Bunleng
Advisory Committee
Programme Officer at UNESCO Cambodia
Pheap Bunleng, is a Programme Officer at UNESCO Cambodia, where he is responsible for overseeing a range of initiatives related to media, information and digital literacy, digitalization, media viability and press freedom.
Prior to joining UNESCO Cambodia, Mr. Pheap worked for various non-profit NGOs, where he gained valuable experience in communications, funding, and grant management.
Bunleng holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the Royal University of Phnom Penh, which has provided him with a strong foundation in pedagogy and educational theory. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Social Media and Digital Communication from the University of Westminster in London, which he completed through being awarded a Chevening scholarship. This program equipped him with the latest knowledge and skills in digital communication, which he now applies to his work at UNESCO Cambodia.
OUM Vantharith
Advisory Committee
OUM Vantharith
Advisory Committee
Sr. Startup Development Specialist at Techo Startup Center
Vantharith is an advocate for the free and open knowledge movement in Cambodia. Currently, he works at Techo Startup Center (TSC) as a Senior Startup Development Specialist. He is passionate about technology, social entrepreneurship, open movement & Sustainable Development Goals. Prior to his role at TSC, he managed a social enterprise to promote and market WASH products to rural consumers in Cambodia.
He has more than 10 years of working experience in various organizations across different sectors including advertising & brand communications, technology & civil society, and most recently in social business & entrepreneurship. He had also served as a Board Member of ODC Cambodia.
He graduated from Royal University of Phnom Penh with a B.A. in Media Management in 2006 and completed his Master coursework in Development Policy at KDI School of Public Policy in 2013.
Lay Puthineath
Advisory Committee
Lay Puthineath
Advisory Committee
Researcher and instructor in the field of Data Science and Natural Language Processsing(NLP) at Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology
Puthineath currently works at Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology as a researcher and instructor in the field of Data Science and Natural Language Processsing(NLP). With a Master’s degree in Informatics from UGA – Grenoble INP, Puthineath participates in cutting-edge research since 2022. After completion bachelor’s degree in Computer Science in 2019, she worked as web developer and data analytics. She actively participates in Internet Governance initiatives and has been involved in prominent events such as APIGA 2017, APrIGF 2018, APNIC48, Netmission Ambassador 2020 and ICANN NextGen 74. As an advisory committee member for the first Cambodia Youth Internet Governance, Puthineath is dedicated to shaping the future of the online landscape.
THY Try
Advisory Committee
THY Try
Advisory Committee
Executive Director of Open Development Cambodia (ODC)
Try has been actively participating in Internet Governance Forum events since 2019. His experiences with the Berlin forum in 2019, the Ethiopia forum in 2022 and the Stockholm forum in 2023 have provided him valuable insights into global internet governance and Cambodia’s internet landscape. Now, Try is spearheading Cambodia’s Youth Internet Forum in 2023, with the primary objective of empowering young Cambodians to shape the country’s internet development.
Try is dedicated to fostering meaningful dialogues and creating opportunities for youth empowerment by engaging with stakeholders. His work as a committee member in the Advisory Committee for the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum (YIGF) 2023 focuses on insuring the agenda’s proper shaping, inclusion of relevant topics, and overall success of the YIGF. This commitment reflects his enthusiasm to engage young Cambodians and provide them with a platform for active participation in internet governance discussions. In addition, Try is promoting a new program aimed at enhancing digital connectivity at the provincial level.
For last 12 years, Try has promoted and strengthened the Open Data community to improve transparency and accountability in Cambodia and the wider Mekong region, primarily through ODC’s online platform.
Organizing Committees
Ou Cheatta
Administrative Committee
Ou Cheatta
Administrative Committee
Bachelor’s of Art in English for International Business at Institute of Foreign Languages, Department of English of Royal University of Phnom Penh , Bachelor’s of Art in International Relation at the University of Cambodia
I am Cheatta who is currently studying in Bachelor of Art in English for International Business at Institute of Foreign Languages, Department of English of Royal University of Phnom Penh and Bachelor of Art in International Relation at the University of Cambodia. From my perspectives, I define Internet Governance as the complementary development and application were introduced by the government, private sector, civil society and the technical community in order to share their respective roles, norms, rules, decision-making procedures ,and activities that can enhance the evolution of the Internet. Internet governance plays a greater significant role in social improvements which promotes inclusivity in terms of internet access and consumption of people around the world. Hence, it beneficially assists on people’s daily lives such as learning and working, while it increases the standard of living as well. I am fascinated with participating in Cambodia YIGF 2024 Organising Committee because I am one of the students and youths in Cambodia who eagerly wants to comprehend about how Internet governance policy proceeds to great influences to our community. Hence, I am excited to take part in cooperation with government’s movements. Furthermore, I am strongly committed that my skills and knowledges enable to contribute well in tackling challenges and enhance the success for the forum. Being a part of the Cambodia YIGF Organizing Committee member will benefit me and my youth teams, for we comprehend in depth of internet governance and internet access. Therefore, lacking the internet access to information is not the challenge for our community anymore. Additionally, we are pleased to know that our community has improved with internet access in advance and we, as youths, are committed to engage together with the policy from the government, and promote stability of social security and social development.
Hour Livhoung
Website Committee
Hour Livhoung
Website Committee
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Specializing in Data Science, Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology – CADT
Hour Livhoung ,
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, specializing in Data Science, from Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology-CADT
As a data science Student, the intricate world of the internet internet governance ,has always captured my interest. My studies in data science have helped me understand how internet rules affect things like privacy, security, and how easily people can access information online. This is why I’m thrilled to join the CamYIGF Organizing Committee! I believe young Cambodians have a very important role to play in shaping the future of the internet. I want to create a space where Cambodian youth can talk about these issues, push for positive changes in internet governance, and make sure their voices are heard.
And my journey to internet governance is just starting! I’m eager to understand how internet safety helps build trust, and see how important principles like openness and security create a stable online environment. I see myself as someone who is always learning and looking for ways to contribute meaningfully to this important field.
Hok Lihuy
Program Committee
Hok Lihuy
Program Committee
Program Associate Manager for USAID Digital Workforce Development Project
Lihuy is currently a Program Associate Manager for USAID Digital Workforce Development Project. Her committment is to solve social challenges and educational inequity, and to improve digital workforce in Cambodia. CamYIGF is a youth-led initiative that address internet governance challenges. It incorporates the perspectives and needs of young internet users into policy-making. It empowers and educates them on digital rights and responsibilities, drives innovation, and tackles specific issues like online safety and digital literacy. Involving youth in governance also supports sustainable development and encourages them to take an active role in shaping the future of the digital world. CamYIGF serves as an advocacy hub for Cambodian youth . Throught this collaborative effort, I, as a part of organizing committee can play a role in addressing digital challenges, promoting systematic change, sustainability that propel our country towards digital transformation.
Chan Ty
Website Committee
Chan Ty
Website Committee
Bachelor’s Degree Digital Business , Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology – CADT , Bachelor’s Degree Software Engineering , American University of Phnom Penh – AUPP
A 4th year student majoring in Digital Business and diploma in Software Engineering, I possess a knowledge in Design and Programming. I first heard of YIGF from a friend at CADT, where the first YIGF held, upon researching more about the forum I can see the importance of youth involvement toward internet governance, especially in the cybersecurity topic as I want to make sure that I can spread awareness on how can internet users in Cambodia can protect themselves. Now that I became an Website Organizing Committee at YIGF, I want to take part in allowing for active involvement in promoting and empowering youth participation in Internet governance discussions, ensuring that their voices and perspectives are represented as well as By educating youth about critical issues related to Internet governance, such as cybersecurity, privacy, and digital rights, and other topic. This opportunity will allow me to contribute in YIGF 2024, hopefully making it become a successful forum. With CamYIGF, I aim to achieve substantial progress in the forum and continuously work on addressing Internet governance challenges in Cambodia. It raises awareness about critical issues related to Internet governance, such as cybersecurity, privacy, and digital rights, and educates young participants on these topics.
Ros Chanvoleak
Program committee
Ros Chanvoleak
Program committee
Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations, Institute of International Studies and Public Policy, Royal University of Phnom Penh
Ros Chanvoleak (Leak) has worked in an international organization and various independent, non-governmental projects before. She is passionate about community development on many different areas from promoting education on human rights, humanitarian law, and environmental protections to advocating free speech.
Internet Governance Forum was then introduced back in 2006 to bring a multi-stakeholder, democratic, and transparent platform for discussions on Internet governance issues. Which links to her passion to become the organizing committee. Youth is a powerful actor and a very influential one. They daily provide information to the world more than they talk to their parents. She wants to be a part of that movement to protect and also introduce the Internet public policy to the country.
For her expectation, she wants to develop a clear goal outcome with other committee of what it would be like and work together in a cohesive way. A goal that is achievable and aligns with World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) principles in internet governance processes. Plus, to educate the youth more about the Internet public policy and issues on an international level and show practices from other countries that have a certain result and we can hopefully be introduced into the country.
“Internet governance is a long way to be implemented but with youth, the timeline will be shortened, and I do hope I can be a part of it.” – Ros Chanvoleak”
HongTholly Sonit
Communication committee
HongTholly Sonit
Communication committee
Bachelor’s degree in Media Management, Royal University of Phnom Penh
With the advent of the internet, we have access to more information, and it serves as a vehicle to fuel many more innovations and developments in various fields, including the economy, finance, education, and peace. Despite this, the internet has several drawbacks, such as the growth of cybercrime, prejudice, and false information. That is when internet governance comes into action as a safety net, monitoring and enacting policies to prevent cybercrime.
I want to provide youth voices and a platform for discussing digital rights, literacy, and technology-driven policies in Cambodia. I aim to use my skills and experience in content creation and social media management to promote the forum and attract more participants. As an organizer, the forum also serves as a springboard for further study and broadens my network by working with diverse individuals. I want to push myself and contribute to the advancement of the country.
I’d like to continue contributing to the forum’s promotion, sharing my knowledge, and hosting workshops, debates, and an open discussion session to create awareness on internet governance and importance.
Heng Soklay
Program committee
Heng Soklay
Program committee
Master’s degree in Natural Language Processing, Universite de Lorraine, France, Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunication and Networking, NIPTICT, and Bachelor’s degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, Institute of Foreign Languages
“Soklay is an artificial intelligence researcher at the Institute of Digital Research and Innovation (IDRI), Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT). He holds a Master’s degree in Natural Language Processing from Université de Lorrain, France, a Bachelor’s degree in Education in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from the Institute of Foreign Languages, and a Bachelor’s degree in Telecoms and Networking from the National Institute of Posts, Telecoms and ICT, Cambodia (currently recognized as CADT). Prior to his research career, he worked as a network infrastructure engineer for a leading Cambodian mobile telecommunications company.
His first involvement in an Internet conference starts when he was selected as a youth fellow to join a regional Internet conference, Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) 46, in Nouméa, New Caledonia. He was also selected as a fellow to attend the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) 2023 in Brisbane, Australia, where he can gain more understanding and be actively involved in Internet governance on regional level.
He is now serving as a CambodiaYIGF program committee. His involvement as a program committee has contributed to the initiation of the YIGF forum to happen for the first time ever in Cambodia. He is committed to continuously contributing to make CambodiaYIGF happen every year. He believes that CambodiaYIGF will serve as a useful local platform to engage and raise awareness of youths coming from diverse groups in Cambodia, such as minorities, disabled communities, etc. in Internet governance and issues.
He believes that youth is also an important stockholder group to shape the future of the Internet and make the Internet world to be a stable and safe platform for everyone.”
Meas Molika
Communication committee
Meas Molika
Communication committee
Bachelor’s degree in Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation, University of Management International College (NUM IC)
Nowadays, the internet is becoming a significant role in our daily life for staying in touch and up to date with society and the world in diverse aspects.
Since the birth of the internet up until now, it contributes to revolutionizing and fostering in researching, learning, communication, doing business, innovative creations, and digitalization.
However, with the rapid growth of the digital world by lacking digital literacy, security, and proper management control, the disruptions and side effects of the internet are gradually increasing such as cybercrime, online scamming, online sexual harassment, widespread fake news, and many more.
Cambodia is also not exceptional in these matters regarding the Internet. That’s why I’m here with Cambodia YIGF 2023, with the goals and dreams to make the online space a more exclusive and safe place for everyone especially for children and youths to access more up-to-date information and knowledge, especially for those who live in rural areas. In the communication team, I hope to raise more awareness and useful knowledge regarding internet security and how to avoid online scamming through producing educational content and facilitating programs and workshops with Cambodia YIGF youth committees.
Together with Cambodia YIGF, we hope to see the online world a more inclusive and better place for gaining more opportunities and less harmful for everyone as a whole.
Sokhachan Socheata
Website committee
Sokhachan Socheata
Website committee
Bachelor’s degree in science in Management of Information Systems, Paragon International University
Socheata Sokhachan is deeply passionate about Internet governance and its impact on society. As a participant in the Asia-Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APIGA) 2022, held in Seoul, South Korea, she had the incredible opportunity to engage with experts and fellow participants in discussions on Internet management, development, and use.
During APIGA, she delved into various topics related to Internet governance, including data protection and privacy, cybersecurity, network access and inclusiveness, the Internet of Things, human rights, and the role of technological innovation in sustainable development. she is eager to apply the knowledge and insights gained from APIGA to contribute to the betterment of her country, Cambodia.
Inspired by her experience at APIGA, she aspires to become a member of the Cam YIGF (Cambodian Youth Internet Governance Forum) organizing committee. By joining the committee, she aims to utilize her passion, skills, and knowledge to contribute to the development of an open, inclusive, and transparent Internet governance ecosystem in Cambodia.
As a member of the organizing committee, she envisions organizing an annual Cam YIGF event, bringing together young Cambodians interested in Internet governance. This platform will serve as a space for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and capacity building on Internet governance issues relevant to our country.
Additionally, she plans to collaborate with local and international organizations working in the field of Internet governance to leverage their expertise and resources. By forging partnerships, we can broaden the impact of Cam YIGF and ensure a diverse range of perspectives are represented.
One of her goals is to encourage active participation from attendees, empowering them to engage in discussions and formulate policy recommendations specific to Cambodia. These recommendations will be shared with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, industry representatives, and civil society organizations, to influence decision-making processes.
Furthermore, she is committed to raising awareness about Internet governance among Cambodian youth and the general public. Through workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns, she aims to highlight the importance of Internet governance, digital rights, and responsible technology use.
With these initiatives, she believes Cam YIGF can become a platform where young Cambodians shape the future of the Internet in our country, contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable digital society.
LAM Sotheary
Administrative committee
LAM Sotheary
Administrative committee
Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Institute for International Studies and Public Policy of Royal University of Phnom Penh
Theary is pursuing a bachelor’s degree, majoring in International Relations at Institute for International Studies and Public Policy of the Royal University of Phnom Penh. She is a driven and dedicated individual who is constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities for growth in terms of social science and technology.
Then, she found the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum (CamYIGF), a forum that allows young people an opportunity to engage in discussions, learning, and share perspectives or ideas related to Internet governance, particularly, aims to empower young voices and ensure their active participation in internet governance processes.
Therefore, joining the organizing committee at CamYIGF, Theary foresees that CamYIGF will offer networking opportunities and the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, and she will learn to work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and deliver impactful results.
Huot Srymanit
Administrative committee
Huot Srymanit
Administrative committee
Bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance at CamEd Business School
Huot Srymanit is a sophomore majoring in a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance and an aspiring Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) at CamEd Business School.
She would consider herself a very dedicated, tenacious, and open-minded learner who always welcomes new challenges. During her studies, she discovered that she enjoys topics related to languages and technologies and has strong communication skills.
Though she has yet to gain much experience, she, as an open-minded learner, is very eager to get started and further develop herself in the realm of work experience. Hence, she is excited to promote digital inclusivity, internet governance and shaping its future in Cambodia among Cambodian youth as a member of the Cam YIGF organizing committee and to give young people a voice and a forum to address digital rights, literacy, and technology-driven policy in the country.
Her goal is to promote the forum and draw more visitors using her expertise in content development. As an organizer, this forum gives her a starting point for future research and helps to grow her network by collaborating with a variety of people.
Houth Morokoth
Communication Committee
Houth Morokoth
Communication Committee
Bachelor’s degree in International Economic, Institute of International Studies and Public Policy of the Royal University of Phnom Penh.
Morokoth is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the Royal University of Phnom Penh’s Institute for International Studies and Public Policy with a major in International Economics. She successfully completed her three-month internship with USAID/Cambodia in 2022 as a program assistant intern.
She assisted the Development Outreach and Communications team manage media relations and public outreach for USAID/Cambodia. She also finished a three-week market research project with more than ten local businesses during her internship, and she presented the results to several USAID/Cambodia departments.
She has taken part in a variety of activities and training sessions because she is passionate about learning new skills. In addition, she took part in the CPG Academy on “Human Rights” at the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University, Thailand, in November 2022.
She was also one of the members of the IFL debate club, which is when her interest in Internet governance started to grow because she had the opportunity to rehearse for the debate and conduct additional research on the subject of AI. She also volunteers at YIGF Cambodia, where she works on a communication team with a focus on creative design and support for the content creator team.
Because of how interconnected the world has become as a result of technological advancement and the rise in interdependence, she believes that Internet governance is extremely important and that a deeper and more thorough understanding is required.
She chose to join the YIGF Cambodia organizing committee in order to better understand internet governance, digital usage, and the technology gap among young people in Cambodia, particularly in rural areas.
Through this volunteer experience, she hopes to learn more about these issues and make a positive contribution to society.