Volunteers and Interns
Prim Vitou,
American University of Phnom Penh (AUPP)
IT and Project Intern, November 2024 – January 2025
Vitou joined ODC in November 2024 as an IT and Project Intern. He holds a dual degree in Computer Science and Information Technology Management from the American University of Phnom Penh. His primary responsibilities at ODC include planning and executing the Cambodia ICT Camp 2024, as well as learning and implementing new technologies to set up and maintain ongoing and future projects.
Vitou believes that his experience at ODC will be a valuable opportunity to broaden his knowledge and skills, aligning closely with his academic interests.
Try Bunheng,
Royal University of Law and Economics (RULE)
IT and Website Intern, July – October 2024
Bunheng is an Information Technology student at the Royal University of Law and Economics (RULE), driven by a passion for technology and innovation. Currently interning as an IT and Website Intern at Open Development Cambodia (ODC), Bunheng is eager to deepen his knowledge in UX/UI design, web development, and explore new advancements in his field of interest in technology. He aims to leverage his internship at ODC to gain valuable insights and practical experience that will contribute to his professional growth and ability to make meaningful contributions in the tech industry.
Nou Seyha,
Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC)
Data Research and GIS Intern, July–October 2024
Seyha is from Kandal province. Currently, he is a third-year student at the faculty of Geo-Resources and Geotechnical Engineering (GGE) and an intern at Open Development Cambodia (ODC) in Data Research and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Furthermore, he would like to improve his knowledge and gain a better understanding of GIS while being a part of this internship, and his future goal is to become a GIS specialist so that he could be a part of the human resources of Cambodia. He has participated in data collection, data entry, and mapping, and has participated in outreach activities with the ODC team to open more data in Cambodia.
Chheng Hongchhay,
Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC)
Data Research and GIS Intern, July–October 2024
Hongchhay is a fourth-year student in the faculty of Geo Resources and Geotechnical Engineering at ITC. Currently, he is a Researcher Intern in Data Research and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at Open Development Cambodia Organization (ODC). He wants to become a GIS specialist; that’s why he came to intern with ODC and researched data and GIS in order to reach his future career.
Swe Zin Myint Mo,
Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU)
Research intern, July – August 2024
Swe Zin Myint Mo is in her second year of studying International Cooperation in Agricultural and Rural Development (ICARD) at the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague. She is passionate about agriculture, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development, particularly in developing countries. In July 2024, she joined Open Development Cambodia (ODC) as a research intern. In this role, she applies her dedication and expertise to areas closely aligned with her academic interests. She believes her experience with ODC is a valuable opportunity to broaden her knowledge and expand her professional network.
SOPHORS Pisey,
Royal University of Phnom Penh
Communication and Partnership intern, July-October 2024
Pisey is a junior at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), majoring in Computer Science. She has a keen interest in communication and its significance in the technology industry. She is thrilled to join ODC as a Communication and Partnership intern, where she aims to learn and gain practical experience in communication strategies, media planning, and digital marketing. This opportunity will help her develop the skills necessary to connect between technical and non-technical stakeholders effectively.
Phy Linna,
Royal University of Phnom Penh
Editor-Research Intern, July-September 2024
Linna is a third-year student majoring in Environmental Sciences at the Royal University of Phnom Penh. Linna joined Open Development Cambodia Organization (ODC) in July as Editor-Researcher intern. Linna is very interested in studying climate change and she expects to gain valuable experience, expand her knowledge and skills. Linna hopes that this opportunity will prepare her for her fourth-year in the university and for the her future endeavors.
Vann Channisa,
Royal University of Law and Economic (RULE)
Partnership and Communication Intern, July-December 2024
Nisa is a senior year student, majoring in Khmer- French Law at Royal University of Law and Economics. Nisa interest to explore a job outside of her field, which is why she is currently joined ODC as an intern under the Communication and Partnership team to explore her field of interest for her future career, from July to December 2024. During her internship with ODC, Nisa expect to learn about communication policies, social impact, digital marketing, planning, and media production.
Chin Sivmoy,
Institute for International Studies and Public Policy (IISPP) & the University of Cambodia (UC)
Editor-Research Intern, July-December 2024
Sivmoy is an Editor-Research Intern at the Open Development Cambodia (ODC). She is currently in her senior year, majoring in International Relations (IR) and International Business (IB) at the Institute for International Studies and Public Policy (IISPP) and the University of Cambodia (UC). She is very interested in exploring Aid and Development. Sivmoy believes that working at ODC will be a great opportunity to learn and develop new skills as well as gain valuable experience from ODC team.
Hongtholly Honey,
Royal University of Law and Economics(RULE)
Partnership and Communication Intern, July-September 2024
Honey is a junior student, majoring in Economics and Management at the French Department of the Royal University of Law and Economics(RULE), expected to graduate with her bachelor’s degree in 2025. She joined ODC as an intern under the partnership and communication team to explore her field of interest for her future career, from early July until the end of September 2024. Honey is driven to become dynamic through her interest which she is enthusiastic to learn about digital marketing, design, planning, and media production during her internship with ODC
Owen Tremblay,
William & Mary Law School
Legal Research Intern, May – July 2024
Owen Tremblay is a first-year law student at William & Mary Law School. He has a strong interest in technology investments and privacy policy. Owen started working at ODC in May 2024, and he is currently researching foreign direct investments in Cambodia with a specific focus on the implications of these investments on data flow and data governance. Owen believes that working at ODC will be a great opportunity to learn about investment and technology policy in a rapidly changing environment.
Som Visal,
Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology
Data Analyst and Web Developer Intern, January – April 2024
Visal is a Data Analyst and Web Developer intern at the Open Development Cambodia Organization (ODC). Currently, he is majoring in Computer Science at the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology. During his tenure at ODC, Visal was working on the Joint Accountability Action Plan (JAAP) Dashboard Tracker project. His internship started in January and ended in April 2024. Visal is enthusiastic to work at ODC and highly appreciates ODC providing an invaluable internship opportunity.
Soem Lin,
Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) & National University of Management (NUM)
Communities Fisheries Research Intern, March-August 2024
Lin is a Communities Fisheries Researcher Intern with the Open Development Cambodia Organization (ODC). Currently, she is studying a Bachelor of Environmental Science at the Royal University of Phnom Penh and a Bachelor of English at the National University of Management. Being part of ODC is her first career and interest. Lin expects that ODC will equip her with valuable experience and expand her knowledge and skills with the ODC team through to ODC internship program.
Hugh Ritchie,
Australian National University (ANU)
Legal Research Intern, January – February 2024
Hugh Ritchie is a fourth-year student studying Economics Law at the Australian National University, and he has strong interest in economic development and public policy. Hugh started working at ODC in January 2024, and he is currently researching tax complexities faced by Small and Medium Enterprises in Cambodia and exploring innovative solutions. Huge believes that working at ODC will be a great opportunity to develop strategies to complex problems in a new and fascinating environment.
Maisy Lam-Po-Tang,
Australian National University (ANU)
Legal Research Intern, January – February 2024
Maisy is a legal research intern with Open Development Cambodia. She is a fifth-year student at the Australian National University, where she is completing a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts, specialising in sociology, gender, and sexuality. Her legal interests lie in intellectual property law, contract law, competition law and criminal law.
Maisy joined ODC in January 2024 and has been researching CSR and ESG frameworks and how they can be used to measure the responsible business practices of foreign investment in Cambodia. This research also explores the challenges faced with ESG data access and quality, anti-ESG sentiment, and the lack of hard law in this area.
Helena Brunker,
Australian National University (ANU)
Legal Research Intern, January – February 2024
Helena is in her final semester of a double-degree in Law and Arts at the Australian National University. She is currently working as a paralegal in litigation, specialising in the impact of data breaches and cyber security for multinational firms. She has previously worked as a research assistant in the Australian Senate, studying the legal effect of sexual consent laws in Australia. She has also volunteered for Victim Support ACT, assisting victims of crime, navigating the court space and working with the ACT Human Rights Commission. Helena is working as a legal intern at ODC, conducting a comprehensive review of ODC’s terms of use and disclaimer to align with recent changes in national and international laws related to open data and digital technologies. She hopes to provide recommendations and future direction for the effective operation of open data organisations such as ODC in Cambodia.
Chloe Heiniger,
Australian National University (ANU)
Legal Research Intern, January – February 2024
Chloe has just finished her third year studying Law and Economics at the Australian National University in Canberra. She has volunteered with organisations supporting vulnerable members of society such as the ANU Tax Clinic, where she assisted Indigenous small businesses with their corporate tax structures and with St Vincent’s, where she helped children of refugee and migrant parents to read. At Open Development Cambodia, she worked on the laws and policies that surround internet accessibility in Cambodia and the impact that digitisation has on vulnerable Cambodians in rural areas. She conducted her internship at Open Development Cambodia from January 9 to February 16, 2024.
Choeun Dara,
Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC)
Data Research and GIS Intern, August–October 2023
Choeun Dara is a fourth-year student at the faculty of Geo-Resources and Geotechnical Engineering (GGE) and an intern at Open Development Cambodia (ODC) in Data Research and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Dara participated in data collection, data entry, and mapping by using geospatial data, and participated in outreach activities with the ODC team to open more data in Cambodia. Dara participated in an internship with ODC from August 21, 2023, to October 20, 2023.
“ODC has provided a great opportunity for me to explore the open data and aspects of development in Cambodia. This internship also provided with experience working in a team to solve problems and make an effort to accomplish a job effectively. “I have learned tremendously at ODC and am really grateful for the opportunity.”
Jeongeun Julia An,
University of George Mason
Legal Research Intern, June – July 2023
Jeongeun Julia An is a legal research intern with Open Development Cambodia. She currently studies law at Antonin Scalia Law School - George Mason University. She expects to graduate in 2025 with a J.D. She is interested in public interest law, international law, and human rights law. Julia joined ODC in early June and worked on a research project on foreign investment impact on gender equality of Cambodian workers in the manufacturing sector with a case study of Svay Rieng SEZ.
Siem San,
Royal University of Agriculture
Data Research and GIS, May – November 2023
Siem San is a third-year student at the Faculty of Land Management and Land Administration of the Royal University of Agriculture and works as an intern in Data Research and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). San is responsible for collecting data, data entry, and working with spatial data to create datasets across sectors in Cambodia for the ODC website and engaging with the ODC’s outreach activities. San joined ODC from May 19, 2023, to November 18, 2023.
Matthew Wells,
University of San Francisco
Legal Research Intern, June – August 2023
Matthew Wells is a legal research intern with Open Development Cambodia. He studies law at the University of San Francisco School of Law, where he is pursuing concentrations in litigation and international law. He expects to graduate in Spring 2025 with a J.D. Recent areas of research and work include international investment law and criminal prosecution.
Matthew joined ODC in June, and he has been researching the new Cambodian Digital Government Policy 2022-2035, data protection and personal data, and data-centric digital rights. In addition, he is researching the new Law on Foreign Investment in Cambodia, and the potential implications of the new law for foreign investors, as well as, the effects of the new law for the Cambodian government.
Thaung Vanndynata,
Raffles International College Cambodia
Communication Intern, May – August 2023
Vanndynata Thaung is a student who is currently pursuing an advanced diploma in finance at Raffles International College Cambodia and a postgraduate diploma in business management at Kingston International School Singapore. Vanndynata is currently exploring work outside of her field, which is why she is interning as a communication intern at Open Development Cambodia (ODC).
Vanndynata joined ODC in early May, and she has been assisting with translating documents, writing blogpost, and taking minutes for some events such as, the Fourth Cambodia ICT and Digital Forum (CamIDF), Phnom Penh Internet Forum (PPIF), and ICT for Development Cambodia (ICT4D).
Lauren Daffenberg,
William & Mary Law School
Legal Research Intern, May – July 2023
Lauren Daffenberg is a legal research intern with Open Development Cambodia (ODC). She just finished her first year of studies law at William & Mary Law School, where she will graduate in 2025 with her JD. She is interested in private practice with a focus on technology and business law.
Lauren joined ODC in mid-May, and she has been working on a research project discovering the effects of new digital and technology laws, such as data protection and cybersecurity, on small-to-midsize businesses (SMEs). She has been involved in desk research as well as informational interviews and conversations at events like ICT4D to support her research findings.
Long Lina,
Royal University of Agriculture
Data Research and Geographic Information System Intern, August 2022 – February 2023
Long Lina is a third-year student at the Royal University of Agriculture’s Department of Land Management and Land Administration. He interned at ODC as a Data Research and Geographic Information System intern from August 2022 to February 2023. He was trained on how to conduct desk research in data collection and to prepare datasets for map production.
During these 06 months, he was able to assist the ODC Data and Mapper team in updating monthly land reclassification and land concession data executed from Royal Decrees, and Sub-decrees, and collecting data related to budgets and public services from the ISAF M&E Database system.
Cameron Cheam Shapiro,
Bard College
Research Intern, September – November 2022
Cameron Chem Shapiro is a Cambodian-American undergraduate student at Bard College finishing his Bachelor of Arts in Global and International Studies. Growing up in Cambodia, Cameron attended the International School of Phnom Penh and was able to witness economic and social development first-hand.
For Fall 2022, Cameron served as a research intern for Open Development Cambodia, measuring and visualizing changes in key indicators of the country’s growing digital economy using R and open source data. His work supported the launch of Cambodia’s Digital Economy Portal in collaboration with Meta as a part of the Workshop on “Cambodia’s Digital Economy and Business Web Portals” for members of civil society, the private sector, and the government. He is proud to have played a part in such interesting and relevant work in a time of drastic digital transformation in Cambodia.
Sok Srey Lux,
Royal University of Phnom Penh
Communication Intern, May – November 2022
Srey Lux is a fourth-year student at the Department of Media and Communication (DMC) of the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP). She joined ODC in May as a communication intern under the Partnership and Communication team, working on producing digital communications materials. Equipping with a media-related knowledge background, she assists in making communication materials, including booklet design and contents, and photographing at the Cambodia ICT Camp 2022 and other ODC events.
Andrew Coccoli,
William & Mary Law School
Legal Research Intern, May – August 2022
Andrew Coccoli is a legal research intern with Open Development Cambodia. He studies law at William & Mary Law School, where he is pursuing concentrations in environmental law and international law. He expects to graduate in Spring 2023 with a J.D. Recent research areas include the sustainable development agenda and the international trade in endangered species.
Andrew joined ODC in late May, and he has been working on a literature review on cyber norms operationalization in Cambodia/ASEAN, data protection and personal data, and data-centric digital rights. In addition, he also participated in Cambodia ICT Camp 2022 as a presenter and designed an ICT survey for the event.
Din Liseinet,
Royal University of Phnom Penh
Research Assistant Intern, November 2021 – May 2022
Seinet is currently a senior student majoring in International Relations at the Institute of Foreign Languages, Royal University of Phnom Penh. Having interests in research, Seinet is looking to be a part of the ODC dynamic team as well as contribute all of her efficiency and hard work to the team. She also expects that ODC will equip her with valuable skills, and experiences, and enhance her research skills during her internship.
During her internship at the ODC, Seinet has supported the team in conducting research through primary data collection, developing online resources, and translations. She also assisted the editorial team and wrote a number of research articles, including Higher education, Development and assistance for poverty reduction and food security, and Asian Development Bank (ADB). Read more about Seinet’s internship story, click here.
Hannah M. Robertson,
William & Mary Law School
Research Intern, May - July 2021
Hannah is a second-year student at William & Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Virginia. Hannah conducted research on companies in the developing oil and gas industries in Cambodia. Through reading government contracts, financial statements, and environmental impact assessments, she created comprehensive profiles on each company invested in the industry. Hannah also researched the impact the production sharing agreements would have on the oil and gas industries in Cambodia.
Arthur Champeroux,
Paris II and Université de Grenable Alpes
Legal Research Intern, February - May 2021
Arthur is finishing his Masters 2 in International Business Law and International Security and Defense Law at both Paris II and Université de Grenable Alpes in France, from Phnom Penh. He conducted research on Stock Market in Cambodia, Data protection in the context of Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia and the latest updates about Company Registration in Cambodia. He believes working with ODC was a great opportunity to dig in specific topics of interests and enrich him with the team knowledge belonging to ODC members and culture of work.
Than Davit,
Royal University of Law and Economics
Research Intern, February - May 2021
Davit is a fresh graduated from the Royal University of Law and Economics (RULE), majoring in economics. Becoming part of ODC is the first professional career in his favorite field. His research topics of interest include economics, policy development, trade, agriculture, and the Cambodian economy. While working as an intern at ODC, he assisted the editorial team and wrote a number of research articles, including: Cambodia’s agriculture sector amid COVID-19, Investment Policy and Regulation and Blogs on the 2nd and 3rd Data literacy for public health. He believes that he will gain more research skills and other valuable knowledge. Read more about his internship story, click here.
Tey Sovannratanak,
Harbour.Space University
Communication Intern, February - August 2021
Ratanak is currently an MBA student majoring in Digital Marketing at Harbour.Space University, Spain and Thailand. He has graduated from Department of International Studies majoring in International Economic at Institute of Foreign Languages. Ratanak tremendously interested in strategic planning, media & production, digital marketing, campaign management and also event management. Ratanak expected that by working at ODC, he would be able to actively support and improve the communication team in achieving various goals.
Dechkunn Chhay,
American University of Phnom Penh & Fort Hays State University
Research and communication intern, December 2020 – March 2021
Dechkunn Chhay received his B.Sc in Information Technology Management from the American University of Phnom Penh and Computer Science from Fort Hays State University. He used to be a volunteer for the first ICT Camp in Siem Reap, 2018 which was conducted by ODC. His research interest includes cybersecurity, data security, e-governance of Southeast Asian countries. Dechkunn firmly believes that internship at ODC will provide him with valuable data and documents in his fields of interests.
Angela Maria Maalouf,
Magistère Juriste d’Affaires de Paris II Panthéon-Assas
Research Intern, July - September 2020
Angela is currently a third-year French law student and a first-year business law Magistère Juriste d’Affaires at Paris II Panthéon-Assas, Paris, France. In her work at ODC, she conducted research, produced topics, publications, and reports based on the universal taxonomy of Open Development Cambodia, particularly on Business structures and legal registration, Banking and financial services policy and regulation, Securities exchange policy and regulation, Health care policy and administration, Patient rights, and as well as the blog posts on “COVID-19 Legislative response in Cambodia” and “Response to COVID-19: Cambodia’s economic policy and administration“. Angela believed that through this ODC internship, she had a meaningful experience expanding her knowledge and skill with ODC team and areas of research.
Khoeun Romduol,
Institute of Technology of Cambodia
Data Research and GIS Intern, July - October 2020
Romduol is senior student in Department of Water and Environmental Engineering at Institute of Technology of Cambodia. She joins as volunteer intern at ODC on 27 July 2020. She is very interested in producing maps and data research related to land, hydro-power, environmental and natural resources. During her internship with ODC, she was trained on how to use various mapping software and collect data, and prepare datasets for mapping. Romduol also helps the ODC data team to update the published datasets in accordance with the data available on the monthly Royal Gazette.
Chouth Chansambath,
Royal University of Law and Economics
Content and Research Intern, August - November 2020
Sambath is senior student in law at Royal University of Law and Economics. Simultaneously, Sambath is junior in international studies at Royal University of Phnom Penh. Being a part of ODC is one of my very first career of interest. Sambath expect that ODC will equip him valuable experiences and new assumptions on critical analysis, evaluation techniques in research knowledge.
Heng Mengtaing,
Royal University of Phnom Penh
Content and Research Intern, August - November 2020
Meng Taing is currently a year 4 student major in International Economic at Department of International Studies at Institute of Foreign Language. Meng Taing interested in Economic Development, Policy and Data Collection and spare his time reading the news on Cambodia economic development and other news that related to agriculture field. Meng Taing believe that at ODC, he will be able to make a social contribution and expand his knowledge and skill with ODC team through ODC Internship Program.
John Michael Forrest,
William & Mary Law School
Research Intern, June - August 2020
John Michael is a second-year law student at William & Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Virginia. He graduated from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina in 2017 with a degree in Business Administration. In his work for ODC he will be researching the potential impacts that rising sea levels will have on Cambodia and its economy, its national emergency preparedness, and explore some of the challenges the government faces in its enforcement of environmental policy.
Ariana Barrenechea,
University of Erfurt
Research Intern, July - August 2019
Ariana is a second year Master of Public Policy student at the University of Erfurt, Germany. She is specializing in socioeconomic development and the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in policy. During her internship at ODC Ariana will collect data and research ways ICT can be incorporated to advance specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the UN in the context of Cambodia.
Gabriel Milgram,
École supérieure des sciences économiques et commerciales Business School
Legal Research Intern, July – December 2019
Gabriel obtained a Master’s degree in Public Business Law and specialized in the development of public services. After working for the French electricity distribution operator and for a NGO promoting better management of public services, he chose to prepare a Master’s degree in Management to better understand the operational issues of his main areas of interest. At ODC, he is doing research and publishing on legal and judicial topics, from constitutional law and fundamental freedoms, to commercial law, to urbanization issues. He is convinced that he will learn a lot from the ODC team and through his experience in Phnom Penh.
Natalia Polakova,
Mannheim University in Germany
Research Intern, July – August 2019
Natalia is a second-year Master’s student in Economics at Mannheim University in Germany. She also holds a Master’s degree in Economic Policy and Administration from Masaryk University, Czech Republic. In her research, she specializes in development economics, particularly education and human capital formation. During her internship, Natalia will be supporting ODC team in project activities with Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Additionally, her work will include research on education quality and learning outcomes in Cambodia.
Anna Nicholson,
William and Mary Law School
Legal Research Intern, May – August 2019
Anna is a second year law student at William and Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Virginia. She graduated from the College of William and Mary in 2016 with a B.A. in English Literature. During her internship with ODC Anna will be researching ways to sustainably develop Cambodia’s coastal provinces, in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals developed by the UN. Her work will include researching laws governing land rights and resource use, and how those laws can be used to promote sustainable growth that benefits all Cambodians.
Aaron Sandoval,
University of Erfurt
Research Fellow, March – May 2019
Aaron Sandoval is a cooperation expert in science, technology and innovation between Latin America and the European Union. He collaborated in several FP7 and Horizon 2020 projects from the European Commission engaging international networks of experts in policy dialogue on ICT, Smart Cities, Future Internet and the Digital Future.
Within the framework of his Master Thesis, Aaron visited Open Development Cambodia as an external specialist to collect data about Digital Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development Goals (education SDG 4, Decent Employment & Economic Growth SDG 8 and Urban development SDG 11) in the Framework of his Master Thesis in the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy at the University of Erfurt in Germany. “Open Development Cambodia is a proactive place to be, they are constantly surrounded with an enormous amount of Data and organizing events aimed at disseminating information and good practices, it was an awesome experience to be welcomed by such a nice team” he mentioned.
Khim Senghour,
Heinrich Böll Stiftung (HBS)
Economic Research Intern, January – April 2019
Senghour is a fresh graduate majored in Business Administration from Pannasatra University of Cambodia (PUC). Currently, he is working for German Green Foundation, Heinrich Böll Stiftung (HBS). Senghour joins ODC as a research intern as part of partnership between HBS and ODC. Being with ODC, he supports ODC to draft some topic pages under the topic “Economy and Commerce” on ODC website, specifically Investment and Small Medium Enterprises (SME). He also expects to enhance and learn research skill from ODC.
Juliet Atellah,
South South Media Lab Fellowship program (SSMLab)
Research Fellow, November – December 2018
Juliet Atellah is a research assistant, data analyst and human rights activist. She joined ODC under South South Media lab (SSMlab) fellow program, a short-term in-residence program, allowing young professionals and innovators from the media sector in East Africa and South East Asia to network and collaborate. She is currently working at theelephant.info, a platform for engaging citizens to reflect, re-member and re-envision their society by interrogating the past, the present to fashion a future. She is an upcoming data journalist focused on stories related to health, governance and human rights. She has a degree in Bachelor of Science in Statistics from the university of Nairobi. At ODC as a fellow, her main aim is to apply open data and civic education strategies to strengthen the rights to information of vulnerable communities immediately affected by international corporate and national governments’ economic interests in the sector of Extractives. In a comparison between Kenya and Cambodia, she is examining both the negative and positive impacts that extractive industries, such as mining, oil and gas have on the social and environmental level. A future collaborative database system on extractive mining in both Kenya and Cambodia could serve as a tool to disseminate information to the respective affected communities.
Júlia Garcia Puig,
Barcelona Institute of International Studies (IBEI)
Research Fellow, October – December 2018
Júlia holds a Master’s degree in International Development from the Barcelona Institute of International Studies (IBEI). She specialized in socioeconomic development, inequality and poverty, governance and public policy – all in the context of Central, South and Southeast Asia. At ODC, she is working on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), public service delivery, development and aid. She believes open data is key to advance development as it enhances public engagement and awareness. She now aims to delve further into the use and potential of ICT for pro-poor policy-making and development. In her free time, she enjoys capturing the beauty of Cambodia with her camera and trying all different kinds of food.
Choun Sameng,
Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP)
Research and GIS Intern, August 2018 – January 2019
Sameng is the fourth year student of the Department of Natural Resource Management and Development at Royal University of Phnom Penh. He joined ODC as the Research and GIS Intern and worked with mapping team to collect data, digitize, and conduct dataset map related to natural resource. He also supported the ODC team to facilitate the GIS training to academic institutions in Cambodia. Internship at ODC provided him the opportunities to apply the theory acquired from the university and prepare him for his future career.
Mondee Lu,
Stanford University
Legal Research and Partnership Fellow, June-August 2018
Mondee is a JD-MS student in Law and in Environment and Resources in Stanford University in United States. She’s interested in environmental, climate, and development issues. At Open Development Cambodia (ODC), Mondee is researching environmental and natural resource governance, as well the effects of open data on transparency. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring Phnom Penh’s numerous vegetarian restaurants and traveling around the country.
Chea Monysocheata,
Mahasarakham University
GIS Intern, May – July 2018
Cheata is a third year student of the Department of Geo-Informatics, Faculty of Informatics, Mahasarakham University, Thailand. Her purposes of this internship program are to apply theories that she has learned in school into reality and at the same time, she is doing her senior project about River Flood Inundation Areas along Mekong River in Cambodia. During her internship at ODC, Cheata will be working with mapping team to collect data, digitize, and conducting dataset map. She believes that open spatial data in Cambodia is important for researchers, private sectors, and other public users.
Jean Lambert,
Columbia Law School
Legal Research Intern, May – July 2018
Jean is a second-year law student at Columbia Law School in New York, US. At Open Development Cambodia (ODC) Jean is researching land rights governance and foreign investment in Cambodia related to environmental and indigenous rights.
Jean believes working with ODC will give her valuable experience collecting and analyzing local legal documents and data to improve public understanding of government action.
Maddie Ball,
William and Mary Law School
Legal Research Intern, May – July 2018
Maddie is a second year law student at William and Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Virginia. She graduated from Cornell College in 2016 with a B.A. in Biochemistry. During her internship with ODC, Maddie will be researching and writing on Cambodian legal aid and the legal profession. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, reading fiction, and trying as much Cambodian cuisine as possible.
Malica Christ,
University of Potsdam
Research Intern, May – July 2018
Malica almost finished her Bachelor in Philosophy and Politics at the University of Potsdam, Germany. During her internship with ODC she will be involved in assessing public participation in the Environmental Impact Assessment process in Cambodia. Malica wants to learn more about how data can be used to promote sustainable development. Since she has always enjoyed writing, she is looking forward to produce content and blog posts for the ODC website. In her free time, Malica goes to one of the many beautiful temples for meditation.
Dorronda Bordley,
William and Mary Law School
Legal Research Intern, Jan – Apr 2018
Dorronda is a second-year at William & Mary Law School. In her work with ODC, Dorronda researched and drafted a briefing memo on Chinese investments in Cambodia’s extraction industries and compared legal frameworks and best practices that China should comply with in making these investments.
Sashenka J. Brauer,
William and Mary Law School
Legal Research Intern, Feb – Apr 2018
Sashenka is a second-year law student at William and Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Virginia, U.S.A. During her internship with Open Development Cambodia (ODC), Sashenka conducted a research on open data for agricultural governance and contributed to ODC through her research paper.
“My internship at ODC allowed me to learn about the incredible benefits of open data for agricultural governance, and has inspired me to continue my education of learning how to tackle environmental issues. I have gained a deeper appreciation for transparency on every level, and hope to use these insights in my future career.”
Aliaksei (Alex) Patonia,
University of St Andrews/Open Society Foundations
Research Fellow, Mar - Sep 2018
Alex joined ODC as an Open Society Foundation (OSF) research fellow after graduating from the University of St Andrews (Scotland). While obtaining his Master’s degree in Sustainable Development in Great Britain, Alex focused on renewable energy and environmental impact assessment. Alex did his undergraduate at Belarus State University and also received an MSc in International Management of Oil and Gas from the University of Liverpool (UK). At ODC Alex is currently dealing with the issues of strategic environmental assessment and natural resource management.
Lennart J. Krotzek,
The University of Amsterdam
Media and Communications Intern, Feb – May 2018
Lennart had completed his Master’s in Political Communication at the University of Amsterdam shortly before he joined the ODC team. As a media and communications intern he is responsible for the development of curriculums for ODC journalist trainings, website orientation materials, writing blog posts, taking photos, and the development of ODC’s social media strategy. He is further involved in conducting and evaluating ODC’s workshops. His main goals for his time as an intern are to contribute to ODC’s mission to enable journalists to use public data for their work and to promote the ODC platform which makes access to data easier for the public. He is excited to learn more about Cambodia’s media and political culture from the perspective of a domestic NGO.
Yong Huey Chyi Charine,
National University of Singapore
Research Intern, May – June 2017
Charine is a fourth-year Political Science undergraduate from National University of Singapore. Her love for open data motivated her to do an overseas internship here with ODC. During the internship with ODC, Charine worked on Cambodia’s Elections profile project and suggested designs of the pages presenting on ODC website. She believes that information is an enabling tool in today’s knowledge-based economy and the public should have free access to it. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, photography and Cambodian food very much. The first few Khmer words she asked to learn in Phnom Penh are: pong mwan (egg), bai (rice), saat (beef) etc. Read more about Charine’s internship story, click here.
Natasha Michiko Yokoyama,
National University of Singapore
Partnership and Grants Intern, Jun – Dec 2016
Natasha is a final year student studying political science at the National University of Singapore. During her six-month internship at ODC, Natasha was responsible to write grant proposals for various projects ranging from natural resources to gender equality. She is passionate about sustainable development and believes that open data is crucial especially since technology grows to be more prevalent in our lives.
“ODC has definitely provided a good opportunity for me to understand the development landscape in one of the world’s emerging economies. It has also given me an insight of the various stakeholders that are required to come together to solve global issues. I have learnt tremendously at ODC and am really grateful for the opportunity !”
Sam An Mardy,
Institute of Technology of Cambodia and Institute of Foreign Languages
Web Intern, Apr – Oct 2016
Mardy just obtained a Bachelor of Education in English from Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL), and he is also a Fourth year student of Department of Information and Communication Engineering of Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC). During his six-month at ODC, he worked mainly on style and layout with ODC to implement and improve of ODC theme Generation II. Besides, he also contributed in some data entry for mapper team.
“Internship at ODC is my first professional experience which offered me things beyond my expectation. I had good opportunities not only to learn new technologies and practice new skills, but also to understand about the flow of work and meet amazing people. I feel like I am part of a family, and I am very much into the nice working environment and the impactful mission of ODC.”–Sam An Mardy
Romeo Garreau,
Université de Rennes I
Legal Research Intern, Mar – Sept 2016
Romeo obtained a Master’s Degree in Environment and Law from Université de Rennes I in France. He was a legal researcher intern at ODC for 6 months, during which he contributed to several topic pages related to the environment and natural resources in Cambodia. Romeo also worked along with the data and mapping team, and represented ODC at promotional events such as Barcamp, Inno-Tech Festival and Science and Engineering Festival.
“My internship brought me a broad understanding of Cambodia’s trends, and it has strengthened my motivation into taking action for environmental protection. It also enabled me to understand better the value of information and the importance of transparency.” Romeo Garreau
Chhay Vannlyhoung,
Royal University of Law and Economics
Legal Research and Editorial Intern, Mar – Aug 2014
Lyhoung is a third-year student at the Royal University of Law and Economics (RULE). Lyhoung’s help was fundamental in building the ODC Compendium of Laws page by researching law texts and organizing them for upload based on the ODC taxonomy. Lyhoung also assisted ODC editors in collecting information for the news archive and press release pages.
“I think I cannot forget my lovely time at ODC because ODC staff are kind, cooperative and friendly. They have a sense of humor, too. Even though it was my first time as an intern, I felt comfortable with them and I got a lot of experience from them as well as my tasks.” — Chhay Vannlyhoung
Lisa Zhao,
Columbia Law School
Legal Research Intern, Jun – Aug 2014
Lisa is now in China starting a tech company with her partners. She came to ODC after her first year of law school at Columbia Law School in the U.S.A. During her internship, she prepared a draft briefing paper on Chinese investment in the Mekong region and its impacts. Besides doing research, Lisa contributed to in-house hackathons such as dataset review and metadata development parties.
“I enjoyed my time at ODC with all the great, hard-working and passionate co-workers! I learned so much about Cambodia’s economic development. It was very interesting to assess developments from different perspectives. ODC is doing great work in Cambodia and I hope the regional website will launch soon and provide public information to the region!” – Lisa Zhao
Elizabeth Buner,
William and Mary Law School
Legal Research Intern, May – Jul 2014
Liz is a student at William and Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Virginia, U.S.A. During her time in Cambodia, Liz conducted research and drafted a briefing paper on rubber production in the Mekong and updated a briefing paper on Cambodia’s agricultural policy. Besides doing research, Liz contributed to in-house hackathons such as dataset review and metadata development parties.
Ross Natividad,
William and Mary Law School
Legal Research Intern, May – Jul 2014
Ross is a student at William and Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Virginia, U.S.A. He interned at ODC from May to July 2014 and conducted research and drafted a briefing paper on Cambodia’s rubber industry. Besides doing research, Ross contributed to in-house hackathons such as dataset review and metadata development parties.
“My internship surpassed all expectations, and I am so thankful and fortunate to have been able to work at ODC. I’ve become knowledgeable about a myriad of legal, environmental, and human rights issues ongoing in Cambodia. I even got a taste of Khmer culture by traveling throughout the country, learning bits of the language, and tasting new and exotic foods. But without a doubt, the best part of my experience was getting to know the inspiring people at ODC. I will always remember the professionalism, kindness, and friendship they showed me during my unforgettable three months in Cambodia. Aw-koon-ch’ran ODC!” — Ross Nativdad
Kong Cheeko,
Royal University of Law and Economics
Legal Research Intern, Mar – Jul 2014
Cheeko graduated with a Bachelor of Khmer Law degree at Royal University of Law and Economics in 2013 and completed the English language-based Bachelor of Law (ELBBL) degree program from the same university in August 2014. During his time at ODC, Cheeko contributed to the building of the ODC Compendium of Law page. He helped identifying relevant law texts and organized them for uploading based on ODC’s taxonomy. He also assisted the ODC editorial team in idenfitying press releases and conducting translations to be included in the website.
“I have gained a lot of experience working with ODC’s staff as a legal research intern. ODC’s team is friendly and I am thankful to be a member of this team. ” — Kong Cheeko
Poy Kimsan,
Passerelles Numériques Cambodia
IT Intern, Apr – May 2014
Kimsan is ODC’s first IT intern. Kimsan is a first-year student from the Passerelles Numériques Cambodia, a French NGO focusing on providing IT training to qualified and deserving young Cambodians. Kimsan worked with ODC’s IT team to further develop and maintain the Compendium of Law page.
Luke Flanagan,
University of Sydney
IT Intern, Jan 2014
Luke studies information systems and biological science at the University of Sydney. While having a one-month break between his volunteer assignment in Vietnam and before the new semester started, Luke assisted ODC’s IT team to improve the current spatial database in MySQL and conducted testing on preparations for establishing a standard spatial database structure.
Greg Bem,
University of Washington
Library System & Information Management Intern, Sep – Dec 2013
Greg is a graduate student from the University of Washington’s Information School in Seattle. He interned for ODC, focusing on library support.
When not thinking, reading, talking, and writing about libraries and information exchange in the 21st century, Greg enjoys poetry and the arts, and writes critically about computer games. Since moving to Cambodia, he has fallen in love with eating ខ្ចៅ (khyoah, or ‘small snail’).
Follow his travel blog (cambodianbem.wordpress.com) and his internship blog (khmerbembrarian.wordpress.com), and follow him on Twitter @CambodianBem.
Chan Vidarith,
Macalester College
Research Intern, Jun – Aug 2013
Vidarith is from Macalester College in the U.S.A. While conducting a research project with the ILO Better Factory Cambodia in summer 2013, Vid interned with ODC as a part-time Research Intern. He prepared a briefing paper on the garment and textiles industry and a pilot paper on working conditions in exporting and non-exporting garment and textiles industry in Cambodia.
Rim Reach,
Royal University of Agriculture
Volunteer Mapper, Apr – Aug 2013
Reach is a student at the Royal University of Agriculture. Reach volunteered as a student mapper with ODC in summer 2013. During his time at ODC, Reach was trained by ODC mappers to use various mapping applications. By the end of his time with ODC, Reach was able to help the ODC mappers with image classifications for a forest cover change project.
Peat Pich Somneat,
Royal University of Agriculture
Volunteer Mapper, Apr – Aug 2013
Somneat is a student at the Royal University of Agriculture. Neat volunteered as a student mapper with ODC in Summer 2013. During his time at ODC, Neat was trained to conduct desk research, collect spatial data, and prepare datasets for mapping. By the end of his time with ODC, Neat was able to help the ODC mappers update the concessions data generated from the Cambodian royal sub-decree monthly newsletters.
Jessica Duval,
Universite Libre de Bruxelles
Legal Research Intern, Jul 2013
Jessica is pursuing a Master in Public Law at Universite Libre de Bruxelles. Jessica spent her summer with ODC as a legal research intern, during which time she completed a briefing paper on the law and judiciary sector in Cambodia, and collected more than 2000 law texts to build a compendium of law for the ODC Law & Regulations page.
Matthew Warren,
Santa Clara University
Legal Research Intern, Jun – Jul 2013
Matt is from Santa Clara University School of Law in the USA. He came to ODC after his first year, and he prepared a draft briefing paper on Cambodia’s legal framework for investment, as well as a pilot paper on Cambodia’s Labor Law.
“I really loved my time at ODC, and I learned a great deal about the structure of government in Cambodia. ODC’s staff are fantastic and talented, and it is great to know that they are continuing to work to provide much-needed public information to the population!” – Matt Warren.
Atif Choudhury,
William and Mary School of Law
Legal Research Intern, May – Jul 2013
Atif is a first-year law student at William and Mary School of Law in the USA. He came to ODC after his first year, and he prepared a draft briefing paper on Cambodia’s elections and collected data for ODC’s anticipated regional page. Atif called his experience at ODC “a bold and eye-opening adventure”. He wrote about his experience on the William and Mary School blog.
“As a clueless, rising 2L law student who had not even had the opportunity to take an American election law class (much less possess any familiarity with Cambodian election law), I have to admit the responsibility of being in charge of such a hugely important task was a bit daunting. Yet as I began researching Cambodia’s electoral history and framework of governance and pored over the finer details of the Law on Election of Members of the National Assembly (or LEMNA, as it is affectionately known), I began to adapt and mold the project as my own.” – Atif Choudhury
Katherine L. Hart,
Texas Wesleyan School of Law
Legal Research Intern, Jun – Jul 2013
Katherine was a graduate student from the Texas Wesleyan School of Law. Katherine spent her summer in 2013 with ODC, during which she completed a briefing paper on the Cambodian health sector. Currently, Katherine is working for AlliedBarton Security Services and still studying international security, medicine, and legal policy.
