Sokleng KHEANG

Project Manager, World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

Course: Master of Agriculture Science

University: University of Melbourne

Graduation: 2021

Sokleng Kheang is an exceptional alumna who just graduated from the University of Melbourne where she completed her Master’s degree in Agriculture Science.  As a woman with a disability, Sokleng shared that before her departure to Australia she had been very nervous about going. However, the Australia Awards program provided both the emotional and financial support she needed to overcome her anxieties and to undertake her studies. The support she received for her disability allowed her unrestricted mobility and living support at home, and let her travel, study and live in Australia care-free. Sokleng highlighted the value of the knowledge and networking opportunities she received when undertaking her scholarship, as well as the novel life experience from having the chance to study in Australia. In her own words,

Although her experience in Australia was a bit unusual – She was there during the COVID-19 pandemic- Sokleng took the opportunity when she could travel and enjoy the Australian nature by visiting many parks and gardens. These days Sokleng is using the skills and knowledge she learned during her degree in her work with the World Wildlife Fund for Nature where she is improving natural rubber value chains, in addition to volunteering with some local ogranisations.