Cambodian scholars helping Australian organisation solving a real business problem
Sereysothea Sao (Sothea) and Sopheara Real were grateful for the opportunity to participate in an innovative business consultancy project through LIVE projects. Sothea and Sopheara were two of seven Australia Awards Scholarship (Cambodia) scholars given the opportunity to contribute to a project within Australian organisation.
LIVE projects is an initiative of the Victorian Government through Study Melbourne offering scholars a taste of working in an Australian organisation. Scholars are guided by an industry mentor to solve a client organisation’s real business problem. Clients ranged from starts-ups, established SMEs and large enterprises to Victorian Government agencies and community and not-for-profit organisations.
Sothea and Sopheara worked for three weeks as part of a team of six university students for a Melbourne based start-up, called TheXword. The assignment was to conduct a market competitor analysis. TheXword specialises in a client experience (CX) based consultancy business and provides services to local small businesses to improve their client’s experience and loyalty. Sothea was impressed with the start-up company which just started earlier this year.
It was a challenging environment to work in a team from diverse backgrounds and experience, within a limited timeframe and under pressure to deliver a good outcome – all similar experiences individuals might find in their own employer organisations. Team members came from three different countries, located in three different states, and studying in several different fields such as public policy, psychology, agriculture and engineering. However, Sothea and Sopheara and the team rose to the challenges and under Sothea’s leadership delivered a well received outcome for the client.
Sothea, currently pursuing a Master degree in Global Food and Agricultural Business at the University Adelaide, highly valued the mentor’s advice and feedback that provided many insights about an Australian business context. Sothea observed through her interaction with the Melbourne based mentor and client, that geographic and demographic factors play a role in shaping individual’s ways of thinking, life and working styles. This experience allowed Sothea to deepen her understanding of Australia and Australian people. Sothea is keen to transfer her knowledge and skills when she returns to Cambodia to start her own agri-food business management consultation.
Sopheara considered the three weeks’ experience improved her skill and knowledge in research, analysis, report writing and presentation. Her time management skills were crucial in completing the tight project deadline and at the same time maintain her course load for the Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling at Western Sydney University. Sopheara considered the challenge offered significant learning opportunities. In addition, she had an opportunity to connect with Claire Radbourne, TheXword founder and entrepreneur, who has many experiences and awards in CX fields. Throughout the project, Sopheara felt supported by the mentor and client who continuously gave valuable feedback.
This year is the first time for LIVE projects to be delivered virtually. The virtual delivery method allowed participants from other states to join the Melbourne based activities. Sothea said, 
Both Sothea and Sopheara highly recommend other Australia Awards Cambodia scholars to participate in the next LIVE projects in November this year.
Sopheara said: 
Sothea added, “I would highly recommend to other students to participate. We were able to use what we have learned from University to provide practical solutions in a real business. I would encourage others to seize such opportunities to maximise your experiences and memories of living and learning in Australia.’’
Australia Awards
Post graduate learning opportunities for Cambodia’s future leaders
Cambodian scholars helping Australian organisation solving a real business problem
Sereysothea Sao (Sothea) and Sopheara Real were grateful for the opportunity to participate in an innovative business consultancy project through LIVE projects. Sothea and Sopheara were two of seven Australia Awards Scholarship (Cambodia) scholars given the opportunity to contribute to a project within Australian organisation.
LIVE projects is an initiative of the Victorian Government through Study Melbourne offering scholars a taste of working in an Australian organisation. Scholars are guided by an industry mentor to solve a client organisation’s real business problem. Clients ranged from starts-ups, established SMEs and large enterprises to Victorian Government agencies and community and not-for-profit organisations.
Sothea and Sopheara worked for three weeks as part of a team of six university students for a Melbourne based start-up, called TheXword. The assignment was to conduct a market competitor analysis. TheXword specialises in a client experience (CX) based consultancy business and provides services to local small businesses to improve their client’s experience and loyalty. Sothea was impressed with the start-up company which just started earlier this year.
It was a challenging environment to work in a team from diverse backgrounds and experience, within a limited timeframe and under pressure to deliver a good outcome – all similar experiences individuals might find in their own employer organisations. Team members came from three different countries, located in three different states, and studying in several different fields such as public policy, psychology, agriculture and engineering. However, Sothea and Sopheara and the team rose to the challenges and under Sothea’s leadership delivered a well received outcome for the client.
Sothea, currently pursuing a Master degree in Global Food and Agricultural Business at the University Adelaide, highly valued the mentor’s advice and feedback that provided many insights about an Australian business context. Sothea observed through her interaction with the Melbourne based mentor and client, that geographic and demographic factors play a role in shaping individual’s ways of thinking, life and working styles. This experience allowed Sothea to deepen her understanding of Australia and Australian people. Sothea is keen to transfer her knowledge and skills when she returns to Cambodia to start her own agri-food business management consultation.Sopheara considered the three weeks’ experience improved her skill and knowledge in research, analysis, report writing and presentation. Her time management skills were crucial in completing the tight project deadline and at the same time maintain her course load for the Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling at Western Sydney University. Sopheara considered the challenge offered significant learning opportunities. In addition, she had an opportunity to connect with Claire Radbourne, TheXword founder and entrepreneur, who has many experiences and awards in CX fields. Throughout the project, Sopheara felt supported by the mentor and client who continuously gave valuable feedback.
This year is the first time for LIVE projects to be delivered virtually. The virtual delivery method allowed participants from other states to join the Melbourne based activities. Sothea said,
Both Sothea and Sopheara highly recommend other Australia Awards Cambodia scholars to participate in the next LIVE projects in November this year.
Sopheara said:
Sothea added, “I would highly recommend to other students to participate. We were able to use what we have learned from University to provide practical solutions in a real business. I would encourage others to seize such opportunities to maximise your experiences and memories of living and learning in Australia.’’