Mrs. Lov Kimsrung, ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholar 2025 shares her story

From a village in Cambodia to Master Degree in Cyber Security in United Kingdom - this is an exciting journey of Mrs. Lov Kimsrung, a brilliant woman making her mark in the technology and education sectors in Cambodia. She was a staff member at the National Bank of Cambodia and a trainer at IT Academy STEP Cambodia and Sisters of Code.

With over a decade of experience in programming and teaching, Mrs. Kimsrung shared her inspiring journey, insights, and advice for girls pursuing careers in technology.

From Curiosity to Career in Technology

Mrs. Kimsrung’s journey began in a rural area, where she had little exposure to Information Technology. After completing her BACII exam, she applied for a government-funded scholarship in IT at the Royal University of Phnom Penh.

"As a woman from a rural area, I didn't know what Information Technology was. But curiosity drove me to apply, and I was selected. At the time, there were only 4-5 female students per class among a sea of male students," she shared.

This experience shaped her belief that jobs are not determined by gender and that skills rather than stereotypes define success in technology.

Women in Technology: Progress and Potential

Reflecting on her early days as a trainer at Sisters of Code in 2019, Mrs. Kimsrung noted that many girls were intelligent but shy to showcase their potential.

Today, she observes a remarkable change. Women actively participate in tech and social initiatives. More students are enrolling in Sisters of Code programs. Some students even progress from learners to trainers, passing on their knowledge.

“It’s rewarding to see students grow, develop confidence, and contribute back to the community,” she said.

Overcoming Challenges

Mrs. Kimsrung also shared the challenges she faced as a woman in tech. Early on, people often doubted her ideas or skills.

“Skills speak louder than words. It’s not enough to say we are talented; we need to prove it through action,” she emphasized.

Her strategies for overcoming these obstacles are simple yet powerful. Continuous learning and teamwork help her thrive in her career. By constantly improving her skills and collaborating with others, she has been able to achieve success.

A New Chapter: Studying in the UK

Recently, Mrs. Kimsrung was awarded the ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM scholarship to study a master's degree in Cybersecurity Engineering at the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom.

“I realized that while I could build systems, protecting them from cyber threats was equally important. Cybersecurity is crucial for the safety of citizens and financial security,” she explained.

Advice for Aspiring Girls in Tech

Mrs. Kimsrung encourages girls to start small and be consistent. She recommends joining coding clubs and programs like Sisters of Code, exploring free online resources and open-source projects, and using social media purposefully to enhance knowledge and skills.

“Don’t be afraid of being different. Follow your passion, work hard, and contribute to your community. Share your knowledge and be a role model for the next generation,” she advised.

Her message is clear. Education and technology are not just for personal growth. They are tools to make a positive impact on society.

For those interested in watching the full interview with Mrs. Lov Kimsrung, please kindly check the video on Youtube below.