Greetings everyone!

I am privileged and humbled to join CAUTHE as PhD student representative 2026-27.

I am currently pursuing my doctoral study while working as research assistant in School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University. I graduated from Master of Tourism Management and Development Studies from Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand) and Royal University of Phnom Penh (Cambodia) in 2016 and 2013 respectively.

My doctoral study focuses on the governance of sustainable tourism destination. Methodologically, my research is grounded in participatory action research that allows me to examine governance ecosystem of tourism destination with key stakeholders.

Professionally, I have over 15 years hands-on experience in various capacities, including 3 years as Ecotourism Speicalist with Ministry of Environment and World Bank and over 8 years of teaching tourism at Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP). Prior to these roles, I worked on several sustainable tourism development and research consultancy projects for local and international non-governmental organisations and international development agencies. My areas of focus include bottom-up participatory development, ecotourism and sustainable tourism destination strategy and planning, especially in protected area destinations.

Overwhelmed by the inspiration and positive experiences I have gained through CAUTHE, I am committed to ensuring that student members can similarly benefit from engagement with this Association. This role comes with pride and responsibility. Thus, I will endeavour to work side-by-side with all student members to foster a platform that encourages genuine and meaningful connections. I aim to support students by improving access to broader resources, support and professional development opportunities throughout their research journey and beyond. I will strive to uphold CAUTHE’s core values and principles while actively advocating for the needs and concerns of student members. My goal is to ensure that every voice is heard, supported and valued, and that no one feels overlooked or left behind.

Sochea Nhem
Edith Cowan University