Ya Dane Phoung (Dane) is an 18-year-old university student in Phnom Penh, living with her parents and younger sister. Today, she is in her second year at the American University of Phnom Penh, studying Cyber Security, a path shaped not only by ambition, but by purpose.
Before joining AusCam, Dane was like many high-achieving students, focused on her studies, committed to good grades, and largely disconnected from life beyond the classroom. Volunteering and community work were not part of her world.
That began to change in Grade 11.
She noticed something different about her friend Mearodey, an AusCam scholarship student and Safe Sister. She saw confidence, leadership, and a deep commitment to helping others, qualities that made her curious.
“I asked her where she volunteered, and she told me about AusCam,” Dane shared. “I asked many questions, and then I decided to join Glow Club.”
Through Glow Club, Dane discovered more than new skills, she discovered a sense of purpose.
For the first time, she began to understand how she could contribute to her community, and how those experiences could shape who she was becoming.
“I feel so happy to be part of this work because it makes me feel like I can create an impact on society,” she said.
After completing the program, Dane continued her journey by becoming a Safe Sister. Through digital training and community engagement, she developed practical skills alongside growing confidence, learning not just to participate, but to lead.
Turning Setback into Strength
In Grade 12, Dane set her sights high, hoping to achieve top results in her national exams. When she received a B grade instead, the disappointment was overwhelming.
“I cried… my tears were full of sadness, disappointment, and anger,” she recalled.
But instead of allowing this moment to define her, Dane chose to see it differently.
She began applying for scholarships, pushing forward despite her doubts. Her determination paid off. She was accepted into multiple programs and ultimately received a 100% scholarship to the American University of Phnom Penh.
Through career counselling, she also gained clarity about her future direction.
While she had once imagined studying International Relations, she began to see the growing importance of technology, and the risks many people face without understanding how to protect themselves.
“People live with technology, but most don’t know how to protect themselves from its harm,” she said. “That’s one reason I chose Cyber Security.”
This experience also reshaped how she viewed success.
“I realised that grades are only one part of life,” she reflected. “When I applied for scholarships, they wanted to know about my experiences, especially my community work.”
Leading Change in Her Community
Since then, Dane has become deeply involved in leadership and community initiatives.
Through AusCam’s Glow Club, she joined the Girl Ambassador Committee, where she helped establish a child protection committee at her school, creating a safe pathway for children to report abuse and access support.
Her leadership continued to grow beyond AusCam. While still early in her university journey, she has taken on multiple roles, including:
- Member of the Student Government Association (SGA), helping organise student events and initiatives
- METRI Youth Ambassador 2026, contributing to discussions on public policy, climate change, and youth participation
- Youth Ambassador with the Royal Academy of Cambodia, supporting public awareness initiatives
- Member of ASIEC, engaging in international leadership and volunteering opportunities
- Career Counselling Peer Mentor with AusCam, guiding other girls in finding their own direction
Through each of these roles, Dane is building confidence, expanding her voice, and strengthening her ability to lead.
Innovation with Purpose
Yane’s passion for creating impact also extends into innovation.
Together with her team, she won first place in a technology challenge for developing “Kon App”, a digital platform designed to support users, particularly pregnant women, with essential health information and access to medical services.
It is a powerful example of how her skills and values are coming together, using technology not just as a career path, but as a tool for social good.
A Future of Impact
Looking back, Dane sees AusCam as the beginning of a much bigger journey.
“I want to thank AusCam because it was my first step into a bigger world,” she said. “It changed me into an active young person.”
Her story is a reflection of what happens when a young woman is given the opportunity not only to learn, but to lead, contribute, and create change.
