In a new series about the international community at SUSTech, we put a call out to our international students. Eden Pheng, a Cambodian junior, responded to the call. He was one of our first international students, and the Newshub sat down with him early in the 2018 academic year to find out more about him.

About Our International Student

Eden is from northern Cambodia, from Siem Reap. Siem Reap is the home of Angkor Wat, the famous temple complex dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Angkor Wat receives more than 2 million tourists every year, and Eden lives about 5 to 6 kilometres from the temple.

Why SUSTech?

Eden was open about his reasons for coming to China and SUSTech. He admitted that he needed help to achieve his dreams, as his mother brought up him and his two siblings. He was fortunate enough to receive a full scholarship to SUSTech, which is how he wound up here. He was very thankful for the opportunity, acknowledging that while his home country is not very wealthy, it is very interested in technology.

Eden wants to conduct high-level research that will benefit his country. It is particularly the case that the Prime Minister of Cambodia has given priority to Cambodian science graduates, due to the new value that the Cambodian government has placed on STEM graduates.

Achievements so far and plans for the future

In terms of his achievements, Eden wants to get high grades and graduate with a good GPA. His ultimate goal is to continue his academic career elsewhere around the world. Eden did note that China and Cambodia have a good relationship, so he is happy to see more interactions between the two countries at multiple levels. By observing different things, Eden hopes to develop further as a scientist.

Eden noted that his freshmen year was a struggle. “It took me a year to adapt to the environment and the study load.” He admitted that he has adapted both his academic approach to China, and has become more independent since arriving at SUSTech. It has been a big challenge, but one he has taken to with great aplomb.

This academic year saw Eden declare his major as Materials Science and Engineering. It is the study of new devices, something that he didn’t understand at the time. During his sophomore year, he took a class on analogue circuits, which developed his interest in semiconductors and semiconductor materials.

“At first, I was worried about studying this, because Cambodians are not familiar with materials science. However, it’s important to study something that you are truly interested in, something that you love.”

On top of his academic goals, Eden is hoping to travel more in the remaining years of his degree, but admits that budgeting for it may be a challenge.

What have you gotten involved with?

Eden is a massive football fan, playing an active role in the College Cup, the residential college football tournament. He scored one of the goals in the final that saw XXX College win their YYY College Cup tournament. Both Eden and this writer enjoyed a lovely conversation about Cambodian football, given that the manager of the Cambodian national team was playing for an Australian side. He is also active with other physical education activities, such as ping pong.

Eden commented that he didn’t eat particularly well in his first year, missing food from home, but is much happier now. He has also made many friends across campus through activities such as beach hikes.

He’s been able to travel a little bit, with trips to Xi’an and the Terracotta Warriors, to Guilin and to Guangzhou. He explores Shenzhen as much as he can as well.

Challenges going forward

Eden noted that he’d like to see more international students on campus. Other than that, he is overall happy with his life.

He also misses his family, much like many of the other international students. He has struggled to find Khmer food in Shenzhen, but has found Thai food to be very close. There are a couple of restaurants in Shenzhen that go some way to fill that void, and the International Student Center within the Global Engagement Office recently held a Khmer New Year event for the students.

Message for his countrymen and countrywomen

I recommend that Cambodian students come to SUSTech if they enjoy the feeling of science and technology. They will be able to invest in their own good. You will not have the chance to experience this kind of education of Cambodia. A SUSTech education will help you have a good scientific background.

Be warned that it is a challenging education. A STEM education in Cambodia brushes the surface, while it digs deep in China.