My experiences in Japan are invaluable. I want to make use of them to help develop Cambodia

Mr. KAN Phannarith

Chiba University Graduate School of Science and Engineering –Division of Creative Engineering –Department of Architecture

Q. What brought you to Japan?

I wanted a higher level of education than that I was taking in Cambodia. After applying to other countries, I received a scholarship from Japan. I thought I could learn lots –Japan has high technical skills and hard working people.

Q. What do you do in this 7th year of being in Japan? I research architectural construction –there are many unique constructions here that cannot be found in Cambodia. After graduating I want to use my construction knowledge and language skills at work. Also, as chair of Cambodian Students Association in Japan, I have had many valuable experiences this year.

Q. What do think has significantly changed about yourself from before coming to Japan?

My values. Before coming to Japan, I thought “Gaining skills, get good job, and become rich. That is important to me”. Yet, now my way of thinking is different. I want to use this valuable experience and services as well to contribute to developing Cambodia. That is more important than to become rich. I also thought coming to Japan was a result of my hard work. However, without the support of the scholarship I could not

have led this life and so am grateful from the bottom of my heart.

Upper: On Cambodia Festival at Tokyo Lower left: At the university

Lower right: Teaching about Camobodia to primary school students