1. See your country:

All Cambodians know that Cambodia is a war-torn country, but few people in Phnom Penh really know what that means. The first thing I would tell students to do is visit the provinces so that they can understand what is happening in rural areas. Volunteering there would be ideal, but I understand that many students are too busy with their studies to be involved in these organisations.

2. Be involved:

Students should be involved in some sort of volunteer service or volunteer organisation. I think that Medicines Sans Frontiers is a great example of how people are taking action in the rural areas. It would be great to see students striving to do something like that. The Cambodian Red Cross is a great place for students to get involved in activism related to the well-being of Cambodia.

3. Get experience:

When I was in year 3 or 4 of medical school, my peers and I started doing internships at public hospitals, public health centres or even working with private clients. After graduating, many of them started their own private clinics. I think that regardless of what you’re doing, success depends on your personal drive and your ability to gain practical experience along the way.