Starting Point
Keang Pouy embodies the spirit of a dedicated Cambodian peacebuilder, her journey spanning nearly two decades across the diverse yet interconnected fields of journalism, youth empowerment, and peacebuilding initiatives. Currently serving as a dynamic programme coordinator at the esteemed American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) in Phnom Penh, Pouy spearheads AFSC’s vital Cambodia Programme. Her leadership also extends to coordinating the impactful Asia Young People for Action (AYA) initiative, a significant regional platform meticulously designed to nurture the burgeoning leadership potential of young individuals and foster crucial cross-border collaboration in the pursuit of peace and social justice throughout Southeast Asia.
Peace Journey
Pouy’s professional path commenced in the dynamic world of journalism. Notably, she distinguished herself as one of the few active female journalists within Cambodia’s Chinese-language media landscape, dedicating eight formative years to reporting for prominent local newspapers. Her work transcended mere information dissemination; it became a powerful voice for underrepresented communities, skillfully weaving their narratives into the public consciousness. This early immersion in journalism laid a robust foundation in advocacy, the art of compelling storytelling, and effective public engagement. These skills would prove invaluable in her subsequent peacebuilding endeavours.
Over the ensuing nine years, Pouy has demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering support for a diverse array of initiatives centred on peacebuilding, conflict sensitivity, and holistic youth development. Her work serves as a vital bridge, connecting grassroots communities with influential civil society groups, relevant government ministries, and even Chinese corporations operating within Cambodia. Her overarching goal is to foster mutual understanding and promote the development of peaceful and sustainable solutions to complex challenges. Her exceptional language proficiency and deep cultural knowledge have proven instrumental in facilitating constructive dialogue surrounding China’s significant investment projects within Cambodia, navigating intricate cultural and political landscapes with grace and expertise. Her commitment to education and knowledge sharing extends to her contributions to educational resources, including the demanding task of translating the “Chinese Geography” textbook and meticulously proofreading the Chinese version of the “Cambodian Criminal Code,” which demonstrates her dedication to cross-cultural understanding and the accessibility of information.
Driven by a desire for continuous growth and a deeper theoretical understanding of her impactful work, Pouy is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Applied Conflict Transformation Studies (ACTS) at Paññāsāstra University. This academic pursuit complements her extensive practical experience seamlessly, enriching her understanding of conflict dynamics and deepening her unwavering commitment to building peaceful and inclusive societies where all voices are heard and valued.
Success Stories
Beyond her demanding professional life and academic pursuits, Pouy embraces the equally fulfilling role of a working mother to four children, balancing her multifaceted responsibilities with remarkable dedication and genuine care. She finds joy and inspiration in the simple yet profound acts of cooking, experimenting with new and diverse recipes, and immersing herself in the world of literature—activities that continually nurture her creativity, foster personal growth, and ultimately enrich her invaluable contributions to the field of peacebuilding. Her life stands as a testament to the power of dedication, the importance of cross-cultural understanding, and the enduring impact of one individual’s commitment to fostering a more peaceful and just world.