Chevening scholar inspires as volunteer and mentor 

Chevening scholar Saknakosnak ‘Nak’ Prum is making a tangible impact in Asia and the United States, mentoring young people leaders in Tech and STEM with a particular focus on empowering women. In 2021, his efforts were recognised with a nomination for the Women of the Future Awards Southeast Asia in the Mentor Category.   In 2021, he was nominated for the Women of the Future Southeast Asia Awards in the Mentor Category. He is also a finalist for the 2025 Wedu Flame of Solidarity Award

Through his work with Wedu, the Young Southeast Asia Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), AnitaB, and the American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia, Nak is helping to shape the next generation of leaders.  

Nak’s journey is shaped by resilience, curiosity, and a deep commitment to growth. From humble beginnings in a small Cambodian village, he navigated life’s challenges with determination to build a global career through education and opportunity. ‘I have always been driven to help others through charity, volunteering, and, most of all, professional mentorship.’  

From an early age, Nak dreamed of studying abroad. Three years after completing his bachelor’s degree in Malaysia, he decided to pursue a master’s. Chevening caught his attention immediately. He knew that the UK had one of the strongest education systems in the world.  

‘[I thought], when I have a master’s degree from this country, it will be a big asset for my life.’ 

Co-funded by Prudential Cambodia, Nak chose to enroll at the University of Warwick’s Master of Science in e-Business Management, blending a mix of business leadership skills and technology.   

‘It was exactly what I was looking for. The simulations… [were] not just theory; it prepared me for the real business world. This is what I needed to know to have success.’   

Making the most of the UK’s volunteering opportunities  

While at Warwick, Nak was constantly giving his time to extracurricular volunteering activities. He took part in cycling events, charity walks, community gardening, and volunteered with the Warwick Technology Volunteer Group, which set up a weekly coding class for primary school children. He was also recognised by Warwick University as ‘a great ambassador for the university’ and received the Chevening Volunteering Award while he was in the UK.   

‘I have a strong passion for volunteer work. I always like to… give back to the community I belong to.’ 

‘Once a Chevener, always a Chevener’   

After his experience at Warwick, Nak returned to Cambodia for two years where he worked at a local company. He keeps in touch with the British Chevening Alumni Association in Cambodia (BCAAC) and has also kept volunteering his time to help others, becoming a mentor for young women leaders in Asia and the United States.   

‘Being a mentor, it gives me the opportunity to learn and share my knowledge and experiences in order to empower, inspire and influence more young women leaders in Tech and STEM. I believe that knowledge holds its greatest value and ability to uplift others when it is shared. Retaining it without passing it on feels like an incomplete use of its potential.’ 

He says that the opportunities he has had would not be possible without Chevening, and that he is inspired to help others access similar opportunities. ‘Once a Chevener, always a Chevener. This scholarship represents a profound source of pride for both me and my family.’