Australia Awards Cambodia Scholar Paves the Way for Sustainable Development in Cambodian Farming Communities
Bunda Chuob’s journey as an Australia Awards Cambodia scholar, culminating in the completion of his Master of Commerce from RMIT University in July 2024, exemplifies his strong commitment to sustainable development in Cambodia’s rural farming communities. Driven by a vision of resilient agricultural systems and empowered local farmers, Bunda’s story highlights a dedication to bridging the gap between global knowledge and local needs.
Bunda’s motivation for becoming an Australia Awards scholar stems from his desire to support Cambodia’s economic growth, specifically by enhancing the viability of small-scale farming enterprises. Through his scholarship, he aspired to gain practical skills that would enable him to contribute directly to building robust community enterprises. His vision is clear: to address challenges such as access to financing, market connectivity, and efficient supply chains, making a tangible difference in the lives of Cambodian farmers.
Bunda co-founded an organic vegetable farm in Kampot Province, an endeavor that created jobs for over 20 families and promoted sustainable, organic farming practices. Through these roles, Bunda witnessed firsthand the operational and financial hurdles that farmers face, inspiring him to pursue a Master of Commerce. His programme at RMIT equipped him with expertise in Finance, Accounting, and Supply Chain Management, which he saw as essential for addressing the economic challenges in Cambodia’s agricultural sector.
During his studies in Melbourne, Bunda seized opportunities to deepen his understanding of sustainability, a journey that led him to CERES, a renowned environmental park and education center in Brunswick East. His time at CERES proved transformative, as he engaged with leading voices in permaculture—a sustainable design practice focused on resilience and self-reliance.
Learning from experts like Joel Meadows, Kat Lavers, and David Holmgren, co-founder of permaculture, Bunda expanded his knowledge of sustainable agricultural systems that align with the environmental and social needs of rural communities.
Studying in Australia provided Bunda with invaluable insights into sustainable development across diverse contexts. Beyond the classroom, he explored Australia’s vibrant cities and rural landscapes, gaining a holistic view of how communities—both urban and rural—integrate sustainable practices into daily life.
This experience has broadened his understanding of sustainable living, strengthening his determination to introduce similar practices within Cambodian communities.
Now, as a graduate, Bunda’s goal is to improve community farming businesses in Cambodia. He aims to leverage his education and network to mobilise local farmers toward entrepreneurship and business management.
Part of his vision includes creating a more efficient supply chain system that reduces waste and aligns production with market demand, fostering a resilient value chain. Ultimately, Bunda’s ambitions align with broader goals for economic resilience, inclusive growth, and sustainability—key pillars for Cambodia’s future development.
With the knowledge, skills, and connections gained in Australia, Bunda Chuob stands ready to make a meaningful impact in Cambodia by promoting sustainable development and resilience within the agricultural sector. His story is one of dedication and hope, inspiring future scholars and changemakers to pursue education and skills that benefit their communities and country.
Australia Awards
Post graduate learning opportunities for Cambodia’s future leaders
Australia Awards Cambodia Scholar Paves the Way for Sustainable Development in Cambodian Farming Communities
Bunda Chuob’s journey as an Australia Awards Cambodia scholar, culminating in the completion of his Master of Commerce from RMIT University in July 2024, exemplifies his strong commitment to sustainable development in Cambodia’s rural farming communities. Driven by a vision of resilient agricultural systems and empowered local farmers, Bunda’s story highlights a dedication to bridging the gap between global knowledge and local needs.
Bunda’s motivation for becoming an Australia Awards scholar stems from his desire to support Cambodia’s economic growth, specifically by enhancing the viability of small-scale farming enterprises. Through his scholarship, he aspired to gain practical skills that would enable him to contribute directly to building robust community enterprises. His vision is clear: to address challenges such as access to financing, market connectivity, and efficient supply chains, making a tangible difference in the lives of Cambodian farmers.
Bunda co-founded an organic vegetable farm in Kampot Province, an endeavor that created jobs for over 20 families and promoted sustainable, organic farming practices. Through these roles, Bunda witnessed firsthand the operational and financial hurdles that farmers face, inspiring him to pursue a Master of Commerce. His programme at RMIT equipped him with expertise in Finance, Accounting, and Supply Chain Management, which he saw as essential for addressing the economic challenges in Cambodia’s agricultural sector.
During his studies in Melbourne, Bunda seized opportunities to deepen his understanding of sustainability, a journey that led him to CERES, a renowned environmental park and education center in Brunswick East. His time at CERES proved transformative, as he engaged with leading voices in permaculture—a sustainable design practice focused on resilience and self-reliance.
Learning from experts like Joel Meadows, Kat Lavers, and David Holmgren, co-founder of permaculture, Bunda expanded his knowledge of sustainable agricultural systems that align with the environmental and social needs of rural communities.
Studying in Australia provided Bunda with invaluable insights into sustainable development across diverse contexts. Beyond the classroom, he explored Australia’s vibrant cities and rural landscapes, gaining a holistic view of how communities—both urban and rural—integrate sustainable practices into daily life.
This experience has broadened his understanding of sustainable living, strengthening his determination to introduce similar practices within Cambodian communities.
Now, as a graduate, Bunda’s goal is to improve community farming businesses in Cambodia. He aims to leverage his education and network to mobilise local farmers toward entrepreneurship and business management.
Part of his vision includes creating a more efficient supply chain system that reduces waste and aligns production with market demand, fostering a resilient value chain. Ultimately, Bunda’s ambitions align with broader goals for economic resilience, inclusive growth, and sustainability—key pillars for Cambodia’s future development.
With the knowledge, skills, and connections gained in Australia, Bunda Chuob stands ready to make a meaningful impact in Cambodia by promoting sustainable development and resilience within the agricultural sector. His story is one of dedication and hope, inspiring future scholars and changemakers to pursue education and skills that benefit their communities and country.