We are delighted to announce Saknakosnak Prum from Cambodia  as a finalist for the 2025 Wedu Women’s Leadership Awards in the Flame of Solidarity Award category.

Connection to the Award

The Flame of Solidarity Award honours those who stand beside others to amplify their potential and create pathways for change. For Nak, this has meant more than six years of mentoring young women in STEM, particularly in technology, where women remain significantly under-represented.

His journey began in Cambodia, where he volunteered through Wedu Cambodia and the Development Innovation Programme to support young women aspiring to leadership in technology. From there, his impact grew across borders—mentoring a Wedu Rising Star in Bangladesh, guiding a participant in the YSEALI Women’s Leadership Academy in Laos, and most recently, supporting a young professional in the United States through AnitaB.org’s Apprenticeship Pathway Programme.

For each mentee, his role has gone far beyond technical guidance. His support has often been a lifeline—helping young women set goals, navigate international opportunities, manage the pressures of early careers, and build confidence in themselves as future leaders.

Mobilising Change

Nak’s commitment to gender equality extends far beyond one-to-one mentorship. In Cambodia, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening opportunities in STEM education. As a volunteer with the STEM Education Organisation of Cambodia, he has served as a judge for robotics challenges, supervised national STEM festivals, and encouraged innovation among young people.

Through these efforts, he has seen firsthand the challenges women face in pursuing STEM careers, especially when it comes to reaching leadership positions that remain overwhelmingly male-dominated. Rather than accept this imbalance, Nak has chosen to act—using his own experiences as an IT Business Analyst and educator to inspire young women to believe that they, too, belong in technology and innovation leadership.

This consistent advocacy reflects his deep conviction that solidarity is about more than standing with others—it is about creating the conditions for them to rise.

Why Nak Stands Out

What sets Nak apart is the combination of his professional expertise, personal dedication, and belief in the potential of women leaders. His mentees describe his impact as transformative—boosting their confidence, broadening their perspectives, and guiding them through moments of uncertainty.

Recognised as a Chevening Scholar and endorsed for prestigious honours such as the Women of the Future Awards Southeast Asia, Nak embodies the values of care-centred leadership that Wedu champions. He is not only a mentor but also a catalyst for systemic change in how women access and thrive in STEM.

As a finalist for the Flame of Solidarity Award at the 2025 Wedu Women’s Leadership Awards, Nak represents the spirit of solidarity in action: using his knowledge, skills and influence to light the way for the next generation of women leaders.

Connect with Saknakosnak on LinkedIn

Join us in celebrating women’s leadership!

On 30 September at 6PM ICT, we will announce the awardees of the four Wedu Women’s Leadership Awards in a special online celebration. Reserve your spot and be part of the moment. RSVP here to join us