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Duk Pagnarith is one of the dedicated volunteers whose contributions played a vital role in the success of Cambodia ICT Camp 2024. As a passionate young tech enthusiast, he embraced this opportunity not just to give back, but to grow, learn, and connect with like-minded individuals. In this blog post, Pagnarith shares his reflections and the invaluable experiences he gained as a volunteer. From inspiring workshops and vibrant team collaboration to unforgettable adventures and personal growth, his journey captures the essence of what makes Cambodia ICT Camp an extraordinary event.

Read on to discover the highlights, lessons, and cherished moments that made this experience truly unforgettable.

The Cambodia ICT Camp was an amazing experience, and I can’t wait to share all the good things about it. As a passionate young tech enthusiast, this camp was a perfect combination of learning, networking, and pure fun. Here’s a blog about my experiences there, highlighting the hardworking and determined people I met and the valuable knowledge I gained throughout my journey.

On the most favorite things during the three-day camp

One of my favorite parts of the camp was the opportunity to meet such wonderful people. Whether it was technology innovators, tech experts, or classmates who shared my love for technology, the relationships I built were truly priceless. I even got to meet a senior student who shared valuable advice and insights about the tech world. Learning from his experience was both empowering and encouraging.

The organizers also left a strong and lasting impression on me, showcasing their dedication and passion for creating a memorable and impactful event.

They were so nice and truly made us volunteers feel like part of their family. Their generosity and professionalism enhanced the entire experience. I am really looking forward to returning with them this year to help with YIGF. Among the volunteers, I met people with similar interests and tech backgrounds. We got along very well, did everything together as a team, and it made the experience so much more enjoyable.

Volunteering at the camp was incredibly rewarding. My squad’s spirit was contagious. Despite the ups and downs, the organizers created such an encouraging atmosphere that none of us ever thought of giving up. I learned a lot about taking minutes by working with such an energetic and motivated group of people. Coordinating the scheduling of our sessions and ensuring everything ran smoothly provided me with valuable, practical experience. Together, we accomplished everything, and it was a huge success—something we all celebrated as a team.

The hotel we stayed at, Bayon Era Hotel, was amazing. Our room was spacious, comfortable, and the perfect place to relax after long days. Sharing the room with another participant who shared similar interests made the stay even more enjoyable. We stayed up late every night, chatting about everything we love—from technology news to personal ambitions.

But the highlight? The food! We had buffets every day, and everything was absolutely delicious. The dishes provided by the hotel were a treat in themselves and greatly enhanced our overall experience.

The workshops were definitely a major highlight, especially the Responsible AI one. I can’t stop thinking about insights like Dr. Marc Pinol Rovira’s thoughts on the morality of AI. He emphasized the importance of AI staying on course and maintaining its alignment with social values. As a data science major, these conversations resonated with me deeply and made me reflect on how I can apply these ideas to my work in the next ten years.

Ms. Omouy Heang, another speaker, compared AI’s rapid evolution to a growing baby that needs to be nurtured with care. It was a simple yet profound analogy that underscored the importance of developing responsible and equitable AI. The workshops truly opened my eyes and inspired me to explore these topics more deeply.

On the unforgettable experience as a volunteer

Visiting Angkor Wat was undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable moments of the camp. Surprisingly, even though I’ve been to Angkor Wat countless times, this visit felt fresh and new. Experiencing one of the wonders of the world with such an amazing group of wonderful people made the adventure even more incredible. We took countless pictures, talked, and laughed a lot. The stunning scenery and the good vibes from everyone around me created an unforgettable moment.

This was also my first experience writing a blog post, which was both challenging and exciting. I enjoy tackling challenges, and this was no exception.

The advice I received has greatly improved my writing and storytelling skills, which I know will be invaluable in the future. Organizing an event as large as the Cambodia ICT Camp presented many challenges. For example, arranging times for taking minutes was particularly difficult. However, drawing on my event-management experience, I was able to help the team decide on the most organized approach for everyone to complete this task. Watching the entire event come together so seamlessly was incredibly rewarding. Just knowing that all the participants and coordinators were pleased with what we accomplished made all the hard work worthwhile.

Looking back, the Cambodia ICT Camp was truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether it was meeting inspiring people, experiencing our teamwork as volunteers, or enjoying the unforgettable trip to Angkor Wat, it was all incredibly memorable. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful event, and I am already looking forward to applying for the next Cambodia ICT Camp. I strongly recommend volunteering at an ICT event if you ever get the chance!

The experiences, the honing of skills, and the expansion of ideas and networks gained from such events are truly priceless.