[Best Practice Interview] 2014 GITC Participant Thona Thy from Cambodia > Participants' Story Global IT Challenge

[Best Practice Interview] 2014 GITC Participant Thona Thy from Cambodia

As the scorching summer fades away, we are now just one month away from the 2024 GITC Final Round. 

To support the participants, we are delighted to share an inspiring success story of one of our past GITC participant.

Let us introduce Thona Thy, a 2014 GITC participant who is currently serving as the GITC chaperone of the Cambodian team!

Q. Hello! Could you please introduce yourself to the GITC participants?

A. Hello! My name is Thona Thy. I live in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and I participated in the 2014 GITC held in Busan, representing the Cambodian team. I received Excellence medal in eDesign and Best medal in eCreative category.

* The eDesign category is no longer in operation, and the eCreative category has now been modified from past.

Q. You finished the competition with wonderful results! Could you tell us what you are doing now?

A. I am currently working as the Deputy Director of the Disability Services Development Department under the Cambodian government’s Disability Action Council (DAC). I support the development of information systems that convey knowledge and provide services for people with disabilities. Additionally, I participated as the chaperone of the Cambodian team in the 2017 GITC held in Vietnam.

Q. It is impressive to see you working as a public official! We are particularly curious about the perspectives from both the participant and chaperone! First, can you share us some memorable moments you had when you participated in the 2014 GITC?

A. Winning an international competition like the 2014 GITC and receiving an award on stage was a significant highlight in my life. That experience boosted my confidence and showed me how much technology can enhance the abilities of individuals with disabilities. Another unforgettable experience was the chance to collaborate with participants from all over the world. It was inspiring to see people from different cultural backgrounds come together to share ideas, technologies, and experiences.

Q. It seems like you had a transformative experience! How has your life changed after participating in GITC?

A. After the competition, my life completely changed. GITC not only boosted my confidence but also inspired me to further my studies and research in IT at the university level. The skills and experiences I gained from GITC formed the foundation of my career, eventually leading me to become a government official. Participating in GITC was a pivotal moment in my journey. It transformed me from a student passionate about technology into an expert working to improve the lives of people with disabilities through technology and policy.

Q. Turning into a chaperone must have been a unique experience for you. What differences did you notice between participating as a participant and as the chaperone?

A. Participating as a chaperone was indeed very different from being a participant. As a participant, I focused on developing my own abilities and showcasing my best performance in the competition. It was all about learning, solving problems, and applying my creativity. However, as a chaperone, my role shifted to helping others succeed. My main focus now is to ensure that the participants I lead can participate successfully in the competition.

Q. Hearing about your experience from both perspectives is truly insightful! As a senior participant and GITC national chaperone, do you have any advice for participants participating GITC for the first time?

A. First, I would encourage them to believe in themselves. You have the ability to achieve great results! GITC is an incredible opportunity to showcase your skills, so don’t let the competition intimidate you. Your unique abilities are your greatest strength. Secondly, practice and preparation are key. The more familiar you become with the competition, the more confident you will feel during the event. Most importantly, stay positive and enjoy the experience. GITC is not just about competition; it’s an opportunity to connect with others, learn new skills, and explore fresh ideas. You may face challenges, but see them as opportunities to learn and grow. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks; view them as part of your journey toward further growth.

Through this interview, we’ve learned how GITC transformed Thona Thy’s life! His journey serves as a shining example for GITC participants, and we wholeheartedly wish that everyone taking part this year follows his advice: be confident, embrace challenges, and showcase your unique strengths to achieve great success. Stay tuned for our next success story interview—we’ll be back soon!