Cambodia Team
This team is based in the Department of Psychology of the Royal University of Phnom Penh. They will be conducting their work in the provinces of Kampong Chhnang and Siem Reap, Cambodia, throughout the project.
Assoc. Prof. Sovandara Kao, PhD
Dr. Sovandara Kao is an Associate Professor at Psychology Department of the Royal University of Phnom Penh. Internationally, he has been appointed as a presenter in international conferences in South Africa, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, China, Spain and Italy, as well as on an international exchange program with SINO-AMERICAN FAMILY THERAPY INSTITUTE in Shanghai, China. Since 2010 he has worked with various national and international organisations, including department of Psychology, GIZ (Cambodia), UNICEF Cambodia, and World Health Organisation (WHO). In the recent years he was actively involved in several quantitative research projects and provided technical advice for national and international NGOs. His research has been funded by UNICEF Cambodia, Nuffic Nederland, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), United board, Marrynol, SEATCA and WHO Cambodia. In these recent years, His academic papers have been published in international journals including the International Journal Mental Health, Asia Journal of Public Health, The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, Transcultural Psychiatry.
Assoc. Prof. Sareth Khann, PhD
Dr. Sareth Khann is a highly skilled clinical psychologist and psychotherapist who specializes in working with both adolescents and adults. In addition to providing therapy, he is an associate professor of psychology, where he shares his extensive knowledge with students and contributes to the field through teaching. Dr. Khann has significant experience conducting research focused on mental health promotion, which involves finding ways to improve overall mental well-being and prevent mental health issues. He also has a strong background in developing educational curricula, which are designed to teach others about mental health and psychological well-being. Through his work, Dr. Khann has made important contributions to the understanding and improvement of mental health care.
Mengleang Kong
Ms. Mengleang Kong is pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology and international relations at the Royal University of Phnom Penh. Passionate about youth mental health and community development, Mengleang plays a crucial role as the Community Engagement and Inclusion (CEI) Advisor. She is deeply committed to the initiative, working alongside the co-lead and project coordinator to support the design and execution of effective interventions.
Dr Bunna Phoeun, PhD
Dr. Bunna Phoeun is a co-investigator on this project and serves as the Deputy Chief of the Administration Office and Planning at the Department of Organizing Events and Sports Statistics within Cambodia's Directorate General of Sports, the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport. He also teaches in the MA in Clinical and Counseling Psychology program at the Royal University of Phnom Penh. Dr. Phoeun has a strong background in community-based mental health, primarily supporting individuals with severe mental illnesses. He is trained in trauma treatment and specializes in EMDR therapy, holding accreditation as an EMDR consultant from EMDR Europe and as a Clinical Supervisor at RUPP. His research interests include school mental health interventions, psychological trauma, and community-based strategies for families affected by severe mental illness. He has collaborated with local and international researchers and has contributed to numerous publications in the mental health field.
Dr. Thearom Ret, PhD
Dr. Thearom Ret holds a PhD in Social Psychology from Aix-Marseille University and serves as a Psychology Lecturer and Researcher at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He is also a Research Associate at the Laboratoire Psy-DREPI (UR-7458), Université de Bourgogne Europe, France. With over a decade of experience in mental health research, quantitative methods, and organizational psychology, Dr. Ret has contributed to advancing evidence-based mental health research studies and resilience-building initiatives.
Dr. Ret has collaborated with NGOs and international institutions to design and implement interventions addressing youth mental health and post-conflict recovery in Cambodia. His expertise in mixed-method research, advanced statistical analysis, and program evaluation supports the development of sustainable, data-driven approaches. By bridging academic excellence and practical solutions, Dr. Ret is helping strengthen youth-targeted mental health services and capacity building, aligning with the project’s mission to transform mental health systems in Cambodia and Vietnam positively
Channith Yeun, MA
Mr. Channith Yeun, with a Master’s degree in Clinical and Counselling Psychology, is currently serving as an Assistant in the Psychology Department and a dedicated counsellor. In his current role, he supports the department by managing academic and operational tasks while providing psychological counselling services to individuals in need. Most of his clients are university students, though he welcomes clients of all ages and backgrounds. He believes in the impact of professional help on building a better life quality. Mr. Channith is dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for both his colleagues and clients where everyone is supported and valued.