The University of Cambodia (UC) is pleased to announce the newly elected officers for the 5th Mandate of UC Student Senate (UCSS) for the 2011 academic year: Mr. Chanty Pisal, President; Mr. Chan Ratha, Vice President for Administrative Affairs; Mr. Lay Sophanith, Vice President for Technical Affairs; Miss Sokkhea Gechchheng, Treasurer; and Miss Kong Chhomkeovoleak, Secretary. All candidates in the election will serve as members of UCSS.
The election for the five officer positions was conducted on December 12, 2010, at the UC Conference Center. H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, President of UC and Adviser to Samdech Techo Prime Minister; and H.E. Samraing Kamsan, Member of the Board of Trustees, Senior Advisor to the President of UC and UCSS, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, presided over the elections, with support from the Office of Administration and former UCSS officers.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Samraing Kamsam emphasized the goals of UCSS: to serve UC students and the community and “to nurture young leaders of tomorrow.” He also stated that UCSS has played an important role in helping students become more productive within their families and more effective at studying. His words of advice included encouraging the new mandate to think big
“You are the Ambassadors of Cambodia; you represent us.”
H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn,
President of UC and
Adviser to
Samdech Techo Prime Minister
and about ways to give back; to challenge the system; to hold itself to the highest ethical standards; and to represent UC with dignity, honesty, and wisdom.
Dr. Kao reiterated these key points to UC students in his keynote address, saying to them, “You are the Ambassadors of the University of Cambodia; you represent us.” He told the students that contributions they make to their lives and that of other students, as well as to the University and society at large, are very important; and that working in organizations like UCSS is a rewarding experience because students learn valuable skills while serving others. He stressed the need to take advantage of the opportunity to learn leadership skills by experience and to work hard in order to achieve the most. He also assured the students that UC will continue to support UCSS activities and work with the organization to ensure a successful mandate.
To the outgoing officers and members of the 4th UCSS Mandate, he expressed his appreciation of their hard work, accomplishments, and service to the student body and to UC. To the new 5th Mandate, he offered advice on how to have a successful year: “Learn to work together, to deal with challenging issues, and to mange and negotiate common interests. . .By serving students, you serve yourselves and UC.”
After the two speeches, Dr. Y Ratana, Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Director for the Academic Foundation Department, briefed the students on the election procedures and the electoral campaigns commenced. All of the candidates for the five UCSS positions were allotted two minutes to deliver a campaign speech to their peers, after which students voted and submitted their official ballots to the front of the room.
A total of 155 ballots were submitted, but six were invalid due to technical issues so only 149 were recognized. All ballots were tallied immediately at the front of the room, in the presence of the election committee and several candidates. The election committee consisted of UC staff and students who managed, oversaw, and regulated the elections to ensure they were free and fair. This transparency with the UCSS elections has become an ongoing tradition at UC, so as to encourage active participation from all students in the organization.
The UC community is very excited about the leadership potential and enthusiasm in this new mandate, and believes UCSS will continue to make valuable contributions to school spirit, student activities, and community
development.
