To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we are highlighting Pong Limsan, CEO and Founder of First Womentech Asia and alumna of the U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).
How has participating in international exchange for STEM issues transformed your life, career, or education? Did any new opportunities arise from this experience?
The “Advancing Women’s Participation in the Technology Sector” IVLP program was a wonderfully magnificent experience for me not only as a woman but as a business leader. It complemented my path to be a woman who believes, dares and maintains a positive perception of women holding significant roles in both the STEM industry and society.
As a business founder and CEO, I was immensely motivated to learn how to leverage my business in the field of science. I’ve always had a vision of empowering women and increasing female participation in the STEM fields and now I’m running my own software company, First Womentech Asia, with various technological innovations and healthcare management systems – including Peth Yoeung, e-Health MYCLNQ, Pharmacy Yoeung, Dentist Yoeung and Lab Yoeung. From my experience joining this exchange, I got to meet so many talented and passionate people; especially women, who hope for larger-scale participation by women in STEM as much as I do. This eye-opening trip has made me believe that a greater proportion of women is inspired and hopeful for impactful changes for gender equality and women empowerment in STEM.
How has the community of women and girls in science inspired or motivated you?
The community full of inspiring women and girls in science has motivated me to break the boundaries of limitations. There is no limit to when a person or woman believes she can do anything and make a positive impact.
There is nothing impossible when we don’t take “no” for an answer.
Women are as capable as any other gender. We can be as creative and innovative in the STEM industry, and we can prove that we can become not only our own leaders but leaders of purposes and visions for a company. Our journey in the STEM industry can only get better and stronger as long as our belief is persistent.
From my experience as a leader and startup founder and CEO, women’s participation in STEM is fully encouraged and practiced. In my company, we develop countless opportunities for women. Women are encouraged to work for our company, to develop new skills, to improve their career path, to make impactful changes and to chase their dream. We have a startup full of talented men and women making a sustainable impact in Cambodia’s healthcare industry through our hospital management system, Peth Yoeung, and other services.
What advice would you give to the next generation of women about pursuing STEM?
My advice to the next generation of women wishing to pursue a career in STEM is that they must create a positive working culture in order to achieve their goals. As women, we encounter countless obstacles. We have to break the glass ceiling of social expectations towards us. The first key to unlocking our potential is to prove to ourselves and others that we are good enough; we can do it and we can even go beyond their expectations. The next step is to take the equal opportunity. Although we may prove that we’re good enough, the world may be doubting our capability in establishing our leadership skills.
How can the world recognize women and girls in science as agents of change?
The world can see us as highly capable of changing life aspects, inserting positive impacts and making the world a loftier place that everyone can imagine. Women and girls are gifted, unique, creative, clever and ambitious enough to break a mountain on their own. That can happen when we are given equal treatment and opportunities.
