By: Samban Chandara,
Deth Sok Udom, COO of Paragon Educational Company, was recently awarded the prestigious 2024 Global Community Innovator Award by Global Tassel, non-profit organization based in New York city for his significant contributions to the education sector in Cambodia, which have played a vital role in promoting global and local community development.
The award was presented by Dr. Elvin T. Ramos, Chairman of the Global Tassel Board, during his mission to Cambodia, in a ceremony held in Phnom Penh on August 17, 2024. This recognition came more than two months after the official awards ceremony, which took place in New York, United States, in June 2024.
Speaking about the delay in receiving the award, Dr. Deth Sok Udom explained, “I requested Global Tassel to delay my trip to New York and use the travel expenses for scholarships instead. I believe those funds are better spent on providing opportunities for underprivileged students, rather than my personal travel.” His decision reflects his deep commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of students from low-income backgrounds.
Dr. Deth Sok Udom expressed his pride in receiving the award, highlighting the work he has done as the leader of Paragon International University and through the Bophakun Foundation, which provides scholarships to underprivileged students. “It’s an honor to have my efforts recognized by Global Tassel. Through our partnerships, we’ve been able to offer educational opportunities that foster both national and international intellectual growth,” he said.
He added, “For me, it is a source of pride to be acknowledged by an organization that shares a vision for promoting community development. Through our collaboration, we have been able to provide numerous scholarships. While Cambodia may be a small country, this recognition shows that our efforts are reaching the global stage through Global Tassel’s mission.”
He further emphasized the importance of education in combating poverty and fostering development, noting that “quality education is the most effective pathway to reducing poverty in Cambodia. The students of today are the foundation of our nation’s future.”
Global Tassel, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing higher education opportunities to youth in developing countries, held a gala in June 2024 in New York to celebrate its 10th anniversary. 10 awards were presented to individuals who have achieved multi-ethnic milestones in promoting access to quality education and leadership development, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Deth Sok Udom became the first Cambodian recipient of this honor from Global Tassel.
Since 2022, Global Tassel has partnered with Paragon International University, providing annual scholarships to students in Cambodia. Under this partnership, the university covers 50% of the scholarship cost, while Global Tassel covers the remaining 50%.
During the ceremony, Elvin T. Ramos highlighted the seven criteria for the Global Community Innovator Award, which includes innovation approach, meaningful impact, field expertise and contribution, global community engagement, sustainability and long-term vision, leadership and influence and ethical integrity. He praised Dr. Deth Sok Udom as someone who embodies these values and has made significant contributions to education and community development.
In 2021, Dr. Deth Sok Udom was recognized as one of Cambodia’s 21 young influential leaders by the German Konrad Adenauer Stiftung for his resilience and leadership. In 2017, he served as a keynote speaker during a panel discussion on “Cambodia’s Rising Star” at the 3rd Global Alumni Convention organized by IDP Education, the world’s largest international education service provider.
Born in Phnom Penh in 1985, Dr. Deth Sok Udom grew up in Battambang before returning to the capital in 1997 to complete his secondary education. He later received a scholarship from Zaman International School (Currently Paragon International School). He earned his PhD in Southeast Asian Studies from Humboldt University in Germany in 2014 and completed his Master’s in Southeast Asian Studies at Ohio University in the US in 2009. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Boğaziçi University, Turkey, which he completed in 2006.
Currently, Dr. Deth Sok Udom serves as COO of Paragon Educational Company and was previously the Rector of Paragon International University from 2016 to 2023.