Cambodian Student Finds Inspiration for Her Future in China's Rural Revitalization

Hor Sreynich, a 26-year-old architecture student from Cambodia, has spent eight transformative years at Tianjin University. From undergraduate to graduate studies, she has excelled academically and immersed herself in China’s rural revitalization projects, integrating green building concepts into her designs.

“Architecture is about designing a future way of life,” she explained. Her passion for green architecture began as an undergraduate, where her thesis focused on low-carbon development in rural China. Inspired by China’s rural revitalization strategy, Sreynich saw its potential to inform sustainable development in Cambodia. “China’s innovations in low-carbon and green architecture offer valuable lessons for my home country,” she said.

During her graduate studies, Hor Sreynich participated in several rural projects, including a national design competition in Jinjiang, Fujian Province. She and her team proposed plans for the renovation of Qianhong Village, blending traditional architecture with modern green design. Their efforts earned second place, with Sreynich praised for her cross-cultural collaboration and technical skills.

Gong Xiaolei, an associate professor from Tianjin University’s School of Architecture who has taught Wang since her freshman year, described her as diligent and creative. “Her work in projects like Qianhong Village and Tianjin’s Eco-Agriculture Park showcases her professional ability and passion for rural development,” Gong said.

Sreynich’s time in China has also deepened her understanding of rural development differences between the two countries. “China’s villages are merging low-carbon design with aesthetics, while Cambodia is still focused on meeting basic needs,” she noted. She hopes to bring China’s innovations, such as photovoltaic technology, back to Cambodia to improve rural living standards.

After graduation, Hor Sreynich plans to work for a Chinese design institute in Cambodia, leveraging her bilingual skills and expertise in green design. “I want to integrate what I’ve learned in China into Cambodia’s rural development and help improve the quality of life for my people,” she said.

With a vision of connecting rural communities through sustainable design, Hor Sreynich is turning her dreams into action, bringing hope to Cambodia’s villages and strengthening ties between the two countries.

By Eva Yin