Spotlight On Master’s Candidate Inna Leng

Southeast Asian Studies Spotlight:  Master’s Candidate Inna Leng

Inna Leng is a first-year master’s student in the Southeast Asian Studies (SEAS) program. She joins us here at Ohio University from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. We asked Inna about life in Phnom Penh, her motivations for joining the SEAS program, and her thoughts about Athens. The transcript of the interview appears below.

SEAS: Inna, tell us a little about yourself.  Where are you from?  Where did you grow up?  What was that like?  (that is, your experience growing up where you did – by what people and cultures were you surrounded? Religious influences?)  What types of activities informed your daily life? IL: Although I was born in the capital city of Phnom Penh, my family moved to Kandal province for a few years soon after that. Then, in hopes of better educational and career opportunities, my parents decided to move back to Phnom Penh when I was 6 years old.  Growing up in a Buddhist country (Cambodia is approximately 95% Buddhist), I was educated to commit good deeds, respect the elderly, be honest and help other people in whatever way I can. What also informed my daily life is the way a child in a conservative family is brought up. As a woman, for instance, I was not allowed to “hang out” often, go out until late at night, or interact closely with any male friends. My life consisted of learning both at school and at home, and I was expected to excel in both places. Traditionally it is an obligation that a woman has to learn how to become a good housewife in the future, so I spent much time helping my mother with the household chores every day. SEAS: How was education, especially higher education (both undergraduate and graduate), perceived where you are from?  Is it something common?  Or it is something really rare? IL: Nowadays it is common to hold a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree in Cambodia. Due to the improved living standards as well as rising number of private institutions, more and more people can afford to pursue higher education (although access to higher education is generally limited to only Phnom Penh city and several other large provincial cities). To a large extent, however, Cambodia is still lacking qualified lecturers and teachers, especially in the provinces. SEAS: Inna, what brought you here to Ohio University and the Southeast Asian Studies program?  How did you come to learn about the program?  What made you choose to enter the Southeast Asian Studies master’s program? IL: Ohio University as well as the Southeast Asian Studies program was recommended to me by a lecturer of mine who taught a course in Southeast Asian History while I was doing my bachelor’s degree in International Studies in Cambodia. In addition to my background in the field of international studies, I was participating in several courses related to Southeast Asia at Center for Khmer Studies in Phnom Penh. These relevant experiences made me believe that I would do well to go for Southeast Asian Studies as my area of focus at the graduate level. SEAS: What are your impressions of Athens and of Ohio University? IL: ven though Athens is much smaller compared to the city I am from, I have settled into my life very well so far. Not being surrounded by skyscrapers, traffic jams and polluted atmosphere, life in Athens for me is greatly peaceful, fresh and clean. Moreover, I can get most of the things I need comfortably just as in the big city.

Inna Leng (top row, far left) with other Cambodian students during a visit to Japan in 2009.

As a nature lover, I think Ohio University has a beautiful campus compared to the other universities I have visited in the US and Japan. Supported by friendly and helpful staff, the university has satisfactorily offered all sorts of assistance for new international students who have trouble adjusting to the systems. Besides, what I like about OU is that it tries to involve the students with the communities via diverse activities and events making Athens and the university like a home to everybody. SEAS: Have you traveled outside of Cambodia?  Where?  What were your impressions of those places?  (If there are many you can just discuss one or two).

IL: Joining an exchange program in Japan was the only experience of traveling outside of Cambodia and also the most unforgettable excitement I have ever had. During the 10-day program, I visited some lovely places in the country, including Tokyo and Hokkaido, and learned about the differences between urban and rural lifestyles of the Japanese people. I remember I was surprised by how almost everything is smartly operated and served by advanced technology. Another thing by which I was impressed in Japan is that its people strictly preserve and protect the environment; that is what makes the country the cleanest and most naturally beautiful place I have ever seen. SEAS: How are you planning to focus your studies here at OU?  Is there a particular topic you plan to pursue?  (We realize that you have just started the program and this focus may indeed change as you progress in the program and come to know more faculty and ideas)SEAS:  What were your first impressions of Athens and of Ohio University? IL: So far, my curiosity has exposed me to a great deal of readings and coursework related to politics, economics and development in ASEAN countries; therefore, I am tentatively thinking about choosing a particular aspect of ASEAN’s affairs as a major focus and conducting a sort of comparative study among the countries. SEAS: Was there a course or professor that really made an impression on you during your first quarter at OU? IL: To tell the truth, this is the first time in my academic life to be absolutely impressed by both a course and the professor, and that was by a class in my first quarter here at OU called “Education and Social Change,” taught by Dr. Jaylynne Hutchinson. Her effective teaching techniques, interesting content, class activities and coursework made me really enthusiastic and devoted to the course. SEAS: What are your plans for the future?  What would you like to see yourself doing five years from now? IL: After my master’s graduation, I plan to apply for admission to PhD program here in the US. In five years from now I hope to have obtained my PhD and to be working as a university lecturer or researcher in an organization in my country.

SEAS: If you could leave us with one final thought or impression about yourself, what would it be? IL: I think I am someone who loves cheering up those surrounding me through a smile. So, smiling all the time is what I am known for! SEAS: We are glad you are smiling. Thank you for the opportunity to get to know you, Inna!

Center for Southeast Asian Studies February 2012

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