Chhuon Chipon
Chhuon Chipon joined Digital Divide Data in 2006 and stayed for 14 years, rising from project associate to team leader, project coordinator, project manager, and finally production manager. In 2012, when DDD merged its two Cambodia offices, he transferred from Battambang to Phnom Penh—a big shift in his career path and life. In his last roles, he trained around 300 newly recruited staff on soft skills, then assigned them to roles based on their potential and capability. In school, he says, he mostly learned theory, but at DDD he gained practical experience in communication with different groups—peers, supervisors, and leaders. What he loves about DDD is that they promote people based on the potential and determination they see in them. "I honestly don't think I could have become who I am today without DDD," he says. "The organization gave me a strong foundation—professionally and personally."
After leaving DDD, he joined ABA Bank as an IT Business Analyst. The banking sector required specialized knowledge in FinTech, and moving sectors felt like starting his career over again. He had to study hard, keeping detailed notes that he now shares with new staff switching from other sectors to make their transition easier. Looking back, he thinks transition readiness is an area where DDD could do more, helping young people understand how competitive the job market is outside and how to prepare for jobs beyond DDD. His advice for DDD's future: enhance training in advanced technology, strengthen the alumni network to create more opportunities, and maintain DDD's unique culture—its supportive environment, flexibility for staff to pursue education, and willingness to forgive mistakes and give second chances.
