Executive Leadership

Gordon Conochie - Chairman

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Gordon Conochie brings significant experience in leadership roles across various sectors including health, education, and international development. His substantial contributions to academic literature inform our evidence-based approach to democracy advocacy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic direction of the organization
• International relations and partnerships
• Policy development

Recent Work:

• Authored "Democratic Transitions in Southeast Asia"
• Keynote speaker at 2023 ASEAN Civil Society Forum
• Established partnerships with 5 international NGOs

Mr. Seng Senkaruna - President

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Mr. Seng Senkaruna is renowned for his work as a human rights advocate in Cambodia, particularly with the organization ADhoc (the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association). His frontline experience brings crucial perspective to our work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Human rights advocacy
• Cambodian community engagement
• Political strategy

Notable Achievements:

• Documented 150+ human rights cases
• Trained 300+ grassroots activists
• UN Human Rights Council presenter (2019, 2021)

Program Directors

Rony MAN - Technology Director

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Rony MAN is driven by a vision of transforming Cambodia's democratic landscape through the integration of cutting-edge technology. With a deep-rooted commitment to his country and its people, Rony aspires to develop a digital balance system.

Key Projects:

• Khmer Democracy Portal (Secure platform for activists)
• Digital security training program (500+ trained)
• Blockchain-based voting prototype

Technical Expertise:

• Secure communications
• Data privacy systems
• Digital activism tools

Venly SENG - Academic Director

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Education:

• B.A in Religious Studies (Inter Buddhist College, Thailand)
• M.A in Peace Studies and Diplomacy (Siam University, Thailand)
• M.A in International Relations (Padjadjaran University, Indonesia)

Current Research:

• Religious freedom in authoritarian regimes
• Non-violent resistance strategies
• Diaspora political engagement

Publications:

• "Buddhism and Democracy in Cambodia"
• 3 peer-reviewed journal articles

Community Team

DY YORT - Community Manager

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"I have devoted myself to supporting Khmer community in Melbourne and providing aid to individuals in Cambodia requiring assistance with documents, mental health, and emotional support, while also working with social and political activists to advance democracy in Cambodia."

Programs Managed:

• Mental health support network (served 200+ clients)
• Documentation assistance program
• Youth mentorship initiative

Community Impact:

• Established 5 community support groups
• Organized 12 cultural preservation events
• Trained 50 community leaders

Chanlout VORN - Programs Director

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Chanlout VORN is the Co-founder and Board member at Khmer Democracy Organization (KDO) based in Melbourne. He joined Khmer Democracy Organization in 2024 and oversees the organization's programmatic work.

Key Programs:

1. Democratic education initiatives (reached 5,000+ students)
2. Youth leadership development (50 fellows annually)
3. Community empowerment projects

Recent Success:

• Expanded programs to 3 Cambodian provinces
• Secured $250,000 in program funding
• Developed partnership with 10 local NGOs