Martin Mouchenik

Martin-Mouchenik

Martin Mouchenik

Project Manager

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What excites you about the Mekong Region?

The Mekong region holds a special place for me, I had the opportunity to travel and discover a part of its variety of human cultures and diverse landscapes. I met and created strong, lasting bonds with people who still count in my life. Moreover, the region offers many opportunities for positive change. With the region’s rapid development and growth, I’m thrilled to witness the emergence of social, solidarity and environmental initiatives.

Tourism-hospitality represents a valuable tool and a powerful vector that has the capacity to promote and facilitate inclusive and sustainable practices. I’m enthusiastic about engaging with local stakeholders and agents of change, understanding their needs, and collaborating with them to create meaningful impacts. This fills me with motivation and optimism.
Tell us about your Background

From France with a dual cultural heritage, I studied anthropology. I pursued political sciences and social & solidarity economy, as I’ve always been fascinated by human interactions and wished to get involved in the solidarity sector. I’ve also been trained in operations to develop additional skills. I had the chance to work on different projects related to inclusion, emergency aid, and people empowerment.

Over the years, I’ve worked in both humanitarian and development fields, including in Asia and Africa. Throughout my way, I was drawn to projects and operations management, team training and capacity building. The ability to empower others has become a driving force. I found it relevant to mobilise partners and volunteers, knowing that together we could amplify our impact in the field.
How do you want to make an impact for the region?

My aim is to contribute to a positive transformation that benefits the local economy while preserving the environment. I aspire to collaborate with local initiatives and community-based organisations to foster responsible and inclusive practices. This is through the development of innovative solutions where the actors can share their knowledge and experiences. I believe we can foster a true ecosystem and community of change.

I’m particularly enthusiastic about promoting responsible and sustainable experiences. By encouraging travellers to get off the beaten track and to engage with local initiatives, we can generate positive impacts for businesses and communities. We can strengthen the abilities of the region’s entrepreneurs and project holders to respond effectively to the most pressing social and environmental concerns.

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Sak Usakphea

Sak Usakphea

Sak Usakphea

Business Development Representative – Cambodia

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What excites you about the Mekong Region?

I was born and raised next to the Mekong River in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. During my education and while working in the hospitality and tourism industry, I have experienced the different people in the region. The ways they live their lives, their cuisines, the different ways they communicate, and the way they enjoy having a fun and peaceful time when going to many amazing places. It is exciting that the Mekong Region is developing into a region that takes care of the environment. More and more Eco-friendly resorts, tourism communities, and experiences are being developed.  Visitors to the region should travel out of the tourism centres and visit the less travelled paths, for example, visit a community farm in the Kampong Cham province or take a night river cruise along the Mekong River and visit local markets, and purchase locally made handicrafts.
Tell us about your Background

I started my career in the hospitality industry in 2013 with a three-year Vocational Training Degree in Front Office management at the PSE’s Hotel School in Phnom Penh, and I achieved a bachelor’s degree in Hotel & Tourism Management in 2014. Afterwards, I worked in the front office and sales & marketing departments at the Raffles Hotel in Phnom Penh, at Hanchey Bamboo Resort located in Kampong Cham province, and at the Ibis Budget Phnom Penh Riverside Hotel. I am also happy to be a PSE school ambassador and Business Development representative for Destination Mekong. 
How do you want to make an impact for the region?

The Mekong region shows how many different cultures live and interact with each other. It connects not only people from our surrounding countries but is also home to people from Europe, America, Australia, and Africa. It is a region where we learn how to become better by inviting others to experience other cultures and homes.  To me, it is an honour to welcome travellers telling everyone about this amazing place to engage them to visit again and again. 

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