Chhaiyuth Chhel

Technical Supervisor, Quarry Operations, Chip Mong Insee Cement, Cambodia
Master of Engineering Project Management with Honours (First Class)

He chose AUT because its Master of Engineering Project Management programme combines engineering knowledge with practical project management skills, says Chhaiyuth Chhel who came to AUT as an international student from Cambodia, supported by a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship.

“Before pursuing my master’s degree at AUT, I had over five years of experience working as a mining engineer and project coordinator across different industries. Through my professional experience, I became increasingly interested in project management. One of my greatest achievements was being awarded the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, which fully supported my study in New Zealand. It was a great honour, and I’m very grateful to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the New Zealand Government.

“I chose AUT for my studies in New Zealand because I was attracted to the Master of Engineering Project Management’s practical and industry-focused approach, which enabled me to connect academic knowledge with real-world engineering projects. I believe this degree has provided me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage complex engineering projects more effectively and contribute to the development of projects and industries in Cambodia.”

He considers his time at AUT a rewarding experience.

“I had the opportunity to connect with people from different countries and learn from experienced lecturers at AUT. I particularly appreciated the curriculum design of my programme because it covered areas like supply chain management, engineering finance and economics, advanced integrated project management and a one-year research project. One of the most valuable aspects was working on projects and case studies that reflected real project management challenges in the course taught by Professor John Tookey. This allowed me to apply risk management, stakeholder management, project planning and decision-making to practical situations. It also strengthened my critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

“My first semester was a little challenging because it was my first time studying abroad. However, AUT provided excellent support and resources, including sufficient learning materials, modern technology, a comfortable library, open study spaces and various software tools that supported my studies. The Student Hub also played an important role in supporting international students, particularly by providing guidance on study-related matters, university information and assignment consultations.”

Supported to thrive
Chhaiyuth says there was one particular lecturer whose support he is especially grateful for.

“I’m especially grateful to my research supervisor, Dr Imelda Piri, for her support and guidance throughout my one-year research project. During my research, I encountered a few challenges and uncertainties, and I was very fortunate to have a supportive, patient and approachable supervisor who was always willing to guide me. She dedicated approximately two to three hours each week to meeting with me and discussing my research progress. She carefully reviewed my work, provided constructive feedback, and guided me whenever I had doubts or faced difficulties. Her guidance not only helped me successfully complete my research but also improved my critical thinking, research skills and confidence in conducting independent research.”

He has some great advice for other international students thinking about studying at AUT in Auckland.

“My advice to future AUT students is to be open-minded, actively participate in class, and make full use of the resources and support available at the university. Studying overseas can be challenging, especially during the first semester, so don’t hesitate to ask your lecturers, supervisors or the university support services for help if you face any difficulties. Try to connect what you learn academically with real-world situations. For engineering and project management students, understanding the theory is important, but knowing how to apply it to practical problems is even more valuable.

“I also recommend connecting with classmates from different backgrounds because learning from their experiences can broaden your perspective. Finally, take advantage of opportunities beyond your academic requirements, such as workshops, industry events, leadership activities and volunteering. These experiences can help develop your communication, leadership, networking and interpersonal skills beyond what you can gain from studying alone. For example, I was honoured to receive the Beyond AUT Award, which was another unforgettable achievement during my time at AUT.”

Overseeing Cambodian quarry operations
After graduating from AUT in mid-2026, Chhaiyuth has now returned to Cambodia where he works as a technical supervisor overseeing the quarry operations for Chip Mong Insee Cement.

“What I enjoy most about my role as a technical supervisor in quarry operations is the opportunity to combine my technical background in mining engineering with the project management knowledge I gained from AUT. My role involves coordinating quarry operations, monitoring drilling and blasting activities, supporting production planning, analysing operational performance, and working with different departments and stakeholders. I enjoy this work because every day brings different challenges that require me to analyse problems, make decisions, and find practical solutions.”

AUT prepared him for his role in ways he didn’t fully anticipate, he admits.

“I expected the Master of Engineering Project Management to strengthen my project management knowledge. However, I gained much more than that. The programme taught me to look at problems from a broader perspective rather than focusing only on the technical aspects. Subjects such as advanced integrated project management, engineering finance and economics, supply chain management and research helped me understand how technical decisions are connected to cost, resources, risks, stakeholders, schedules and overall business performance.

“I also developed stronger critical thinking and communication skills. In my current role, I frequently need to analyse operational problems, discuss solutions with different departments, present information to management and make decisions based on available data. The experience I gained through group projects, presentations, assignments and research at AUT has helped me approach these situations with greater confidence and structure.”