Cambodian in China dreams of lighting up hometown

KUNMING — Tim Chivorn's graduation project is a manifestation of his dreams — a miniature model of a hydropower station designed to operate in the mountainous region of Battambang in western Cambodia that he hopes will solve electricity shortages in the area.

The 24-year-old Cambodian is a student at the Kunming University of Science and Technology. Pursuing a major in electrical automation, he hopes to leverage his education and apply his learning to the development of Cambodia's electricity infrastructure.

Chivorn said that in his home province of Battambang, it is customary to start working at sunrise and stop at sunset, as the electricity supply is inadequate. During his childhood, frequent blackouts were a regular occurrence and severely impacted daily life.