KIT Students Intern at SHO-SEKKEI CO., LTD., Gaining Valuable Experience in Architectural Business

Two Kirirom Institute of Technology (KIT) students, Rathanak Sovann and Vensuor San, recently completed a unique internship program with SHO-SEKKEI CO., LTD, a Japanese company focused on architectural design and education. The program, running from December 2023 to March 2024, offered the students a chance to gain valuable experience not just in architectural design, but also in the business side of the field.

SHO-SEKKEI CO., LTD. PHNOM PENH BRANCH is currently venturing into exciting new territory – launching a dedicated Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) school. The internship program with KIT students focused on supporting this initiative. Rathanak and Vensuor played a key role in the establishment of this new venture, contributing to several crucial aspects:

• Developing a Business Plan: The students created a comprehensive pitch deck, a presentation tool commonly used by startups, to showcase the new CAD school’s vision and potential.
• Building the Curriculum: Rathanak and Vensuor designed a two-tiered curriculum for the new school, catering to both basic and advanced skill levels. This curriculum will be instrumental in guiding future students through the intricacies of CAD and BIM software.
• Practical Design Experience: Beyond business development, the internship also provided hands-on architectural design experience. Rathanak and Vensuor participated in designing floor plans for one of Hiroshima House’s projects.
• Market Research and Site Analysis: The interns conducted valuable research and data analysis on the surrounding Wat Phnom area, likely for another company project. They also participated in a competition, analyzing a specific site and proposing design solutions.

This internship program provided a unique learning opportunity for Rathanak and Vensuor. While honing their architectural design skills, they also gained insights into the business side of the industry – from curriculum development to market research. This experience will undoubtedly position them well for future careers as global leaders in the architectural technology field.

The program also highlights SHO-SEKKEI CO., LTD.’s commitment to fostering the next generation of Cambodian architectural talent. By providing practical experience and mentorship, such initiatives can play a crucial role in propelling Cambodia’s architectural landscape forward.