Part 1 was dedicated to Professor Um’s lecture titled Caring is the new cool! : Leading From Where You Stand. Professor Um was welcomed on to the stage with applause from the audience comprising second-year high school students and students who had participated in a study tour of Cambodia. She began by explaining that the number of immigrants and refugees has been increasing in recent years, especially in Asia, while expanding on the problems behind this current trend. Professor Um showed slides as she talked the prejudice that many present refugees are suffering from and about her own experience of immigrating as a refugee to the U.S. from Cambodia during the civil war in 1975. She stated: “Immigrants hope simply to live as ordinary people in peace.” She also shared her grief over the genocide that took place in Cambodia and her determination to pass on the history of her country. She concluded the lecture by delivering an optimistic message: “I hope that you will be the lights that illuminate the right path for others. Even if each of the lights is as small as the glow of a firefly, they can come together to illuminate the world.” 

Part 2 took place in a conference room where 14 students who had participated in a study tour of Cambodia organized by the school in August 2023 gave presentations in English. The students spoke about their activities during the tour, including teach at an elementary school and visiting the Tuol Sleng Prison. Professor Um said of the presentations: “It is wonderful that the students were interested in learning about the history, interacting with many local people, and trying new experiences.” During the Q and A session, the students kept raising their hands to ask Professor Um questions on why she studied political science, what she thought should be valued in life, and more. The students listened intently to the thoughtful words of the professor, and were touched by her strong sense of commitment and kind personality. The students were able to enjoy this memorable experience.