Twenty one-year-old Sreang Lalune went through many challenging activities and competitions before emerging victorious in a US-funded Youth Leadership Challenge, receiving an award from the US ambassador to Cambodia, a special study trip to the United   States.

Sreang Lalune, from Kampong Cham province, is a student at the Royal University of Phnom Penh in Environmental Studies. 

The first daughter of Sreang Krahn and Kong Sok Heang, she became the first woman to win the award.

"The season began with 16 top contestants, all of whom were university students in their early twenties," she told VOA Khmer. "Two teams of eight contestants each were challenged in fundraising, creating a Web log, debate, organizing trash-collection teams in local neighborhoods, feature video production, drawing pictures and public speaking."

Sreang Lalune won, earning a two-week trip to Washington to attend a youth conference and meet with representatives of the US government. She will depart for US by the end of August.

"I think it is a very good program that provides a great opportunity for young Cambodian people to exhibit their talents and abilities," she said.