Sary Manida, UX/UI Designer, Technical Team, General Secretariat of the Digital Government Committee (DGC), Cambodia

1. How do you use technology/policy to improve citizens’ lives? Tell us about your role or organisation. 

I work as a User Interface Designer (UI) and User Experience Researcher (UXR) at the Digital Government Committee, under the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications.

Our mission is to develop technical solutions that improve public services across Cambodia. My role is to bridge the gap between technology and its users.

I collaborate with government partners, conduct user research, and ensure that the products we develop are intuitive and address real needs.

A key part of my work involves empathising with users, understanding their challenges, and translating these insights into practical, user-friendly designs. 

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2. What was the most impactful project you worked on this year? 

The most impactful project I worked on this year was the Vaccine Management System. 

This initiative aimed to digitise and streamline vaccination processes nationwide. Through interviews with healthcare workers and analysing their workflows, we identified key pain points, such as manual data entry errors and difficulties in generating accurate reports during busy periods. 

To address these challenges, we designed an intuitive system that simplified vaccine scheduling, automated reporting processes, and provided real-time data updates. These improvements reduced administrative burdens for healthcare workers, allowing them to focus more on patient care.

Additionally, the system enhanced the accuracy of vaccination records for citizens, improving data reliability and strengthening public health management. 

This project demonstrated how thoughtful design and user-centric solutions can drive meaningful changes in public service delivery. 

3. What was one unexpected learning from 2024? 

One thing I didn’t expect to learn in 2024 was how much I could grow just by exploring the work of UX/UI designers from around the world.

Their shared experiences and knowledge on online platforms taught me so much, and I’ve been able to use those skills in my own projects.

It hit me that the more I learn, the more I grow—and it never feels boring or tiring. The biggest thing that stuck with me was the idea of always putting the user first.

By really understanding the people you’re designing for, you can spot problems they don’t even realise they have and create solutions that truly wow them. 

4. What’s a tool or technique you’re excited to explore in 2025? 

In 2025, I'm excited to explore how to design more inclusively for diverse groups of people, including those with disabilities. 

It's important to create solutions that cater to different needs, ensuring everyone can benefit from our products in meaningful ways.

I’m eager to explore new approaches to help people feel comfortable and supported through our designs.

I also want to improve my ability to empathise with users by better understanding their emotions, not just through conversations but also through their expressions and experiences. 

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5. Everybody’s talking about AI today – give us your hot take on AI and what it means for the public sector.

AI can be used in so many ways to improve how the public sector works and the services citizens get. It's a powerful tool that can really make a difference.

One of the biggest benefits is that AI can quickly process tons of data, helping decision-makers make informed choices. In the health sector, for example, AI can analyse medical data and provide more accurate results for patients.

It can also help track people’s health over time, predicting risks and offering personalized advice to improve their well-being. 

Beyond healthcare, AI can improve services like education, transportation, and public safety by streamlining processes and making things more efficient. 

Overall, AI offers a lot of exciting possibilities, but it’s important to plan carefully, keep checking how things are going, and always make sure it's being used for the good of everyone. 

6. What are your priorities for 2025? 

Our priorities for 2025 are all about taking our UX/UI design team to the next level. We want to boost creativity and work smarter to solve tough problems.

Our goal is to create better user experiences and solutions that really focus on what users need. We’re also planning to keep up with new design trends, try out the latest tools and tech, and build a team environment where everyone keeps learning and growing.

Through these efforts, we aim to create designs that not only fulfill user needs but consistently surpass their expectations. 

7. What advice do you have for public sector innovators? 

My advice for public sector innovators is to stay user-focused and adaptable.

Always start by understanding the real needs of the people you’re serving—listen to their challenges, gather feedback, and involve them in the process.

Innovation isn’t just about big ideas; it’s about solving problems in practical, impactful ways. 

Collaboration is key, so work closely with different teams, stakeholders, and even the community to build solutions that have a broader impact.

Also, don’t shy away from learning from the private sector—adopting new tools, methods, and technologies can often lead to better outcomes. 

Finally, stay patient and persistent. Change in the public sector can take time, but with the right mindset and consistent effort, your work can make a real difference in people’s lives. 

8. Who inspires you today? 

First, my parents are the best mentors and heroes who inspire me to be the best version of myself.

They’ve taught me the importance of discipline and guided me through their own experiences, showing me what is right and what is wrong. I feel incredibly lucky to have them as my parents. 

Second, I’m inspired by people who work hard to create positive change in their communities—whether it’s through technology, healthcare, education, or environmental efforts. Their dedication and impact encourage me to dream big and take bold steps toward fulfilling those dreams. 

Lastly, I find inspiration in UX/UI designers from around the world. Their unique approaches to solving problems creatively and their ability to blend aesthetics with functionality deeply impress me.

Their work not only pushes the boundaries of design but also motivates me to continuously learn and grow in my journey. 

To read our past coverage of Cambodia's Digital Government Committee (DGC), click here.

This feature was made possible in partnership with Cambodia’s General Secretariat of the Digital Government Committee (DGC).