Making her mark: Mouykea Lim

“Before I started at University, I wasn’t the most confident person. Reflecting on who I was back then, it is surprising to me where I have landed, as an engineer in the resources industry…Without my mentor’s guidance, I wouldn’t have been able to develop the confidence and drive to pursue an engineering career…”

This month, we met with Mouykea, a Graduate Drill & Blast Engineer at MACA Cambodia.

What do you do at MACA? Tell us about the project you work at

I am a Graduate Engineer at the Okvau Gold project in Cambodia.

In 2020, MACA was awarded the mining services contract at the Okvau Gold project providing load and haul and drill and blast services. I have been working here since April 2022. Drill and blast design is a huge part of my role and I’m enjoying it!

When did you know you wanted to be an engineer? 

Like many high school students, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study for a career.

It wasn’t until I finished my final exams that I realised science and math were strong subjects for me and that I wanted to study them further.

My uncle, a Software Engineer, inspired me.I remember him saying at the time “why can’t women train and study to be engineers?” This comment has stayed with me.

I know studying STEM subjects hasn’t always been a traditional choice for women globally, but for me, engineering was my first choice and favourite major. After high school, I applied to study engineering at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia.

Why is it important to have a mentor or role model? 

Before I started at University, I wasn’t the most confident person.

Reflecting on who I was back then, it is surprising to me where I have landed, as an engineer in the resources industry.

One of my University lecturers became a mentor and this was crucial for my personal growth. Without her guidance, I wouldn’t have been able to develop the confidence and drive to pursue an engineering career. I’m extremely grateful for her support.

My mentor also inspired me to aim high and pursue a career at MACA.

Why should someone join MACA?

MACA is Cambodia's first mining services provider, and as a Cambodian, I feel grateful for the opportunity to develop my career here.

I think local people should consider joining MACA because:

- MACA provides equitable opportunities for men and women to pursue a career.

- the business has robust policies to protect human rights and employee rights.

- the culture I’ve experienced so far, has been welcoming and inclusive, and I think it’s important that all people experience this culture to feel safe and motivated to contribute their best.

- global training and development opportunities are available to realise your potential.

What have you enjoyed about working at MACA so far?

Learning about drill and blast design has been interesting. I’m learning a lot from my wider team. Within Open Pit Mining Services (OPMS), we often talk about being a family, and since joining MACA, I’ve felt welcomed and supported by my new OPMS Family.

Recently, I travelled to Perth to participate in the Women in Leadership Program. This was an exciting opportunity for me to increase my professional network by meeting and interacting with colleagues in-person. I also found reflecting on our values insightful and enjoyed listening to and learning about the group’s perspectives.

Outside of the office, what do you do for fun? What are your hobbies and interests?  

When I’m not working 12-hour days, I relax and spend time with family and friends.

My friends and I like to hang out in the city and catch up over dinner or take a trip to one of the smaller islands.

I also like cycling around the city and admiring the views. Like most people in our industry, I enjoy my days off!