SAO Kanika

Research Associate

Ms. Kanika Sao is a Fulbright Scholar and LL.M. graduate with a business law concentration from University of Minnesota Twin Cities, United States. In addition to her master’s degree, she also received LL.B. from the Royal University of Law and Economics and dual bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration from ICN Business School in France and the National University of Management. Before pursuing her studies in the United States, she worked at the National University of Management as a Co-manager at NUM Social Innovation Lab. She also previously worked as a Junior Advocacy Officer at the European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham) in Cambodia where she handled advocacy tasks and facilitated communication between the private sector and the Cambodian government. She is fluent in English and Khmer.

Email : kanika.sao@cdri.org.kh


SAO Kanika



CDRI research on decentralization and local governance reform showed that over the last 20 years, elected commune/sangkat councils have become among the most trusted and respected government institutions across Cambodia. Charged with both representing the government to the people, and representing the needs and desires of their constituents to high...