First Cambodian Woman West Point Graduate Appointed Ministry of Justice Undersecretary

Mey Sithikarjessica, the first Cambodian woman to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point, has been appointed Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Justice. The appointment was made through a Royal Decree dated September 24, 2026, recognizing her active service in the judiciary as a prosecutor. Prior to her current role, Sithikarjessica served as a prosecutor at the Preah Vihear Provincial Court before being transferred to the Kandal Provincial Court. Her progression to a high-ranking position within the Ministry of Justice is seen as a direct result of her knowledge and extensive practical experience. Sithikarjessica holds a Master of Laws in International Law from the University of Essex in the United Kingdom. Notably, she is the first Cambodian woman to complete her studies at the prestigious West Point Military Academy in the United States. Following her military training, she served as the Chief of the Counter-Terrorism Office in the 70th Infantry Division and as the Director of the Division's training school, where she enhanced the military and cultural education of officers and soldiers. Furthermore, she contributed to coordinating international military affairs within the International Relations Department of the Ministry of National Defense. These diverse experiences demonstrate that Sithikarjessica possesses not only expertise in judicial and justice matters but also substantial knowledge and experience in the military sector. The newly appointed Undersecretary is the daughter of Mey Sophanna, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Interior. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local