Student-processed Black Sesame into 4 Products Boosts Ratanakiri's Agricultural Value, Wins First Prize

A student team from the Asia Europe University of Technology, Cambodia, named 'Sesagold,' has won first prize in the 'University Entrepreneur' competition for their processing of black sesame into four value-added products. This initiative aims to enhance the value of agricultural products in Ratanakiri province and contribute to the improved livelihoods of farmers. The competition was jointly organized by the Ratanakiri Provincial Department of Commerce, Asia Europe University of Technology Cambodia, and Khmer Enterprise, with the goal of promoting youth entrepreneurship, boosting local products, and generating new business ideas. Three winning teams were selected in the final round, receiving a total of $2,100 in prizes. Savon Khamsay, representative of the Sesagold team, stated that his team focuses on purchasing black sesame from indigenous communities in Ratanakiri province and processing it into value-added products to increase farmers' income and expand the market for local agricultural products. He explained that black sesame is processed into four types of products: hair oil for scalp care, powdered black sesame for drinking, a scrub for skin care, and body soap. He emphasized that this processing not only increases the value of agricultural products but also helps solve market price issues. The Sesagold team received first prize and a cash reward of $900. The second prize went to the cashew nut processing project 'Ratanakiri Cashew,' receiving $700, and the third prize was awarded to a tourism service project, receiving $500. The three winning teams will continue to represent the institute in the next level of competition in Kampong Cham province. Sam Bunsothon, Director of Asia Europe University of Technology Cambodia, stated that the program is not just about competing for prizes but also about cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset among students, enabling them to create their own businesses and prepare for the real business environment. Phu Dali, Deputy Director of the Ratanakiri Provincial Department of Commerce, said that the department will continue to support the students' products through exhibitions and the 'Khmer Product Market,' held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, to help expand sales markets and encourage young entrepreneurs to continue developing product quality.