SLOG Challenge 2026 in Vietnam
Two prizes home from Vietnam: SCA students take Runner-Up and Third at the SLOG Challenge 2026
We are proud to share that two students of the Department of Automation & Supply Chain Systems Engineering (SCA) came home from the SLOG Challenge 2026 in Vietnam with prizes. Mr. Chheng Sovannarith took the Runner-Up Prize and Ms. Vou Sokliang the Third Prize, while lecturer Ms. Chhun Seryneath served on the judging panel representing the department.
Two students, two places on the podium
The SLOG Challenge 2026 brought student teams to Vietnam to compete under the theme Data Analytics & Digital Twin for Smart Logistics and Supply Chain. The competition was organised by Van Lang University, School of Technology, through its Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Management.
Two students of the Department of Automation & Supply Chain Systems Engineering (SCA), Faculty of Engineering, reached the podium at the closing award ceremony: Mr. Chheng Sovannarith was awarded the Runner-Up Prize and Ms. Vou Sokliang the Third Prize.
Lecturer Ms. Chhun Seryneath travelled with the students and served as a judge at the challenge, representing the SCA Department on the panel.
Both students showed strong dedication, teamwork and problem-solving skills throughout the competition, bringing pride to the department and to the Royal University of Phnom Penh. Congratulations to Mr. Chheng Sovannarith, Ms. Vou Sokliang and Ms. Chhun Seryneath on an outstanding result.
On stage at the award ceremony
Mr. Chheng Sovannarith is a fourth-year student in the Department of Automation & Supply Chain Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP). Driven by a passion for solving real-world supply chain and automation problems, his journey reflects continuous learning, hard work and a commitment to engineering excellence.
Organised by the School of Technology at Van Lang University in Vietnam, the SLOG Challenge 2026 brought together top university teams from across the region — Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia and Cambodia — to solve real business problems faced by logistics companies.
Returning to the competition with greater confidence, Mr. Chheng Sovannarith and his team tackled a demanding case study that called for innovative thinking and practical supply chain solutions. The team worked tirelessly — analysing data, refining strategies and rehearsing presentations late into the night — to secure second place overall.
“Winning second brought mixed emotions — a touch of sadness, but even more, a sense of growth. It wasn’t just about the prize, but about every hour spent debugging, researching and learning. I’m deeply grateful to my lecturere, whose constant support and belief carried me through moments of doubt.”
Looking back from a first competition to a second international recognition, Mr. Chheng Sovannarith says that stepping outside one’s comfort zone is the real key to success.
“When I first heard about the SLOG Challenge, I didn’t think I would even make it past the first round… but something inside told me — try it. And that moment of courage changed everything. Always remember: persistence and passion go further than perfection.”
Ms. Vou Sokliang is a student of the Department of Automation & Supply Chain Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Royal University of Phnom Penh, and placed third overall at the SLOG Challenge 2026 — her very first international competition.
Competing alongside teams from the host university and other institutions, she worked through the challenge brief and defended the solution in front of the judging panel. The months behind that moment were long ones: late-night model adjustments, data analysis and route optimisation that all culminated at Van Lang University.
Working on analysis, simulations and research with a diverse team taught her how to adapt quickly and manage time under pressure. Despite the obstacles, she discovered the strength of collaboration and the joy of seeing the team’s ideas recognised.
“Taking on an international competition for the very first time was a major leap outside my comfort zone. Holding this medal represents not just 3rd Place, but the late nights, endless brainstorming and total commitment we poured into solving real-world supply chain challenges.”
“Looking back at these photos fills me with immense pride and gratitude,” she shared. Standing with the Third Prize plaque next to a professor and a senior, holding the Supply Chain and Automation Engineering flag, made every tough moment worthwhile. “We didn’t just create a logistics model; we proved our creativity, commitment and collaboration can shine regionally.”
The experience has motivated her to keep exploring innovation in supply chain and automation engineering, as well as in the logistics field.
“This achievement inspires us to continue innovating and contributing to the future of smart logistics.”
Data analytics and digital twins for smart logistics
A digital twin is a working model of a real supply chain — warehouses, routes, inventory and demand — kept in step with live data so that a change can be tested on the model before it is tried in the real network. The SLOG Challenge 2026 asked students to combine that idea with data analytics and apply it to a smart logistics and supply chain problem.
Two of the three announced prizes came back to Phnom Penh, and a lecturer of the department sat on the panel that awarded them. For a young programme, being both competitive and trusted to judge at the same international event is the clearest measure yet of how far SCA has travelled.
Who represented SCA in Vietnam
Alongside the two competing students, the department was represented on the judging panel by lecturer Ms. Chhun Seryneath, who assessed entries at the challenge on behalf of the Supply Chain and Automation Engineering (SCA) Department.
Key details
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | SLOG Challenge 2026 |
| Theme | Data Analytics & Digital Twin for Smart Logistics and Supply Chain |
| Country | Vietnam |
| Organiser | Van Lang University, School of Technology · Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Management |
| Sponsors | Betagen (Gold Sponsor) · PhởLộcThái.com – Cơm Tấm · VILAS (accompanying sponsors) |
| RUPP delegation | 2 students and 1 lecturer, Department of Automation & Supply Chain Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering |
| Judge from RUPP | Ms. Chhun Seryneath, Lecturer, Supply Chain and Automation Engineering (SCA) Department |
| Result — Runner-Up | Mr. Chheng Sovannarith — Runner-Up Prize |
| Result — Third | Ms. Vou Sokliang — Third Prize |
“Seeing two of our students on the podium in Vietnam — with one of our own lecturers on the judging panel — is exactly the kind of international exposure we want for every SCA student.”