CV

Punrong Rany

punrong.rany@ucalgary.ca
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Summary

AI researcher, software engineer, and technology project manager with 6+ years of experience across artificial intelligence, digital banking, telecommunications, and entrepreneurship.

Currently pursuing an MSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Calgary, conducting research on deep learning applications in power systems and energy under the supervision of Dr. Christine Cao and Dr. Samira Ebrahimi Kahou.

Previously managed digital banking initiatives at Canadia Bank, contributed to software development at Smart Axiata and Phillip Bank, and co-founded an education technology platform that helped 1,000+ students explore scholarship opportunities.

Education

  • MSc, Electrical and Computer Engineering
    Expected 2028
    University of Calgary, Canada
    Courses: Data Mining & Machine Learning, Learning Representations in Deep Neural Network
  • MSc, Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship
    Dec 2023
    Temple University, USA
    Courses: Artificial Intelligence, Scripting for Science & Business, Information Technology Management, Management of Technology & Innovation, Business Model Innovation, Creativity Unleashed
  • BA, International Studies
    Oct 2021
    Royal University of Phnom Penh, Cambodia
  • BSc, Computer Science
    Oct 2020
    Royal University of Phnom Penh, Cambodia
  • One Semester Exchange at College of Computing and Data Science
    Dec 2018
    Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Work Experience

  • Graduate Research Assistant
    Sep 2026 - Present
    University of Calgary, Canada
    Conducting research on applied machine learning for energy systems, focusing on optimization, planning, and policymaking under the supervision of Dr. Christine Cao and Dr. Samira Ebrahimi Kahou.
    • Exploring deep learning applications for power systems and energy.
    • Investigating machine learning approaches to complex energy system problems.
    • Collaborating with researchers on AI-driven energy research.
  • Project Manager
    Aug 2024 - Aug 2026
    Canadia Bank, Cambodia
    Managed large-scale technology initiatives across mobile banking, core banking, AI, and cloud solutions, coordinating project delivery and issue resolution for a digital banking ecosystem serving more than 2 million users.
    • Led more than five major technology initiatives across banking and digital services.
    • Coordinated testing and cross-platform incident resolution to support reliable product releases.
    • Managed mobile banking activities involving more than 4,000 test cases.
  • Graduate Researcher
    Jan 2024 - Apr 2024
    Temple University, USA
    Conducted research using natural language processing to analyze graduate career trajectories and generate insights for university admissions and career counseling strategies.
    • Developed an NLP model to analyze career trajectories among approximately 150 graduates annually.
    • Generated insights covering more than 20 job types and 10 industries.
    • Explored how employment trends could inform admissions and career counseling.
  • Co-Founder & CTO
    Mar 2019 - Jan 2024
    សិស្សច្បង ~ Sers Chborng (The Mentor), Cambodia
    Co-founded an education and scholarship mentorship initiative in Cambodia, leading technology development and business strategy to help students access higher education and scholarship opportunities.
    • Supported approximately 1,000 students through mentorship and educational webinars.
    • Secured USD 4,000 in investment from Smart Axiata.
    • Led the development of the website and mobile application.
  • Business Process Analyst
    Sep - Dec 2023
    Phoenix Language Services Inc, USA
    Supported business process improvement, software testing, and marketing initiatives, contributing to system upgrades and business strategy development.
    • Conducted user acceptance testing for the Interpreter Management System 3.0 upgrade.
    • Executed more than 20 test cases to support software quality assurance.
    • Conducted market research and competitive analysis.
    • Produced three promotional business strategy videos.
  • Full-Stack Web Developer
    Oct 2021 - Jul 2022
    Phillip Bank, Cambodia
    Developed and maintained web-based solutions for a banking environment, contributing to the bank's website and insurance system while supporting software quality and production stability.
    • Built the bank's website for an institution serving more than 1 million customers.
    • Developed more than 50 features for the insurance system.
    • Resolved critical and high-priority issues within four hours of identification.
  • Junior Application Developer
    Aug 2020 - Oct 2021
    Smart Axiata, Cambodia
    Contributed to telecommunications software development by enhancing broadband systems and building APIs for mobile service management applications.
    • Delivered more than 30 features for the Fixed Wired Broadband System.
    • Developed more than 20 APIs for the SmartNas mobile application.
    • Contributed to digital services supporting millions of telecommunications users.
  • Machine Learning Researcher
    Jun - Aug 2019
    Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea
    Conducted machine learning research on vehicle detection using Single Shot MultiBox Detector (SSD), exploring custom inputs and presenting research findings during an international research internship.
    • Investigated deep learning-based vehicle detection using SSD.
    • Explored custom inputs for vehicle detection.
    • Presented research findings from the internship project.

Skills

Machine Learning & AI

  • Deep Learning
  • Reinforcement Learning
  • Large Language Models (LLMs)
  • Explainable AI (XAI)
  • Computer Vision

Programming Languages

  • Python
  • C/C++
  • Java
  • JavaScript
  • SQL

Frameworks & Libraries

  • PyTorch
  • TensorFlow
  • Keras
  • Scikit-learn
  • Pandas
  • NumPy

Web & Mobile Development

  • React.js
  • Vue.js
  • Laravel
  • React Native

Data Analysis & Visualization

  • Matplotlib
  • Seaborn
  • Plotly

Tools & Platforms

  • Git
  • Linux
  • Jupyter Notebook

Interests

  • Artificial Intelligence
    Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning, AI Agents, Large Language Models, Computer Vision
  • Energy & Power Systems
    Power System, AC Optimal Power Flow, Energy Optimization, Smart Grids
  • Technology, Innovation & Social Impact
    Entrepreneurship, Product Innovation, Education Technology

Professional Affiliations

  • Member
    2024 - Present
    Fulbright and Undergraduate State Alumni Association of Cambodia (FUSAAC)
    Active member of FUSSAAC, a network of Fulbright and undergraduate state alumni in Cambodia, contributing to initiatives that promote educational and cultural exchange.

Awards and Honors

  • International Graduate Student Tuition Award
    2026
    Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Calgary, Canada
    Awarded a tuition scholarship for international graduate students to pursue a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Calgary, Canada.
  • Employee Excellence Award
    2025
    Canadia Bank Plc, Cambodia
    Recognized for outstanding performance and contributions to the bank's digital transformation and technology initiatives
  • Dean's Certificate of Academic Excellence
    2023
    Fox School of Business, Temple University, USA
    Recognized for outstanding academic performance and achievement in the Master of Science in Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship program at Temple University, USA.
  • Fulbright Foreign Student Program
    2022
    U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, USA
    Awarded a fully-funded scholarship to pursue a Master of Science in Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship at Temple University, USA.
  • The 25th Annual Innovative Idea Competition
    2022
    Fox School of Business, Temple University, USA
    Named one of the top 5 finalists in the competition, presenting an innovative business idea to a panel of judges and receiving recognition for creativity and potential impact.
  • Outstanding Scholastic Excellence Award
    2021
    Department of International Studies, Royal University of Phnom Penh, Cambodia
    The top student in the fourth-year evening shift at the Department of International Studies, Royal University of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, recognized for academic excellence and exceptional performance.
  • Ideas Pitching Competition
    2021
    Cambodia 4.0 Center, Cambodia
    Awarded third place for presenting a digital strategy inspired by Dropbox's business model and exploring how it could be adapted to address market opportunities in Cambodia
  • On Spot Award
    2021
    Smart Axiata, Cambodia
    Outstanding contribution to the CBS 5.7 system upgrade, demonstrating exceptional performance and dedication to the project.
  • Youth Innovation Competition on Lancang-Mekong Region's Governance & Development
    2021
    Youth Innovation Competition Organizing Committee, Thailand
    Received the Best Multinational Team Award in the Youth Innovation Competition on Lancang-Mekong Region's Governance and Development, recognizing outstanding collaboration and innovative solutions to regional challenges.
  • HONDA Young Engineer and Scientist (YES) Program
    2021
    Honda Foundation, Japan
    Recognized as a Gold Medalist in the Honda Young Engineer and Scientist (YES) Program, a prestigious international competition that recognizes outstanding young engineers and scientists for their innovative projects and research.
  • Global Intern Program
    2019
    Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea
    Selected for a competitive internship program to gain international experience in research and development.
  • SmartStart Young Innovator Program
    2019
    Smart Axiata, Cambodia
    Named one of the top 5 finalists in the competition, presenting an innovative business idea to a panel of judges and receiving recognition for creativity and potential impact.
  • Temasek Foundation International Leadership Enrichment and Regional Networking Program
    2018
    Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
    Awarded a fully funded one-semesterexchange opportunity to study at NTU's College of Computing and Data Science.
  • The 5th Robocon Competition
    2018
    Royal University of Phnom Penh, Cambodia
    Placed among the top five teams out of 20 participating teams in a robotics competition.
  • STEM Research Paper Competition
    2017
    STEM Festival Organizing Committee, Cambodia
    Awarded the 1st Runner-up in the STEM Research Paper Competition, recognizing outstanding research and analysis in the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
  • Undergraduate Full-Ride Cambodia Government Scholarship
    2016
    Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Cambodia
    Awarded a full-ride scholarship to pursue undergraduate studies at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
  • National Mathematical Olympiad
    2016
    Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Cambodia
    Placed 16th in the National Mathematical Olympiad, demonstrating strong mathematical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
  • Asia-Pacific Mathematical Olympiad
    2016
    Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Cambodia
    Achieved the 1st Runner-up among Cambodian students in the Asia-Pacific Mathematical Olympiad, showcasing strong mathematical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
  • Phnom Penh Mathematical Olympiad
    2016
    Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Cambodia
    Achieved the 2nd Place in the Phnom Penh Mathematical Olympiad, showcasing strong mathematical aptitude and analytical thinking.
  • Preah Sisowath Mathematical Olympiad
    2016
    Preah Sisowath High School, Cambodia
    Achieved the 1st Place Winner in the Preah Sisowath Mathematical Olympiad, demonstrating exceptional mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities.
  • Suken Mathematics Test
    2015
    Suken Mathematics Test Organizing Committee, Japan
    Achieved the 2nd Kyu Level in the Suken Mathematics Test, demonstrating strong mathematical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
  • Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest
    2015
    The Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC), University of Waterloo, Canada
    Achieved the 1st Runner-up among Cambodian contestants in the Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest, demonstrating strong mathematical problem-solving and analytical skills, The competition was hosted locally by Grade A Plus School, Cambodia.
  • Fermat Mathematics Contest
    2015
    The Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC), the University of Waterloo, Canada
    Named the first place among Cambodian contestants in the Fermat Mathematics Contest, demonstrating strong mathematical problem-solving and analytical skills. The competition was hosted locally by Grade A Plus School, Cambodia.
  • Youth Discussion Forum on Gender Equality
    2014
    Ministry of Women Affairs & Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports, Cambodia
    Recognized as a top-performing team in a youth debate on gender equality, examining the traditional Cambodian belief that women cannot lead beyond domestic responsibilities and the importance of men's participation in challenging gender stereotypes.
  • Suken Mathematics Test
    2014
    Suken Mathematics Test Organizing Committee, Japan
    Achieved the Pre-2nd Kyu Level in the Suken Mathematics Test, demonstrating strong mathematical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
  • Grade 9 Preah Sisowath Mathematical Olympiad
    2013
    Preah Sisowath High School, Cambodia
    Achieved the 1st Place Winner in the Grade 9 Preah Sisowath Mathematical Olympiad.

Languages

  • English
    Full Professional Proficiency
  • Khmer
    Native or Bilingual Proficiency