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University of Nebraska at Omaha Launches Inaugural Sieu Mei Tu Professional Fellows Program

The University of Nebraska at Omaha is welcoming emerging education leaders from Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia through its inaugural Sieu Mei Tu Professional Fellows Program—an inspiring new exchange fostering leadership, collaboration, and lasting global connections.

Emerging Education Leaders Begin Professional Exchange in Omaha

OMAHA, Neb. — International Programs at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) has welcomed the inaugural cohort of the Sieu Mei Tu Professional Fellows Program (PFP), a new international exchange initiative supported by the Sieu Mei Tu Endowment. The program brings emerging education leaders from Asia to Omaha for a month-long professional and cultural immersion experience focused on education, community engagement, and leadership development.

The 2026 Fellows are:

  • Ravee Suksawat of Thailand
  • Sokthearoath Kong of Cambodia
  • Tahani Sofia binti Abdul Hamid of Malaysia

The three Fellows represent the first cohort of a program designed to strengthen professional capacity, foster cross-cultural understanding, and build lasting connections between Asia and the United States. The Fellows will spend four weeks in Omaha participating in customized professional placements, leadership activities, community engagement opportunities, and cultural exchange experiences.

The Sieu Mei Tu Professional Fellows Program reflects the enduring legacy of Sieu Mei Tu, whose life story embodies resilience, sacrifice, and a deep belief in the transformative power of education. Her family’s endowment supports initiatives that promote international engagement and educational opportunities.

“Sieu Mei Tu's legacy of resilience and her family's generosity reflect what makes Omaha special — a community that grows by welcoming the world in. International Programs at UNO is proud to lead that work, building global connections that bring emerging leaders here and carry Omaha's spirit of innovation and engagement back out into the world.” 

 Dr. Andrea Stiefvater, Associate Vice Chancellor for Global Engagement at UNO

During their time in Omaha, Fellows will be embedded within local education-focused organizations where they will gain hands-on professional experience while sharing their own expertise and insights. The program also includes community service activities, meetings with local leaders, and opportunities to engage with the broader Omaha community.

Each Fellow will develop an Action Plan based on lessons learned during the program and implement it in their home community following the fellowship. The projects are intended to extend the program’s impact beyond the exchange experience and support positive change in education and community development.

Fellow Perspectives

“Education has the power to transform lives. Through this fellowship, I hope to learn, share experiences, and build connections that will create positive opportunities for students in Thailand.” Ravee Suksawat (Thailand)

“Through my participation in this program, I have gained a deeper understanding of cultural dynamics and global communication. I have also developed a clearer perspective on the challenges educational institutions face and how communities collaborate to support one another. I look forward to bringing this invaluable exchange experience home to build a better contribution for our community in Cambodia.” Sokthearoath Kong (Cambodia)

“This experience has provided valuable opportunities to build meaningful connections and gain fresh perspectives through collaboration and knowledge sharing. It has strengthened my confidence and inspired me to continue serving my community by developing impactful initiatives that can empower and be adapted to the Malaysian context.” Tahani Sofia binti Abdul Hamid (Malaysia)

The Fellows will conclude the program in July with presentations highlighting their experiences, key lessons learned, and plans for implementing their Action Plans in Cambodia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

The Sieu Mei Tu Professional Fellows Program is administered by UNO International Programs and made possible through the generosity of the Sieu Mei Tu Endowment, which supports students, faculty, and programs that promote international engagement and opportunities connected to Asia.

About the Sieu Mei Tu Professional Fellows Program

The Sieu Mei Tu Professional Fellows Program is a four-week professional immersion program hosted by the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The program brings emerging leaders from Asia to Omaha for professional placements, leadership development, community engagement, and cultural exchange experiences that strengthen mutual understanding and foster long-term collaboration between Asia and the United States.