His Excellency Chum Sounry became Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Cambodia to the United States and Ambassador designate of the Kingdom of Cambodia to Mexico in June 2018. Previously, he was Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Cambodia. Chum has also served as Ambassador to Australia, New Zealand, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Russia. Chum has worked in several capacities within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including as Director of the Personnel Department (2006-2008), Director of the Information Department (1999-2003), Deputy Director of the America Department (1998-1999), and Assistant to the Under Secretary of State (1993-1995). Chum was also First Secretary at the Embassy of Cambodia in DC (1995-1998) and Embassy of Cambodia in Bulgaria (1989-1993). He began his career within the Press Department in 1980. Chum has also received several national awards, including two Medals of National Merit, Royal Order of Cambodia (Grand-Cross, Grand-Officer), two Royal Orders of Monisaraphorn (Commander, Chevalier), and the Medal of Labor. Chum has a Bachelor of Public Laws and speaks English and French.