Phearun Sum has a Master degree of science on Biodiversity Conservation from Royal University of Phnom Penh and Bachelor degree of science in Natural Resources Management from Maharishi Vedic University, Cambodia. Before joining BirdLife International, he had three years working as computer teacher and interpreter, one year work experience as Trainer Assistant with CEDAC to support commune and district council in building good governance at their responsible level and one years work experience working local community to improve their livelihood and providing agricultural techniques and establishing community–‐based eco–‐tourism with CRDT. He has 8+ years work experience working with BirdLife International to lead on key species conservation and research projects. With that he has more than 7 years experience leading and coordinating White-‐shouldered Ibis and Giant Ibis conservation in Cambodia and three years work experience coordinating Vulture Conservation Project with key partners including BirdLife, WWF, WCS and ACCB.
Furthermore, he is an author and co–‐author of several peer–‐reviewed papers related to Ibises and Vultures and species action plan, producing few species and their habitat conservation and management protocols. He is an expert on GIS, a member and advisor for Cambodian Nature Birding Club (CNBC). He is a chair member of Cambodia Vulture Working Group and Ibises Working Group in Cambodia and a key member of SAVE (Save Asia Vulture from Extinction).