Kévin Kok Heang, a graduate of Grande Ecole Engineering Programme Arts et Métiers, is an assistant attaché for science and technology at the French Embassy in the United States as part of the VIA (International Administrative Volunteer) program. An interview.
What was your background before joining VIA?
After completing my engineering degree at Arts et Métiers, I continued to work as a site supervisor in Switzerland at the architecture firm where I had completed my final-year internship. Through this experience, I came to realize the importance of governance issues and the role of institutions—particularly international ones—in the development of technologies. On the advice of friends, I applied for a two-year Master of Science Erasmus Mundus Master of Science program on the topic of public innovation and e-governance (Public Sector Innovation and e-Governance PIONEER) to add a social sciences dimension to my engineering background. I also had the opportunity to do an internship at the European Commission’s Joint Research Center in Petten, the Netherlands, focusing on the interoperability of smart grids, and then worked at the OECD on the use of artificial intelligence in public administrations.
Why did you choose to do an VIA as an assistant attaché for science and technology at the French Embassy?
The choice of VIA for the Embassy's scientific department is in line with this reflection on the role of the public sector today and on the interaction between science, technology, innovation, and politics. I also believe that French-style engineering education deserves to be promoted abroad.
I think that French-style engineering education deserves to be promoted abroad.
So you left in September 2019 for a one-year VIA program in Washington.
I just renewed for another year. There are two of us at VIA in Washington, and I mainly deal with new technologies and cybersecurity. I monitor topics such as AI, blockchain, and quantum computing, which are becoming increasingly popular.
What are your responsibilities?
As part of my monitoring work, I meet with various researchers. The aim is to initiate new collaborations, arrange meetings with academics, and forge links between Americans and French people to promote research projects in the United States and France and communicate our country's scientific excellence. I report on these activities and on the trends I observe on our website and social media, to various stakeholders who request this information and, on a more confidential basis, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
An ideal vantage point for observing innovation...
We respond to what exists, to the state of research. We anticipate when we sense that a topic is becoming important. I enjoy a great deal of flexibility in my work, which is very pleasant and allows me to explore a wide range of different topics. My superiors are receptive to ideas and initiatives. Given my background and interest in public service, I am very interested in scientific diplomacy, for example, which is an emerging field.
International Volunteering is an opportunity for young graduates to start an international career and discover a new culture.
What would you like to share about this experience with Arts et Métiers students?
The VI program offers young graduates the opportunity to start an international career and discover a new culture. It can be a good springboard for continuing your professional career abroad or returning to France with interesting experience and sharing the knowledge you have acquired.
Any advice?
We are fortunate to have a Arts et Métiers , close-knit, and open Arts et Métiers community. Don't hesitate to reach out to alumni, current VIA/VIE interns, and people working in fields that interest you. It's important for finding your way, and it can sometimes lead to new opportunities. However, I recommend that you prepare how you approach alumni by giving some thought to your career plans and formulating a few questions so that you can receive relevant advice.
