Eagle of AUPP, Meilang Hut
Date: 2025-02-28T05:00:00

1. Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Meilang HUT, and I am currently a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business at the American University of Phnom Penh (AUPP). If I had to describe myself in two words, they would be visionary and hardworking.

Being a visionary is not just about dreaming big but about actively seeking opportunities to grow. I refuse to be confined by a single path. I see life as a multiple-choice question, but rather than selecting just one answer, my choice is always “Yes!” It is about embracing every opportunity that comes my way—whether in technology, politics, diversity, or sustainability—and making the most of it. This mindset has led me to explore new fields beyond my major, take on bold challenges, and continuously push beyond my limits.

This mindset has also empowered me to achieve remarkable milestones. Academically, I secured a full scholarship to AUPP after earning a Grade A in my BACII, which set me on a path of endless opportunities. I have had the honor of winning global competitions, including the Faulkner Challenge, where my team competed against students from the U.S. and secured the championship, and the Tech4Good Regional Championship, where I made history by bringing Cambodia its first-ever victory alongside five other talented youths.

Beyond competitions, I constantly seek new challenges. This February, my team and I won first runner-up in the CFA Research Challenge Season 7, which introduced me to the fascinating world of investment analysis. This was a field I had never explored before, but I now find it incredibly exciting.

Professionally, I worked as a Corporate Affairs Intern at Smart Axiata, where I assisted in corporate branding and promoted CSR and sustainability initiatives. I also co-founded WeSync, a digital health solution for hypertension and chronic disease patients. In addition, I serve as a student mentor, tutor, and a member of AUPP’s 10th Mandate Student Government.

Recently, I took on a new role as a Huawei Seeds for the Future Global Ambassador for 2025, representing Cambodia and the Asia-Pacific region on the global stage. This role is a testament to my passion for technology, innovation, and global collaboration.

Beyond my personal ambitions, I am deeply committed to giving back to the community. Whether through mentoring, volunteering, or leading impactful initiatives, I

want to ensure that opportunities are not just something I take but also something I create for others.

At the core of it all, I believe that nothing is impossible with vision, determination, and hard work. I may not know exactly where I will be in the future, but I am certain of one thing—I will continue breaking barriers, seizing opportunities, and inspiring others to chase their dreams fearlessly.

2. Could you tell us about the achievements you are most proud of?

I believe that every achievement I have accomplished holds equal value because each one represents my dedication, perseverance, and ability to push beyond my comfort zone. However, there are a few milestones that have been particularly meaningful in shaping my journey.

One of them was being selected as a Global Ambassador for Huawei Seeds for the Future. This role has given me the opportunity to represent Cambodia on a global platform and advocate for technology, innovation, and cross-cultural collaboration. A particularly humbling moment was receiving recognition not only from news outlets and the public but also from the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, and especially our Prime Minister of Cambodia, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, which reinforced my belief in the power of youth leadership and innovation.

Another defining moment was leading my team to victory in the Tech4Good Regional Championship, where we made history by securing Cambodia’s first-ever win in the competition. Competing against participants from 18 countries, I had to think strategically, collaborate effectively with a diverse team, and present our innovative solution with confidence. This achievement was not just a personal success but also a proud moment for Cambodia, proving that young Cambodians can compete and excel on an international stage.

In 2023, I was named one of the Top 8 Individual Performers at the SmartEdu University Student Development Program (USDP). This highly competitive 11-day boot camp tested my leadership, adaptability, and business problem-solving skills under high-pressure situations. Excelling in this program not only provided me with opportunities for internships and study tours but also allowed me to form lasting connections with driven individuals who continue to inspire me today.

Each of these achievements represents a different chapter of my growth, allowing me to gain new skills, explore new passions, and make meaningful contributions to my community.

3. One thing you did that changed your life.

One of the most life-changing moments for me was achieving a Grade A in my BACII exam, which earned me a full scholarship to study at the American University of Phnom Penh (AUPP). This single achievement set off a chain reaction that led me to where I am today.

Before receiving the scholarship, attending AUPP felt like a distant goal. However, my hard work and dedication paid off, and that moment opened doors I never imagined possible. Beyond just academics, the opportunity introduced me to some of the most incredible people such as mentors, professors, and like-minded peers who have played a crucial role in shaping my journey. Some of the individuals I met during my early university years are still my closest collaborators today, and the support system I built has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.

This scholarship gave me the confidence to pursue bigger dreams and step into new challenges. It led me to international competitions, leadership roles, and global programs that have broadened my perspective. In 2024, I participated in multiple programs and traveled to five different countries, most of which were fully funded as part of the programs I joined or rewards I earned. Each experience allowed me to develop new skills, expand my network, and gain a deeper understanding of global challenges and opportunities.

Looking back, securing that scholarship was not just an academic milestone. It was a turning point that transformed my mindset and future. It reinforced my belief that with hard work, perseverance, and the right opportunities, I could reach heights I never thought possible. Without that moment, I would not be where I am today, and I will always be grateful for the journey it set in motion.

4. Who is the person you look up to most?

The people I look up to the most are my parents, not only because they raised me but also because of the strength, resilience, and sacrifices they have made for our family. They dared to take a leap of faith, leaving behind the familiarity of our hometown in Takeo province to start a new chapter in Phnom Penh for the sake of providing a better future for their children. Their courage to step into the unknown and build a life from the ground up has been one of my greatest inspirations.

Among them, I especially admire my mother. She wears many hats as a businesswoman, a wife, a daughter, and most importantly, a mother. As a woman, she

has shown me what it truly means to be empowered. I have watched her balance the demands of running a business while ensuring that our family is taken care of. No matter how challenging things get, she always finds a way to move forward, adapting to new situations with strength and grace. Her unwavering determination and ability to persevere through difficulties have shaped the way I approach life. She has taught me to stand firm in my values, chase my ambitions without fear, and never let societal expectations limit what I can achieve. Because of her, I understand that being strong does not mean having no struggles but rather having the courage to face them head-on.

My father is also someone I deeply admire, particularly for his leadership. While leading a small family might not seem grand in the traditional sense, it is one of the most important and admirable forms of leadership. He is the pillar of our family, the one who holds everything together with his quiet strength and unwavering support. His ability to make tough decisions, provide guidance, and remain calm in difficult times has shaped my own understanding of leadership. He leads not by words but by example, teaching me that true leadership is about responsibility, integrity, and putting the well-being of others first.

I am deeply grateful for my parents, not just for the opportunities they have given me but for the lessons they have instilled in me through their actions. Their journey reminds me to always be resilient, hardworking, and unafraid to take risks in pursuit of a better future.

5. What are the steps that you took that take you to where you are right now?

I did not take a straight path to get to where I am today. Instead, I have always enjoyed exploring different directions, even if it sometimes meant getting lost along the way. But that is the beauty of it because every twist and turn has taught me something new. I have never been the type of person to stick to just one thing. I like to try different experiences, step into unfamiliar territory, and challenge myself in ways I never expected. While that sometimes led to failures or moments of doubt, it also helped me grow and discover who I am bit by bit.

From an early age, I have always been ambitious. I always aim high, whether it was obtaining a Grade A on my grade 12 national exam or earning a scholarship at AUPP. I believe in the saying, “Always aim for the Moon, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars”. But more than just believing, I do whatever it takes to get there. Somehow, whether through hard work or pure luck, I have mostly achieved what I wished for—though not without a few scratches along the way.

If you asked me whether this is exactly where I want to be, I would not have a definite answer. But I can say for sure that I am happy with where I am now. Every small step,

whether it was taking on a competition I felt unqualified for, starting a project from scratch, or saying yes to an opportunity that scared me, has led me here. The moments of failure, frustration, and uncertainty have been just as important as the moments of success.

I do not know exactly where I will be in the future, and honestly, I am okay with that. What I do know is that as long as I keep working hard, keep pushing myself, and keep an open mind to new experiences, I will end up somewhere good. And most importantly, I will end up somewhere that makes me happy.

6. What is the happiest moment of your life?

I have always been grateful for every experience and achievement, so I often feel happy with my results, whatever they may be. I believe that every milestone, big or small, is a step forward, and I try to appreciate the journey as much as the destination. However, if I had to choose the happiest moments of my life, a few stand out.

One of the happiest moments of my life was when I received a Grade A on my high school national exam. It was a moment that I had worked toward for 12 years, filled with countless late nights, sacrifices, and determination. That one letter, “A,” was not just a grade—it was the key that unlocked so many opportunities for me. It allowed me to earn a fully funded scholarship to study at the American University of Phnom Penh, which completely changed the course of my life. AUPP became the place where I continued to grow, met incredible mentors and peers, and grabbed even more opportunities that shaped who I am today.

Another moment that stands out is being selected as Huawei Seeds for the Future Global Ambassador 2025. It was an incredible honor, not only because it gave me the opportunity to represent Cambodia on an international stage, but also because it was a recognition of my hard work and passion for technology and innovation. One of the most surreal moments was receiving public recognition for my role, including acknowledgment from the Prime Minister himself. It was a reminder of how far I had come and how much potential there is for Cambodian youth to make an impact on a global scale.

Winning the Tech4Good Regional Championship was also a defining moment of happiness. Competing against teams from 18 countries and bringing home Cambodia’s first-ever win in the competition was beyond rewarding. It was not just about the victory but about proving that Cambodian youth have what it takes to stand on a global stage and create real change. The journey, the teamwork, and the impact we created made it one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.

Each of these moments brought a different kind of happiness—whether it was personal achievement, recognition, or making a difference. But what ties them all together is that they were all built on years of hard work, resilience, and the willingness to take chances on opportunities that came my way.

7. Any advice to the people that look up to you?

If there’s one piece of advice I could give to those who look up to me, it would be this: Never be afraid to dream big, but also be ready to work hard for it.

Opportunities don’t come to those who wait. They come to those who seek them out, prepare for them, and persist despite failures. I have faced rejections, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt, but I never let them define me. Instead, I treated them as lessons and stepping stones toward my goals.

As for my fellow youths, take full advantage of your time as a young person. Youth is the most precious time in life because it is when you have the most freedom to explore, learn, and make mistakes without heavy consequences. Step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and discover what excites you. But while you explore different paths, do so with intention. Have a clear goal, even if it is just figuring out what you love or what kind of person you want to become. Make sure that whatever you choose to do is ethical, meaningful, and something you can look back on with pride.

Also, surround yourself with the right people. Mentors, friends, and peers who uplift and challenge you will shape your journey. The people around you can either push you forward or hold you back, so choose wisely. Find those who inspire you, who encourage you to grow, and who believe in your potential even when you doubt yourself.

Lastly, give back whenever you can. Success is not just about personal achievements. It is about using your platform, knowledge, and skills to help others succeed as well. Keep learning, keep growing, and always believe in your ability to make a difference.