Eagle of AUPP, Sok Panha Cheung
Date: 2025-09-29T09:59:43

1. Could you tell us about yourself?

My name is Sok Panha Cheung, and I am a dual-degree student majoring in Information Technology Management at the American University of Phnom Penh and Computer Science at Fort Hays State University. During my studies at the Faculty of Digital Technologies, I specialized in the field of entrepreneurship, project management, and digital transformation. I am particularly passionate about projects that create positive impacts in our communities, especially those that leverage technology and innovation to address real-world problems. This passion has driven me to lead several projects during my studies, allowing me to apply my knowledge to develop practical solutions that make a meaningful difference.

I am actively involved in a variety of projects across fields such as technology, business, sustainability, and community engagement, which allows me to explore my interests and apply my skills in meaningful ways. My curiosity and lifelong learning mindset drive me to constantly challenge myself, seek new experiences, and discover my potential. Whether it’s developing technological solutions, participating in community initiatives, or collaborating with peers, I am motivated by the opportunity to grow, make an impact, and broaden my horizons while discovering more about myself.

One of the key projects I co-founded during my studies is WeSync, a smart blood pressure monitoring system that helps families manage hypertension more effectively through real-time tracking and insights. Being a co-founder of Wesync has been a defining experience, as it demonstrated how technology and entrepreneurship can improve healthcare accessibility, particularly in Cambodia, while also strengthening my leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.

Beyond academics, I also dedicate my time to giving back to communities and leading initiatives that engage and empower youth, such as serving as project coordinator for the Youth Sparkathon and a core member of Releaf Hub, programs that brings together students from across Cambodia to collaborate and drive social and environmental impact for the younger generations. Being able to use my knowledge to create a positive impact for the community truly motivates me and reinforces my passion for this field, driving me to continue learning, working hard, and developing initiatives that make a meaningful difference.

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

One of my earliest and most memorable achievements was during my sophomore year when I joined the SmartEdu University Development Program (USDP Cohort 5), a competitive bootcamp that challenged students to develop skills in digital leadership, critical thinking, communication, and creativity. My team earned Top Best Performer Runner-Up, and I ranked among the Top 8 Individual Best Performers of the entire program. This experience has truly strengthened my leadership, problem-solving and teamwork skills while exposing me to a wide network of inspiring peers and mentors. This achievement also led me to the opportunity to join an inspiring trip with the Smart Axiata team to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, to explore startups and gain insight into the international entrepreneurial ecosystem.

One of my recent achievements is co-founding WeSync, a smart blood pressure and health monitoring system. Our team won the Business Model Competition’s Gold Medal Championship and a $5,000 cash prize, which gained much recognition all across Cambodia. Being part of WeSync taught me valuable lessons in leadership, innovation, and applying technology to solve real-world problems, while reinforcing my commitment to creating solutions that have a meaningful impact.

Furthermore, I am especially proud of my experiences in fully funded international programs, which allowed me to learn from peers across the region and form long-lasting friendships. Programs such as ASEAN Youth Volunteer Program in Malaysia, where I received the Best Volunteer Choice Award, and the Asian Undergraduate Symposium in Singapore, where our team project was recognized among the Top 10 Best Teams awarded a seed grant, gave me the chance to collaborate with diverse teams, exchange ideas, and experience different cultural approaches to innovation and leadership. These experiences were not only academically enriching but also personally rewarding, as I built connections with peers all over the world that continue to inspire me.

As for my community leadership and social impact achievements, I am highly proud of leading initiatives to empower youth and give back to my community. For instance, my team and I received funding from the European Union to host the Youth Sparkathon in Siem Reap, a hackathon for high school students that encouraged innovation and motivated them to tackle real-world problems. This experience also enhanced my skills and led to further opportunities, such as organizing a summit and youth-led initiative supported by Asian Undergraduate Symposium and the National University of Singapore, and also being invited as a mentor and trainer for the Seeds of Youth Opportunity Hackathon by Mission Alliance. Engaging in community work has been deeply rewarding, allowing me to share my knowledge, empower young people, and see firsthand how collaborative efforts can drive positive change.

Having the privilege to participate in fully funded international programs and lead community initiatives has greatly reinforced my motivation to give my best, discover my full potential, and contribute wholeheartedly. These experiences have allowed me to work with people from diverse backgrounds, collaborate on meaningful projects, and recognize my ultimate vision of coming together to solve challenges with others. They also made me realize how much I truly enjoy working with people, learning from different perspectives, and collaborating as a team.

Additionally, I have been a finalist and winning teams in multiple competitions and hackathons in Cambodia and internationally, including the ASEAN-CHINA-INDA Young Leader’s Summit, Turing Hackathon by Techo Startup Center, UNDP’s Ending Plastic Pollution Challenge, and the Faulkner’s Business Challenge by Fort Hays State University. Each opportunity strengthened my skills in innovation, teamwork, and community-focused problem-solving, and motivated me to continue exploring projects that make a positive impact both locally and globally.

3. Could you tell us about one thing or experience you encountered that changed your life?

I would say that one experience that truly changed my life was participating in programs outside of university such as the Smart University Development Program (USDP) during my sophomore year. As one of the first extracurricular programs I joined as a young and inexperienced student, it pushed me beyond my limits and played a key role in shaping who I am today. The program helped me learn and realize my potential and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. Growing up, I often lacked confidence in my soft skills and doubted my abilities, but through my time at American University of Phnom Penh and extra curricular programs like this, I was able to develop these skills, take on greater challenges, and accomplish achievements that revealed my true potential. Being part of this competitive bootcamp challenged me to think creatively, work collaboratively, and push my boundaries. The program not only showed me that giving 100% effort and doing my best never goes to waste, but it also made me realize that I can do it. It helped me break free from fear and self-doubt, giving me the confidence to take on challenges I once thought were impossible. The program helped me learn essential skills in the real world and opened doors to opportunities I had never imagined, and truly shaped me into the person I am today.

This experience reinforced my motivation to tackle real-world challenges, take initiative, and leverage my skills to make a positive impact. Since then, I have approached my studies and projects with greater determination, creativity, and a mindset focused on learning, growth, and contributing meaningfully to my community and beyond. I have stepped up, gained confidence in myself, and consistently pushed beyond my comfort zone to reach my full potential. This mindset led me to participate in numerous competitions and programs throughout my university life, from which I have learned valuable lessons and achieved meaningful accomplishments. Each experience has helped me grow, refine my skills, and apply them not only for my personal development but also to make a positive impact in my community. By continuously challenging myself, I have learned to embrace growth, take on new opportunities, and use my abilities to contribute to projects and initiatives that create real-world value.

I started as a young and naive student and participant in programs like SmartEdu’s USDP and various local and international hackathons, but through hard work and a commitment to my lifelong learning spirit, I was able to pursue and accomplish much more. These experiences eventually led me to initiate many projects during my studies and use my knowledge and skills to organize my own programs as well. Being able to empower and inspire over 100 youths across Cambodia through these initiatives has been an incredibly rewarding and life-changing experience, showing me the impact that dedication, learning, and collaboration can have on both personal growth and the community.

4. Who is the person you look up to the most? (Parents/Siblings/Seniors/Professors/Celebrities)

The people I look up to the most are undoubtedly my parents. I grew up watching them work tirelessly to create a better future for our family. What inspired me most wasn’t just their resilience, but the way they valued education above all else. Even when life was challenging, they made sure I had everything I needed and every opportunity to learn, grow, and explore the opportunities and passions I choose for my own future.

I believe their childhood was very different from mine, shaped by hard work, perseverance, and determination to create a better life. In contrast, I was given the privilege to focus on learning, explore my passions, and dream bigger. They have always encouraged me to take on new challenges, even when I felt unsure or afraid. They reminded me that every small step mattered and that failure was simply part of the journey. Their guidance gave me the courage to step outside my comfort zone and tackle challenges I once thought were impossible, shaping me into the person I am today.

Beyond their support and guidance, I deeply admire my parents for their entrepreneurial spirit. They built their businesses from nothing, facing countless challenges and uncertainties along the way. Watching them start with so little and grow something meaningful has been incredibly inspiring. Their journey taught me the true value of persistence and perseverance and that success is not just about hard work, but also about staying determined and finding ways forward even when things seem impossible. Seeing how they balanced building their businesses while caring for our family inspired me to study hard, work hard and take on challenges with the same resilience, determination, and dedication.

As the eldest daughter in my family, I carry their lessons of strength, perseverance, and dedication with me every day. Every achievement I make reflects not only my effort but also the sacrifices and unconditional love of my parents. I am deeply grateful for everything they’ve given me, and I strive every day to make the most of the opportunities they’ve worked so hard to provide, using them to grow, give back, and create a positive impact in whatever I do.

Other than my family, I am always deeply grateful for my professors who have guided me throughout my journey. Their guidance, encouragement, and the knowledge they continue to share have truly supported me and motivated me to keep pushing forward in my studies. I carry immense respect for them, and my gratitude is endless for the role they played in helping me navigate my university years. Even when I felt lost or unsure, a few motivating words from them gave me the confidence to excel, take on new opportunities, and grow in ways I never imagined.

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

I didn’t start off by just achieving one thing after another. Instead, my journey began with taking risks and pushing myself into situations outside of my comfort zone. Along the way, I faced many challenges, setbacks, and failures, but I chose to keep an open mind, learn from my mistakes, and improve little by little. Rather than seeing failures as something negative, I view them as opportunities—opportunities to try again, grow stronger, and apply what I’ve learned. Looking back, I would say that the journey to where I am today has been shaped by curiosity, grit, enthusiasm, and a willingness to grow through discomfort.

It truly began when I pushed myself to participate in extracurricular programs and competitions during my early university years. These experiences challenged me to apply my knowledge in real-world settings, think creatively, collaborate with peers, and push beyond my limits. The confidence and skills I gained through those moments opened doors to more opportunities, including local and international competitions, fully funded exchange programs, hackathons, and even inspired me to create my own initiatives to empower other youths.

Since high school, I have carried the values of lifelong learning and gratitude with me. In fact, one tradition that shaped me deeply was something we called “Appreciation Friday,” where we reflected on what we were thankful for each week. At first, I thought it was just a simple exercise, but it taught me the habit of pausing to recognize the good around me. Even on difficult days, taking a moment to reflect on gratitude shifted my perspective and helped me see challenges as lessons. That mindset of gratitude has stayed with me and continues to guide me through my university years. It built the foundation of my resilience, optimism, and ability to keep moving forward with hope.

Carrying this outlook, I’ve learned to seize opportunities with the mindset, “If not now, then when?” Even when I feel uncertain or afraid, I remind myself that growth comes from action, and I push forward anyway. Throughout this journey, curiosity, persistence, and a commitment to learning have been my guiding principles. Each experience built upon the last, teaching me adaptability, the importance of collaboration, and the value of resilience. By embracing challenges and continuously seeking opportunities for growth, I have been able to develop my skills, broaden my perspective, and work toward making meaningful contributions both locally and internationally.

6. What are the happiest moments of your life?

If I had to describe all my happiest moments, there would be far too many to count, and many I can’t even remember anymore. For me, happiness is found in the simplest things, and I feel blessed to discover it in everyday life. To me, that’s the beauty of it. Happiness isn’t always about big milestones, but about the quiet, fleeting moments that make life meaningful. I try to live each day to the fullest, noticing the small joys, a kind word from someone, laughter with friends, or even just simply eating good food. I’ve also come to realize that happiness and gratitude go hand in hand; the more grateful I am, the more happiness I find around me.

Some of my happiest memories are tied to my family. As the eldest daughter, every achievement feels like a small gift back to my parents for all the sacrifices they’ve made. Seeing their pride and support means more to me than any award or recognition. I love coming home to share my news with them. Their quiet gestures, like a warm meal or their smiles, show me they care and celebrate my journey alongside me. Those moments of connection make me feel grounded and motivated to keep growing.

I also find happiness in giving back to others. Hosting youth initiatives has been especially meaningful to me because I was once in their shoes, and I know how much impact opportunities can have on a young person’s growth. One experience that really stands out is hosting my first-ever community project, the Youth Sparkathon. Seeing the students’ gratitude, their excitement, and their spark reminded me so much of myself at that age. Their smiles, their thank-you messages, and even their encouragement for us to continue hosting these programs made me feel an incredible sense of joy and fulfillment. It was at that moment I realized how rewarding it is to see others grow and be inspired, and it reaffirmed why I continue to dedicate myself to creating meaningful opportunities for youth. In fact, that feeling continued when I was recruited as a mentor and trainer for the Seeds of Youth Opportunity Hackathon with Mission Alliance. I was extremely grateful to work with a team of enthusiastic youths who showed incredible potential. Seeing my mentees collaborate effectively, grow through the experience, and express their appreciation, even for the small ways I was able to support them, brought me immense joy. In that moment, I realized that one of my greatest sources of happiness comes from helping others succeed and supporting them in any way I can. It’s a reminder that making a positive impact in someone else’s journey can be just as rewarding as achieving something for myself.

At the same time, my achievements in competitions and programs have also brought me moments of happiness and pride. From winning the BMC Gold Medal Championship with my startup WeSync, to being a top performer in the Smart University Development Program, to receiving recognition in international programs like AYVP in Malaysia and the Asian Undergraduate Symposium in Singapore, each milestone was not just a personal success, but also a chance to reflect on the journey that got me there; the risks I took, the challenges I overcame, and the people who supported me along the way. Those achievements are meaningful not because of the awards themselves, but because they represent growth, learning, and the impact I’ve been able to make.

Over time, I’ve realized that happiness is a choice. Not every project goes as planned, and I’ve faced failures and setbacks along the way. While those moments were tough, I learned to see them as opportunities to grow. Each challenge became a step forward, and when my hard work paid off, I felt great joy and gratitude for the journey, not just the result. For me, happiness isn’t just about personal success. It’s about the pride I share with my family, the energy and laughter of my friends, and the hope and growth I see in my community. Those are the moments that make me feel most alive, and they remind me to stay grateful, stay curious, and find joy in every step of life.

7. Is there any advice to the people that look up to you?

Honestly, I am still in the process of learning myself, but if there’s one thing I can share, it’s that I always try to give my very best in whatever I do. I believe that when you put in 100% effort, even if things don’t turn out the way you hoped, you won’t regret it because you know you gave it your all. And when you choose to see things in a positive light, challenges don’t feel like losses. Instead, they become valuable experiences that teach us lessons and give us knowledge we can use in the future. That mindset has guided me in school, competitions, and community work, and it’s something I hold onto whenever I face challenges.

I also believe in the power of lifelong learning. Every experience, whether a win or a setback, has something to teach you. I try to keep an open mind, stay curious, and treat every challenge as an opportunity to grow. Failures have shaped me into who I am today and without them, I wouldn’t have learned the lessons that continue to push me to improve and become better.

Alongside that, I hold on to a few core values that guide me: optimism, enthusiasm, and gratitude. Optimism allows me to view setbacks in a positive light, knowing that even tough moments can bring growth. Enthusiasm fuels me to give 100% in everything I do, whether it’s school, competitions, or community projects, and gratitude keeps me grounded, reminding me to appreciate both the big opportunities and the small steps along the way. These values shape not only how I face challenges but also how I celebrate progress.

Another important thing is to believe in yourself and the value you bring. There will always be doubts and comparisons, but if you never try, you’ll never know your true potential. I have learned this not just through academics but also in sports, where practice makes progress. So, in whatever you do, focus on your strengths, be willing to work on your weaknesses, and trust that your efforts will pay off. Bring your best to the table, and above all, carry a positive attitude wherever you go.

At the same time, don’t forget to balance work and life. Of course, focusing on your studies and career is important, but it’s just as important to do things that make you happy and help you recharge. Hang out with friends, pick up a hobby, and eat well, it really makes a difference. When you take care of yourself and enjoy the little things, you’ll have more energy, motivation, and clarity to keep pushing forward. Balance isn’t just about coping, it’s what keeps you growing and actually enjoying the journey.

Finally, I’ve learned that success is about more than personal achievements. It’s about the impact you leave on others, the connections you build, and the ways you help others shine. Lifting someone else as you rise, sharing knowledge, and inspiring others has brought me some of the happiest moments of my life. Taking risks, learning from every experience, and using what I gain to support and uplift others, that’s the journey I strive for every day, and it’s the journey I hope inspires others too. And above all, carry yourself with grit, grace, and gratitude—you’ll do well in whatever path you choose.