Introducing AUPP’s Eagle of the Month – Kean Youhorng
Date: 2026-03-30T16:34:36

1. Could you tell us about yourself?

My name is Kean Youhorng, and if I had to describe my journey in one word, it would be Exploration. I have always believed that the human brain is naturally wired to evolve, and my time as an Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) major at AUPP has been the ultimate playground for that evolution. As a member of the Class of 2026, I view the rapid pace of the digital world not as a challenge to overcome, but as an endless frontier to explore. This lifelong learning mindset is what drives me to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies.

My four years at AUPP have been transformative. I’ve balanced my academic rigor with active participation in startup entrepreneurship and leadership roles, including serving as an officer for the AUPP Volleyball Club. These experiences taught me that true growth happens at the intersection of technical skill and personal collaboration. Whether competing in innovation challenges or leading on the court, I have consistently pushed myself to apply classroom theory to real-world complexities.

My true passion lies in the intersection of AI and data-driven products. I find a unique fulfillment in analyzing raw data to uncover the insights that guide critical decision-making processes. I’ve been fortunate enough to apply this professionally, transitioning from a Data Analyst internship at PhillipBank Cambodia to working as an AI/ML Engineer at KonektAgri, an Agri-FinTech startup. My commitment to building innovative solutions also led me to co-found Wesync, where we focus on creating technology that makes a tangible impact.

Ultimately, my goal is to continue using the ‘exploration’ mindset to build smarter, data-driven tools that contribute to Cambodia’s growing tech ecosystem. I believe that by staying curious and adaptable, we can build a future where technology truly serves the evolution of our society.

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

The achievement I carry with the most pride is winning the Business Model Competition (BMC) Cambodia 2025. For me and my team at Wesync, this wasn’t just a trophy; it was a grueling three-month masterclass in resilience. We took our initial concept and stress-tested it against reality by stepping out of our comfort zones to talk to real customers and strangers. The true ‘joy’ of that competition wasn’t the win itself, but the process of iteration. We learned the vital lesson of ‘failing fast’, validating our pain points and refining our product-market fit based on raw, honest feedback. That experience taught me that one conversation with a stranger can be a life-changing moment for a startup, and it solidified my belief that technology must always be grounded in human needs.

In addition to my startup journey, I am incredibly proud of my leadership role within AIESEC in Cambodia, where I directed the SDG Innovation Sprint. This initiative was a high-energy, two-day event designed to empower youth to build impactful solutions at the intersection of technology, business, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. While the event lasted only 48 hours, the preparation required four months of intense coordination. Leading a team of 20 people was a humbling challenge that taught me the value of trust and collective commitment. Seeing those diverse groups of young people come together to innovate confirmed my passion for community-building.

These two milestones, winning BMC and leading the Sprint, represent the core of who I am: someone who isn’t afraid to iterate, lead, and build for a better future.

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

If I had to pinpoint the single experience that entirely shifted the trajectory of my life, it would be my very first competition during my freshman year: Unipreneur. At the time, I was a newcomer to the university scene with almost no knowledge of how startups functioned or how technology could be harnessed to solve systemic social issues.

Everything changed in just 72 hours. Alongside a team of passionate peers, I helped develop ‘Farmily’, a mobile application designed to bridge the gap between Cambodian farmers and consumers. Our goal was to eliminate the middleman, ensuring farmers received fair value for their hard work while providing consumers with more affordable prices. Seeing our idea resonate enough to secure First Runner-Up was an incredible milestone, but the true impact was internal.

That weekend fueled a passion for building impactful, sustainable, and user-centric technology that has stayed with me ever since. It was my first real lesson in the power of ‘Exploration’, stepping into the unknown and coming out with a solution that could actually help people.

Unipreneur wasn’t just a competition; it was the catalyst for my entire university career. It transformed my mindset, making me more adaptive and committed to lifelong learning. It laid the foundation for every achievement that followed, from my internships in FinTech to co-founding Wesync. It taught me that as a student, I didn’t have to wait for graduation to start making a difference; I could start building the future right now.

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

While the world of technology is filled with visionary leaders and innovators, the people I look up to most are the two people who built the foundation of my life: my mother and father. Growing up, I had the privilege of watching them navigate the world with a level of grit and grace that I strive to emulate every day. They worked tirelessly, not just to provide for our family, but to ensure that I had the environment and resources to grow into an independent, curious human being. They didn’t just teach me about leadership through words; they demonstrated it through their consistent actions and their dedication to our family’s development.

They are my true role models because they instilled in me the ‘growth mindset’ that I carry into my career as an AI/ML engineer. My parents taught me that success isn’t an overnight phenomenon, it is a seed that requires patience, time, and relentless effort before it can truly flourish. They taught me that everything is possible as long as you pour your entire heart into it; that passion, commitment, and time are the most valuable currencies we have.

Perhaps most importantly, they gave me the greatest gift a young innovator can receive: the freedom to explore. In a world that often pushes for traditional paths, they empowered me to pursue my interest in Information and Communications Technologies (ICT). Their unwavering trust allowed me to take risks, from entering high-stakes startup competitions to co-founding my own venture, Wesync. I don’t just want to be successful in the tech industry; I want to grow into a person of integrity who leads with the same selflessness and strength they have shown me. They are the silent architects of my success, and every milestone I achieve is a tribute to the values they raised me with.

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

The path that led me to where I am today wasn’t a matter of luck, but rather a journey that began with intense self-reflection during my final year of high school. Like many in the Class of 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything for me. While the world felt like it had come to a standstill, that ‘idle time’ at home gave me the space to ask deep, difficult questions about what I truly wanted for my life and the community around me.

I realized then that my core identity is rooted in Exploration. I discovered that I am most fulfilled when I am uncovering new knowledge and evolving through technology. While I am not yet exactly where I want to be, as I believe there is always a higher peak to climb, I am incredibly grateful for the position I am in today. Honestly, as a high schooler, I never imagined I would have the opportunity to be an AI/ML engineer or a startup co-founder before even graduating.

That period of reflection gave me a clarity of purpose that transformed my studies, leading me to earn a Grade A on my National Exam and opening the doors to AUPP. This mindset of constant discovery is what fueled my later achievements, from winning the Business Model Competition to leading the SDG Innovation Sprint. I didn’t just stumble into this field; I chose it because I recognized that the digital frontier is the best place for a professional explorer to make a real impact. Looking back, those quiet months at home taught me that before you can move forward with speed, you first have to understand the direction your heart wants to go.

6. What are the happiest moments of your life?

I believe that happiness isn’t a single destination, but a collection of moments that each hold their own unique value. However, if I were to choose one of the most vibrant chapters of my university life, it would undoubtedly be my summer exchange program at the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications. I spent a month immersed in an intensive AI program that pushed my boundaries both technically and personally.

One of the most fulfilling parts of that experience was collaborating with international students from all over the world. Together, we brainstormed and built InvestiMate, an AI-driven chat platform designed to help users navigate the complexities of investment. Working in such a diverse team showed me that while we come from different backgrounds, technology is a universal language that allows us to build impactful solutions together.

But the ‘happiest’ part wasn’t just found in the lab. It was in the spirit of exploration that took place after the sun went down. Me and my friends, we spent countless hours walking through historic streets, riding bicycles through modern districts, and navigating the vast train networks to uncover the city’s hidden gems.

Those sleepless nights of hard work followed by days of pure discovery are moments I cherish deeply. They represent exactly what I love about my journey: the thrill of learning something new and the simple joy of exploring a new horizon with great people. That month in Beijing reminded me that the happiest moments happen when you step out of your comfort zone and say ‘yes’ to the world.

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

My personal philosophy has always been to aspire to inspire. While I am still a student myself and constantly learning the ropes of this fast-evolving tech field, I feel a deep responsibility to share the mindset that has carried me this far. If I could offer one piece of advice to the curious minds coming up behind me, it is to never stop being an explorer of both the world and your own potential.

I know that the idea of starting something new, whether it’s a complicated project, a startup, or even just traveling to an unfamiliar country, can feel incredibly daunting. It requires you to intentionally break your daily routine and step far outside the ‘safety net’ of what you already know. That transition is often uncomfortable, and honestly, it can be scary. But here is the truth I’ve discovered: that discomfort is exactly where your growth is waiting for you. If you stay inside your comfort zone, you remain the same person you were yesterday. To evolve, you have to challenge your own boundaries.

I am a firm believer in keeping an open mind and discovering as much of the world as possible. My advice is simple: If there is something calling to you, don’t wait until you feel ‘ready’ or ‘fearless.’ That moment may never come. Instead, do it, and do it scared. By taking that leap, you ensure that you live a life without the heavy burden of ‘what if.’ Even if you fail, you gain a wealth of experience and a level of resilience that you can’t get from a textbook. At least you can say you were brave enough to try, and that is a victory in itself. Embrace the uncertainty, break your normal routine, and remember that the most life-changing moments usually happen right after you decide to be brave despite your fear. Your future self is waiting for you on the other side of that courage.