1. Could you tell us about yourself?
My name is Sonay Phal, and I am a recent graduate of the American University of Phnom Penh and the University of Arizona where I earned my dual-degree in Business Administration. My passion for business began at an early age which was nurtured by my mother’s invaluable guidance and insights. She taught me that business is not just about transactions but about building relationships, solving problems, and creating value.
I am a firm believer in stepping outside my comfort zone to gain new perspectives and skills. I actively seek out new experiences whether through volunteering, engaging in extracurricular clubs, or simply venturing into something new. These pursuits have sharpened my adaptability skills and fueled my curiosity.
A significant turning point in my life journey was starting my own small e-commerce business back in 2018, when I was just a sophomore in high school. That experience was my introduction to the realities of business ownership, from managing inventory to mastering customer service. It was a challenging yet incredibly rewarding lesson that taught me the importance of operation and resilience. It also gave me a deeper understanding of what it takes to connect with customers and build lasting relationships, shaping me into who I am today.
I also dedicate myself to philanthropic work and giving back to society. I love seeing the connections that form when people help one another. This passion led me to an internship at Carlsberg Cambodia as a Corporate Affairs Intern. In this role, I had the opportunity to assist with arranging donation resources, coordinating events, and securing sponsorships for students and organizations. This experience not only sharpens my organizational and communication skills but also allows me to contribute to meaningful community initiatives.
2. Could you tell us about the achievements you are most proud of?
Some of the achievements I am most proud of are not only found on a resume or a certificate, they are the moments that shaped myself as an individual.
My most recent achievement would be the completion of my dual degree. It was not just about earning a piece of paper, it was a four-year journey that tested my limits and pushed me to grow in ways I never imagined. Through countless sleepless nights and challenging projects, I learned the true meaning of perseverance. I am proud of the fact that I did not lose myself in the process of discovery, I was holding onto my core values and passions even when faced with immense pressure. This achievement is a testament to the power of hard work and self-belief, proving that true success is found in the courage to see a difficult task through to the end.
I am also immensely proud of the entrepreneurial spirit I showed to myself. When I was just a kid, I made the decision to step outside my comfort zone and started my own small business. At the time, many people saw it as just a hobby but I was determined to prove them wrong. It took courage to take that leap of faith and dedication to see it through. Through this venture, I did not just learn about business, I learned about resilience and the power of letting your actions and results speak for themselves. This experience taught me that no dream is too silly, and every single act of courage plants the seed for something truly extraordinary.
Beyond the professional and academic milestones, one of my most significant achievements has been the challenging internal work of finding a sense of inner peace. In a world that constantly tells us to strive for more, I have found a different kind of wealth, the peace of mind that comes from being kind to myself and to others. It is an ongoing practice to mind my own business and treat people exactly how I want to be treated. This journey of self-discovery has taught me that the greatest accomplishments are not measured in external validation but in the quiet confidence of knowing who you are and what you stand for.
These achievements are all connected. They show that success is not a single destination but a continuous journey of learning, courage, and self-love. I am proud of the person I have become, and I am excited to see what the future holds.
3. Could you tell us about one thing or experience you encountered that changed your life?
Without a doubt, the one thing I encountered that changed my life was the moment I enrolled in university. Before that, I was stuck in a cycle of feeling unmotivated and unsure of my direction. I was a child who had little desire to study, meet new people, or fully engage with life. But all of that changed the moment I stepped onto campus as a student.
The environment was a complete breath of fresh air. The critical thinking encouraged in the classroom and the curiosity it sparked fundamentally changed how I saw the world. I was no longer just going through the motions. I was genuinely motivated to learn, challenge myself, and embrace the unpredictable “roller coaster ride” of being a student.
Beyond academics, my decision to study close to home proved to be a life-changing choice. While many of my friends went abroad, staying close to home allowed me to deepen my connection with my family and provide them with enough care and support that I know I would not be able to give if I pick a university outside of Cambodia. This experience reinforced a core belief of mine that a human connection is like a spider web. I believe we are all interconnected in one way or another. This perspective inspired me to actively seek out new relations and experiences. I had the privilege of meeting some of the most amazing people, fostering friendships that have become an irreplaceable part of my life. My time in university was the moment I stopped being a spectator of my life and started truly living.
4. Who is the person you look up to the most?
The person I look up to the most, without a doubt, is my mother. Her influence on my life goes far beyond just guidance. She is a living example of what selfless love truly means, and she has shown me how to love someone so completely that you only wish for them to have all the best things life can offer, without a second thought for your own wellbeing. My mother may be a housewife but her intellectual and strategic mind has made her the absolute core foundation of our family. She is the one who handles everything from the day-to-day care of our home to the management of our family’s finances and assets, all with the goal of increasing our security and happiness.
What makes me admire her even more is the way she raised me. Despite growing up in a society that often limited a daughter’s creativity and freedom, she was determined to give me a different experience. She taught me to be strong, to have my own mind, and to go out into the world to learn as much as I possibly could. Her lessons were not just about independence, they were about embracing my own freedom and pushing beyond boundaries.
I grew up feeling the power of her unconditional love and unwavering support. It is that very love that has pushed my courage to explore and the desire to help others. I carry her lessons with me every day, and I am forever grateful for the foundation of strength, kindness, and selflessness that she has built for our family.
5. What are the steps you took that led you to where you are right now?
The path that has led me to where I am today is a result of a clear, deliberate process that combines careful planning with a strong belief in my own intuition. I can break it down into a few key steps.
First, I always begin by creating a clear vision for myself. I love making what I call “life stage bucket lists.” This is not a rigid plan but a rough outline of the things I want to achieve and experience. By turning my goals into a list of fun challenges, it makes the journey feel less like a burden and more like an exciting adventure. This initial step of having a vision helps me weigh the pros and cons of every situation and align my decisions with what I truly want while still trusting my gut instincts.
Second, I focus on execution and accountability. Once I have a goal in mind, I look at the potential consequences of my actions, considering how they will affect not only myself but also others around me. This approach allows me to choose the best possible option to work toward my goals. It is about being responsible for my own progress and ensuring my journey does not come at the expense of others.
Finally, the most transformative step has been my journey from relying on my parents’ wisdom to becoming an independent adult. Early on, I valued my parents’ advice because they had already walked on many of this life’s complexities. I followed their wisdom and direction which provided a solid foundation. As I have grown, I learned to blend their wisdom with my own perspective, making my own decisions while still honoring their guidance. This evolution has allowed me to become fully independent, capable of helping to lift the burdens of my parents and contribute to my family in a meaningful way. This journey has taught me the value of being kind to myself because every experience whether a success or a mistake, it is an opportunity to learn and grow.
6. What are the happiest moments of your life?
When I look back on the happiest moments in my life, they all have a few things in common: growth, new experiences, and the people I love. My most recent happy memory was my graduation trip to the United States. It was an absolute dream to stand there with my parents and close friends, celebrating with students with different nationalities and backgrounds. After four years of hard work, sleepless nights, and stressful moments, it felt surreal to finally have my degree in my hands. It was over in a blink but the feeling of accomplishment and the gratitude I have for my parents’ unwavering love and support is something I will cherish forever.
Another joyful moment was the day I started university. During my high school journey, I felt stuck but enrolling into college was the push I needed to step out of that space and into a whole new world. I was surrounded by new people and different activities, all in a system that encouraged critical thinking and independence. It sparked a new sense of creativity and confidence in me. I even made a “uni bucket list” of things I wanted to try, just to get out of my comfort zone and learn as much as I could. I got to meet and work with people from different departments like the Student Government Association, Student Affairs, and Marketing, and joined various extracurricular club activities while still able to maintain my GPA to be within what I expected to graduate with. Each of those experiences played a huge part in my growth journey.
7. Is there any advice to the people that look up to you?
To the students still in high school and my fellow juniors heading off to university, my advice is to take a moment and think about your future. I want you to sit down and reflect on what you truly want to achieve, no matter how unrealistic or impossible it might seem. Write it all down. That list is not just a fantasy, it is a motivational tool that will push you to work toward your goals. Even if you only achieve half of what you set out to do, that is still significant progress. The most important step is having a clear vision in the first place.
Beyond planning, how you live and interact with others matters. Live your life with no regrets, and always lead with kindness. Before you say or do something, take a moment to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. A simple act of kindness can brighten a person’s entire day, while a thoughtless word can stay with them for a long time. It costs nothing to be kind but it can make all the difference.
Don’t forget to be kind to yourself too. This is your first time experiencing these moments and emotions. If you make a mistake, you will learn and grow from it. If you succeed, you will have another accomplishment to be proud of. Nobody is perfect, and we all make mistakes. The key is how you accept them and use them to become better.
Finally, don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone. Embrace the ups and downs of life as an exciting roller coaster ride, because it is in those moments of exploration and challenge that you will truly grow.