1. Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Sovathara Heng, and I was born and raised in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I’m currently a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information and Communications Technology at the American University of Phnom Penh (AUPP). I’ve always been passionate about technology and love exploring how it connects with business, as well as youth empowerment, education, and especially esports. I believe technology should be something fun to learn—not intimidating—impactful, and accessible to everyone.
My academic journey at AUPP has been a rollercoaster ride and has shaped me into the person I am today. To be honest, I wasn’t very active when I first joined. In my freshman year, like most students, I was pretty quiet on campus and would just attend classes, then head home afterward. I wasn’t really involved in anything until my sophomore year, and that’s when things changed. During this time, I started the university’s first-ever gaming club. I also began participating in more student activities, trying new things, and volunteering for student government events, as well as other events around Phnom Penh. From there, I was selected and funded to represent the university at multiple conferences and programs abroad.
My passion for technology, innovation, and youth empowerment has pushed me to take on many leadership roles and projects. I interned at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, where I discovered my love for cybersecurity and its related careers. I was part of the founding and organizing committee for Cambodia’s first nationwide cybersecurity awareness initiative and Cybersecurity Awareness Month. I helped organize and lead many workshops across multiple universities in Phnom Penh. I’ve also volunteered for The U.S. Ambassador’s Youth Council in event management, where we promote tech careers to high school students, and as an event assistant for the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF).
I started working in event management at 16, freelancing for companies like ASUS Cambodia. I like staying busy—if I’m not studying or working, I’m probably at home listening to music or watching a movie. I’m not a huge fan of going out, but I love deep conversations with my friends, creating things, and pushing myself to improve every day.
2. Could you tell us about the achievements you are most proud of?
I’m proud of many things in my journey, both big milestones and small steps. One of my most personal achievements was being accepted for my first-ever job after completing my first job interview. It might not sound like much to some, but it was a big deal for me. I’d never done a proper interview before, let alone been accepted for the job itself. It was an amazing feeling to
know I was going to be paid for something I loved doing. That moment motivated me to keep going and not doubt myself.
In terms of the most impactful achievement, I would say it was co-creating the Cybersecurity Awareness Initiative Month in Cambodia. This project aimed to promote digital safety throughout the nation and is definitely one of my biggest accomplishments. Recognizing the rapid digital transformation in our country, I understood the importance of proactively educating the public to stay safe in an increasingly interconnected world. It all started when my friend Panha and I were interning at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. We were extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to contribute actively to this nationwide initiative, thanks to the support, trust, and guidance from our supervisor and mentors, Mr. Linna Chea, Mr. Sopheaktra Chea, and Ms. Phallideth Phen. Being part of the founding and organizing committee allowed us to directly shape the campaign’s vision, strategy, and execution, which included workshops across multiple universities, educational materials, and a youth forum with over 400 students. With the success of this campaign, the project is now planned to take place annually in Cambodia. It felt amazing knowing I was part of a team that made this happen for the entire country. It was a moment that made me feel like I was contributing to something real.
Another achievement I’m proud of is being selected as a funded delegate to join the 4th International Youth Forum on SDGs and Human Rights at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok. That experience broadened my worldview and reminded me of the importance of youth voices in global change. We tackled topics like fair energy transitions, accountability, and empowering youth to build a sustainable future, which is something I’m passionate about. It wasn’t just about being in the hall but finding the courage to speak up and represent something bigger than myself.
3. One thing you did that changed your life.
There are many things I’ve done in the past that I’d say changed my life, some for the better and some not so much. One of the biggest moments was choosing to attend AUPP itself. My time here at the university has been filled with both the highest highs and the lowest lows. I’ve met great friends through classes and projects, and I’ve grown more than I thought possible. If I had to name one specific decision that changed me, it would be taking the risk to be a trainer for the Youth Sparkathon in Siem Reap. I helped organize the event and led a session called “Soft Skills: The Art of Problem Solving.” Before this, I had no experience teaching, mentoring, or anything close to that. But I wanted to challenge myself and try something new, even though it was outside my comfort zone.
At first, I struggled a lot—figuring out how to teach, what to say, and how to structure the lesson. I was always nervous about public speaking and wasn’t confident about presenting overall. It took time, but once I started practicing and believed in myself, the session began. Seeing the
students respond, ask questions, and engage with what I was teaching completely changed my perspective. That experience helped me realize the power of youth empowerment, mentorship, and education. It influenced my career goals, gave me confidence, and opened the door for me to host more workshops on campus. I began sharing more of what I knew, which helped me grow as a speaker and a person. It also made me more empathetic, mindful of how I interact with others, and open to helping people whenever I can. It showed me that trying new things—even if they scare you—can bring out hidden strengths.
Since then, I’ve tried to take more risks and say “yes” to more opportunities. You never know which one might change your life forever.
4. Who is someone you look up to?
I can’t name just one person. Many great people have come into my life and given me so many opportunities. But of course, I have to mention my parents. They are the biggest inspiration in my life. Their strength and dedication to our family have taught me the values I hold today: hard work, respect, and resilience. I look up to them not just because they’re my parents, but because they’ve shown me that anything is possible if you keep going, even when it’s hard. Both of them came from nothing and worked tirelessly to build a better future for our family. My mom and dad have always been my greatest supporters. No matter what I wanted to do, they were there for me every step of the way. Even when they didn’t fully understand certain things like esports, they never stopped encouraging me to keep doing what I loved. They showed up for me in their own way—through many sacrifices, advice, and endless patience.
Beyond my family, I owe a lot of my growth to my supervisors and mentors at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications: Mr. Linna Chea, Mr. Sopheaktra Chea, and Ms. Phallideth Phen. They saw potential in me and gave me real responsibilities—not just as an intern in the department, but as a contributor working on major projects that impacted our nation. They allowed me to lead, make decisions, and fail safely. They challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and taught me how to think critically, communicate professionally, and take ownership. I constantly look up to them and admire how successful they are in their careers. I want to follow in their footsteps, and they’ve been kind enough to show me the path in cybersecurity.
These are the people who have shaped how I think, how I work, and who I want to become. I’ll always be grateful to them, and I’ll always look up to them.
5. What are the steps you took to get to where you are now?
My journey hasn’t been a perfect one—it’s been full of ups and downs. Honestly, I was a bit late to get started compared to other students. During my freshman year, I was just attending classes and heading home afterward. I didn’t join any clubs or do anything outside of school. I just focused on my studies, not even knowing where to start or what I wanted to do. It wasn’t until my sophomore year that I woke up and slapped myself in the face to get back to reality. Time was passing quickly, and I needed to take action.
So, I decided to challenge myself. I joined student activities, started volunteering, and, most importantly, founded the AUPP Gaming Club. The club had many goals—it wasn’t just about gaming, but about community, creativity, and providing students a space to belong. That one step opened so many doors. I started working with the student government, volunteered for multiple events, managed events for the U.S. Ambassador’s Youth Council, and even assisted with regional conferences like those run by the Asia-Europe Foundation. At the same time, I took on internships and freelance roles in media and event organizing, ranging from graphic design to high-level brand campaigns for companies like ASUS Cambodia. These roles gave me insight into how the world works and shaped me into the multitasker and communicator I am today.
Then there’s cybersecurity. During my internship at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, I co-founded a national awareness initiative that became one of the biggest projects I’ve been part of and helped lead. That opportunity never would have come if I hadn’t first taken a small step to get involved on campus. It’s been a rocky road at times, but every step, no matter how small, has led me exactly where I am supposed to be.
6. What is the happiest moment of your life?
There have been so many special moments in my life—some big, some small. From getting accepted for my first job to being fully funded to travel abroad and attending international programs in Malaysia and Thailand. Even walking into the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok to represent my university was a significant moment. Winning competitions, meeting people from around the world, and making an impact always brings a smile to my face. But if I had to choose one moment that holds a special place in my heart forever, it would be the day I organized and hosted my first esports tournament at AUPP through the club I created.
That day was more than just an event—it was a celebration of student passion and community. I saw students from all departments, majors, backgrounds, and skill levels come together to connect and enjoy something they all loved: gaming. The energy was electric. People were cheering, laughing, and just having fun. And knowing that it all started from something my team and I built made the experience even more special. Walking around the venue and knowing I had made people happy gave me so much joy. After the event, people kept coming up to me on campus, asking when the next one would be. Some said it was the most exciting thing to happen at the university in a long time. That made me incredibly proud to know that there were people
rooting for my team and me. It reminded me of why I do what I do—it’s not about titles or recognition, but about creating something that brings joy to others.
We just finished organizing our second tournament, and it received even more support and engagement than the first. The feedback was amazing, and students are already looking forward to the next one. I’m excited to announce we’re going to do it again in April, with an even bigger scope than ever. Seeing how far the club has come and how it continues to grow has truly been one of the happiest parts of my university life, and it will always be a memory I cherish.
7. Any advice for the people who look up to you?
Honestly, I still don’t think I’m particularly worthy of being looked up to. There have been a lot of bumps in my journey. I’ve made many mistakes and would do some things differently if I could go back. But I know that’s not possible, so I’m not going to pretend to have it all figured out.
If I can help someone avoid the same mistakes or inspire them to take their first step, the one thing I’d say is: “Try.” But… “Try things you actually care about.”
Many people will tell you to “try everything first,” but that approach can sometimes lead nowhere. Try the things you’re truly passionate about, the things that excite you. Because when you care about something, you’ll give it your all—and that’s how you’ll grow and find real happiness.
Be curious, start exploring new things, and don’t be afraid to be different. If you want something but are unsure, ask questions or just try anyway. If an opportunity comes your way, take it. Along my journey, I’ve learned to treat every chance as if it could change my life. Sometimes, even if the outcome isn’t what you expect, it still points you in the right direction. I’ve entered many competitions and won awards, but at the end of the day, you need to ask yourself: Is this what you really want? Are you happy doing it? Is it true for you? That’s why I always say “try,” but try the things that matter most to you.
Before I go, here’s a story I wanted to share. Before I created my own university club, I actually joined another one as a member. I initially believed I had become part of something meaningful, but it was short-lived. The club didn’t align with my ambitions or mindset, and it became clear that it wasn’t the right fit for me. This realization sparked the drive to create my own club, one that would truly reflect my values and aspirations. Today, that club is one of the most talked-about and fastest-growing on campus. So, if someone tells you that you don’t belong at the table, you go build a bigger and better table.