1. Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Lyhong Meng, and I was born and raised in the vibrant city of Phnom Penh. I am currently majoring in Business at AUPP, driven by a deep-seated passion for entrepreneurship and a desire to make a meaningful impact in my community.
Throughout my academic journey, I have been committed to excellence. I graduated with honors from AUPP, an achievement made possible through a full scholarship that recognized my dedication and hard work. This scholarship not only alleviated financial burdens but also motivated me to strive for academic and personal growth.
My entrepreneurial spirit has guided me through various professional experiences. To begin with, I embarked on my professional journey with an internship at Borey Vimean Samanang as a real estate marketer. This role allowed me to delve into the dynamic world of real estate, where I developed marketing strategies and learned the importance of understanding market trends and customer needs. This experience was instrumental in shaping my understanding of market dynamics and customer engagement.
Following my time at Borey Vimean Samanang, I interned at the Ministry of Commerce (MoC). This opportunity opened doors to connect with many influential individuals such as Mr. Sou Mang, the Director of the Business Registration Department, and other high-ranking officials. Their guidance and mentorship provided me with invaluable insights into business registration processes and the regulatory environment that supports entrepreneurship in Cambodia. Consequently, these experiences enriched my understanding of the foundational aspects of starting and running a business, providing me with a comprehensive view of the legal and administrative frameworks that underpin successful enterprises.
Recently, I worked as a student employee at AUPP, serving as a creative visual and communication designer. In this role, I focused on designing posters, creating visual content, and writing materials. This position enabled me to harness the power of visual storytelling and effective communication, skills that are increasingly vital in today’s digital landscape. I took great pride in creating compelling visual content that conveyed messages clearly and engagingly, further enhancing the university’s communications.
In addition to my academic and professional experiences, I have been actively involved in various clubs and competitions. For instance, I served as the president of the Committee for Responsible Practices (CRBP). I was also a member of the AUPP Mental Health Awareness Club (AMHAC), where I served as secretary, as well as the member of AUPP Sustainable Real Estate Club, the AUPP Literature Club, the AUPP Photography Club, and the AUPP Green Aid Club throughout my academic journey. My involvement in these clubs has significantly contributed to my personal and professional development, providing me with opportunities to explore my interests, learn more, and successfully coordinate many events.
Moreover, I have translated these experiences and my involvement outside of school into my entrepreneurial venture. I founded Youthveakvey, a clothing brand that embodies the spirit of youth and creativity. My participation in these clubs and leadership roles has significantly contributed to the development and success of my start-up brand.
I would describe myself as a generalist, valuing a broad skill set over narrow specialization. I believe that versatility and adaptability are crucial in the ever-evolving business environment. My experiences span various domains, including financial management, marketing, sales, and real estate. This diverse background has equipped me with a holistic understanding of business operations and strategic thinking.
Looking ahead, my aspirations extend beyond personal success. I am driven by a vision to become one of the greatest entrepreneurs who not only achieves business success but also gives back to society. I am committed to leveraging my skills and experiences to create opportunities for others, contribute to economic growth, and address social challenges. I believe that entrepreneurship is not just about financial gain but also about making a positive and lasting impact on the community and beyond.
My journey has been one of continuous learning, growth, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As an AUPP Eagle, I am proud to represent my university and look forward to the future with optimism and determination. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and remain steadfast in my commitment to making a difference through entrepreneurship.
2. Could you tell us about the achievement you are most proud of?
One of the achievements I am most proud of is being able to translate all experiences from the clubs and committee I’ve joined and created, along with my other involvement programs outside of school, including competitions and leadership roles, into my own clothing brand, Youth Veakvey, which I recently founded in early 2024. This venture embodies the vibrant spirit of youth and reflects the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of young people. I believe that fashion should be a reflection of our unique personalities and aspirations.
I was inspired to start Youth Veakvey after observing a lack of youthful spirit in Cambodia’s fashion scene. I noticed that many young fashion lovers were turning to famous brands from other countries. This sparked a thought: “What if we, as Khmer people, created our own brand with the same quality or perhaps even better?” Thus, Youth Veakvey was born, aiming to empower the youth of Cambodia and beyond with high-quality, locally-inspired fashion.
This is the achievement I am most proud of because it represents a culmination of my passions, skills, and experiences. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a tangible product of my hard work, creativity, and dedication being embraced by my customers, family, and friends. Their support and enthusiasm are truly gratifying and motivate me to keep pushing forward.
3. One thing you did that changed your life?
One experience I encountered that could change my life was being part of the Cambodia CFA Institute Research Challenge 2024, Season 6. I had the honor of leading Team AUPP in this prestigious competition. This experience marked a pivotal moment in my life, significantly transforming my approach to leadership and teamwork.
At the time, my team and I were not particularly strong in finance. However, through exceptional teamwork, synergy, and the invaluable mentorship provided by Prof. Pisey Pin and Sophy Taing (shout out to the team!), we emerged as champions. Despite moments of self-doubt, we persevered and achieved victory, proving that dedication and collaborative effort can overcome any obstacle.
This experience not only boosted my confidence but also reshaped my leadership style. I learned the importance of fostering a collaborative environment and leveraging the strengths of each team member. The lessons I learned during the competition have had a lasting impact on my life, influencing the way I lead committees, clubs, and various side projects.
Being able to translate the strong leadership skills I developed during the Research Challenge into other areas of my life has been immensely rewarding. This experience taught me that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible.
4. Who is the person you look up to the most?
The person I look up to the most is Dr. Anselm Vermeulen. I have learned a great deal about business from him, and his mentorship has profoundly impacted both my academic and professional life. He was my first mentor, and I could not have asked for a better guide.
Dr. Anselm provided me with valuable lessons and many practical insights that have been crucial to my development. His wisdom and experience have been instrumental in shaping my understanding of business and leadership. I believe that every youth needs a mentor like Dr. Anselm, someone who can provide not only theoretical knowledge but also practical advice and support.
His mentorship has not only helped me navigate the complexities of my career but also inspired me to strive for excellence in all my endeavors. Dr. Anselm’s guidance has been a cornerstone of my success, and I am deeply grateful for his unwavering support and encouragement.
5. What are the steps that you took that take you to where you are right now?
Going back to my freshman year, I was not very involved in activities outside of school. However, from my sophomore year onward, I began to engage more actively. Participating in competitions such as Huawei Seeds for the Future, where I was selected as one of only eight Cambodians to represent the country, was a pivotal step. Leading my team to a top-three finish in the Huawei local round and becoming the CFA Institute Research Challenge 2024 champions were significant milestones. Additionally, achieving the top position in the local round of Unipreneur and preparing for the next rounds showcased my leadership and teamwork skills.
Throughout these experiences, I faced numerous losses in competitions. Nevertheless, each failure taught me valuable lessons. The more I failed, the more I learned, ultimately leading to my successes. These experiences taught me resilience, strategic thinking, and the importance of perseverance.
Furthermore, serving as the president of the Committee for Responsible Practices (CRBP) and organizing a successful workshop with over 60 students participating helped me develop organizational and leadership skills. Being a member of various clubs at AUPP, such as the AUPP Mental Health Awareness Club (AMHAC) where I served as secretary, the AUPP Sustainable Real Estate Club, the AUPP Literature Club, the AUPP Photography Club, and the AUPP Green Aid Club, allowed me to explore my interests, learn more, and successfully coordinate many events. These roles expanded my network and provided a platform to apply my skills in real-world scenarios.
Moreover, my entrepreneurial spirit guided me through various professional experiences. Starting with an internship at Borey Vimean Samanang as a real estate marketer, I developed marketing strategies and learned about market dynamics. This role was fundamental in shaping my understanding of the business landscape. Interning at the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) further enriched my knowledge by providing insights into business registration processes and the regulatory environment in Cambodia. Recently, working as a student employee at AUPP as a creative visual and communication designer honed my skills in visual storytelling and effective communication, which are crucial in today’s digital landscape.
Additionally, I am also part of “Level Up” where I work along side with my senior, we write contents about management insights and leadership topics, meeting the growing demand of Cambodians aspiring to become successful managers, leaders, and entrepreneurs. This role enhanced my writing skill, communication skills and deepened my understanding of leadership dynamics.
These experiences have been instrumental in shaping my career and personal growth. They provided me with practical skills, expanded my professional network, and offered invaluable lessons in leadership and resilience. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and support I have received along the way.
6. What is the happiest moment of you life?
I would say there isn’t just one single happiest moment in my life. Instead, my happiest moments are often tied to opportunities where I get the chance to lead. Whether it’s leading a team in a professional setting, organizing events for clubs, or guiding a project to success, these experiences bring me immense joy and fulfillment. The sense of responsibility, the ability to inspire and motivate others, and the collective achievement of goals all contribute to my happiness. Leading allows me to channel my passion for entrepreneurship and community impact, making these moments particularly meaningful and rewarding.
7. Any advice to the people that look up to you?
One crucial piece of advice I would offer to those who look up to me is to have a clear goal and stay persistent in whatever they do. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you don’t put in the work, it doesn’t matter. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about having great ideas or natural abilities; it’s about the effort and dedication you put into making those ideas a reality. So, put your plans into action, stay persistent, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way. Every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goals. Remember, you can fail, but what truly matters is getting up again. Each setback is a learning opportunity, and resilience is key to overcoming challenges.
You have the ability to make decisions, study the plans, and change your lives. You can grow immensely, make your dreams come true, and build a life that nothing can get through. Why not you? As Friedrich Nietzsche once famously said, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”