1. Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m Bun Sreypich, a Cambodian-Chinese senior majoring in Business Administration at AUPP and the University of Arizona. My university experience has been a thrilling journey of exploration and discovery.
In my freshman year, I took a leap and joined the AUPP Business Club, eventually co-leading it. This was a turning point for me, igniting a deep interest in both personal growth and community service. It also led me to be part of the Student Government Association (SGA) and to develop the Puthi Campaign with my friends. Our goal was to educate Cambodian youth about cybersecurity and empower them to protect themselves online. Seeing the impact of our work on over 600 individuals was incredibly rewarding. This project didn’t just let me dive into marketing and social media; it revealed my love for working with numbers, tracking metrics, and managing projects.
These newfound skills helped me land my first internship at a financial derivatives firm, where my fascination with finance and investment truly began. As I moved into my third year, I joined the CFA Research Challenge Season 6 team, representing our university in a major competition. We spent five months conducting in-depth equity research on the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA), a listed entity on the Cambodia Securities and Exchange market. I took on the valuation role, collaborating with an amazing team and mentors. Our hard work paid off when we were awarded the championship by H.E. Sou Socheat, Director General of the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC).
These experiences have been a rollercoaster, but each twist and turn has been a vital part of my growth. My path hasn’t always been straightforward, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. Every challenge and opportunity has fueled my passion for finance and helped me grow both personally and professionally.
2. Could you tell us about the achievement you are most proud of?
The achievement I’m most proud of is winning the CFA Research Challenge. But for me, the pride isn’t just about the victory itself; it’s about the incredible journey we went through to get there.
When we first signed up for the challenge, most of us, myself included, had little idea of what we were truly committing to. Our team entered the competition with limited knowledge of finance and investment, as we were all business majors with more theoretical than practical experience. Despite this, we embraced the challenge with determination and a willingness to learn.
I’m immensely proud of how far we came together. From grappling with complex financial concepts to conducting detailed equity research, we all grew significantly. The real achievement was not just winning but how our team came together, supported each other, and exceeded the
expectations we had when we first started. We had no idea we would emerge victorious, but our dedication and hard work paid off in a way we couldn’t have imagined.
I’m also incredibly grateful for the support we received from our CFA mentors Professor Pisey Pin and Ms. Sophy Taing who guided us with invaluable advice, and the Cambodia Community of Investment Professionals, who provided us with essential lectures and resources. Their support was crucial in helping us navigate this challenging journey and ultimately succeed.
This experience taught me the true meaning of perseverance and teamwork, and it’s a testament to how far we can go when we’re willing to step outside our comfort zones and tackle the unknown.
3. One thing you did that changed your life? (One experience I encountered that could change my life)
One experience that profoundly changed my life was the pandemic. Its impact was so significant that I’m still processing whether it ultimately had a net positive or negative effect on me. The pandemic led to the cancellation of our national grade 12 exams, which completely derailed my plans and forced me to confront unexpected challenges.
This period taught me a crucial lesson: not all hard work guarantees success, and sometimes, life’s curveballs can be both disheartening and enlightening. I had to learn to live in the moment and be adaptable. It was a real test of resilience, pushing me to embrace flexibility and find ways to turn challenges into opportunities. I’ve learned that when life hands you lemons, the best response is to make lemonade.
University life has turned out to be very different from what I had envisioned during my teenage years. Yet, despite the changes and uncertainties, I’m incredibly grateful for the journey. I’ve been fortunate to meet wonderful friends and mentors who have supported me along the way. My parents, my amazing brother, and my close friends have been a rock-solid support system, and I feel truly blessed to have them in my life.
The pandemic reshaped my path, but it also taught me the value of adaptability, gratitude, and the importance of a strong support network.
4. Who is the person you look up to the most?
The person I look up to the most is my parents. While it may seem cliché, their influence on my life is both profound and genuine. I’ve witnessed firsthand the struggles and immense hard work they’ve invested in building their lives and supporting our family from zero. I’ve seen how challenging it is for them to manage two lively children, run a business, and still meet all our needs. Their journey has been a powerful source of inspiration for me.
My parents are not just my rock but also my motivation. They’ve instilled in me the values of education, perseverance, and inner strength. Their unwavering support has been my anchor
through my toughest moments, and I truly believe I wouldn’t have become the person I am today without their love, encouragement, and resilience.
Their dedication and constant presence have deeply shaped my approach to life, nurturing my appreciation for hard work and courage. They embody the qualities I aspire to, and I am endlessly grateful for their guidance and support.
5. What are the steps that you took that take you to where you are right now?
To get to where I am today, I’ve learned the importance of embracing challenges and stepping into the unknown. Reflecting on my journey, I can confidently say that taking on new challenges has been key to my growth.
During my freshman year, I didn’t seize as many opportunities as I could have, and that’s something I sometimes regret. However, I’ve come to appreciate the wisdom in choosing the more challenging path. As one of my friends wisely put it: “Always choose the harder path because the easier choice will lead you to a harder road at the end of the day.” This mindset has encouraged me to push beyond my comfort zone and embrace opportunities that initially seemed daunting.
By challenging myself and tackling the unknown, I’ve discovered capabilities I never knew I had and achieved things that seemed out of reach. It’s often surprising what we can accomplish when we push ourselves beyond our limits. This approach has not only shaped my academic and professional journey but also helped me grow personally.
6. What is the happiest moment of your life?
It’s tough to pinpoint just one happiest moment, but when I look back, I realize that many of my happiest memories revolve around time spent with friends. Whether it’s those late-night study sessions before exams, sharing a delicious hotpot after finals, or enjoying the vibrant food stalls at our school’s Khmer New Year events, these moments stand out as truly special.
There’s something incredibly joyful about sharing meals and experiences with friends. The laughter, the camaraderie, and the simple pleasure of good food and great company make those times unforgettable.
7. Any advice to the people that look up to you?
I’m not sure if anyone looks up to me, as I often feel there’s still so much I need to work on. However, if I were to offer some advice, I will quote something that my friend once told me as it resonates deeply with me. She once told me, “We are all like flowers, each with our own season. Sometimes, when we see others blooming and feel down or inadequate, it’s because our own
season hasn’t come yet. Just as every flower has its own time to bloom, we too need to be patient and trust that when our time arrives, we will blossom beautifully.” (P.S. I do not know where she got this quote from and quote owner, you know who you are, it sounds cringey but this is something I like to remind myself when I am hit with the feeling of uselessness).
This perspective helps me when I struggle with feelings of inadequacy or compare myself to others. It reminds me that everyone has their own path and timing, and our moments to shine will come in their own time. So, my advice is to be patient with yourself, trust your journey, and remember that your own unique season to bloom will come.