Greetings from Phnom Penh.
As most of you know I’m very proud to be an American, but
I’m Khmer first and foremost. I’m very proud of what our family have been able
to accomplish being first generation American. Although there were many
challenges growing up poor, we never stopped trying and figuring out ways to be
better than what our parents could give us. It WASN’T easy. In fact, I can write
a book about this and maybe one day I will.
At present, we have a good life. My sister, who is an
amazing and inspiring mom who was a product of public school and student parent,
is now a great lawyer. She helps those who are especially in need – the
victims. She has raised a daughter who is now starting at the University of
Washington.
Most importantly, she has taken over to care and shelter for
my elder parents, not in a nursing home but in the family home. It may be a bit
of a generalization, but it is one of the great things for Asian parents because
their children are always ready to take care of them as they age. And for what
my sister has done, she has also allowed me to explore my ambitions; my desire
to live abroad and explore.
I begin this blog because there have been many whom have
suggested and it’s good for business, etc. But it’s my wife, Atheena, and her
encouragement that sealed the deal. We live our lives just a bit different and
we hope that we can inspire some of you to take a leap of faith and live your
lives to your full potential.
Okay, so why am I back in Cambodia?
I think I have been here eight times but it’s been the last
three that has been the most meaningful because:
(1) my parents were here at the same time for holiday and
that was when I told them about my intention to marry Atheena. It was also when/where
I proposed to her. During this trip she also met my sister and extended
Cambodian family, ate their food, saw where/how they lived and still said ‘yes’
anyway. :) So I knew she was a keeper.
(2) The next year, we came back again to celebrate Atheena’s
birthday. It was also to celebrate her completion of university life.
(3) Presently, as I’m writing this blog, it is clear to both
of us that we will be moving here to start our business. It’s never been a
better time to come back. It’s never been a greater time to be an entrepreneur
here in Cambodia. I am inspired to contribute to teach the young generation and
be a job creator. And be a life educator.
Khmer people have a stigma to shed. We are a country that is
not seen in a very good light when it comes to the intellectual aspect. I can
see this as I’ve been here many times. Sadly, this is fact. Our intellectuals of
past empire were killed off during the Khmer Rouge. You know the story of the
Khmer Rouge, and if you don’t Google or Youtube it.
My immediate goals are to be a job creator, up level the
workers by making sure that they are well compensated and very well taken care
of, and eventually set up our own #wearethesoms charity as well as contribute
to other existing organizations. #Wearethesoms will borrow JW Marriot mantra for
a bit because we believe in it too: “If you take care of your people, your
people will take care of your customers and your business will take care of itself.”
I’m picking up the baton that has been passed on to me. I’m
going to start a business that you will learn more about in the coming months
and I’ll be looking for your support.
Let’s get this shit started.
