Cambodia Investment Review
Abby Kuba, the esteemed MC for the 32nd Southeast Asia (SEA) Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games, recently shared her experiences, challenges, and personal insights on Episode 91 of the ‘Rising Giants’ Podcast. The episode was recorded at the Choice Accelerator co-working space in BKK3, Phnom Penh, where hosts Max Thornton and Dom Kalousek delved into the dynamic world of hosting two of Southeast Asia’s most prestigious sporting events.
Read more: Rising Giants E90: Jeremy Au’s Insights on Cambodia’s Emerging VC & Startup Ecosystem
Abby’s pathway to becoming the master of ceremonies (MC) of the games began with a chance meeting with the director-general of the event at a fundraising launch. “Pathmazing was hosting a raising $1 million fundraiser, and Steven Path, its CEO, needed a translator. My translation skills and my ability to host an event caught his eye,” Abby recalled. Her standout performance led her to audition for the role of MC and eventually host a national event that drew attention from all corners of the world.
Abby opened up about the pressure and obstacles she faced while preparing for the games. A prominent challenge was an unfortunate incident involving the incorrect placement of the Indonesian flag during the main event. “The rehearsal went smoothly, but the actual event was hectic and busy, leading to the mishap,” Abby explained. This mistake invited backlash, but Abby and her team took it in their stride, seeing it as a constructive critique rather than a negative comment. “This was our first time organizing such a grand event. We had no malicious intent behind the mistake,” she stated, highlighting their commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
Responsibilities extended far beyond traditional MC duties
Her responsibilities extended far beyond traditional MC duties, as she explained to Dom. The planning and execution phases of the games were a test of her multitasking abilities. Each participating country’s protocols needed careful handling, and the correct pronunciation of athletes’ names and their achievements required rigorous detail. “The logistics for disabled participants presented another level of complexity. Yet, despite these challenges, we had exceptional support from the ‘purple shirt’ volunteers, who were the backbone of the games,” Abby expressed her gratitude to these unsung heroes.
Abby also emphasized the extensive research she undertook to understand the historical significance of the sports, ensuring she could accurately communicate the traditions to the international audience. Balancing this research with her duties at the various corporate and diplomatic MC events that ran concurrently tested her time management skills.
The SEA Games in Cambodia was not just a massive sporting event; it also presented an opportunity for Cambodia to showcase its potential to the world. “The games attracted international attention, boosting investment and tourism, while also demonstrating our government’s political stability,” Abby noted. Furthermore, the enthusiastic support from local fans, even in adverse weather conditions, demonstrated the “home ground advantage,” and the Cambodian Prime Minister’s decision to allow free attendance at the opening and closing ceremonies added to the sense of community spirit.
A heartwarming incident during the games caught the world’s attention – a young lady’s persevering run in the rain. This story went viral, and as Abby and Dom pointed out, it served as a reminder of the immense power of social media and the media in general to highlight inspirational narratives within the larger event.
Pressure to perform exceptionally in her roles
Discussing the transition from the SEA Games to the Para Games, Abby noted the unique sporting events adapted for athletes with disabilities made the Para Games a different ball game. However, with extensive support from professionals and volunteers, they managed to orchestrate a successful event.
As for the future, Abby is enthusiastic about Cambodia’s prospects in the sporting arena, with plans to bid for hosting the SEA Youth Games in 2029. On a personal front, she has been offered a role with the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia. However, as an entrepreneur herself, she still wishes to contribute to the corporate sector. “I want to be part of this new sports movement and the country’s changing leadership landscape. It’s an exciting time,” Abby shared.
Read more: SEA Games 2023 & Cambodia’s Resurgence on the Global Stage
Addressing misconceptions about MCing events, she emphasized that it requires a deep understanding of the athletes, judges, and scores, and the ability to quickly adapt to evolving circumstances. “We rely heavily on a strong backend team for timely and accurate information,” she added.
Abby confessed to experiencing ‘imposter syndrome’ at times and the pressure to perform exceptionally in her roles. Despite feeling overwhelmed at times, she took on multiple roles, demonstrating her ability to multitask under pressure. To manage stress and maintain focus, she adopted daily meditation and found solace in reading. ‘Tech Boss Lady’ was a book she cited as a major source of inspiration, particularly for women in tech and business.
Abby had some advice to share with the listeners during a quick-fire round of questions. “Don’t be afraid of making mistakes and try again. These are the building blocks to become better. Be your authentic self, because everyone has their own styles and journeys,” she advised, leaving a lasting impression on her audience.
