Cambodia Investment Review
In episode 141 of the Rising Giants podcast, co-hosts Max and Dom welcomed Priscilla Kim Ong, affectionately known as ‘Sela’, a Khmer-Krom American content creator who has dedicated her work to building a supportive global community centered on her life in Cambodia. Sela, who moved from the United States to Cambodia in 2022, has made it her mission to reconnect with her roots and inspire others in the diaspora to explore their cultural heritage.
Sela began the conversation by sharing her journey from the US to Cambodia. She described how her background as a Khmer-Krom, referring to the Indigenous people from the Mekong area in what is now Southern Vietnam, provided her with a unique perspective on cultural identity. Growing up in a predominantly non-Asian environment near Boston, she often felt isolated due to her appearance and the lack of Asian friends in her community. “These experiences shaped my desire to return to Cambodia and immerse myself in the language and culture,” she explained.
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Interest In Developing Community Projects
Her academic pursuits also reflect this passion; while studying International Studies in college, Sela chose to analyze a UNDP project in Cambodia, which fueled her interest in development aid. reflecting on her first visit to Cambodia in 2020, “living with my family for the first time was special and brought me closer to my roots. It was a significant shift from my independent life in the US to a traditional family environment, which had its challenges but was ultimately rewarding,” she said.
As Sela navigated the complexities of learning Khmer, she acknowledged the difficulties posed by the language’s intricate script and pronunciation. “The Khmer alphabet is vast, and mastering it has been challenging, but every small victory feels meaningful,” she noted.
In her professional role, Sela is involved with Good Neighbors Cambodia, an organization that has been operational in Cambodia since 2002. The organization started with a daycare and kindergarten programs in Banteay Meanchey province and has since expanded its focus to include holistic child protection initiatives across various regions in Cambodia. Sela highlighted the organization’s growth: Good Neighbors Cambodia has made significant strides in developing community projects that address the needs of children and families in both urban and rural areas.”
Sela also contrasted the office culture between Cambodia and the US, noting a more relaxed atmosphere in Cambodian workplaces, which she described as feeling more familial. “However, the office hierarchy based on age and gender can be more pronounced here than in the US, which required some adjustment on my part,” she added.
Sharing Her Experiences In Cambodia Through Social Media
Turning to her content creation, Sela recounted how she began sharing her experiences in Cambodia through vlogs and social media in 2023. “I started posting about my day-to-day life, documenting my journey of learning the language and connecting with the culture,” she explained. Her authenticity resonated with her audience, particularly her portrayal of the struggles inherent in her journey. Utilizing platforms like TikTok and Instagram, she gained a following by focusing on relatable content.
Addressing those who seek to reconnect with their heritage, Sela advised, “You don’t have to be a local to embrace your dual cultures. Accepting your background and feeling comfortable with it is essential.” She emphasized the importance of striking a balance between her personal content and her NGO work, carefully navigating issues of privacy while still showcasing Cambodia’s vibrant culture.
Khmer Music As A Tool For Cultural Exchange
Recently, Sela has turned her attention to Cambodia’s growing music scene. She shared her excitement about being featured in a music video by renowned Cambodian rapper VannDa. “The collaboration highlights how the Cambodian rap scene is bridging cultural gaps, allowing international audiences to engage with our heritage,” she remarked. Sela also noted the significance of merging English and Khmer in music as a tool for cultural exchange.
Looking ahead, she plans to facilitate trips between the US and Cambodia for the diaspora, helping them explore their culture beyond traditional tourist attractions like Angkor Wat. “We want to offer a perspective that goes beyond what our parents shared or what they found online and make it a healing experience to better understand our Khmer identities together,” she added.
In closing, Sela offered advice on achieving personal goals: “People always act the way they believe themselves to be – It’s all about mindset; what you believe is what you can achieve.” Her message resonates not just with those in the Cambodian diaspora but with anyone seeking to navigate their cultural identity in a globalized world.
