Cambodia Investment Review
Shasne Su, a Cambodia-based fashion stylist, journalist, and content creator, shared insights into Cambodia’s evolving creative economy and her experiences building a career in Southeast Asia during her appearance on Rising Giants Podcast Episode #147, hosted by Max Thornton.
Celebrating five years of living and working in Cambodia, Su discussed the opportunities and challenges facing the local fashion and creative industries, highlighting the importance of originality, mental resilience, and regional positioning as Cambodia seeks to grow its global profile.
Career Development in Cambodia’s Expanding Market
Originally from Crimea, Su has built a diverse career that spans fashion styling, PR, journalism, and digital content creation. She explained that an unexpected travel disruption during the early COVID-19 period led her to establish a long-term base in Cambodia.
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“What started as a short visit became an opportunity to build something lasting,” Su said. “Cambodia’s openness to new ideas and rapid development have made it an exciting place to work.”
Su emphasized that while Cambodia’s creative sector is still maturing, the pace of change has accelerated notably over the past five years.
“From infrastructure to retail to creative industries, the transformation is visible. There is real potential here, particularly among the new generation of Cambodian entrepreneurs and designers,” she added.
Authenticity and Mental Health in the Creative Economy
Addressing the realities of working in fashion and digital media, Su stressed the importance of mental health and resilience in an increasingly competitive and image-driven environment.
“Fashion and social media demand constant output, but maintaining physical and mental well-being is critical for long-term success,” she said. “Burnout is real, and creators need to balance growth with sustainability.”
Su noted that her move toward a more authentic online presence — showing less-polished, more candid aspects of her life — has resonated with her audience.
“The feedback has been overwhelming. People want to see more realism and less perfection,” she said. “This shift is also influencing brand strategies and content trends across the industry.”
Supporting Local Brands and Building Cambodia’s Global Image
Su has become a prominent advocate for Cambodian designers, frequently highlighting local talent at international events and through her platforms.
“I consistently promote Cambodian brands whenever I attend regional fashion weeks or global events,” she said. “The quality and creativity are here. What’s needed now is broader exposure and confidence.”
She emphasized that Cambodia’s creative economy can differentiate itself by focusing on authenticity rather than imitation.
“Rather than replicating trends from neighboring countries, Cambodia’s strength lies in developing its own voice,” she said. “Originality is key to gaining international recognition.”
Su also highlighted Cambodia’s demographic advantage, with a younger average population compared to regional neighbors such as Thailand.
“A young, dynamic population means Cambodia can adapt quickly and innovate,” she noted. “There is an opportunity to build something distinctive if investments in education, technology, and the creative industries continue.”
Future Outlook: Strengthening the Creative Sector
Looking ahead, Su said she is focused on expanding her work in content creation while maintaining a strong focus on health and professional development.
“My priority is to build sustainable, meaningful work — both for myself and through collaborations that highlight Cambodia’s creative potential,” she said.
With Cambodia’s economy diversifying and international interest in Southeast Asia rising, Su believes that now is a critical time for creators, brands, and businesses to invest in original storytelling and market positioning.
“Cambodia has a strong narrative to share. The next phase will be about refining that story and taking it to regional and global audiences,” she said.
Rising Giants Episode #147 provides a detailed look at how the Kingdom’s creative economy is evolving — and how entrepreneurs and creators like Shasne Su are positioning themselves to lead the next wave of growth.
