I n the last four years at university, 21-year-old Sim Pech Chetra has had many chances to go abroad, thanks to his work ethic, outstanding academic performance and exceptional achievements.

Recently, Sim Pech Chetra and two of his classmates won the Business Plan Competition at Pannasastra University of Cambodia (PUC), which was sponsored by ANZ bank. Last year, he was selected to attend a five-week intensive leadership programme at the Study of the United States Institute, best known as SUSI, which provides young student leaders in different developing countries with a deeper understanding of the US. He got this opportunity thanks to his 6.5 IELTS, his extraordinary academic record and, perhaps most importantly, his long list of social activities.

In October 2009, he participated in the AIESEC HEROES International Conference in Taiwan, which focused on three main issues in the Asia Pacific region, including HIV/AIDS, sustainability and entrepreneurship. “My week in Taiwan was a splendid time for me, since I learned a lot not only from the conference itself, but also from other delegates in the programme,” he said.

Sim Pech Chetra is now a senior student of Business administration at PUC and a senior in Teaching English as Foreign Language at the Institute of Foreign Languages of the Royal University of Phnom Penh.

Studying in two universities, Sim Pech Chetra said he finds it hard to manage his time; but he does not let it stop him from performing well in classes and in society. “I have to set up my schedule in advance,” he explained

Having already achieved a lot in his academic career, Sim Pech Chetra has many ideas on how to succeed. “First, you have to be confident; no matter what the result will be, you should grab the opportunities. Another is commitment. You should work hard towards what you are doing. Finally, set goals for your studies beginning with your first year at University,” he recommended.

In July this year, Chetra is going to a three-week workshop in Hong Kong with seven other people from Cambodia to the Asia Institute for Political Economy (AIPE), yet another chance for him to build up his talent and skills.