Born and raised in Kratie province, Sary Sovattey moved to Phnom Penh after graduating from high school in 2015. While growing up, her parents instilled in her a love for learning and taught her how to be independent. Her parents are from the province and lived through the Khmer Rouge regime. They did not have much to give, but were still able to provide her with a proper education. Currently, she is studying the Korean language with the hope of pursuing graduate school in South Korea.

She said, “They usually encourage me to do things on my own instead of depending on them. They used to say, ‘Don’t depend on your parents.’ Do not do things depending on other people. Whatever you do, do it with your best effort. If you cannot do it, then ask for help. That helped me to become independent. Working alone, I can do it by myself, and I tend not to depend on others which helps me to be stronger.”

When she moved to Phnom Penh, people would always ask her parents why they let their only daughter go off and live in the city alone. Her parents knew that she needed higher education and trusted her to do so in the capital city.

She said, “[My parents said,] ‘I trust my child’ because they know me. I have also demonstrated proof that I can live on my own safely. I am brave and strong because they gave me opportunities since I was young to do what I love. As long as I’m not doing anything illegal or [negatively] impacting others, then there’s no problem [to them.]”

Their trust in Sovattey gave her confidence to pursue anything she dreams of, including the title of Miss World Cambodia 2021.

She said, “The more they trust me, the more confidence I have. So, I do everything with confidence… they always lift me up, saying women are stronger than men. Whatever men learn, [women] should learn too. Whatever men learn, learn even better so that they can’t look down on you.”

Sovattey’s father used to be in a band and played the guitar. She grew up loving the performance arts, especially traditional dance, with her parents’ support. Her parents taught her to take responsibility and see through the end of every project she starts, no matter how small, because they are the result of her hard work and act as stepping stones for the future.

She said, “They said do whatever you love as long as it’s productive, makes you happy and does not [negatively] affect society. Just go for it...Whatever I do, I tend to not be ashamed [of my shortcomings] because it is what I earned by myself. As long as it is legal and through my efforts, it makes me happy and proud.”

As Sovattey looks toward the future, she remembers her mother telling her that she needs to be financially independent and finish her studies before she can have a family. Pursuing education, her mother had married at 27, something that was not typical in her province where many would marry underage.

One thing that Sovattey said she wants to change with her family and her future family is how affection is shown and family members communicate with one another. She said there had been times when she wanted to hug her parents, but they would reject the action because they were not used to showing such affection as it is not considered the norm in Cambodian culture. She believes good communication and problem-solving at home is important for nurturing strong people in the future.

She said, “Closeness in the family will help children integrate into society because they will know how to communicate [well]. The family is the first unit where children are socialized, and so if we don’t socialize at home, show affection to one another other, communicate clearly, or resolve problems [together], then children will face problems in the future with others outside of the family too. It will be difficult for them.”

Sary Sovattey currently works in public relations and event planning at the Factory Phnom Penh and Urban Village. She is also currently preparing to represent Cambodia on the international stage in Miss World 2022.

"This independent article/video is part of a World Vision International Cambodia - EAC initiative to ensure children are better protected. Views expressed are purely the author's and may not necessarily reflect World Vision's position."