PHNOM PENH: On Wednesday, 16 November 2022, ABC presented its flagship platform 'The Exceptional' campaign to spotlight 10 exceptional Cambodians from five different industries who have defined their own versions of success.

This is the second season that ABC has chosen to move forward with this platform because the brand believes that these trailblazers truly embody the strength and leadership of a lion.

“True to the brand’s essence of 'Be Exceptional,' we have so much respect for these Cambodian trailblazers who demonstrate the strength and leadership of a lion," said Loic de Laubriere, the Marketing Director of Heineken Cambodia. "We are proud to be able to partner with them to tell their stories with the hope that this will inspire more future leaders. The rules of success are evolving and with this platform, we hope to showcase that success can come in many forms, and ABC is here to celebrate them all!”

Although 'The Exceptional' is not a competition, and rather a platform to showcase 10 exceptional individuals in Cambodia, one person will be chosen to receive US $20,000.

Oun Bathom, better known as the singer Sai, received US $20,000 in the first season of 'The Exceptional' last year, for his exceptional character and outstanding contributions to society. True to his nature, he invested US $10,000 into his 'Run with Sai - Virtual Run 2021' project, which raised funds for various local charities and organizations. This year, the singer continued his 'Run with Sai' project and ran 303 km from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, raising more than US $130,000, as of November 2022, for a local charity.

This year, award-winning film director, Rithy Lomorpich, also known as Yoki, directed one-minute short films focused on each of the 10 exceptional individuals. Through these films, she provides a personal look, with an immersive, yet lighthearted tone, of the 10 individuals.

ABC's 10 exceptional individuals this year are:

Chea Langda, Founder & CEO of BookMeBus, the go-to online platform for booking multiple transportation tickets, including for buses, trains, ferries, and taxis. The company's award-winning Ticketing Management System is used by various transport operators in the region, facilitating over two million travelers a year.

Sim Chankiriroth, Founder & CEO of the award-winning FinTech startup, BanhJi. With 17 years of experience in strategy and finance, he also serves as the vice president of the Young Entrepreneur Association of Cambodia and is part of various other industry boards.

Luu Meng, chef, culinary author and hospitality entrepreneur, developed his skills in Singapore and Malaysia before returning to Cambodia to work at a string of five-star hotels. He then launched the esteemed Malis restaurant and a series of other hospitality operations.

Pol Kimsan, one of the renowned 'Kimsan Twins,' pioneered a new genre for fine Khmer dining. She has showcased her skills at the revered Embassy Restaurant in Siem Reap and across the globe. She is also a graduate of the prestigious Paul Dubrule hospitality school.

Van Natacha, a Hong Kong-born Cambodian fashion designer, launched her couture clothing line in Cambodia and has also made a name for herself internationally as a forward-thinking fashion designer as well as a photographer, art director, businesswoman, and TV personality.

Nat Soknan, a fashion designer with a background in agriculture, has repeatedly wowed the fashion industry with his premium designs. To ensure that he continues to create the finest evening dresses, tulle, or bridal gowns, Soknan travels the world to source premium materials. His collections have graced the catwalks of KL Fashion Week and Malaysia Fashion Week.

Chum Sothea, renowned TV commercial director, kick-started his career after graduating in film production from South Korea in 2016. He has worked on producing a vast range of content, including documentaries, short films, TV game shows, and TV commercials. He is also an alumni of prestigious film academies, including AFA (2017) and FAJR (2019).

Neang Kavich, acclaimed film director, has made a name for himself after graduating from Cambodian Living Arts and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in 2013. After directing his debut short film 'A Scale Boy' in a workshop led by the award-wining director Rithy Panh, Kavich released his latest work, 'White Building,' to international critical acclaim.

Rithy Lomorkesor, also known as Kesorrr, is a singer who has pushed Cambodia’s contemporary music scene forward. She was the lead vocalist of SmallWorld SmallBand, a band that reshaped Cambodia’s music landscape with its original sound. Her exceptional drive has also seen her co-found PlerngKob, a creative house that aims to connect artists and develop modern Cambodian music, and BonnPhum, an annual art and cultural festival.

Khun Vatheanith, better known as DJ Maily, made a splash after winning the First Pioneer Digital Battle in 2014. The iconic female DJ’s passion for music and creating a buzz on the dancefloor has seen her make a big name for herself on the regional music circuit, and has crowned her 'Cambodia’s Queen of Clubbing.'

ABC will be hosting more Exceptional events to celebrate these 10 exceptional individuals in December. Be the first to know about these exclusive events and find out how you can secure your invites by following their social media pages.

For more details about “The Exceptional” campaign, you can visit:

ABC’s website: https://abcbeerkh.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ABC.ExtraStoutCambodia

Instagram: @abcbeer.cambodia