When Support and Determination Come Together: Samnang’s Story

When Support and Determination Come Together: Samnang’s Story

From a young age, Samnang felt most at home in the kitchen. Cooking brought her joy, and over time that joy grew into a dream of becoming a professional chef. She loved learning about flavors and cooking methods, and she hopes one day to create food that brings people together while showcasing the rich culture and flavors of Cambodia.

Now completing her advanced courses at the Academy of Culinary Arts Cambodia, Samnang has come a long way. In the beginning, the experience was overwhelming — especially because English was not her first language. She remembers feeling unsure on her first days in the kitchen, but through determination and practice, her confidence grew. As her English improved, she was able to learn more quickly, work more smoothly with her classmates, and fully engage in her training.

Along the way, she has gained strong practical cooking skills, but what she is most proud of is learning how to work as part of a team. In a busy kitchen, communication, trust, and flow matter just as much as technique, and she has learned how to support her teammates while doing her part well.

Her journey into culinary school was made possible through the steady support of Happy Chandara School, which has walked alongside her since childhood. When she first shared her dream of becoming a chef, they believed in her right away — guiding her toward culinary school and helping her apply. Their encouragement gave her the confidence to take that first step.

That support continues through the partnership between Happy Chandara School and the Naomi Tami Scholarship Fund which provides scholarships to students graduating from the school. Through this partnership, students like Somnang are given the opportunity to pursue professional training and imagine a future shaped by their own gifts and hard work.

Next term, Samnang will complete her final internship at a Four Seasons Resort in Malaysia. She is excited to learn new cooking techniques, discover new flavors, and experience what it is like to work in an international kitchen. She looks forward to learning not only about the food, but also about the people she will work alongside.

As she looks ahead, Samnang knows that the life of a chef is not easy. It takes focus, patience, and long hours. Still, she believes that when you truly love something, it is worth giving your best. After gaining several years of experience, she hopes to open a small restaurant of her own one day — a place where she can serve both Khmer and international dishes, and share her love of food with others.