Often when I ask high school students what they want to do in the future, they tell me they want to be rich. But what does it really mean to be rich - and how do you actually get there?
For some, being rich means money. For others, it’s about freedom, security, recognition, making a difference, or even supporting their family. The truth is, people who achieve success rarely get there by simply wanting to be rich. Instead, they focus on solving problems, working hard, and sticking with their goals through persistence and grit.
Take Cambodia’s own success stories. Brown Coffee started with a single café and grew into a leading brand by focusing on quality and authenticity. Laura Mam and Baramey Production are reshaping the music industry by supporting original Khmer talent and taking it to global audiences. Dorsu, a sustainable fashion brand from Kampot, is proving that business can be ethical and still thrive. And Rithy Thul, co-founder of SmallWorld and Koompi laptops, shows that innovation can start right here in Cambodia.
These entrepreneurs didn’t chase quick money - they built something meaningful, step by step, with vision and persistence.
So, next time you think about being “rich,” ask yourself:
After all, being rich isn’t only about what you earn - it’s about what you contribute, build, and leave behind.
Want to know more about these entrepreneurs, here’s a few interesting articles:
About Browns
Coffee culture with a ‘Khmer touch’
Cambodian coffee chain blends local and international flavours
About Baramey Productions
EMPIRE strikes deal with Baramey Production to break Cambodian artists globally
ADA Asia partners with Baramey - the first major international tie-up for a Cambodian label
Making a mark in the Khmer global music business
About Dorsu
Vanna Sann on Building Cambodia’s Leading Sustainable Fashion Brand ‘Dorsu’
About Rithy Thul
13 Years of Building in Cambodia: What Actually
Rising Giants: Rithy Thul on KOOMPI’s Educational Mission and Cambodia’s Startup Ecosystem