Interview with KOEUT Srey Aun, culinary student at Chandara Students Home

Inspired by her late father’s smile, KOEUT Srey Aun is doing her best to perfection her skills in the art of cooking to share the joy of the eyes and palate. Among all Chandara Students Home students she is the only one who chose a career path in culinary. Find out more about her vision in this interview.

1. Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Srey Aun KOEUT. I’m 20 years old. I’m a student at Chandara Students Home. Currently, I am staying in Boeung Tum Pum dorm and I’m about to finish my second year in culinary diploma at the end of this year. 

2. Where are you studying and what is your major?

I study at Academy of Culinary Arts Cambodia specializing in culinary arts (Chef). It’s located in Sangkat 7 Makara, Khan Daun Penh.

3. Why did you choose this major?

Although I know it is not an easy job, it is my passion and I want to master this skill to become a professional in this field. It’s also my dream since I was a kid. I looked into the job market; this major is very rare. Moreover, I like the arts of decorating and plating dishes, it does look magnificent and craving to eat.

4. What or who inspired you to study this major?

It was my father. He has always loved my cooking, but he hoped that I would go to a regular university instead. However when I told him that I would be studying culinary at university, he never stopped me but encouraged me instead. But sadly, he passed away 2 years ago. But I will always remember how happy he was every time he ate my food. So I wanted to see other people as happy as he is whenever they eat my food. 

5. Are you currently working? If yes, where? 

Yes, since January, I have been doing an internship at Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh. However, the internship will end in May.

6. What do you like the most about what you do? (Your job, your major)

In this major, I have tried all stations (Hot, Cold, Bakery, Pastry, and commissary). What’s exciting about this job for me is cooking in hot stations. The cooking technique and plating style are just so soothing. 

I like to do pastry also, because I have learnt more than expected and there is still much more to discover; the technique to make a cream, the different kind of cakes, "mise en place" and decoration is so special, everything we can imagine is possible to create.

7. Where do you see yourself in 10years?

As I will gain more experience by that time, I would love to build my name in that field and if possible, to become at least a sous-chef in a 5 star hotel or Fine Dining restaurant. 

8. Among all the students in CSH you are the only one who chose to pursue this field, what were the main challenges that you encountered ?

Well people criticizing or judging… It’s happening everywhere in the world when you are thinking differently. They didn’t give me bad criticism, but they just leave me alone sometimes. But it helps me to find who I really am, explore my life and meet new people in this major. 

9. What do you want to tell the other students in CSH?

I hope you have found and follow your own dream, not the dream that other people have for you. If you find it, focus on it, and try your best to pursue the goal you want to achieve in life as this will make you happy. 

There will always criticism no matter what you do, but remember, nothing is bigger than determination.

10. What do you want to tell your parents and sponsors?

I would like to say that I’m glad to do what I do and to thank them for everything they gave me. And if I got a chance to further study for a specific certification in Culinary and Restaurant management, I would go for it. It will be better for me because I believe that education will make me wiser and offer me a bigger journey.