My name is Samith Vatnakoudom (SVO), shortly called Oudom. “Oudom” means in Cambodian term “Excellent”, and several Cambodians have it as their first name. I was named by my beloved parents who are now residing at Kampong Chamleong Village, Lerk Dek District, Kandal province, home to my birthplace.

Born and raised in an impoverished but heart-rich family, I was fortune enough to be belonged to the parents who have been very committed and determined to make education possible for all their children no matter how much hardship the family had faced with. My parents, especially and most importantly my beloved and respected mother, are the milestone behind our education and career today.

Somewhere, 20 something years ago, I had never thought of even finishing my high school, as my family was deprived and we had inadequate food to supply our family’s stomach. My father was sent away from home leaving my caring mother alone to take care of three starving children. Until now I have never forgotten that at that time we sometimes ate junk potatoes given my aunty, who already passed away, as our lunch or dinner; also my older sister usually tried to collect thrown-away tiny paddy rice from the rice truck of my mom’s friend, so we could keep it as extra our supply. My oldest brother worked exhaustively daily to help mom and took care of us when mom wasn’t around. Despite the hardship, my mom whose educational degree was unfortunately far below secondary school highly values education, and without complaint she kept pushing us to get educated and has kept motivating us to go as higher education as possible. Thanks to the tireless support and inspiration, unsurprisingly their children are not uneducated. My big brother graduated his master’s degree and is now doing his long-distance PhD program, and equally important he is holding a management position at one of the big local corporates. My sister also completed a medical doctor a few years ago and now serves at a public referential hospital. Last but not least, I am presently pursuing a master’s degree in International Development and Cooperation at Ajou University in South Korea, under the Korean Government Scholarship Program. These are to mention a few significant outcomes my parents have planted in the family.

Well, I hope I won’t bother you much with my family’s story. I would like to thank you for visiting my blog, and I will be pleased to read your comments and be friend with you because making friends is far worth spending time than making the enemy. Today technology has given us a way to communicate and keep in touch with one another very easily and fast. I could be also reached through my personal Facebook and Linkedin.

Welcome to my blog, SVO-Your Smile is My Happiness :):):)