From Monkhood to Mentor

In the bustling streets of Phnom Penh, where life moves quickly, Youk Soeng stands out with a calm presence and a warm, steady smile.

At 32, he serves as a Sponsor Relations Officer (SRO) at the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF), acting as a bridge for 48 children aged seven and above and their sponsors, spread across the world.

His job in a busy team can be demanding at times, but Soeng exudes an air of someone very much at peace with himself and the world around him.

“I am an optimistic person,” he agrees. “I take things easy and don’t pressure myself too much. I like to keep a positive mindset.”

His former life goes a long way to explaining this calmness.

Soeng used to be a Buddhist monk - and his path in life has not always been easy with challenges along the way.

Born in Svay Rieng, a province that borders Vietnam, Soeng was the last of three children growing up in a farming family with modest means. There was enough money to send him to the local school, but not much left over.

His life changed dramatically at age 20 when his father passed away from heart disease. Following Cambodian tradition, Soeng became a monk for a short time to honour his father’s memory—a decision that turned into four years of deep spiritual study.

“There’s a belief among Buddhist followers that when a close relative, like a parent, passes away, a person becomes a monk for a week or two weeks. They believe that doing good can transfer merit to the person who has passed away, and a monk is considered to bring very high merit. I decided to extend my time as a monk to around four years,” says Soeng.

The frugal, monastic way of life suited him. Time was spent learning the teachings of the Buddha, continuing his education at the pagoda’s school, and engaging with the local community. Meals were limited to twice a day, breakfast and lunch. The evening was spent studying, with no dinner and fasting until morning.

“It was a content life, very peaceful,” Soeng recalls. “I didn’t think much about the outside world - just focused on

on spiritual ways, and doing good for others.”

Those years taught him discipline, gratitude, and resilience. Even after returning to lay life in 2017, Soeng carried those lessons with him and still does today.

“Buddha taught us to stay in the present and be satisfied with what we have. Live and enjoy our present moment,” he says.

“During that time, I learned a lot about myself. How we can find peace in our daily life if we focus on doing good for ourselves and others.”

Soeng needed his faith when his mother unexpectedly passed away while he was still a monk. She fell in the bathroom and never recovered. She had been so proud of her son for dedicating his life to the monkhood.

When he left the monkhood to experience life outside its confines, he found himself living alone and having to support himself through a degree in International Relations with a part-time job.

The COVID-19 pandemic made those years especially difficult. Living in a small room and attending classes entirely online, he faced isolation and financial strain.

“I almost quit school during COVID due to difficulties I faced,” he admits. “But I reflected on myself. Hard times teach us not to take things for granted. Challenges don’t last forever, and they help us grow.”

His experiences as a monk helped him during those difficult days, he says.

Soeng graduated in 2022 and joined CCF, inspired by the work of founder Scott Neeson, whose story he had followed for years. As an SRO, Soeng works with and guides children from backgrounds much like his own. His calm energy and compassionate guidance bring a sense of stability to those who need it most.

He teaches them the same principles that carried him through life’s hardships: discipline, resilience, and the transformative power of education.

“I tell the children, don’t give up,” Soeng says. “Education not only fills your mind but shapes your future. It changes the way you see the world and how you face life’s challenges. It did for me.”

Outside of his work, Soeng continues to meditate daily, exercise, and focus on self-growth. He has been accepted to study a Master’s in Public and International Law and will start classes next month (October).

His mum remains a source of inspiration.

“My mum always wanted me to have a better future and be a good citizen in society. She always encouraged me to pursue higher education because she did not have the chance. My mum is still one of my motivations today,” says Soeng.

The past struggles have all been lessons in life, too, he says.

“Although I face hard times and difficulties, there’s always a solution. Challenges help us grow. Without them, life would not be so meaningful.”