The 14th WorldSkills ASEAN Competition in Manila, Philippines, marked an important milestone for Cambodia’s young hospitality professionals — and for PIE – Professional Institute of Excellence
From August 26 to 28, three talented students proudly represented Cambodia on the international stage, competing among the region’s best young professionals in culinary arts and bakery. Supported by the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism and guided by their mentors, the team showcased not only technical excellence, but also passion, resilience, and national pride.
Representing Cambodia at this prestigious regional competition were:
Together, they carried the Cambodian flag with determination and professionalism throughout an intense and inspiring week of competition.
The road to Manila was built on weeks of intensive preparation, practical training, and discipline. Under the mentorship of Dean Bruno Cardone and Chef Ngeth Roues, the students refined their culinary techniques, time management, creativity, and ability to perform under pressure.
For the competitors, WorldSkills ASEAN was about much more than medals. It was an opportunity to challenge themselves, meet other talented young professionals from across the ASEAN region, and experience international standards in hospitality and culinary arts.
“Representing Cambodia at WorldSkills ASEAN means a lot to me. It is an opportunity to show the passion and skill of young Cambodian chefs on an international stage,”
— Chang Sopheak
“We trained not only on cooking, but also on timing, pressure, and attention to detail. Every detail matters in a competition like this,”
— Phoun David
For bakery competitor Uk Onnoel, the competition was also a chance to inspire future students interested in bakery and pastry arts.
“Baking is a combination of science and creativity. I’m proud to represent Cambodia in this discipline and hope to inspire others to follow their passion,”
— Uk Onnoel
The opening ceremony officially launched the competition week, bringing together young talents from 11 ASEAN nations. Cambodia’s team entered the competition with pride, determination, and the support of mentors, partners, and supporters back home.
During the competition days, the students faced demanding technical challenges that tested precision, creativity, organization, and consistency under time pressure.
Day 2 marked the completion of the bakery competition for Onnoel, while David and Sopheak continued their culinary challenges through the final competition day. Throughout the event, the Cambodian competitors demonstrated professionalism, teamwork, and strong technical ability.
The closing ceremony brought a moment of immense pride for Cambodia and the PIE community.
Among competitors from across the ASEAN region, Chang Sopheak was awarded the Best of Nation Medal — a special recognition presented to the highest-scoring competitor from each participating country.
This award reflects not only Sopheak’s exceptional performance, but also the dedication, perseverance, and hard work demonstrated throughout the journey.
“This recognition is a testament to the commitment and passion of our students. Competitions like WorldSkills help prepare the next generation of hospitality professionals for international standards and global careers,”
— Bruno Cardone, Mentor and Dean
The achievement also highlights the growing strength of Cambodia’s hospitality and vocational education sector, and the importance of investing in young talent.
While medals and awards are important, the true value of WorldSkills lies in the experience itself. Competing internationally allows students to develop confidence, discipline, adaptability, and professional maturity — qualities that will benefit them throughout their careers.
The event also created opportunities for cultural exchange, networking, and learning from other professionals across ASEAN.
At PIE, international exposure and practical learning remain at the heart of hospitality education. Experiences like WorldSkills ASEAN demonstrate how Cambodian students can compete confidently on the world stage when given the right training, mentorship, and opportunities.
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