Growing up in a rural area of Siem Reap, Cambodia, Niza comes from a large family of eight siblings, where resources were limited but valuable lessons were abundant. Her family sustained themselves through self-owned businesses, which instilled in her a deep respect for entrepreneurship and perseverance. As the youngest, she learned by observing her siblings’ experiences, especially the importance of hard work and ambition.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she transferred between two schools, eventually earning a competitive scholarship to a private school in the city, 30 minutes from home. There, she discovered a passion for debate and pushed herself to join Model United Nations conferences. She went on to co-create the first high school debate team in a public school, aiming to give students a space to grow beyond the classroom. The team focused on building confidence, speaking skills, critical thinking, and fostering a supportive environment for self-expression. Debate opened her mind to diverse perspectives and taught her the value of global dialogue. Niza aspires to contribute to Cambodia’s economic growth by participating in conversations that connect ideas and strategies across borders.