by: Tram Kuchsovanthida & Thy Thaileang

Think with PingAnn is a Facebook channel that was established by Mr. Oung Pingann in 2018.

Phnom Penh— Oung Pingann illustrates a modern personal branding strategy that merges social media techniques with authentic engagement, showcasing his expertise in navigating various platforms and maintaining consistent messaging in today’s evolving digital landscape.

Pingann hails from a lower-income family and was born and raised in Battambang province, Cambodia. After completing high school, he departed from his hometown to pursue higher education in the vibrant capital of Phnom Penh, embarking on a transformative journey.

Faced with financial constraints, Pingann encountered significant challenges in managing his living and educational expenses in Phnom Penh. To sustain himself, he sought various employment opportunities, diligently balancing work with his studies. “Upon graduating from high school, I accepted any job I could find due to my family’s financial limitations. I sold and delivered books to bookstores while also working as a news anchor and MC at national TV and Bayon TV,” he recounted.

He was with UN sharing his thoughts on how we contribute to one of the many SDGS (Sustainable Development Goals).

His diverse work experiences have cultivated a rich array of skills and interests. “Over time, I developed a profound appreciation for books, culminating in the establishment of my own library. My roles as an MC and anchor, combined with my studies at DMC, ignited my passion for public speaking, which inspired me to create ‘Think with PingAnn’,” he elaborated.

The Department of Media and Communication, known as DMC at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), was established in 2001 and is the first academic institution in Cambodia to equip students with specialized training in communication, journalism, and media. Pingann is a former DMC student from batch 12.

Think with PingAnn, launched in 2018, is a Facebook channel dedicated to promoting holistic well-being—physically, mentally, and financially. As a committed advocate for health equity and women’s empowerment, Pingann shares impactful narratives and engages in meaningful discussions on topics such as education, self-care, and mental health.

Reflecting on his upbringing, he recalled how his family instilled the importance of appropriate attire for various occasions, motivating him to establish an Attire Lounge. “My parents taught me that regardless of our financial situation, dressing appropriately is a fundamental principle. This belief continues to inspire my work,” he stated calmly.

Driven by an innate curiosity and a desire for knowledge, Pingann enjoys exploring diverse pursuits. “I believe our intrinsic drive to learn and earn opens doors to fascinating opportunities,” he asserted. “I am not the type to concentrate solely on a single endeavor; I thrive on engaging in multiple activities to foster creativity. Inspiration springs from various sources, including entrepreneurship and other content creators, enabling us to amalgamate ideas from many places”, he continued.

Pingann’s grandmother has had a profound influence on his life. Although he could not pursue his childhood dream of becoming a doctor due to familial circumstances, he has successfully forged a career in the health sector through strategic communication. “As a child, I aspired to be a doctor to help others, inspired by my grandmother’s nurturing nature. Unfortunately, our family could not afford it,” he lamented.

“I have never studied medicine; however, my secondary interest was advertising, which still allows me to focus on health communication. I promote health through strategic messaging and social media campaigns. While it may not equate to being a doctor directly, I believe it carries similar significance,” he added.

A screenshot of his Tiktok account

Pingann emphasizes the multifaceted roles that social media platforms play in shaping personal branding. “Social media serves diverse functions for me. My primary platforms include LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok—each tailored to align with my personal branding objectives,” he explained.

Understanding the target audience is crucial; thus, he customizes his content accordingly. “On LinkedIn, I exclusively share professional content because it’s crucial to understand what resonates with your audience,” he noted.

A screenshot of his Instagram account, he focuses on his daily basis and lifestyle.

For Think with PingAnn, “I concentrate on three pivotal pillars: health—addressing citizen care and supporting severely mentally ill patients; self-development and critical thinking; and lifestyle,” he elaborated.

In contrast to Facebook’s focus, he utilizes Instagram to showcase his personal lifestyle and foster deeper connections with his audience. “On Instagram, I prioritize engaging my audience with glimpses into my daily life. People often favor lifestyle content over educational material, significantly enhancing my personal brand,” he remarked.

He further explained that TikTok serves a broader purpose for him by allowing him to share varied content while remaining aligned with his brand pillars of self-development and social progress. “On TikTok, I present a wide array of topics that still resonate with my overarching themes,” he concluded.

Metadata

Title

Oung Pingann’s Profile

Author

Oung Pingann

Year

2018 – Present

Place of Publication

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Technical Requirements

Standard Browser

Archived Version

N/A

Source

Interview with Mr. Oung Pingann, December 14, 2024

Disclosure of used AI and writing tools: In the writing of this essay, Perplexity AI and QuillBot were used.