Rin Pichmony, Head of Marketing at Smart Axiata—one of Cambodia’s leading telecommunications companies—manages his time between a demanding career and his pursuit of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Paragon International University. With a passion for applying business knowledge to the field of marketing, Pichmony believes the MBA provides crucial skills for today’s competitive business landscape.
In this interview, he shares insights into his academic journey and why he chose to pursue his MBA at Paragon International University.
Q: Why did you decide to pursue a master’s degree in Cambodia, particularly at Paragon International University, when many aim to study abroad?
Pichmony: After earning my bachelor’s degree in 2013, I began my career in marketing. I wanted to enhance my expertise without having to leave my current job, which made studying in Cambodia the most practical option. Paragon International University offered the flexibility and quality I needed, allowing me to balance both work and education seamlessly.
Q: Why did you choose to specialize in the MBA?
Pichmony: I selected the MBA because my role in a private company requires a strong understanding of business operations. While my bachelor’s degrees—one in computer science and the other in English literature—gave me a foundation, they didn’t cover business in depth. The MBA has helped bridge that gap by providing both academic and practical knowledge, especially in areas like business strategy, finance, and management.
Q: What made you choose Paragon International University over other institutions?
Pichmony: My decision to attend Paragon was well-researched. First, I observed the high caliber of Paragon graduates working at Smart Axiata—both in terms of their work performance and communication skills. This convinced me of the university’s quality.
Second, Paragon offers the convenience of 100% online learning, which is perfect for professionals like me. It saves time and allows me to study from wherever I am, whether at home or in the office. The fact that the courses are delivered in English is an added advantage.
Lastly, Paragon’s partnerships, including one with Smart Axiata, further convinced me of its value. Although I didn’t apply through the scholarship program, I appreciate the many opportunities and partnerships the university offers.
Q: What are the key subjects you study in the MBA, and how are they relevant to your career?
Pichmony: The MBA curriculum covers a wide range of subjects essential to the private sector, including financial management, which helps us understand profit calculations and budgeting, as well as human resource management, leadership, Event-Based Management and marketing management. These subjects have practical applications in business operations. For instance, I apply what I learn directly to my job, and often bring real-world questions to the classroom to deepen my understanding.
Q: Which MBA courses interest you the most, and why?
Pichmony: I find several subjects particularly relevant, including marketing management, financial management, budgeting, and human resource management. Additionally, I’m very interested in corporate social responsibility (CSR). In a company like Smart Axiata, we aren’t just focused on selling products—we also have a responsibility to give back to society. Courses like CSR and situational management help me better understand the broader role that businesses play in the community.
Q: How do you manage to balance your studies with a busy career?
Pichmony: Time management is key. I carefully schedule my study time around work commitments. On days when I have major projects at work, I may rely on my classmates for support or catch up by watching recorded lessons, which is a big advantage of online learning. Staying connected with professors is also crucial—they’re always willing to help when needed, especially if work obligations affect my studies.
Q: How do you apply the skills you’ve learned in the MBA program to your role at Smart Axiata?
Pichmony: The MBA has enhanced my work performance in many ways. For example, financial management has improved how I handle budgets, while CSR studies have helped me understand the importance of corporate responsibility. I’ve also honed my skills in research, which has made me better at drafting proposals and delivering presentations.
Q: In your opinion, what sets Paragon International University apart from other institutions?
Pichmony: Paragon offers several unique advantages. One is its partnerships with a wide range of companies, not just Smart Axiata. Another key feature is the 100% online curriculum, which gives students more flexibility and allows for a self-paced learning experience. The recorded lectures are a great resource for review, and the university regularly invites guest speakers from various industries to share practical insights.
Additionally, the program offers a blend of local and international perspectives by involving professors from Cambodia and abroad, which broadens our understanding of both regional and global business environments.
Q: As the MBA program in Paragon is fully online, how effective do you find this mode of learning?
Pichmony: For me, online learning has been highly effective. It saves time and allows me to study from anywhere. The only potential issue is internet speed, but that’s not been a major problem. Although it’s online, the program emphasizes regular discussions and presentations, which keeps students engaged. Ultimately, the effectiveness of online learning depends on individual effort and the quality of instruction, both of which have been excellent at Paragon.
Q: What advice would you give to those considering a master’s degree, especially an MBA?
Pichmony: I highly encourage young professionals to pursue a master’s degree, whether an MBA or another field of interest. For those drawn to business, an MBA is invaluable. It provides both theoretical and practical knowledge that can be applied directly in the workplace.
Before committing, it’s important to find a balance between your personal life, work, and studies. I also recommend reaching out to alumni for advice and researching the program thoroughly to ensure it aligns with your goals.
If you’re interested in pursuing an MBA at Paragon International University, I encourage you to connect with alumni and explore the program to gain a clearer understanding of how it can benefit your career.
* The new academic year for our three master’s programs (MBA, MIS, & CS) begins on October 28. Scholarships are currently available. For more information, join our Telegram group here: https://t.me/+PXLvhItZJNU2ZWU1
