A Cambodian Woman’s Journey from A Garment Worker to Business Leader

Inspiring

Dean Heng Sreyleak, a 45-year-old former garment worker, has transformed her life by becoming a successful Wing Bank agent. Over the decade, she has built a thriving business, empowering herself and her family, and changing the lives of many.

“I want to tell all women that we are not born weak as women. In fact, we are lucky to be born as women,” said Dean Heng Sreyleak. “We are strong, can earn money and are capable of doing many things.”

The 45-year-old is a former garment worker, who became an entrepreneur managing a money transfer and withdrawal business for homegrown Wing Bank (Cambodia) Plc.

Wing Bank, a leading digital bank in Cambodia, which has experienced rapid growth, has seen a significant boost. The National Bank of Cambodia recently approved Wing Bank’s plan to inject $88 million to increase its capital, a move aimed at bolstering its financial foundation and fuelling its expansion plans.

The new funds consist of $60 million in primary capital and $28 million in secondary capital, demonstrating a strong commitment by the bank to ensure continued success and its vital role in Cambodia’s evolving financial landscape.

Sreyleak said, over the decade, she has been building her capacity as well as her families through the money transfer business at Sangkat Krang Pongro, Khan Dangkor, located outside Phnom Penh city.

Selling sour mango

In 1996, Sreyleak left her hometown in Kampong Cham province to find work in the garment factories in Phnom Penh. Life as a garment worker in the 1990s was a struggle, with meagre wages of $30 per month despite doing overtime work.

Although her salary rose above $100 after 2000, financial challenges persisted, especially after she married in 2001 and left factory work to become a housewife. Despite her husband’s income, supporting their growing family proved difficult.

“When I was single, $100 a month was enough for a rented room,” Sreyleak recalled. “But after starting a family and leaving factory work, things became difficult. My husband’s salary alone couldn’t support us.”

To supplement their income, she tried selling snacks, like sour mango and frozen desserts from home, but these efforts yielded little profit.

Path to a better livelihood

Sreyleak’s path to a better livelihood began in 2013 when she learned about Wing through her niece, a Wing Bank agent herself in Kampong Cham. Her niece opened a small Wing Outlet at home, providing money transfer and exchange services. The business model offered flexibility and convenience, particularly for women with families, her niece told her.

“My niece said it was a very convenient business,” Sreyleak shared. “She could be at home to care for her children and her elderly mother, while also earning an income.” Inspired by her niece’s success, Sreyleak saw an opportunity to improve her own family’s financial situation.

In 2014, Sreyleak and her husband, Hay Vannak, took a leap of faith, investing $3,000 to open their own Wing Bank Agent’s outlet. This was a significant investment for them, requiring a bank loan and $2,000 of their hard-earned savings.

“I was scared,” Sreyleak admitted. “It was a new venture, and I had no experience.”

But their effort was rewarded. The Wing business quickly proved to be more profitable than their factory jobs. “My husband even quit his job to help me run the business,” she said with a laugh.

Ten years on, Sreyleak and Vannak have built a thriving Wing business. What started as a leap of faith transformed their lives. They’ve gone from financial uncertainty to owning a house, car, and 13 rental stalls in the market. Most importantly, they can now afford to support their three children’s education, including their eldest daughter’s dream of becoming a doctor.

“Wing has changed my life,” Sreyleak reflects. “I even used my profit to buy land!”

Vannak agrees, recalling their past struggles. “Before Wing, we relied on small salaries, barely enough for our children, let alone our aging parents who needed medical care. Now, we can even invest in land,” Vannak said.

Sreyleak emphasised that their current success stems entirely from their Wing business. “It’s like using money to generate more money,” she explains.

‘Like frogs in a well’

Sreyleak said she has changed so much, saying that before, her life revolved around factory work. “Now, with Wing, I interact with so many people.”

She’s not just talking about increased social interaction. Running her own business has honed her communication and financial skills. “I’ve become better at communicating and managing money,” she explains.

Vannak agreed, adding, “We used to feel restricted, like frogs in a well, just following orders. Wing improved our lives, especially our communication skills.”

Even Sreyleak’s sister, Tech Chouling, noticed the positive changes. “She says I’m not as short-tempered as I used to be,” Sreyleak said, smiling.

The Wing Bank agent’s story

Recalling one incident, Sreyleak said, a woman came into her shop carrying her baby who had a cleft lip. She looked upset and somewhat embarrassed. The woman said she remembered hearing about a Wing Bank charity programme which helped children with cleft lips receive treatment, Sreyleak narrated.

Sreyleak immediately shared the contact information with the mother. Seeing the baby post-surgery with a beautiful smile was one of her most cherished memories. It was a reminder that she could make a difference, even in small ways.

“Seeing the child’s beautiful smile after the surgery brought so much joy for me,” Sreyleak shared, her eyes sparkling. “Every time he runs past my house, it warms my heart.”

Sreyleak also finds joy in helping elderly customers. “Whenever they come to transfer money for religious ceremonies, I often waive the transaction fee,” she explained. “It’s a small gesture, but it brings me happiness to know that I can assist them.” – advertorial.

This article was originally reported by Kiripost. Read the full story here.