My Dear High School  Graduates and All Twelve Graders:
Today marks one of the most memorable milestones in your life — a memory recalling your high school graduation. It is a moment of pride and accomplishment, the result of long years of effort, perseverance, and guidance from your parents, counselors, and teachers. Please take a moment to thank them — for without their love, guidance and support, this achievement would not be possible.
For those who have fully completed grade twelve, you are also heroes to me and to your beloved parents. You have made your way as well. You too, you can attend any college or university as you wish. At Pannasastra University of Cambodia, you take only one additional semester . You do not need to go back to take the high school exam again next year unless you want it.
As you stand at this crossroad between youth and adulthood, a new chapter begins. You will now choose your path of study, your career, and the direction of your life. This is an exciting yet challenging stage, and I wish to share a few words of guidance that may light up your way forward.

1. Know Yourself Before Choosing a Career
   Before you decide on what to study or which career to pursue, take time to understand your strengths, your passion, and your purpose.
   Ask yourself:
   What am I truly interested in?
   What kind of work gives me satisfaction?
   How can I contribute to society?
   Success is not found in following others’ paths — it is discovered when you follow your own heart with discipline and commitment. A career chosen with love becomes a lifetime of joy, not a burden.
2. Value Education as the Foundation of Success
   Entering college or university is not just about earning a degree. It is about developing your mind, your character, your vision, and your destiny.
   Study not only for grades, but for understanding. Learn to think critically, to ask questions, and to solve real-life problems.
   Do not be afraid of your counselors and teachers but love and respect them.
   Knowledge is power but wisdom is the right use of knowledge.
   Let your education serve both your personal growth and the betterment of your beloved country.
3. Build Good Habits and Discipline
   Talent alone is not enough. The secret to success lies in discipline, perseverance, and time management.
   College life gives you freedom — but freedom without self-control leads to failure.
   Wake up early, attend your classes, read widely, and surround yourself with positive, hardworking good friends.
   Never skip a class because it is rainy or hot. Your mind is stronger than the natural event because each morning you salute your day with love in your heart.
   Remember: What you repeatedly do becomes who you are.
   Your repeated actions become your habits, your habits shape your character, and your character determines your destiny.
4. Respect Teachers and Learn from Mentors
   Every successful person once had a mentor. Respect your teachers, professors, and elders. Their experience is your treasure. Follow their wise advice.
   When you listen and learn humbly, you grow faster than you imagine.
   As the Buddha said: “The wise person learns from every experience, every teacher, and every mistake.”
5. Face Challenges with Courage
   Life in university and beyond will not always be easy. There will be moments of failure, doubt, and confusion.
   But remember — every obstacle is a lesson, and every failure is a step toward success.
   Those who never give up will always rise again, stronger and wiser.
   Have faith in yourself and keep moving forward.
6. Live a Life of Purpose and Service for Country and Humanity
   The greatest success in life is not only personal achievement but the ability to help others.
   Be kind, be honest, and serve your community and humanity. True happiness comes from giving — not just receiving.
   Let your education empower you to make a difference — for your family, your nation, and humanity.
7. A Final Word: Dream Big, Work Hard, and Remain  Humble
   Dear graduates, the future is wide open before you. Dream boldly — but never forget the values that brought you here: hard work, truthfulness, patience, integrity, and gratitude.
   Use your education to build a meaningful life, one that brings peace to your mind and benefit to others.

Conclusion
In conclusion, I encourage all of you to remember that success in college and life depends not only on intelligence, but on your character, effort, perseverance, and clear purpose.
Whatever career you choose, do it with passion. Wherever you go, walk with humility. Whatever your career and your position in the society in the future, be always grateful and humble.
And when you succeed in life, use your success to lift others up. If you do so, you gain moral merits for this life and beyond.

Congratulations to all of you — the proud graduates and future leaders of our future prosperous nation.
May your journey be guided by truthfulness, patience, gratitude,  wisdom, courage, love, and compassion.
And please strongly commit to practicing the five precepts (Panca Sila) for the rest of your life. Panca Sila is the most powerful shield for your protection in this life and beyond.
Whatever circumstances you face in life, never never and never give up. Quitter is never win and Winner never quit ! 

With love from the bottom of my heart !

Humbly Yours, 
Kol Pheng, Ph.D.,
President and Founder of Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia – PUC.