Growing up in Cambodia, Panha rarely saw LGBTQI+ individuals reflected authentically in media or public discourse. “When LGBTQI+ people were represented, it often did not feel truthful to who we are,” she stated.
This lack of representation fueled her mission. Now, as co-founder of Sampi TV, Panha is leveraging digital platforms to amplify LGBTQI+ voices through podcasts, documentaries, and online tools, fostering conversations previously stifled by fear among young Cambodians. “I wanted to be part of the change,” she affirmed.
Panha views storytelling as a vital tool for fostering dignity, belonging, and solidarity among young people. “Storytelling is a very powerful tool,” she explained. “Social media shapes how people understand the world. I believe we can use storytelling to advocate for what is right and support young people whose voices are not heard.”
Sampi TV’s impactful projects include documentaries where LGBTQI+ youth engage in open dialogues with their parents about identity, fear, and acceptance. These narratives have resonated deeply online, with viewers expressing relief and hope for future understanding. Panha recalled, “People said they felt relief. They felt hopeful that maybe one day their own parents could understand them too.”
The platform also offers an anonymous Khmer-language chatbot, providing a safe space for young individuals to ask about relationships, HIV prevention, and sexual health—topics often met with stigma. “Some young people are too afraid to ask these questions publicly,” Panha noted. “They worry about judgement. They worry about being outed.”
What began as a grassroots effort has expanded significantly, with early episodes generating widespread discussion and curiosity across social media. Panha observed, “Some people liked it. Some people did not. But people were finally talking.”
Currently, Sampi TV collaborates with youth groups and organizations throughout Southeast Asia, including Laos and Myanmar, to create supportive environments for LGBTQI+ youth. In 2025, Panha was recognized as one of the Young Leaders for the SDGs by the United Nations for her work advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. However, she emphasizes the collective nature of this achievement: “It is about the community. The young people who have big dreams, but whose voices are often unheard. I hope I can be a messenger for them.”
Over the next two years, Panha aims to broaden Sampi TV’s regional influence and continue advocating for inclusion, dignity, and visibility. “My goal,” she concluded, “is to make sure storytelling and inclusion are not just words in speeches, but part of everyday life.”
