Cambodian Boy Who Speaks 16 Languages' Life Now, 2 Years After Viral Video

On November 9, 2018, Thuch Salik’s life changed when a tourist posted a video of him selling souvenirs in Angkor while speaking multiple languages. The Facebook video got over 33,000 shares, while CNA's feature on this Cambodian boy amassed nearly 6 million views on KZbin (watch the video here: • Meet the Cambodian boy... ) How has his life changed since then?
For more, SUBSCRIBE to CNA INSIDER!
cna.asia/insideryoutubesub
In September 2019, Salik enrolled at the prestigious Hailiang Educational Institute in Zhejiang, China. He was initially offered this scholarship from the school earlier in March, but Salik’s parents were hesitant to let him go. They were US$60,000 to US$70,000 in debt and needed him around to help support his family.
Dr Chen Junwei, chairman and CEO of the school, offered to pay off the family's debts and sponsor his education. They finally accepted the offer.
Salik had to get one-to-one tuition at first to catch up with his classmates, and currently studies subjects like Mandarin, mathematics, painting and psychology. In January 2020, while home for the school break, the.COVID-19 pandemic struck. He has since been following classes via remote learning from Phnom Penh
In July, Salik signed to Cambodian talent company FUN Entertainment where he's being groomed to be a social media star.
WATCH the full series #BeyondTheViralVideo:
• Beyond The Viral Video...
Dogs, cats, babies, TikTok trends, overnight Internet sensations… we are happy to scroll through these viral videos mindlessly. But are viral videos doing more to our world than we realise?
Follow CNA INSIDER on:
Instagram: / cnainsider
Facebook: / cnainsider
Website: cna.asia/cnainsider

[@latersgator]

“They’re grooming him to be a social media star” No… please. Let him finish his studies and all. It’s dangerous to be an influencer :/

[@Tailss1]

There is no future in doing that. I was shocked to hear it. Hopefully he continues his studies so that he maintains choices for his future.

[@sheilalhynne9813]

@@ml.frossard absolutely.

[@alwinvillero4404]

@@ml.frossard stop saying that in every comment

[@cathlinivana]

@@ml.frossard dont be naive. Being an influencer might pay good but there are a lot of harms in being an influencer without having a sense of responsibility and hes just a kid. Let him grow a couple of years and he’ll decide himself

[@Tailss1]

@@ml.frossard Social media "celebrities" are reprehensible to many in western society, are often a toxic influence on children (Logan Paul for example) and are generally "fake posers" and perceived as such by many. Also the market is already saturated with people like this, look at youtube now no one makes any money there except for a privileged few and I suspect with long term changes to society due to covid 19 that the rest of social media will also die off. Then where will these people be?

[@twinsplan3335]

The person who offered him scholarship is so kind and generous. He really went extra miles to help this kid. Very admiring.

[@hanaanne3237]

The world need more people like him

[@leilagepte3677]

@@hanaanne3237 agree

[@01DOGG01]

A full year 1-on-1 with a teacher at an expensive school would cost truckloads of money. As well as paying off his family's debt, and I suspect helping them set up their clothing store as well as relocating them to the capital. Good guy.

[@huyifan83]

@pama cleo That's right. I hope these kind of things happen more. Actually I'm happy to see commercial companies participate more in charity, which will definately help themselves as well.

[@saretgnasoh7351]

Yeah, even begging to kid's mother

[@d-dina4661]

“They’re grooming him to be a social media star” No please. For me, i want him to study. Follow his dream after graduation. For a kid who asking his mom to let him go to school because he wants to study, I don’t think he wants to be a social media star. He wants to be a businessman, let him.

[@kurodanny]

You don't need to go to school to be a businessman....

[@KL-yo5iv]

I have checked some information about this boy. His company is not Chinese company. He sells in his motherland for his family business on-line. Chinese school just helps him for charity.

[@VithiasTV]

You're right, but it's very good to him and even raise his family.

[@Salsabila-vx2wg]

@@kurodanny where do u learn that? If u didn't study, who's gonna take care of the money? the income? U think its easy to be a businessman if u don't have any knowledge at all?

[@kurodanny]

@@Salsabila-vx2wg lmfao... I AM a business man and I didn't even finish my degree yet (been one since I finished high school). I can totally confirm schools teach you JACKSHIT about being a businessman, they will only teach you how to be a slave for society and be a good employee. Dont try to talk smart when you got no experience in the field.

[@frannyglass61]

god he's a linguistic genius and they're making him a social media star? wtf he has way more potential let him study

[@billsmith7673]

We don't know he's a linguistic genius. We don't know to what extent he knows 16 languages, etc. I know people who can speak several languages, but who can't get grammar right even in their mother tongues. They're not smart; they just learned other languages.

[@cicisunGemini]

@ᜊᜈᜈ I see a real clown like you lol

[@yqang2904]

A social media star can clear his family debt within months. So why not? You are ignorant to think that being a social media star is not making use of his potential.

[@frootyfabulous101]

He's said he wants to become a buisness man and continue to study - I think by social media star they mean obviously he's already been viral so perhaps just managing his social media alongside.

[@anshumaanthakur7206]

@ᜊᜈᜈ he isn't wrong. Children do pick up spoken languages faster and more easily. But learning a language is a totally different game. One has to learn the grammar/written, spoken, accent etc. This child has picked up common words and phrases from tourists. Most probably he isn't a genius polygot.

[@buhagsigwasan2259]

I hope he go back to studying instead. Being a social media influencer lasts for short term but having a PhD would last for a lifetime.

[@tubester4567]

It depends what the PHD is. These days they give them to everyone and people get PHDs for ridiculous things like "womens studies" and identity politics. Education standards in the west have dropped dramatically to appease feminists and minorities.

[@tubester4567]

@V P Yeh I kno he is in China I was just responding to guy who made a general comment about PHD's.

[@ABEL-cd2sp]

@@tubester4567 I mean you got wildly different PHD’s for that reason. There’s no comparison when you compare a PHD in let’s say Liberal Studies to a PHD in a branch of engineering. A PHD is always gonna be valuable if the skills you acquire are valuable in a business sense.

[@sebenzilemaseko5749]

Does he even want a PhD. They should let him do what he wants

[@RouRoro]

*Elon musk has left the chat*

[@sternritter9788]

He's brilliant. I really hope the grown-ups won't ruin him with pressure and expectations. Just let him grow up like a normal kid.

[@mirzataimurii]

Well said!

[@mr.e1292]

Yep all throughout history starts with a pure kid ends in a combination of drugs and alcohol too much of the "good life"

[@mirzataimurii]

@@mr.e1292 amen

[@lunchbox1553]

At the same time, having too little expectations also ruins kids

[@TheBambipower]

@@lunchbox1553 Wrong, the kid will grow up to be the best form of self, by himself. All that is necessary is morality, and compassion.

[@andytang674]

It's amazing of how kind the benefactor is. Insisting to bring him to study in China, paying off his huge family 's debt (60-70k USD is a lot money), opening a clothing store in Phnom Penh. I can't believe in my eyes.

[@nananananaanana]

Me too. I'm wondering the reason why they did it. But maybe it's just because they're good people

[@knuddelmuddel0611]

Do you really think they do it without reasons? They probably want him to work for their company for a long time, but even that would give him a different life then he would otherwise have. But ofc I could be wrong not everyone is just greedy.

[@knuddelmuddel0611]

@@andytang674 Given that he is the founder of a big and wealthy company (just look at the room where the current CEO was interviewed, its humongous) he probably has billions of USD and pays maybe a few thousand (< 5k/10k) each month, even his electricity bill must be much higher than this, also the return of the investment is always much higher if you start early

[@3max629]

60-70k is a lot money？ not for everyone

[@andytang674]

@@3max629 lol, a lot money for a specific type of investment. Investing 60-70k for just a kid, who says it's not a lot knob head ?

[@Felixander]

I’m literally crying watching this video. I’m part Cambodian and Chinese and my grandparents had to escape Cambodia during the genocide since they were targeted for being educated. I’m so happy this boy is able to study and learn as much as he can. Knowledge is power and I hope he gets to study a lot.

[@ava-oh8kr]

WOAHHHHH SAME

[@Felixander]

@@ava-oh8kr let’s study hard! ❤️🇰🇭

[@chunlyyy1184]

Samee

[@Shamz0wl]

Pol pot?

[@WhenYOUhearmyname]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqSqg619bJeNjas

[@NB-ky5ol]

It concerns me that he’s being groomed to be a social media “star”. People should not treat him like a commodity. I hope someone is looking out for his true best interest.

[@ciciscute8659]

I feel like his mom seemed very concerned for her son. I think his future looks bright.

[@cileft011]

right....like he went from child labor to getting a better education and back to more child labor

[@occasionalytcommenter6553]

I hope so. This is what makes kids get depressed at such young ages.

[@CURSEDIMAGES]

@@cileft011 but he’s being introduced to new environments keeping his brain stimulated and (in my opinion from what i see) i think it’s what he’s always wanted

[@RadenWA]

People like Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish _were_ “groomed” to be a star. Whatever the cons are you can’t argue with where they are now.

[@ProblematicBitch]

that company who is trying to make him into a social media star is just using him to make money, please get him to focus on his education instead

[@t0ti18]

Your opinion isn't a fact

[@galaxysupernova7459]

i agree

[@MaruskaStarshaya]

Maybe it's all what he can. If he is so talented as told he should study at university as interpreter, but he is just visiting regular school in China.

[@fabolvaskarika7940]

@@MaruskaStarshaya It wasn’t a regular school. Gosh 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@kgkgkgkg5992]

Agree I think they are using him

[@c_0910_K]

We should be thankful to the person who recorded this precious boy. If she did not speak a dozen of languages and uploaded the video, we will not be able to witness this magic😭

[@___Zack___]

You saw magic? I saw a boy speaking Cambodian, a simple sentence in Spanish and 1 sentence of song lyrics in English...

[@___Zack___]

@@c_0910_K How superfluous you seem to be.... Well, enjoy your day too I guess

[@c_0910_K]

@@___Zack___ Your argument is a bit flaw to me but I'm just not going to argue with you back and forth. If you don't see what I see, then it's fine.

[@___Zack___]

@@c_0910_K Flawed? How so, it's literal fact. Is asking for proof of a claim too much, and pointing out when the proof is missing too much? I don't tend to argue, but will you tell me what you think I'm missing?

[@c_0910_K]

@@___Zack___ You come off as condescending to me & I'm not going to have it. I hope you find your answer somewhere.

[@sheaisabutter]

“They’re grooming him to be a social media star” LMAO IS THAT A JOKE THAT'S SO FUNNY

[@WhenYOUhearmyname]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqSqg619bJeNjas

[@urfavaprils]

EXACTLY LMAO LIKE COULDN'T THEY HAVE WORDED IT DIFFERENT

[@haffah6218]

That Cambodian company sounds fishy tho. I feel like they just gonna abuse the money out of him. He should continue his studies in China asap.

[@crappyaccount]

Agree

[@iinskiyuii]

@Justme Andme no *U*

[@shine7103]

I mean it already showed success, alot.

[@davidzhu84]

@Justme Andme no U

[@Andi-lk5ff]

Here probably what happened. He can’t go back to China due to Covid. He still doing remote learning from china’s school. And then this Cambodian company came in and saw the opportunity that since he can’t go back to China anyways why not sign him up. The little boys parents probably are happy he’s staying plus they already got the financial support from China and they are doing so much better financially what’s the point letting him go back to China and be away from them. The only thing the his parents let him to go China to study is that China will help pay off the family’s 70k usd debt. Now the debt has been paid off and the family has been financially stable Why the parent would let him go to China... in other word his parents really don’t prioritize his education instead, family financial come first.

[@tymendyskay9605]

I'm glad that his mother let him to further his studies. One day we might see him again as successful person.

[@garfield2742]

there is depth interview of him in cambodia tv, salim was mature with stunning attitude and amazing the way he speak abd explain everything. its not only education growing inside but his personality.👍

[@nicholasthuya7683]

Cambodian Elon musk

[@mrstrayz1562]

@@Sali-yw1rd VV

[@xtiancolquhoun7410]

I'd say he already pretty successful.

[@michaeljumunski4855]

A president

[@po5511]

please give that boy a possibility to develop his passions and not pressure of social media

[@charlesyoung2197]

The Chinese benefactor is an awesome human being for this act of kindness.And he picked the right kid who values a good education.This is a beautiful story

[@LOL-zj9zp]

@Su-Yau Huang there will always be ppl who refuse to acknowledge other's good deeds.. He is getting an education right now, he isn't hired to do anything

[@yqang2904]

@Su-Yau Huang all I know is that kid got a proper education at a great school. Got on a path that will be lead him to success.

[@south514]

@Su-Yau Huang you're incoherent

[@brendakayyy]

@Su-Yau Huang stop being a hater ok

[@quickbirb4852]

@Su-Yau Huang ？

[@uselessfarmer]

I was hoping to see him mastering more languages, "social star" seems like an empty title to such talented individual.

[@barrymcdougal4816]

wow some more languages -- wtff --

[@Hannah-zw9ow]

Learning languages isn’t a talent, it’s a skill.

[@gaetanodragonetti3942]

Yeah. Social media star made this bittersweet

[@beepboop2700]

social media is how his life changed to begin with, I don't see a problem with banking on that.

[@Jhhuuttg]

i feel like social star would be a hobby meanwhile he study to support himself and his family

[@peterchung2262]

They should help his dreams, not change it

[@loop5720]

Yeah, really great point.

[@prehfatimasacademy1583]

Yeah, it's his choice.

[@ninjabluewings]

Agreed, he wants to be a business man not an "internet star" who will be discarded like an old shoe like the rest of them when the person backing him decides they don't want him anymore then he would have missed out on his real dreams of success, this precious soul has too much great potential to waste on a few years of fame then have nothing

[@rj5848]

What I think is that he wants to be a businessman and he wants to bring new technology so now maybe he might create another social media website which will have different theme from other and might be unique as it might be important maybe this is my prediction that he might become someone like mark zukerberg

[@Chickie1019]

Remember this :"no dream can come truth without money." His main goal is to make money to pay debt to his parents. Lots of people start with different jobs to earn money before pursuing their dreams. He has no choice right now because it's not his money yet. He's getting support from China's Foundation, so don't judge about them. Dreams can't pay debt and feed your family :) It's ugly truth. He's doing fine and he can follow his dream in the future

[@chyngyzkudaiarov4423]

"Salik is really good at persuasion" You know what he's even better at? Languages. Leave the kid be.

[@VithiasTV]

Great

[@WhenYOUhearmyname]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqSqg619bJeNjas

[@d.n.8919]

If he’s good at persuasion, why aren’t they “grooming” him to be a diplomat or to work in something international? The influencer thing doesn’t seem like his passion at all-just something to make money for him and for his managers

[@momouwu1937]

He came from a humble background, he's dedicated, he's smart, he's funny, he's handsome. I admire him a lot.

[@1412Bunny]

hopefully he goes back to focusing on his studies... social media "stardom" is usually short. education is forever.

[@rohaidasamsudin7592]

@Justme Andme Wtf man?

[@0nionratt252]

@Justme Andme Gosh, why take time out of your life to write "stfu" not even the whole sentence. Plus it was rude and if ur opinion is not needed it's just NOT NEEDED. And thank you and goodbye

[@silvervirio3642]

Its okay he is smarter than majority of us, he even caught up to his peers in only one year in differrent languae. Plus he seems already planned his future.

[@dream-rv3cz]

@Lily C do elaborate please. A country offering a better education than what's available on his home country. A knowledge hungry (I think) boy *wanting* a better education. Sure you can see how they correlate. This so called stardom won't help at all in the long term.

[@Anonymous-bs3yf]

@Lily C how? Lol

[@keheungan]

I wonder if he wants to become a diplomat. This video: _he will be an iNfLuenCer_

[@barrymcdougal4816]

CHINA SPY THEY NEED MORE TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD.

[@jaydenpham9953]

@@barrymcdougal4816 where tf did that come from

[@frz5415]

This is the extraction process

[@alwinvillero4404]

*Chin Cheng Hanji*

[@zoinks5717]

@@alwinvillero4404 😐

[@kukthomas]

It’s a shame that he’s being groomed to be a social media star instead of focusing on his education, which can open many doors, domestic and international while the former can’t.

[@WhenYOUhearmyname]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqSqg619bJeNjas

[@loyckfiona]

Lucky for the boy, the sponsor didn’t give up on him. His parents were his obstacle because they ‘needed’ him to make monies. Couldn’t image child has to beg parents to allow him to study.

[@sct4040]

To send a small child alone to a foreign country to live with strangers is probably a gamble and a trust issue for any parents as well.

[@sergeantskrtskrt9594]

I can. In a world where poverty exists, I can definitely imagine it. It's a matter of survival for the family, how much of their actual ability is cut off by one member disappearing?

[@rjkbuny]

@@sergeantskrtskrt9594 I understand your point, but one thing I don't get. They were somehow making it before he was old enough to sell stuff for them, and now if he's overseas with a paid for scholarship, it's one less mouth to feed as well?

[@yqang2904]

Don't demonize the parents. Just look at everything the mother is saying. As the world gasps at how that is the opportunity of a lifetime, his mother is the only one to worry if he can get used to the new environment by himself and how he may not be strong enough to take the cold weather in China. His mum is the only one that treats him like a real child, all the netizens are just looking at him as the new internet buzz. A lot of netizens love stories about picking a kid from rural and poverty and dropping them in the cities. They don't care about the details where it is hard for those kids to adapt to a new environment and learn everything from scratch. Then the kids may have depression and couldn't cope. In fact netizens have a trend of turning their backs and jeering at those kids who couldn't fulfill the rags-to-riches fantasy.

[@zhangzongchang1057]

You dont know what there situation was.

[@MrPianoMan]

What a waste. "Grooming him to be a social media star" This kid should stick to his studies and sell his language skills. A person like him is extremely valuable already lol.

[@g-man1440]

I'm worried m8 likee, it's exactly coz of that skill of his he's finna become famous and will have that boost to his "social star" influencer thingy and, we can only watch him from here sadly

[@MrPianoMan]

@@ml.frossard But you have to remember, WE make social media stars. We are the ones in control in who we choose to follow, give our money to and become "stans" for. For example, TikTok is full of young adults that grind, show cleavage and bounce their arse for a living. And you know the best part, they eventually become irrelevant anyways (or recently, get cancelled). I really don't want this kid to do this, he would be wasting the scholarship and his years developing his language skills. Having actual skills is security for life. Being obnoxious and ignorant isn't a skill and soon enough people see right through you. Also a company can't "groom" and "make" social influencers. You either have the knack for it or you'll just blend in a be a nothing.

[@MaOgtahay434]

Maybe their interest is to train him become spy for them

[@NorCal415]

Let him choose bruh it ain’t yo life

[@TeKeyaKrystal]

exactly ! my face twisted up when they said the part about grooming him for social media success .. with a brain like his , he can save lives ! he can make world change !

[@royaltee960]

No keep him in school they're ruining his education. He dont need that social media life especially in Cambodia.

[@user-ys8dc2ni8z]

Yes but it would help him in the future

[@casper34xv19]

@@user-ys8dc2ni8z could *

[@user-ys8dc2ni8z]

@@casper34xv19 would*

[@juddee5253]

Ha

[@uheavy_ideas5142]

@@user-ys8dc2ni8z could* Clout chasing is a disease that has doomed many youths.

[@timmie3244]

Everyone gonna praise the boy, yes he’s amazing but what about the person who filmed him? In the video where he went viral? She could also speak a lot of languages

[@hannani3366]

In this clip, I thinks the one that we need to feel thankful is the tourist that record this video.. Imagine if nobody notice this boy talent... He wouldn't be popular..

[@campernocamping1]

Salik, take my advice, get out of social media and get an education. It’s an empty, empty road.

[@alicodm5120]

Facts , I sometimes feel sad about what the social media stars are going to do once they get older and don't have something supporting them because there's no future in it

[@slyztercoreveanged3175]

@@alicodm5120 there are to thing, if u use it wisely or you use it just for fun. If you use it wisely there are tons of opportunities lies ahead, opening a startup company will definitely easier and profitable. Business wise popularity does help you a lot. But if you just do for fun and have no plan or anything and at some point u do stupid thing and doom yourself yeah it has no future in it..but truth is, even negative popularity sosical media stars still sold their product/associated product like hot cakes...if you have 1m follower, there are high chance 1% of your follow will buy your promoted product which is 10 000 people..

[@HesterLiong]

PhD doesn't solve all problem.. being influencer ain't that bad after all

[@mrkhim3427]

Having an education is better than being a social media star all that shite

[@ngiruf]

Tell that to the influencers who got brand endorsement. The age now is different than what we are used to.

[@JW-xr9kb]

the Cambodia company needs to stop making him as an influencer. He needs to go back to China and continue his study!!!!! (I have checked the entry policy, Cambodian is allowed to enter China with 14 days quarantine) One PhD is far more valuable than an influencer to Cambodia!!!

[@VinceTheCreatorr]

Currently because of covid19 this allows him to make money but if he's able to , i agree, he needs to go back to school

[@milkberry698]

I know right!! It will SERIOUSLY change him. Entertainment industry is so draining!

[@KpopNiDontStop]

Idk im pretty sure hes making an amazing living from it though.

[@PLA69]

@@milkberry698 What people don't know is that the cambodian entertainment industry is nothing like the brutal south korean or any western entertainment industry. It's really not plagued with illicit substances, suicides and scandal after scandal.. Anyone from Rasmey Hang Meas to KlapYaHandz are well respected labels and in their societal hierarchy, he has just earned a spot in the middle class society which drastically improves your quality of living in such a traditional, developing country. Before he was covered with dust and people would look down on him, but now even kids older than him must show him respect. While no life is 100% proof, becoming an influencer is a change for the better in this case.

[@anony6161]

I believe it's only temporary because of covid. You read it right?

[@gracegpt7744]

I like the way he carries himself and that confidence regardless of the situation… cheers!

[@blusky7]

So happy to see him thriving. Thank you the Chinese educational institution

[@Peichen01]

Still prefer him go back to school and get more education. Cambodia needs more highly educated talents than it needs businessmen

[@mewletter]

Why not be BOTH? He's clearly working towards them

[@starrystarrynight99]

@@mewletter you can't do both at the same time ,he needs to focus on studying

[@starrystarrynight99]

@Ryugi Takasu not bc he's still 21 but it bc he's already 21 ..Salik is too young to get into the business or entertainment field ,it's the best for him to focus on one thing at the time which is studying

[@chilliam00]

@@starrystarrynight99 In this day and age experience is key not just grades. So many internships (yes internships) and entry level jobs require you to have so much experience already! (Wtf) Doing a placement or work (with transferable skills etc) between studying is great to add to the CV/resume. Also some people need to work between studying to help pay off maintenance loans or rent etc.

[@mahaphoublue7644]

@@starrystarrynight99 well unless you have money enough but many people even 9 years old kid still do two types.

[@LEELOLKH]

Love how his life change and improve. Lots of love from Cambodia

[@MaxSmith-zz2ik]

so he became a youtuber ...

[@ultimatedrago4909]

@Michael Mugambi Mutugi dude as a Christian can you not rub your religion in other people's faces? Everyone knows what christianity and jesus is so it's their choice if they want to follow.Dont you dare threaten people to join with hell

[@samy8897]

Trump wants to ban him from China

[@ultimatedrago4909]

Michael Mugambi Mutugi stfu

[@ultimatedrago4909]

HAH GEELIII can you not involve religion in a comment section not about religion?Have some respect for other people’s religion.How would you feel if I called Islam and Muhammad terrorists and worse than Jesus or a rip-off of the bible?

[@PC24800]

Little man, do not forget, in the rush to be a success, to give yourself time to be YOU! Not what other people try to make you or expect of you. So glad to see this "catch up "on your life, I've never forgotten you and now I wish you happiness and health in the years ahead.

[@johnjordan3552]

who are you again?

[@PC24800]

@@johnjordan3552 I was just a well-wisher; a boy who started selling fish on the beach at 10 and ended up at Buckingham Palace. A whole life of adventure twixt one and the other! and you? Who is Elliot Rock???

[@johnjordan3552]

3:35 "He has a small body but big capability." Nice

[@nimishbajaj3815]

Remember he didn’t succeed because of one viral video. This is not blind luck, he prepared for it.

[@levynkhs8820]

Its fate

[@Tribalhealer]

You need a hard slap to wake you up

[@tcruise77]

It's fated. How do you prepare something that's out of your control??? Enlighten me please.

[@ulasm4211]

jealous people would said 😂😏😎

[@zynalrafi]

@@ulasm4211 he meant to say that luck alone won't help this boy, he also work hard learning and all

[@Vesper778]

Having a son that brings you honor and better life. Now that’s a blessing.

[@eczplaysgamesyt2885]

Ay thanks for describing me And thanks it is a blessing

[@biakahmar9171]

I wish i could do that for mom.. but sadly she passed last year

[@fovos7359]

gold digger

[@sankarvenugopal2860]

Even having a girl too.

[@Monk-E]

@@eczplaysgamesyt2885 press x to doubt

[@HumanSagaVault]

I am so happy that there were people who helped him and his family. God bless those who have a kind heart

[@sangarsenault2061]

Dr Chen have a beautiful heart ❤️, hat off to dr Chen 🙏❤️👍💐

[@cruuuud]

What baffles me is not his talent, but his benefactors. They've spent a crazy amount of money on a random kid who appeared in a viral video. Not only that, but they basically saved his family from poverty

[@schemeteam2954]

It's because language breaks barriers. This kid understand so many languages. I also think there's more to it to infiltrate other countries like how the CIA send agents.

[@thornados4969]

The so called benefactors also do it to attract donations and business ventures. It is beneficial to all.

[@OtomoTenzi]

@@thornados4969 Makes 100% perfect sense... No such thing as 'FREE' help in this world. Business is BUSINESS!!! 💰💰💰💰💰

[@Vividlyforgotten]

random ? he knows 16 languages and most are very well spoken at a very young age

[@CarolCao]

He comes off very elegant to me even though he’s so young. I wish him a forever success and to be able to take care of his family.

[@loop5720]

He's so smart, I can't even top him

[@abdulazizmath9134]

@@loop5720 mashallah tbark allah alhamdulillah inshallah better astaghfirullah

[@ImFadedAsfRn]

Seeing little homie straight up brought a smile to my face, I wish more kids n ppl in the same predicament as him can find help

[@charro028]

This is so amazing! I hope he goes far in his studies and helps his family out AFTER he’s has reached his educational goals!

[@rhythm1389]

I hope he return to China and continue his study than nurturing him to be a soc med influencer-.-....

[@ImpetuousPorkus]

It’s extremely disappointing and exploitative for that company to groom him into a social media influencer. Those are a dime a dozen. It honestly seems like such a waste for a talented person to not improve on their studies. Social media is so fragile and not everlasting. He already caught the attention of an elite school that wants him to succeed. Don’t throw away that chance.

[@SATAXIC]

yea, its weird that studying in china with promise to foot his bill and paying debts should have tied him to china with contracts and not be a business man. i could see him working in china as a china's high ranking officer translator with studies into physcology.

[@rarara4111]

@@ImpetuousPorkus Exactly. They also said that they're gonna sponsor all his expenses till his PhD(if he wishes to)

[@SuperPineapple20]

Exactly my thought

[@drbh6331]

@@ImpetuousPorkus it doesn't matter dear are you able to give him a better future you are free to take that initiative. Cambodian schools and colleges failed him and his family

[@aryarathne2479]

I hope he wouldnt forget his roots and be humble. And when he is famous he will be a character that we can look up to.

[@allaboutsboyzz4737]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZ2qmpKNj5Zqi5I ,

[@TWINideas]

His name is Salik and he lives in Siem Reap, Cambodia. He is a poor child who sells souvenirs in Angkor Wat. I am also a Cambodian. Support my video, brother, how to carve wood || Thank you for helping Cambodian children🇰🇭💞

[@serginebelance9478]

Same i truly hope he dont forget about hid culture and where he came from .

[@FishSlapper-sk8pj]

@@TWINideas self promoting won't lead you to anything. That only makes you look desperate.

[@bpmstandsforbopomo4064]

I hope this kid to have integrity, good heart, be happy. Gifted child tend to live under more pressure. Bless him.

[@imonly17igotafewdollars62]

Everyone is literally rooting for him and helping him to become successful😁😁👍

[@SimplySheilaB]

He needs to get away from the social media thing, he has so much potential to have a career based on his language skills

[@lisadeng7855]

exactly! self learned 16 languages??? his self learning ability and language talent have much more potential than a social media clown

[@braddahkuponz]

@@lisadeng7855 Not only that, but his ability to catch up to his peers within a year of education too. Like most of the other comments, I hope he doesn't abandon his ambitions for social media. But at least we know that he still highly values his education and dreams and hopes he can fulfill them.

[@user-pe2yx9kt4e]

Like what?

[@Adrian-uy7qo]

@@user-pe2yx9kt4e like a secret agent of Russia duhhhhh?

[@brianp9483]

Not to be that guy but, he knew phrases in multiple languages. He couldn't speak those languages - of course at his age it is a fantastic skill but knowing several phrases based on selling tourist trinklets isn't enough to base a future on. During his studies they may have found that he doesn't have the skill to learn multiple languages so they moved the focus onto his other skill - selling.

[@darafyxxvi7499]

At first, the boy was multilingual just to survive.

[@100cents5]

He is a polyglot not just multilingual

[@TheMishini]

@@100cents5 ain't this the same definition?

[@wolfzmusic9706]

@@100cents5 A polygot is to be fluent in several languages I believe but I don’t think he’s fluent in that many

[@imStomz]

@@wolfzmusic9706 yeah but it s still impresive because he learned this by himself, without computer etc...

[@jasonlee7928]

@@100cents5 hes not even fluent in two languages. He knows a couple phrases here and there. Maybe hes multilingual but he for sure isn't a polyglot

[@blessings1063]

Im glad a lot of people disagree with the people "grooming him to become a social media star". If he does it on his own or by himself, running his own channel then of course I would accept it and support it... but having a company do it for you is like signing your life away... those companies in china that run those kind of businesses all have dark history when it comes to their workers and the "training" they do... they treat their "stars" like factory workers and are strict with their choices

[@Annnabannanna]

You sound like you are describing kpop...

[@bldomain]

Actually the company "grooming him to become a social media star".is Cambodian not Chinese. SO stop poniting your dirty little fingers at China.

[@AyakoHideko]

@@bldomain Yeah... Although if I'm being honest, Idk how comfortable I am either with the idea of him entering the entertainment industry as whole, whether it's Cambodian or Chinese. Kinda weird for OP to assume that it's Chinese tho.

[@bldomain]

@@AyakoHideko I think he can make it big in the entertainment industry , he has an X factor about him. I say go for it.

[@AyakoHideko]

@@bldomain The only thing that I'm seriously concerned with is that he's relatively young and developing, so if the job goes awry, I fear that it might adversely impact his mental health, and that is something he'll have to carry with him throughout the next years of his life. And the way mental health is perceived here is still heavily stigmatized, so even if things does go sour, It'll be hard for him to reach out for help. Another thing is that society here in Cambodia is still relatively budding as well, so Idk how well regulated the entertainment industry is. And since this line of work is still quite new, I worry that he might not have the necessary guardian figures with the experience and knowledge to stand up for him and his rights when predatory practices are in place. The only thing we can hope for at that point is that the lad is smart enough to know when to quit when he's the one being used.

[@sussysugar7853]

He's got a lot of potential. I wisg him the best of luck for his future.

[@gregdubya1993]

Everything was going well until the social media star nonsense.

[@TheWorldInsider]

Greg Dubya why he agreed to be a signed to an talent company ?? Means he desires to be one even tho he was scouted he can’t be forcibly groomed into a social media star he had to have accepted an offer

[@slok9881]

@@TheWorldInsider He is intelligent and all that, but it doesn't change the fact that he is young. His parents are uneducated, and they can provide no guidance to him. The brain can't fully developed until after 21. Are you sure HE agreed to sign? Why couldn't he go back to China? You can just quarantine 14 days. If I have to guess, everyone involved in this video did it for PR. Do you know how much it costs to get a Ph.D even if you are talented? There is so much PR and lies that won't be follow up in this video. Give me a break, accepting an offer as a minor?

[@afs208]

@@slok9881 international flights are heavily limited to go to China. I know dozens of people who can't go back to China because of the pandemic (non-Chinese citizens that is).

[@Anonymous-lh7hg]

@@slok9881 dude ..one of my neighbor can’t go back the Philippine as they banned international travelling

[@boblackross3571]

The boy has many opportunity ahead of him SOMEBODY GET THIS GUY A DEGREE!!!

[@amoghus]

I mean the dood said they will pay for his education till PhD so he's definitely getting a degree.

[@classical7710]

But just the social media star, he canNOT leave his phd behind

[@amoghus]

@Dawaza but it's better than him staying back in combodia and barely getting education.

[@amoghus]

@Dawaza it is what it is nothing can be done now maybe he'll movie to some other country for higher education.

[@lovelyzza3694]

Wow! This is so heart-warming! 😍 Praise God for generous people..so happy for him & his family

[@mazvitamusendo]

This touched me I’m so happy their lives have changed ❤️

[@Islander_Selva]

“Small body but big capabilities” good choice of words there my friend

[@chyngyzkudaiarov4423]

In mandarin it's an often used phrase to describe prodigies like him. But yeah, still sounded a tad too patronising for a friend

[@Islander_Selva]

@@chyngyzkudaiarov4423 I think it’s good. I love it

[@huyifan83]

@@chyngyzkudaiarov4423 I haven't heard this saying considering I'm from China. It sounds a little bit weird, but nevermind. Nothing a big deal

[@Steambunbun]

@@huyifan83 You using vpn? China has no access to youtube. From Taiwan btw👋

[@yuzou2008]

@@chyngyzkudaiarov4423 As a native speaker, I just feel its a compliment from heart.

[@prettyplease1989]

He's should go back to learning.. and not letting this influencer adult take what's he want the most- education

[@nathanbombardo]

As I have told heaps of people he went home to see his family then covid 19 struck. He now can't go back to china. He is doing online learning. Watch the full video

[@kalaniakhun]

@@nathanbombardo exactly what I thought. People don’t see that he is doing online school and since there is COVID he doesn’t have a lot to do. Being a social media influencer is easy money. It can help him and his family for the mean time.

[@-.TS.-]

Parents took the money. Kid doesn’t have a choice

[@arishem555]

start eduction with urself :) then suggest others what to do ;-)

[@Hannah-zw9ow]

@@nathanbombardo exactly! They said it so clearly and somehow this many people just missed it.

[@tetianagorden2784]

So glad I could see him again & being able to watch the progress of his life changing. Thank you for making his life change 🙏🏼💕

[@stevenliu667]

This boy tried to sell me and my wife some goods in 2019 at the end of our Ankor Wat trip. Very smart.

[@user-xi9ti3si7p]

Wow. I guess I'll never see him then

[@ericcartment6814]

I wish my Chinese fellows would treat him nice, my heart goes with Cambodia. Fully support this brilliant young man

[@jadeschocolatekate]

please correct it as Cambodia, thank you sir

[@ericcartment6814]

@@jadeschocolatekate I am so terribly sorryyyy cambodia! I Feel so uneducated

[@tianyicai6482]

@Henry Brown indeed, he is brilliant. He’s the key to defeat capitalism

[@fmz-4618]

In my opinion becoming a social media star isn’t the right thing for him , look how those tiktok star turn out

[@mau6068]

Yah cause Jacob Seaturtle was so popular and now he isn’t as much , it would be different if he wanted to do acting or wanted to become a singer but idk it’s out of the blue?

[@becausehelivees4672]

it's true. i don't think becoming a social media star would amount to something at all.

[@pink101stars]

yeah but those tiktok stars are earning millions just by dancing

[@sourlegacy8177]

@@pink101stars it won't last long tho

[@pink101stars]

@@sourlegacy8177 true but it really depends on how they play the game, i have seen many social media stars who have grown even more. those who can’t play the game well, they will definitely flop.

[@yupakaw9216]

Genious smart boy. You have a bright future ahead.

[@antarctica0061]

He really became so handsome and still humble and smart

[@tasneemc3208]

when someone tries to talk smack about him in a different language: the guy : jokes on you , i know them all

[@DarkLibrary85]

Lmao for real

[@NorCal415]

ok tanseem

[@skyfeelan]

@@NorCal415 *tasneem

[@maridatweeb3509]

@@skyfeelan lol

[@ritahorvath8207]

I'm not too sure about his language knowledge. Of course in Angkor he met international tourists constantly, so he learned basic words he needed to sell his stuff, which is not really "speaking a language". He is certainly bright, anyways.

[@roasted_night3678]

Bruh I’m Cambodian and my parents really hit me up with “why can’t you be like him”

[@theufakefe]

😂🤣😂 bruh, I’m laughing cause I got the same

[@Ajaypoggers]

You’re not the only one

[@NANGSGARAGE]

True story 😂

[@kaze1943]

Same dude lmao

[@adiabd1]

@Dale Gribble no don't, this will result in counterattack form them lol

[@collegefraud1308]

Salik has such a contagious smile, I hope he gets the education he deserves, such a smart kid.

[@michelfortier9563]

Just warms my heart-I wish him all the success!~

[@Youngcl77]

If he is that smart, please have him go back to school. He can do so much for himself, his family and the human race. A social media personal... wtf

[@y0n_8]

Social media is easier

[@crazykeejan6981]

well apparently he is below average on that schools board but i could have read fake news.

[@genericdeveloper3966]

If he is so smart he doesn't need school

[@msc2479]

@@crazykeejan6981 well he was already way behind his peers when he entered to begin with what did u expect? Even if he's a multilingual prodigy he's still human n a kid

[@aesthetiqueCakKe]

@@y0n_8 Just try doing it yourself then. You have to rehearse, film, and edit your videos which takes LOTS of effort. It could distract this kid's educational life, so everyone is suggesting not to do that.

[@jordydijokromo8347]

Please dont pursue being a social media star....cuz that fame dies off for alot of people. focus on your studies, a diploma wil always be valid❤

[@golden1_1dragon12]

Not always, it could be a great boost for ur career. Also the kid sought to be a bussiness man. Social media is better off as a side gig. He should be fine

[@certifiedwhore7740]

A piece of paper does not equal to success 😃 being a social media star is better tbh just look at Charli damelio she's earning millions just by dancing than people who graduated they're just working at McDonalds or sum

[@golden1_1dragon12]

@@certifiedwhore7740 as long as he thinks like a business man n not let the ego get to his head like britney spears he's fine

[@cahreyanne7525]

@@certifiedwhore7740 but hat happens when the fame dies off. Then what? Wouldn’t the star also work at McDonald’s? 🤔

[@certifiedwhore7740]

@@cahreyanne7525 But he's gonna be a business man he can grow his business there so if the fame dies you still have it LMAO IF THAT'S HOW IT WORKS

[@shannonliim]

My mother is from Cambodia.. this story warmed my heart

[@timurnidai6295]

Lots of talented kids like this in southeast Asia. Always amazes me when thay come to sell you things on how intelligent and interacting with people much older and from all over the world. Weldone young man

[@sport_zone]

All changes, dreams come true Salik💪

[@MaOgtahay434]

What if they are educating him to become spy for them?🤔

[@TWINideas]

His name is Salik and he lives in Siem Reap, Cambodia. He is a poor child who sells souvenirs in Angkor Wat. I am also a Cambodian. Support my video, brother, how to carve wood || Thank you for helping Cambodian children

[@moonlitm3285]

Is the kid 16 now in 2020? Correct me if I'm wrong.

[@M.Ochasan]

@@moonlitm3285 i think so

[@Ajahming]

Whoever believes in the Lord Jesus Christ that he died for your sins ans whoever declares with their mouth that he is your Lord and Savior you shall be saved! Jesus's first word were _"Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand!"_ Repent!!! and turn to Jesus before its too late

[@valerietan4352]

Thuch grown a bit... Sounds wiser too...thanks to all people that have helped him in so many ways... Wish him all the best...

[@valerietan4352]

@Justme Andme 🤫shhhhhh.....

[@XxXGlZMOXxX]

@Justme Andme someone's jealous 🙄

[@valerietan4352]

@Billy Ek Wow... You expect me to understand your language...? Sorry to say that I don't understand your language.

[@valerietan4352]

@Billy Ek Nope... In fact it's a lot to learn... And what you've learned kind of useful when you graduate...

[@gravity6729]

They should train him to be linguistic after all that's where he was discovered. Learning many languages would be awesome. Sending support from the Philippines ❤️🇵🇭

[@heyimcathyy]

He's a genius! So happy for his bright future:))

[@MotorcyclesTvChannel]

Very smart Boy Salik Love from Cambodia ❤

[@angrycarljohnson69]

@Billy Ek bro bek men?

[@yangwenny0-0]

I was his classmate for a while, it's really great to know that he had gotten a chance to pursue his dream with so many supports. he is definitely very talented in learning new things. Since he greets everyone with his big warm smile, there's no reason that someone can hate this boy, therefore, he can be a really good influencer and possibly succeed in his business!

[@nickzammit6304]

This is a long shot, but do you remember in September 2018 when a group of Australian students from Thomas Carr College came to Hailiang? I was one of them! It’s great to see Hailiang supporting children from all over the world!

[@d-dina4661]

I don’t know why I’m in tear every time i see his face. I’m so proud.

[@victoriahan4697]

thanks yo all kind people in this world. lets spread love

[@cheers9503]

He's becoming social media STAR?????? I'm just... Kinda disappointed

[@julya7471]

I went to the same school as him a year ago, I was so excited to meet him in person, but the truth is that its all just a lie. He is not multilingual. He can only speak khmer, a little bit of english and chinese. Other languages mentioned? He can only speak a fraction of each language like hi hello sorry goodbye and numbers. He is quite rude and likes to look down upon others. He likes to make fun of my appearance and other people and stuff just because he is a “superstar”. Almost everyone in the school hated him and the teachers there are even worst, they will go on his side at any cost. I once complaint to my homeroom teacher about how rude he was, but they just never listen. Everyone described him as a “genius” but why I scored higher grades than him in the exam? He stayed in that school longer than I did. Sometime reality is just disappointing and the media is just very wrong. I can talk about him all day. Thanks to Covid that I had to quit this school. Sorry for bad english btw I know many people won’t believe me by just commenting on the internet.

[@kynlykereh2910]

@@julya7471 bruh, you for real?

[@makayla6956]

@@julya7471 i feel like believing you because this is too specific but you have no proof so people on the internet can't just take your word for it

[@dihydrogenmonoxide6748]

@@julya7471 great story, sad you cant prove it

[@deepcrunchy]

@@julya7471 just what I thought when I heard him spoke Japanese, he's not really good at it

[@ziggyk.stardust8873]

I don't want him to become a cringy tiktoker but I'm just glad he's happy and his family is financially recovering

[@fridarisjad9017]

Thank you for the people who still concern about one’s education and see potential on him.

[@yellenqa]

Im so happy for him and his fam, i teared up

[@JoeJoe-hn2nh]

Dr. Chen is such an angel World needs more people like him. Respect from Indonesia

[@govindroy3880]

common lets just thank the college's founder who helped him out...Thanks a lot for seeing and finding such talents

[@mariocasador3485]

Good luck man, you're so blessed. May your dreams all come true👍👍👍

[@anastasias8180]

i’m so glad this video just came up on my recommended. i still have a souvenir this boy sold me when i visited cambodia in 2017. I distinctly remember him and i’m glad to see he got the recognition he deserved.

[@dealofnight2027]

This kid has more drive and talent than I'd ever have as an adult. Kudos!

[@genshinmemes1347]

Bruuh that's not talent. You can't just wake up speaking 10+ languages. This is probably fake.

[@anapple1220]

@@genshinmemes1347 lemme ratio you real quick

[@nathanielmitchell6383]

@@genshinmemes1347 ... He didn't just wake up with it? He worked in a tourist area so he worked hard to learn the language of the tourists so he could communicate with them better.

[@pixeledcode]

@@genshinmemes1347 you've seen too mich anime to think talent is purely something you are born with.

[@rosaliebosma]

@@genshinmemes1347 If you're sensitive to languages and you grow up using them naturally, sure you can speak many languages. He won't speak them all fluently and completely as he's been restricted by his situation (selling stuff to tourists), but chances are very very low the footage was fake.

[@ichenhong]

I am Chinese, and I welcome him to study in China, but I hope he will not forget his motherland, and he should return home to help his motherland when he has enough ability.

[@VithiasTV]

He will Rz

[@muhdhanif1048]

Cambodia....

[@johnjordan3552]

Motherlands are not always welcoming, where did you born?

[@sereniti3293]

@@johnjordan3552 Oh believe me, cambodia is the nicest place despite the peoples past!

[@user-yq8yt2yl3c]

He can choose self where he want to be, that’s not a issue??

[@Choca_]

Wow, I'm inspired, thank you for this wonderful video

[@icost4671]

Real nice story I wasn't on KZbin when he went viral. Catching up on his story now and I wish him the very best 👍

[@Neo_Nkosi]

Shout out to every KZbin viewer who helped him go viral. We saved his family from debt and helped people see his true potential all while entertaining ourselves by observing his multilingual skills. Give yourself a pat on the back.

[@TWINideas]

His name is Salik and he lives in Siem Reap, Cambodia. He is a poor child who sells souvenirs in Angkor Wat. I am also a Cambodian. Support my video, brother, how to carve wood || Thank you for helping Cambodian children

[@user-mk000]

Guys, that company from his country are gonna ruined him. I hope he don't lost interest in studying after working with this talent company. Hope he can go back asap and concentrate on study.

[@fireeye33]

he chose Chynah!? not good.....soon to be communist spy 😁

[@samy8897]

Let him do a few tiktok videos no harm needs to learn dancing for prom in future

[@oblivion3r262]

You should worry about your studying more before you worry about other's

[@jinri_p1042]

It's better than nothing

[@yanguYT]

@@fireeye33 honestly china isn't as communist as ussr, i believe today's china is like the dysnasties of the past

[@MinhAnMinhQuan]

What an inspiring story! He has changed his life and his family too !

[@theinsider4856]

Great thank to who upload his vdo

[@indomieandchill786]

"social media star"??? are you kidding me??? 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@danterief4883]

im not smart , but just by seeing how he talk and hand gesture by glance people can see how intelligence he is

[@baqikenny]

some people are born with the brain sensitivity for social intelligence and I see this in him

[@manalibisukarma1381]

Thanks for helping young boy. You all are angels hidden in human body. Salute to you all there

[@bobthebb-illder827]

3:35 “He has a small body but big capability.” homie needs to start bulking up after that 😂😭💀