1. Where are you from?
I’m Sophat CHY, from Cambodia, a country in Southeast Asia. I live in Phnom Penh, but I travel often across different provinces—from the mountains of Mondulkiri to the beaches of Kampot and Kep. Every corner has a story, and I love bringing those stories to Connect.
2. When did you join Connect?
I was active on Google Map Maker starting around 2010, helping to improve maps in Cambodia when very little information was available. Before Google Map Maker shut down, I learned about the new platform—Local Guides Connect.
I officially joined Connect on August 2, 2016, but I wasn’t active at that time. Life got busy, and I mostly focused on contributing to Maps itself.
Now in 2025, I’ve returned with a new energy and clear purpose—to be active on Connect again, share stories from Cambodia, and empower others through my experience. This time, it’s more than mapping—it’s about building community.
3. How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
I discovered Connect after joining the Local Guides Program while contributing to Google Maps. At first, I was just updating places and photos. Then I received an email inviting me to Connect. That’s where I found people like me—who care about their communities and love to explore the world together.
4. What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
I usually check Connect in the evenings after work, when I can take my time reading and engaging. I also love visiting on weekends, especially when I want inspiration or when I’ve just come back from a trip and want to share something meaningful.
5. Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
Yes! I’ve hosted and supported several meet-ups in Cambodia, such as:
- Street Walk & Photo Mapping: Phnom Penh Royal Palace Area in Phnom Penh
- Local Guides Meet-up: Run & Map at Preah Vihear Temple 2025
- ** Recap: [In-Person] Cambodia, July 15, Photowalk with Smartphone **
6. What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
There are many, but one that stands out is when I saw my name on the Top 100 Local Guides Leaderboard. That moment made me feel seen. I wasn’t just contributing—I was being part of something global. Also, seeing more Cambodian Local Guides becoming active and sharing their voice gives me joy and hope.
7. Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
I love the “Local Stories” and “Travel” sections. They let us dive into personal journeys from around the world. Through Connect, I’ve traveled with others without leaving my seat—and I’ve brought Cambodia to many people who never heard of some of our local places before.
8. What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
I would love to see a “Meet-up Toolkit” built into Connect. It could include:
- Location suggestions from Google Maps
- Meet-up history/Travel and more
- Language filters
It would make organizing meet-ups easier and help new hosts feel more confident.
9. Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
This year, I plan to:
- Host more in-person meet-ups across Cambodia
- Support new Local Guides in joining Connect and becoming confident contributors
- Share meaningful local stories from communities, especially from rural areas, to show how technology and maps can empower lives
And yes—my big dream is to one day attend Connect Live, not just for myself, but to proudly represent Cambodia