Rithiya Sreu

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

I chose the University of Westminster for several strategic reasons that align perfectly with my Chevening scholarship goals and entrepreneurial vision. Westminster’s strong reputation in Media and Communication, particularly through its MA Media Management programme, offered exactly what I needed as someone transitioning from journalism and social media management into strategic business leadership.

What particularly attracted me was Westminster’s Zone29 initiative  - their dedicated home of careers and enterprise that connects diverse student talent with the business world and local community. As a Chevening scholar focused on powering Southeast Asia’s digital media transformation, I knew I needed more than theoretical knowledge. Zone29’s focus on entrepreneurship, real-world application, and business development perfectly complemented my vision to establish Jaya Strategies as Cambodia’s leading consulting firm in strategy development and market insights.

The programme’s balance of critical thinking, strategic insight, and industry relevance is crucial for someone planning to bridge the gap between traditional media practices and emerging digital technologies in Cambodia and Southeast Asia. Westminster’s approach to innovation and practical application meant I could immediately apply learnings to real-world challenges facing media organisations in my region.

Tell us about your experience of living and studying in London

My Westminster experience has been transformational both academically and entrepreneurially. The diversity is central - not just culturally, but in the breadth of perspectives that constantly challenge your assumptions. In seminars, global viewpoints from my peers enriched every conversation, which was particularly valuable as I developed my understanding of how digital media transformation strategies could be adapted for Southeast Asian markets.

The support from lecturers - many with extensive professional backgrounds - proved invaluable as I shaped my dissertation on the need for media consulting services in Cambodia. This academic foundation directly informed the development of Jaya Strategies, my consulting firm that now empowers businesses and organisations to “grow smarter, faster, and with lasting impacts.”

Westminster recognised my commitment to excellence through two significant achievements: winning the Westminster Employability Award as PGT Gold Overall Winner for the College of Design, Creative and Digital Industries, and successfully participating in The Big Idea 2025 - a competitive entrepreneurship programme where I completed a two-day upskill bootcamp and pitched my business for funding at the Grand Final. These experiences through Westminster’s career and enterprise initiatives directly contributed to launching Jaya Strategies.

The Zone29 ecosystem provided unprecedented access to business mentorship, funding opportunities, and a network far beyond academia. As a Chevening scholar, Westminster’s commitment to connecting student talent with industry and community perfectly aligned with my mission to support digital transformation across Cambodia and Southeast Asia.

The connections I've built - from project collaborations to casual meetups with peers across disciplines - have become integral to Jaya Strategies’ network and my personal growth. This network continues to provide value as I scale my consulting practice and expand throughout the region.
 

What would your advice be to someone considering studying at Westminster?

To future students, especially those with entrepreneurial aspirations: fully embrace Westminster’s unique ecosystem. Don't just study - build, create, and engage with every opportunity.

Take advantage of Zone29 – Westminster’s careers and enterprise hub, which is launching in spring 2026, but opportunities are available now. I participated in The Big Idea competition, which provided direct access to business mentorship, funding opportunities, and real-world experience in pitching and developing viable business models. This directly contributed to establishing Jaya Strategies.

Compete and excel - Westminster recognises and rewards excellence. Winning the Employability Award as PGT Gold Overall Winner wasn't just recognition; it opened doors to networks, opportunities, and credibility that continue benefiting my business today. Engage deeply with coursework and extracurricular opportunities.

Leverage London's media ecosystem - The city offers unparalleled opportunities beyond the classroom. As someone now supporting broadcasters, startups, and governments across Southeast Asia through Jaya Strategies, I can trace many of my business insights and connections to London’s vibrant media landscape.

Connect your studies to your vision - Whether you’re a Chevening scholar like me or pursuing other goals, Westminster excels at bridging academic learning with real-world application. My dissertation research directly informed my consulting methodology, and the strategic frameworks I learned continue shaping how Jaya Strategies serves clients.

Be patient with cultural adjustment - It takes time, but the growth mindset you develop navigating cultural differences becomes invaluable when working internationally. As someone now advising organisations across Southeast Asia on digital transformation, those cross-cultural communication skills proved essential.

Westminster doesn't just educate - it empowers. My journey from Chevening scholar to media management graduate to successful entrepreneurship demonstrates how Westminster’s commitment to careers, enterprise, and real-world impact can transform ambitious visions into sustainable business success.