Leave no GHILD behind

Through hardship, perseverance and dedication, Mint Lim sets an example as a successful female entrepreneur who wants to create an education system that gives every child a chance to learn and grow equally.

- CALVIN CHONG

a L'OFFICIEL: Can you give us brief introduction to School of Concepts and what it does?

MINT LIM: School of Concept (SOC) is a business on a mission that aims to leave no child behind. Within the organisation, we have schools, we make toys and we develop technology, all of which are built based on our own SOC methodology that helps every child or learner optimise his or her learning style. In Singapore, we have enrichment centres where children can attend. We also have just started student after-school care, which is aimed at working parents where there is flexibility for students to come to our centre after their regular school hours for further learning while they wait for their parents to clock off work.

We also manufacture toys that are based on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) subjects with elements of sustainability infused into them. As for tech, we develop apps and software that will help children enhance their digital learning environment.

LO: School of Concepts is such an amazing project. When do you think the turning point in life kick-started the engine for this vision?

ML: It was a very personal journey for me. Growing up in Singapore back in the day, I stayed with my grandparents while my parents hustled to make ends meet. So when they sent me to kindergarten, it was a culture shock for me. I did not speak any English or Chinese as I grew up speaking dialect at home. Everyone else seemed to know what they were doing but I was just lost. I started observing myself as different and slow compared to other children and that continued into high school.