“Education isn’t merely a personal pursuit, but a catalyst that can uplift entire communities,” says Mint Lim, CEO of School of Concepts and member of the Robb Report Singapore Thought Leaders community
No child gets left behind at the School of Concepts. Open to all children of different backgrounds and learning needs, the school offers programmes that are customised to every child’s strengths and interests. At the school’s core is a groundbreaking VAK-based curriculum, which engages the visual, auditory and kinesthetic senses.
It is the transformative power of literacy that unlocks every individual’s world of possibilities, as founder and CEO Mint Lim would say. It was her early struggles with dyslexia that drove her to embark on a career in private education, fostering a passion for nurturing young minds.
Lim’s journey saw her establishing various education centres and spending five years developing a proprietary methodology aimed at helping children discover their best learning styles. This paved the way for the School of Concepts, a sanctuary where quality education is made fun and learning differences, celebrated.
What has shaped who you are?
My journey has been blessed with many mentors, but a beacon of strength who left an indelible mark on my life is my grandmother. She is a remarkable figure who defied the constraints of tradition. In an era where girls were denied education, she chartered her own course by self-learning Chinese and English. Her determination was a force of nature, and her heart radiated kindness and empathy; she extended these qualities to her 13 children, ensuring that none were left behind.
Why are you passionate about what you do?
Education isn’t merely a personal pursuit, but a catalyst that can uplift entire communities. It goes beyond individual empowerment; it’s about equipping people with the tools to transform their lives and elevate their communities.
What would you consider to be your top professional achievement?
To be able to run and expand a profitable business, while incorporating inclusion and quality education. Starting an impact-driven business on a mission to leave no child behind has been one of my biggest risks taken, especially when ‘profit’ was a dirty word for social enterprises. People couldn’t understand how doing good and making a profit stood along the same line. When we do good for ourselves, we do good for others.
What is your idea of success?
Success is when the outcome of my actions means that the giver and receiver are happy, resulting in a kinder community.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
It would undoubtedly be to eradicate learning poverty and ensure that no child gets left behind. Education is the cornerstone of personal growth, empowerment and social progress. When children have access to quality education, they get to shape their lives and entire communities will be sculpted.
How would you like to be remembered?
I don’t seek to be significantly remembered, but rather in the ripple effects of the positive change I drive. I would be filled with gratitude for the chance to champion and drive change, knowing that its impact can resonate beyond my time.
Photography by Eugene Lee, Enfinite Studio
Hair & Makeup by Sophia and Victoria, Suburbs Studio
