Emil, the founder of First Principles Education, is on a mission to help students become self-navigating learners without relying on traditional tuition. In Singapore, where the tuition industry is a billion-dollar business, Emil’s company is disrupting this addictive model by focusing on nurturing lifelong habits and promoting independent learning. Through extensive research and understanding the needs of parents, Emil’s team developed a program specifically designed for parents who want their children to learn effectively on their own without the need for external help.
By studying the desires of parents with children between the ages of 9 and 16, Emil’s team discovered that many parents view tuition as a short-term solution that does not promote lifelong habits or nurture their children’s joy in learning. Instead of focusing solely on grades, parents are beginning to prioritize the development of their children’s confidence and independence as learners. Utilizing these insights, First Principles Education created a program that aligns with what parents truly desire for their children’s future.
In order to disrupt the traditional educational system, Emil advises aspiring entrepreneurs to understand their government’s stance on education and engage with local students and parents to gain insight into their priorities and desires. By prioritizing understanding “why” parents want certain outcomes instead of just “what” they want, companies can develop services that meet the true needs of their customers. This approach requires putting aside biases and egos, and dedicating time to communicate with customers to truly understand their desires.
Despite the challenges and complexities of following these guiding principles, Emil’s company has been successful in mentoring students, changing their learning habits, and gaining recognition from government schools for their impact. By returning the freedom and joy of learning back to children, First Principles Education has made a significant impact in disrupting the traditional tuition industry and helping students become self-navigating learners. This approach has not only benefitted students in Singapore but has also provided a model for other companies looking to revolutionize the education system and help students thrive in the future.
