Ong Xiang Yi’s strong interest in education has fuelled her desire to go above and beyond for the sake of seeing her students excel academically so as in social behaviour.

Hailed from a small town in a beautiful east coast state, Kuala Terengganu, the certified trained teacher began her career as a mutual partner in a tuition centre with the goal of eliminating disparities in access to quality education in the school and community where she had been teaching.

In a recent interview with Entrepreneur Insight, the OK Tuition Centre principal said she started teaching a small group of pupils who scored poorly in their English examination.

“I want to make a difference in their lives, so I conduct my teaching with enthusiasm and sincerity. At least, they will not be left behind in the school system so as in their future endeavours.  

“On my end, I wish to create more working opportunities by leading my company and passionate educators to be known not just locally in Malaysia but also to serve abroad in the next three years.

“We aimed to be more competitive and compatible with international standards of teaching and learning aside from making the country and nation proud of our multiracial education and entrepreneurship. 

“Our tuition centre wants to be a benchmark in the field of education with the values of Love.Learn.Share,” OXY said, adding that she will continue to persevere and expand beyond her comfort zone.

When asked about the hurdles that she had gone through along her journey as an entrepreneur, the 100 Most Influential Young Entrepreneur (100 MIYE) 2022 said she, too, had made mistakes while running her business.

“My biggest mistake was I should have spent more effort in maximizing the existing resources by unleashing more skilful manpower and utilising finance facilities. From this experience, I learnt to be bold and brave while making big steps in decision-making, laying a solid foundation for my business so as in my business expansion.

“My expectations for the company’s operations are to be able to serve beyond our self-expectations and be professional either to serve or as we collaborate and cooperate between our teammates and partners to achieve the same vision of the company. 

“I am delighted that these expectations have been met; however, the operation must be constantly revitalised from time to time to ensure pursue the spirit of striving never fades,” she added. 

The inspiring educator went on to say that as an entrepreneur, she was easily inspired by her surroundings and history. 

“It involves many aspects of life, including from things I see to the people I meet. My advice to those who just started a business is to find their own value in pursuing any of their business ventures. 

“If there is an idea which they genuinely think is beneficial to the community or the people, please do it with all their hearts and pursuit it firmly by laying a strong foundation to it,” she said, concluding her story as an entrepreneur.