“Each child is unique and intelligent in their own ways and should be given every opportunity to reach their potential.”
Those are the words of Datin Teo Ker Sin, founder of Emilia International Kinder Spark and mother of Keelan and Adriel aged 16 and 11. In conjunction with Mother’s Day, we’ve put Datin Teo Ker Sin on the ‘Mummy Spotlight’ as she shares her story of not only being a mum, but as an educator and business owner.
Datin Teo Ker Sin graduated with a law degree (LLB Hons) from the UK. She started her career at Citibank, in the commercial sector for 4 years and then ventured into the personal care and health care business for another 4 years till the brand was sold to Pharmaniaga Bhd. It was at this stage that she decided to take a break to look after her two children Keelan and Adriel and got actively involved in their school work and activities.
During her search for a suitable kindergarten for her children, she realised that there were a lot of kindergartens that were not applying to the philosophy of children centric or teaching the values of life. That’s when she decided that she wanted to create and kickstart a culture where children are given the freedom to take an active role in their own learning, hence Emilia International Kinder Spark was born.
Emilia International Kinder Spark- The Journey
Parenthood (PH) : What was the journey of opening your own school like?
Datin Teo Ker Sin: It was rather challenging yet pleasant. Challenging because I graduated with a law degree and not childhood education. I was applying to the years of experience gained as a mother with certain values and demands, therefore I owe it to both my children, Keelan and Adriel. At the same time I was eager to share my know-how with other parents and had a strong believe that this philosophy of children centric approach works.
“I was eager to share my know-how with other parents and had a strong believe that this philosophy of children centric approach works.”
PH : What were some of the challenges that you had to go through?
Datin Teo Ker Sin: Most parents are from the old schools, where children are not given the opportunity to express and to show their understanding and thinking or even to do things on their own. To put forth the knowledge, belief and understanding to parents that children are strong and capable protagonists in their own learning is a challenge.
PH : What were the happy moments?
Datin Teo Ker Sin: Seeing how each child thrive and shine in their own ways made me realise that it’s all worthwhile, it is like the moment of truth.
PH : How did you apply your experience as a mother into Emilia International Kinder Spark?
Datin Teo Ker Sin: I believe it is my duty as a mother to teach and be a good role model to my children. At the same time, constant motivation and encouragement of instilling good moral values and confidence are equally important. Showing respect to my children is essential as respect I believe is two sided. I will always try to be supportive and give them the comfort that they can talk to me about anything, portraying to be their biggest fans. Subconsciously, I apply these experiences towards my students at Emilia.
PH : What are some of the principles that you believe in ( as a mother yourself ) when it comes to bringing up children and their education?
Datin Teo Ker Sin : I always tell my children to believe in themselves, follow their dreams and have goals and passion in life and a drive to succeed. Be confident and bold as boldness has genius power and magic in it. Most importantly be yourself, be original.
“Be confident and bold as boldness has genius power and magic in it.”
PH : What drives you to keep going?
Datin Teo Ker Sin : My passion and love for the business and seeing the children come running to me. Their genuine smiles and happiness every time I enter the school keeps me motivated and keeps me going.
PH : What are your hopes for the future of Emilia International Kinder Spark and your students?
Datin Teo Ker Sin : I certainly hope that Emilia will one day be like Disneyland – place where children dream to go and explore what’s instil for them, and that they will leave Emilia with a positive lingering memory.
As for my students, I hope they will grow to have great self- confidence and good self -discipline and find happiness here. At the same time, I hope that they are able to discover their talent and love.