For some time already, some SHCians have dwelled on the topic of providing education or tuition services, as a source of income, when one go into retirement. Of course, today, it is not necessary to be retire to provide tuition service services.
Recent ideas include education for children, conversation English for foreign students, proficiency lessons, a tuition club, etc. Let’s use this Post to discuss. There is no right or wrong ideas, practical or fluid ideas. Please respect each others opinion. Write it here; and other like-mind will join in.
The objective is at the end of this, a number of SHCians can get together, and make the business of education viable. We will use the information and discussion here to determine interests and viability.
Terence Seah
Hi all interested SHCians,
I believe education is an evergreen industry in SG, one that’s
recession-proof and has many keen parents willing to pay a
premium price as long as the standard of tutor is good and
they can afford it.
I remembered 3-4 yrs ago, I was marketing one CD based,
online education program for P1 to ‘O’ levels with a an
option of engaging a tutor to guide the child.
They threw in a Guanranteed ‘A’ program, in which the parent
will be fully refunded if the child still cannot get a ‘A’
grade after following their set of prescribed program.
This strategy was an instant success with many sign-ups
since it was launched.
That company has since quit the SG scene in favor of other
bigger oversea market. Todate I’ve not seen any program
that is close to this offer and even the best ‘professor’
in education cannot guarantee a ‘A’ result.
I know this is a bold statement to make and I believe if
we can establish a tuition group/agency that can offer this
Guarantee ‘A’ service, it’s going to make waves again in the
SG scene, with many sign-ups that an octupus with 8 legs
also cannot cater.
Think of this as a long term goal of 3-5yrs.
Bear in mind that teaching has no retirement age and this
vocation is very likely to sustain us tru our golden (not
silver) years.
I welcome any feedback on this.
james
Terence,
We had so many dicussions on this topic before. We even visited two tuition centres. What we need is some POSITIVE OUTCOME with someone courageous enough to take the leadership and draw up Practical Guidelines. Secondly, we should not stray away from our Focus on Education into other forms of “Salesmanship”
Everyone of us have their own ideas of how to handle this topic. In the earlier post, some SHCians have already offered their ideas.
Roland, can you elaborate your idea of a Tuition centre. The idea is to share with like-minded people, who can come together. Would you buy a tuition centre, or start one new?
For most of us, it is common to look at the idea and understand why that idea would succeed. However, I also hope that when ideas are proposed, it is important that there be a focus on the customers. Essentially, is there an interest in the idea, and are there figures to suggest that there are say 100 or 1,000 people who would be intersted to buy these education services.
Please share alound your thoughts. Others are reading too.
Terence Seah
Hi James Tan CL,
….They threw in a Guanranteed ‘A’ program, in which the parents will be fully refunded if the child still cannot get a ‘A’ grade after following their set of prescribed program.
I do NOT really agreed wuth your above statement.
If the students are lazy and are NOT interested in his/her studies,even tuition cannot help much.
I believe in TEAM work.
Parents,students and tutors must be involved in their students learning process and also tutors MUST have a strong passion to help NOT just for the sake of money alone.
Even “Layman” Brothers with > 100 yrs history as an established orgzn cannot guaranteed customers profits and is now “LAID” to R.I.P.
My 8cts. worth.
Hi Terence
My input: To me, on-line learning is the way to go.
My interest: I’m looking for a person who has web designing skills to collaborate on a business venture.
Is there a person in SHC who is technical-minded and has the ability to design ‘sophisticated’ web pages and who would like to listen to my business proposal to see if there’s an opportunity for collaboration? Please contact me at kdaae2005@hotmail.com
Cheers,
Hi JassmineT,
I take it you will lead this idea, and try to bring it to fruit. See u need a sophisticated webpage designer. Any other thing that SHC as a group can assist you with?
Terence Seah
Latest update:
1. Roland Tong and Jasmine like the idea of a Tuition Club.
2. Joan Wong (Perth) able to offer a training venue, and looking for trainers to provide enrichment activities for young children.
3. Mary Chan toying with the idea of conducting proficiency English lessons, conversational English to foreign students. Also, to teach phonics to young children, pre-schoolers, primary ones and twos etc. Can teach creative writing classes too.
4. Vivien Ler on pooling resources and providing consultancy services. Educational games or activities to young kids. Writing books on learning English for locals and China.
5. Nancy Tan working on writing stuff like games and activities to enhance better learning in the lower primary education.
6. James Tan on providing education training services.
This list is growing. I think it is important to clarify if you are intending to be a business owner or someone who can provide that service, and is looking for a business owner.
Terence Seah
This is just a personal opinion on how PRIVATE TUITION biz can proceed:
Business Structure :
The strength of SHC lies in the presence of a pool of Teachers Members “TM” and availability of supporting members, incl IT professionals. However, SHC has no tuition centre and no students on hand. In this situation, SHC can consider acting as a broker for the TM, who are regarded therefore, as independant contractors. In this regard, SHC register a biz unit to handle Marketing for students. Students when contacted, are referred to the TM for Pte tuition arrangements. The TM earn tuition fees and pay SHC biz brokerage.
SHC biz unit:
Upon completion of fact finding (from the TMs mainly), SHC biz unit will require One or More individuals to register a formal biz entity (Proprietorship/Partnership). Marketing for students can be done through Website, Media advert., Notices on b/boards at supermarkets, Mail shots, some telemarketing, referrals etc. SHC biz unit will engage the TMs formally. Some initiate cost are expected.
SHC pool of expertise and members’ contribution will come in very handy and in fact, this Unit may also be useful to those into Specialised training and other personal service ventures, by providing supporting back office functions.
SHC core activites:
SHC is not to aiming to do business as its core activity ( I believed). The above will enable SHC to be free from taking financial risk or commitment, eg pay wages or rental of training centres .
Just my 2 cents worth.
HC
What about ‘Student care centre’, that kind of services. I think this is a huge market too, yr view and feedback pls.
Yes, I agreed Vivian Lai that there is a HUGE market for
Student Care Centre as both parents/single parent are/is working and had not much time to take care of their children.As such Student care centres are having good business and they are flourishing everywhere throughout the whole of Spore.
Btw, I too had worked for a Student care centre as a mentor by providing them with group tuition , playing educational games with them and giving out food to them during their break time. Establish rapport and also counsel for the recalcitrant students on 1 to 1 basis.
Hi Hou Chong,
You have given a broad picture of the start-up and marketing structure. This is something that needs to be done, at some stage, if we do go ahead as a group.
In terms of ideas, again, this is wide ranging. But we should continue to let the ideas flourish. SHCians who have ideas and like to throw them at the group, plse do so.
As for market, this is very important. Without a market for students (children, adults or foreigners), good ideas may not take off. Student care market has just been raised, and considered as a large market. Can you give an idea of how big this market is, and how to access them?
Terence Seah
Terence,
After all the input and comments, may I suggest that all who are sincerely interested in Education (whether it is Child Care, Primary, Secondary or Tertiary level) get together and brain-storm on how to get it started. We also need the help of IT specialists to assist in online learning.
Hi Roland,
I am sure some SHCians may be interested in e-Learning. But there may be many who do not know what is eLearning. Can you share what is eLearning? And what markets would be the targets?
Roland is keen on the idea of providing eLearning. Interested, plse share your interests on this forum, so we can get in touch with you when a meeting is called.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence @# 6
My potential collaborator does not have to be a web designer – just someone who has the know-how to design an interactive website. And only two persons (the partners)are required to get the ball rolling.
Cheers,
Hi Jassmine Teo @#14,
Just curious – is this a two-person venture? Or can this be “duplicated” and “expanded” to include more people after the initial set-up?
Warmest Regards,
Patsy
Hi #7 Terence and #8 Hou Chong and All
From what I read in #8Hou Chong’s Comments I would like to regard myself as a TM with a business entity. I like to offer a training venue for trainers. I’m not sure whether the venue is suitable and will welcome queries as well input from trainers as to what they need. Besides this, the other area is act as a employment support agency to offer employment opportunities to trainers. I’m interested in enrichment learning for both young and old rather than the academic area only.
SHC can play a role to act as a centre to register students, handle the marketing aspect – advertise activities/programmes/trainers and to enable TMs to earn tuition payment. I believe that among the SHCians, there is a pool of TMs who can contibute their skills and expertise.
Joan
Hi Joan #16,
While the discussion is on, can you elaborate more about this training venue, so that interested participants can visualise if the place is suitable for training. Also convenience factor need to be included.
Yes, this topic is progressing.
For those that have your own idea, please provide more information so that when we meet, the discussion can be fruitful and already known to those coming. Your role need to be understood, before we call a meeting.
Terence Seah
Hou Chong Lee #8
I like your idea of SHC acting as a broker for the TMs,very much. That was what I had in mind, but not being business minded, I didn’t know how and where to begin. I only know how to teach, hehe.
SHC could play the part of a tuition agency and for every student the TM gets he/she pays SHC a certain percentage of commission from the first month’s fees. I used to get some of my students from such agencies.
Hi Patsy @# 15
Only two persons (I and my collaborator)will be involved in the planning and setting up of the system. Others who join later will not be involved. They will most probably be doing freelance work.
There are now many online learning models that one can study and replicate or adapt. What is more important, in my opinion, is to offer something other similar sites are not offering.
Cheers,
Hi Mary Chan
re: your #18
Thank you for affirming that #8 is worth 2 cents. In that biz, the TMs are the key persons. The phase “I only know how to” represents the precondition to turning an ability, a knowledge, talent or special gift into an opportunity for a meaningful career or business. So you can pat yourself on the back because you have a 2nd career in waiting.
Teaching of our young is regarded as a noble profession bec of its role in the devmt of our future generations and consequently, their role in the shaping of our society.
Can you kindly share with us, your point of view of what are the ups and downs of Teaching as a career? (may have digressed a little, so pls give salient points only hor)
HC
Hi Terence
Re: your #11
For business feasibility/viability study purposes, I agree that feedback and fact finding are important for initial consideration and planning. May I add one : if the biz fails, the exit can be easy, quick and not costly.
HC
Hi Terrence,Joan, Hou Chong,
Joan’s idea is interesting. I too consider myself a TM having both experience in primary and secondary levels.
In such difficult times, SHC can certainly play a role as centre for coordinating interest both from TMs and children/parents.
I like to participate in this.
Hi
I remember when I was reseaching about child care centres that they had quite specific (& I felt daunting) reqts – teacher/child ratio, toilets, etc. Capital needs might be high. For bigger kids, it tends more to social work than biz, I think.
I met a friend who started a tuition center. says it’s quite good but wouldnt go into details. It’s prob a matter of rep. If u have good teachers able to produce results, word of mouth will likely make it successful.
Just my 2cents.
Terence
The subject under discussion is interesting.
A senior citizen, now retiree, I was much involved in education business often undertaking small turnkey projects such as setting up of a preschool or an English language centre on a consultancy basis.
Countries like China, Cambodia and Myanmar still have good growth potential for at least five years, and prominent education providers like Raffles Education, Crestar Group, British Council, and the likes are already dominating the market in main cities. There is still business opportunity for small players in suburban provinces.
To be in the race, a rat race so to speak, and more importantly to succeed and make money, we must draw up a good strategy using all available educational and management expertise from members to secure a modest share of the enormous market like China. In 2007/2008, it was reported that more than USD65 billion was spent on education there. In our case, size, mode and scope of operation, and funding would be the determining factors.
Singapore is already classified a “saturated” market for business in preschool learnings and adult English language courses”; hence, in my opinion, it may no longer be viable or profitable to be in the play unless the project is undertakened in a big way with MOE and government collaboration or participation thereby turning it into an education hub for both local and foreign students.
If SHC members are serious about embarking on a commercial venture, I would certainly suggest going overseas for better opportunities and returns. Education business, as I see it, is unique in the sense that it is self-financing; besides, like health care services, the education sector is resilient in spite of the current financial crises and economical downturn.
For a start, I would propose rounding up interested members preferably with educational business background, and organising a casual meeting to explore and brain storm subject, and finally hammering out an aggressive and effective marketing-operation-management plan with set aims or objectives, purpose and direction to follow. We must understand the targetted market well, and devise and offer special or unique educational concepts and packages to attract both children and adults to the much desired western education in most developing ASEAN regions, and China.
Businessmen, also individuals should consider and seize the opportunity of getting into education business, which I firmly believe is an attractive area of investment with high quick returns if the centre is run and managed properly along local educational guidelines or policies.
I shall be pleased to receive members’comment or better still constructive suggestions to the proposed project which could be organised solo or on a co-operative basis. I can be contacted via email: frankaw@singnet.com.sg or frankaw@gmail.com.
Regards
Frank
Competitively I would think China market is more ready and realistic for english and education related market than India considering the professions of mobilisable shc resources and folks.
Whether it be in the area of tuition services, childcare, english language teaching, china has bigger demography with disposable cash for spending on their “only” child. China’s precious little dragon and/or pheonix has each at least 6 pockets to tap fund from.
I would suggest we consider folks interested consider china as the current market for the next 5 years. And consider inner to southern/western china. Don’t kill yourself at the eastern cities.
Consider Singapore market for education services saturated. There are tons of Childcare centres and after care centres at housing estates, like the many churches on one holy road.
Hi All,
I support Mary’s idea.
I am able to teach the pre-schoolers & the lower primaries in English & Chinese. SHC could play as a course provider/enrichment agency and the Teacher Members will teach, the Teacher Members would pay a certain percentage as a commission from the first month fee to SHC. This is fair.
#23 I also second Andrew Thio’s :” If u have good teachers able to produce results, word of mouth will likely make it successful.” Very TRUE. If you teach with your heart, the result would be fantastic, then, you don’t even to advertise yourself, business would come by its own.
Education is about teaching our young not only teaching them academic subjects but also imparting to them social & moral values to them,our role is to motivate them to have a love of learning and to be useful citizens of our society.
I do agree with Frank Kaw & Feztus Lim that China market would be more realistic for English education,TRUE, however, in current situation, there is still education related market for child care centres or tuition centres but not in 5 years time, heard that govt is opening another 200 childcares in 5 years time.
I will be going for a study trip to Nanjing, Shanghai & Hong Kong next month, hope to share more about education oversea with SHC like minded members.
Till then,cheers!
Hi Terence #17
To reduce rental cost of a commercial premise, I’m thinking of a private residence available for use. As long as the residence is vacant, it can double up as a training centre as long as the place is big enough for the education actvities involved. Something like a tuition room in one’s home but conducive for use as an education training centre.
I have such a place to offer that can take up to 20 people with AV equipment needed. also a kitchen to prepare refreshments. It’s my private condo apt in S’pore. As the owner, I will charge rental for the use of the place, by the hour or session. Thus SHC, acting as the agency for TMs or TMs directly themselves, can make bookings. This means that if there are good takeups for lessons, the enterprise may work to advantage.
This idea can also be taken up by other SHCians who have home or even commercial premises that they can make available for use. Therefore we end up with training centres decentralised and spread over the island.
It will be a win-win situation for SHC, TMs and business owners.
Joan
Hi Kathy #22 and Hou Chong #21
Kathy, yes, am interested also to know your views. I was also in the educational area before but strictly, confined to secondary schools.
Hou Chong, read your input – lots of room for thought. Maybe one day must meet up to discuss education business and also play golf – let’s wait as may meet more people in Perth to do both.
Joan
Hi Feztus #25,
As you spend much of your time in China, your knowledge of the China market for education and tuition services would be valuable. While we are far away from China, world is getting smaller. On this Post, please keep sharing with us ideas on how some SHCians can enter this segment. You know us and you know the local market. Some examples would be great.
Terence Seah
Joan has offered a venue which can be used for training or tuition services by TMs.
I guess some TMs would be considering places that they find convenient.
For some SHCians, if you know of places that you think are suitable for training, tuition or other education services, plse indicate the venues. Once we have a good number of possible venues, we will list them for consideration. Keep the ideas coming. We have to make this topic work. Don’t forget to indicate your role so we know your interest angle.
Terence Seah
Hi Frank #24,
Well, it is just as exciting moving forward, and reading your comments. From the feedback on this forum, we have still no one with education business experience to hammer out a plan or idea. We have no feedback yet on marketing, but you have the experience. Reading all the earlier comments, can you offer one or two ideas which you would consider workable for the TMs who have responded.
Terence Seah
maybe i can add that in china, in the face of huge population, 200 government type/child care centres does not affect foreigners wanting to come in to make a run for the profit. local chinese don’t seem to be keen to buy foreign franchise to run childcare centres like they do for fastfood.
the local type of childcare centres usually have about 200 children in each centre, and oftentimes it include boarding becos working parents are often posted to different cities and could not care for their children. Abit different from what we have here. And we also don’t want to go there and compete with them commercially on such outfits. It is a good idea we consider bringing in a slightly higher end type of childcare centre and serve that sector of families that are ready to pay and put their children there.
so what i think i am saying is that maybe someone here with the capital and program can open up one education service business in china, another one in india, cambodia, vietnam, macau, and well singapore, and the rest of the shc folks can go and work x numbers of months or years and generate income.
the said education business should be startable and sustainable so that the rest can plug in and benefit from it.
Of course if some of us are representing NGOs and such like outfits, and require volunteers, then it is a different story and perspective.
Let’s take the next step, as this is critical to determine the level of interest. Those who would like to participate as a TM, please let us know what you would be interested to teach, and we would then be able to tally if there is an interest. At the moment, there are only about 6-7 interested SHCian who would be able to provide some form of education services. We can then call a separate meeting for TMs.
Terence Seah
Terence
Now that we’ve received to date 32 interesting postings about business in education as a sourse of income for some needy members, I think it’s time an exploratory meeting is convened under your chairmanship to ponder and assess the feasibility or viability of each and every idea or suggestion presented before taking a collective decision to proceed or drop the proposal all together.
The guidelines for discussion are:-
Project: PROPOSAL FOR SETTING UP OF A BUSINESS VENTURE
IN EDUCATION
Guidelines:
1.Type & Size of Operation
2.Location – Singapore or overseas
3.Funding or financial appropriation
4.Objective & Strategy
5.Manpower
– Management
– Teaching Staff
– Support Staff
6.Levy & Taxation
Let’s not waste too much time writing without taking any positive action. Time is of the essence now.
Regards
Frank
Hi Frank,
We should move on. I do agree that we have many areas covered.
I think an important area is to find out who the TMs are, and who from SHC are interested in providing education services. Numbers are important, and we need them to get started.
You sure sound like someone with the start-up experrience. Hmm, I look forward to your contribution.
I plan to hold a meeting before end of Feb. Calling SHCians with an interest in providing education services, plse raise your hand.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence
Yes, count me in re: providing education services viz venue to hold educational lessons/activities. I would also like to know of any business venture discussed. I have a teaching background tho at the moment haven’t considered being a TM.
Joan
Terence
My goodness. Just one or two days of not logging in and I have missed so much.
I’m keen to teach English and that includes phonics, comprehension and creative writing to kids ranging from the age of 3 to 12 years of age.
I want to indicate that i am keen but not sure what is required of all(TM).
1. I travel alot so i can’t be involved in teaching
2. I am familiar in china, thailand and Myanmar
3. I need to know how it will be organized so that i know whether i can actually fit in.
4. Probably none teaching roles.
Count me in, pls
For those who have expressed interest in providing education services, as well as running education services, let’s meet at Hans Cafe on Sat, 21 Feb 2009 at 1pm. We will finish at 3pm. If you cannot make it, notes of the discussion will be posted here.
Look forward to seeing you for the discussion. Terence Seah
Hi Terence,
Am unable to come for the meeting on 21st Feb 2009 in regarding the providing & running education services as I have a meeting with the Headquater & our Education Minister about Singapore education in the primary & secondary schools, will give it a miss.
Regards!
Nancy M.
Terence,
If I’m not teaching on the 21st, I will be there. I will sms you if I can’t make it. Hope to be there.
Hi MaryC and Nancy,
Catch up if you can make it to the meeting. We are waiting for other participants to respond to this meeting. May be difficult to gather everybody together.
Terence Seah
Terrence,
ok, I’ll be there. will u b going cycling after that?
Terrence, I presume that u r referring to Hans @ GE Bldg?
Hi Andrew, yes, we shall have the meeting on Education services at hans@great eastern bldg.
After the meeting, I shall join the cycling group. See you then.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence,
I shall be there this Sat before hitting the bike track
at East Coast with you.
james
Hi Joan(Perth) #27,
Can you let me know yr email.
I’ve some queries regarding yr venue.
rgds,
james
Hi James #48
Are you the same James Tan that was interested in coming to Perth in Mar but changed plans?
Re: queries about the venue, I think Terence is holding a meeting on 21 Feb to discuss the education business. I will be unable to attend as I’m in Perth but would like to follow up on what arises after the meeting. Unless the idea takes off and there is query on a training venue that I wish to offer for use, I prefer to wait for more comments later on this post, after the meeting.
If you have queries, perhaps you can address them on this post as I believe Terence has indicated this on his post.
Regds
Joan
Hi Joan,
Yes, I’m the one who changed my plan to Perth due to the
economic situation here which is also affecting my job.
Regarding yr venue, I wish and believe other members in this
post would also like to know is where is yr apt located, how
big is the unit, are you letting out the whole unit or just
a couple of rooms. Are all rooms aircon?
What furniture/furnishing is available, how many chairs/
table are available? Did you also mention A/V equipt like
LCD projector also comes in the apt?
How much rent are you charging per mth/per wk/per day? Or
if rent for 1-2 yrs, will the rent be cheaper?
Appreciate yr inputs.
james
Hi Terence,
I would like to meet u all on 21st saturday 1pm, but do not know which Han’s cafe u’r talking, could u give me the address again, where is Hans @ GE Bldg?
Thank you
Hi James #50
OK, i have a better idea of you now. You are the only one interested in my place, with your many questions. Why not wait till Terence reveals what came up during the meeting. Reason is that there’s no point going into all the details when the venture by SHC doesn’t take off.
Then perhaps I think you are asking for yourself.Are you then looking for a training venue? If so, then perhaps I will discuss the details through direct email and even meet up when I am in Singapore in Apr-May.
I hope to meet other SHCians and perhaps those interested can form a group and we can meet up.
Joan
Hi Joan,
I believe the more info we have, the easier will be our
discussion this Sat. Anyway, if this educational
discussion does not materialise, yr venue can also be used
by interested party on a private basis.
My email is cl_tan@sg.utacgroup.com and we can discuss a
bit more if you want to.
james
The first meeting on “Providing education services as a source of income” will be held at Hans Cafe @ Great Eastern Building, Pickering street on Sat, 21 Feb 2009 at 1pm.
The feedback has been varied, with participants with different interests. I summarise the feedback and response todate:
1. SHCians who see opportunities in tuition club:
* Roland Tong likes to discuss tuition club ideas at a meeting.
* Steven Chan see a market in studentcare.
* James Tan has an idea in education training service.
* Joan Wong has a venue, and sees SHC as a broker between TMs and students.
2. SHCians who see opportunities, and already have their own plans:
* Jasmine has an online learning plan. Needs a web collaborator as partner.
* Joan Wong (Perth) has a training business plan. She is looking for trainers to provide enrichment activities for young children.
* Vivian Lai has a student care plan.
3. SHCians who would only participate as a trainer TM:
* Mary Chan conducts proficiency English lessons, creative writing and phonics to young children.
* Vivien Ler provides consultancy services, educational games to young kids and writes books on learning English.
* Nancy Tan writes games and activities to enhance better learning in the lower primary education.
* Kathy Dng wants to participate as a TM.
* Joan wong wants to participate as a TM.
4. SHCians who are interested to participate in the business setup:
* Andrew Thio had researched on childcare business.
* Frank Kaw participates in business setup.
* Feztus suggests opportunities in overseas ventures.
* Hou Chong suggested a business structure.
If you have firm ideas, do share them here. We can then discuss them during our 1st meeting. Dont be shy to share your ideas.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence #54 and James #53
1. Re:Training venue. I’m offering is a hall, AC and equipped with necessary furniture, projector etc to take in 15-20 people seated. It’s in my residential private flat. “Quiet” activities like tuition/art and craft/self-devt talks etc would be suitable. Also available is kitchen facility for prepn of drinks, warming up finger food. Charge would be by session (min. 2 hrs) /weekly/monthly depending on activity and usage. Trainers/SHC can book the venue for use.
2. Re: Trainers. If SHCians wish to conduct activities as mentioned above and participants are interested (SHC to co-broke and get the students) then cost of course must include trainee fee, cut to SHC for service, venue rental, tea/coffee etc. From what I know CPF has to be paid to trainer if salary is $50/mth and above. A min course fee of $10/participant and trainer fee of $25-50/mth may have to be looked at so as to keep fees low.
3. I don’t see myself as a TM yet till perhaps later.
If some are interested in emailing me directly or meeting me, you can email me : joanwong2002@hotmail.com
Welcome inputs, if any. This is at the moment my business plan.
Joan
On 27 Feb 2009, first meeting held to discuss the possibility of Education as a source of income. This points discussed will form the basis of future discussions. We will pursue those points where members express interests to pursue.
1. Education consultancy:
Frank Aw is keen to provide consultancy on setting up of education centres in China, Myanmar, but not Spore and engage native teachers. Has experience in kindergardens in Canada, teach Mandarin., computer aided education.
2. Education-based product training sales:
James Tan with 15 yrs experience, training tech subjects and math, chanced upon elearning Sky media or Sky tutor. After 5 years with eLearning sales, saw opportunities with MOE approved subjects and target students, rather than institutions. James believes the guarantee or money back courses works. And parents are prepared to pay.
3. English and language training:
Mary Chan teaches phonics and creative writing at a private language centre, and English to Sec ones and twos at CDAC a couple of evenings a week. Can also give private lessons to children as well as adults, who speak and write little English, wishing to improve on their spoken and written ability.
4. Tution business (Chinese teaching):
Vivian Lai is in the tuition centre admin. Focuses on Chinese language teaching.
5. Child care business:
Andrew Thio has experierience in IT engineerings, some relief teaching, training adults, and has interest in education. Has researched the child care business, on capital outlay, facilities, toilets, etc. Free for now, and looking for something to do.
6. Tution business (Rates):
* Common for recommendations to receive a fee, based on % of the 1st month payment.
* Tutors either go to student’s place or students come over to tutor’s place.
* Sought after subjects are usually school-run subjects.
* Parents focus on quality at affordable cost.
* Rates, at least SGD 30/hr for one to one. Below this amount, usually easier to find students.
* At least SGD 300/mth.
* General view is there are enough students wanting tuition in Singapore.
7. Tuition business (foreign students);
* China students studying in Spore and Indonesian students prefer to look for guardians.
* Willing to pay SGD 1,800 to 2,000 per mth for homestay.
* Crashed courses can be given at SGD 200 – 300 per mth per student 3 times a week at homestay place
8. Tution business (School venue):
* Viable if run at least 4 times (of 1.5 hrs each time) a day for 6 days week.
* reasonable rent. Important and critical factor to success. Pay per use suggested as alternative. Condo suggested.
* at least 6 students per class.
* Going to students’ homes suggested as a starter, as parents prefer tutors go to student’s home.
9. Suggestions on what SHCians can do?
* SHCians can recommend students to tutors for a fee.
* SHCians can recommend their grandchildren to tutors.
* Interested SHCians can join the JV business.
* SHCians can offer guardian services.
* Suggestions to allow advertising in SHC. (Advertising is not permitted on this website. However SHCians may contact the tutors directly via email, in this Post).
* Suggestion to give a fee to SilverHairsClub. (As SilverHairsClub is a social club on the web, we will not accept any fees. Private arrangements must be between individuals.)
We shall let this discussion go on. If you wish to take up any of the points above, please do so here.
Terence Seah
Terence
Thanks for getting us together for this brainstorming session.
Just a clarification. I teach English to Sec ones and twos at CDAC, but English, phonics and creative writing at a private language centre, not at CDAC.
I could also give private lessons to children as well as adults, who speak and write little English, wishing to improve on their spoken and written ability.
For those who are keen to discuss this further with me, my email address is : MeiliiX@gmail.com
Cheers
Terence
I thought you would post the minutes of our first meeting for members’information, and follow up if/where necessary.
Will this be done?
Regards
Frank
Sorry to chip at this time. Regarding the students’ centre, there may be funding available if the scheme is unique – eg catering only to students obtaining the lowest marks in Schools.
Are we also thinking of a lifelong learning centre for seniors (or rather SHCians)?
Cheers,
thomas kuan
typing errors: it should be ‘Sorry to chip IN at this….’
TK
Hi Thomas,
Thank you for the initiative, and the idea on lifelong learning centre for SHCians. Will you be able to take the lead and guide in taking this idea further?
I am aware you are in this field, and therefore I encourage you to feel free and share your idea, what is a lifelong learning centre for seniors. How to go about it?
Terence Seah
Since we started to embarked on Blue Helmet projects, “Education as a source of income” has attracted the most number of responses. This indicates we have many teachers with varied teaching skills. The Blue Helmet plan basicially involves identifying the different skills, and our interest is to provide the required knowledge to members of the general public. I think we have enough numbers from SHC. Please note members should have expressed their interest on this SHC forum.
The next step is we need venues. SHCians have raised two concepts. One venue is the students’ premises. The other option is a fixed venue, convenient and cost effective. So far, we have not been successful with identifying venues where teaching can be conducted. So, if you know of venues where teaching can be conducted, please help to provide recommendations here. Nearness to MRT or bus stations, shopping centres would be ideal. Please do not send me emails. Simply write your feedback on this forum.
Terence Seah
Calling JamesT, MaryC, JassmineT, JoanW, Vivien, Patsy, KathyD, AndrewT, FrankK, Feztus, ThomasK,
I take it by now you have a good or negative feel of the response from SHC members on the topic “Education as a source of income”. Must say the feedback is rather varied, and we have yet to establish some directions. We do have many trainers or teachers. We dont really have any venue or places in mind. There is little or no indication of where the students will come from, as we have not dwell on the subject of marketing for customers.
I have put down a date of Sun, May 17, 1300 – 1600 hrs to take this topic further. This date is fixed. We shall have the meeting at Hans Cafe.
Meantime, if you have ideas on how to take this agenda to a more concrete position, please do share them here.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence
I will be there on 17 May. Hope the meeting will lead to something. You mentioned that there are many trainers/teachers. So far I met only Karen who’s willing to teach crystal craft. Only 5 of us were there and others couldn’t make it.
Understandably we have different interests and it’s difficult to gather people serious on the topic. A list of who is able to teach what will be helpful. Also venue preferred as we live in different parts. I may be able to provide a venue but may not be central enough. I believe they want 1 central location which is Hans cafe. Also impression is foc which I feel shouldn’t be as there will be no commitment and things will fizzle out. A reasonable fee should be expected for the trainer and for the venue owner.
My suggested topics:
hobbies eg art, craft, mahjong, cooking , scrabble, bridge
talks eg travel, retirement planning,
technology skills learning
Joan
For those who are interested in “Education as a source of income”, and if you have a venue that can be used, please let us know. We have not been able to identify nor seen any suitable location.
On the 17 May, we shall have one more meeting to see if we can develop the ideas further. If not, we shall take a slower pace on this idea, or maybe shelf it until a later time in the year.
As a guide, this Blue Helmet project is intended for SHCians, who could be trainers or teachers, and where the students will come from the general public. We have not discussed before, but the element of marketing and positioning ourselves to the public would be something, I would focus on 17 May.
I have put down a date of Sun, May 17, 1300 – 1600 hrs to take this topic further. Meeting place: Hans Cafe at Upper Pickering street.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence
Thought I read wrongly. Looks like you can’t be at Hans cafe and Botanics on 17 May at the same time. Anyway, I’ve arranged to meet a few who replied to my post on Meeting trainers at Hans on 17 may. I used your date thinking that it’s an opportunity to speak to members.
Regds
Joan
Hi Joan #66,
I shall be at Hans, and then proceed to the Botanic gardens, after the discussion. And, I shall be pleased to meet you at 1230pm. Let’s see where we get.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence
See you then. Hope the discussion will open minds and doors no special agenda.
Joan