CEO Insights Magazine

With a strong passion for nurturing young minds, Jeannie Ho-Chan is the driving force behind one of Vietnam's leading figures in early childhood education. She has carved a remarkable path, solidifying her position as a leader and advocate for innovative educational practices. Under Jeannie's dynamic leadership, Shichida Educational Institute Vietnam stands firm in its commitment to providing a holistic and transformative learning experience. By integrating scientifically proven methodologies rooted in neuroscience and psychology, the institute delivers exceptional results for its students. Jeannie's unwavering focus on the quality and professional growth of her team ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of educational excellence. Looking ahead, Jeannie envisions a future where Shichida Educational Institute becomes the trusted authority in early education in Vietnam. Join CEO Insights Asia as we delve into the remarkable journey of Jeannie Ho-Chan.

What is the motivation that fuels your daily routines?

Every day, my motivation stems from the deep passion I have for our mission – To develop the next generation of talented Vietnamese children. Often time, working with young children and their families takes time for progress to unfold gradually over time. Nurturing a young child is similar to germinating a seed. For a seedling to grow and develop into a mighty tree, it takes time. Hence, the impact we have on children and their families requires consistent and ongoing effort over a long period of time before we can see results.

The daily small successes we observe in our students and positive feedback from parents fuel our motivation. Witnessing the daily improvements in students' lives and the positive impact on their families fills me with a sense of purpose. Seeing children flourish and families thrive is a rewarding experience that inspires my team and me to continue dedicating ourselves to their success. Looking ahead, we envision a future where we can provide the next generation with a strong foundation to be ready for the future. Reflecting on the impact we've made over the last decade, we are driven by the privilege to be part of our students’ early years and contribute to the betterment of society.

How has been your path to success and what is your success mantra?

I firmly believe in adhering strictly and ethically based on our organization’s policies and code of conduct. This principle guides every decision and action we take, ensuring that we maintain the highest standards of integrity in conducting ourselves as we educate our students. It is especially crucial as we are entrusted with the lives of young children who represent the future of our society.

Also, I’m absolutely committed to upholding the uncompromising quality of education we provide. Recognizing that the education we offer profoundly influences the future of the children we serve, we leave no room for compromise in delivering excellence. By setting and maintaining rigorous standards, we empower our students to thrive and,in turn, shape a brighter future for themselves and our society.

Could you tell us about the unique experiences and learnings from NUS?

Reflecting on my time at NUS, I realize that being an alumnus of this prestigious institution offered me a range of unique experiences. As a student in Singapore, having attended Raffles Junior College, transitioning to NUS felt like a natural progression in my educational journey. NUS is currently recognized as one of the top-ranked universities in the world, elevating the significance of my educational path. At the time, I may not have fully appreciated the magnitude of this opportunity, but it was a significant milestone in my life.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned from my time at NUS was the importance of embracing diversity and cultivating resilience. Graduating during the economic crisis of 2001 presented immense challenges for my cohort. My cohorde was definitely affected by the downturn. It was  during this time that I realized life presents us with various opportunities, and it is up to us to seize them. Being an NUS graduate provided me with a platform that facilitated the development of valuable skills, including proficiency in multiple languages. This,in turn, opened doors to numerous opportunities, such as working as a, and business development professional in the region. The combined experiences at NUS and the platform it provided have greatly contributed to my journey and the expertise I possess today. I am grateful for the diverse perspectives and flexibility fostered during my time at the university, shaping not only my academic growth but also preparing me for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.

Tell us about your leadership approach.

My leadership approach is grounded in establishing proper education management within Vietnam, setting our organization apart from others in the industry. In Vietnamese society, early childhood education is not always given the level of emphasis it deserves. To ensure we provide the best leadership, we have implemented education training and milestones inspired by renowned institutions such as Harvard and MIT. My co-founders pursued an executive management program at MIT, enabling us to incorporate relevant management styles and methodologies into our organization.

Our primary focus is on elevating the quality of our people. We employ modern leadership approaches that leverage social incentives and the networking effect to influence our team positively. By doing so, we encourage our staff to surpass their potential, explore their capabilities, and continuously strive for personal and professional growth. It is important to note that this process of development requires patience and an understanding that success is built on small, quality achievements over time. We may not see immediate results, but we believe in the long-term impact of our efforts.

Regarding my current book interests, I am currently engrossed in two books: 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear and 'Grit' by Angela Duckworth. These books have captured my attention because they resonate with our organization's approach. Reading them allows me to validate our existing practices and explore additional lessons that can further enhance our leadership methods.

Jeannie Ho Chan, Principal, Co-founder, Shichida Educational Institute Vietnam

Armed with a wealth of experience garnered from diverse roles in project management, country representation, and business development, Jeannie brings a unique perspective to her role as Principal. Her exceptional background, coupled with her unwavering dedication, has propelled Shichida Educational Institute Vietnam to the forefront of the education sector.