Eedtech in Southeast Asia has been on a transformative journey, reshaping how knowledge is acquired and skills are developed across a diverse and rapidly growing region. With advancements in digital tools and online platforms, learners from all walks of life are finding new ways to enhance their educational experiences. Among the burgeoning sectors within edtech, language learning has emerged as an important of focus, promising to break down barriers and foster global communication.
To understand the latest innovations and future potential of language learning within edtech, we spoke with two participants in the latest EduSpaze cohort. Jerry Yiu, the Founder and CEO of Quippy AI, uses artificial intelligence to personalize and enhance language learning experiences. Meanwhile, Mint Lim, Founder of School on Cloud, leverages cloud-based platforms to make learning more accessible and flexible for students across Southeast Asia.
We share expert insights on the evolution of EdTech in Southeast Asia
These conversations reveal a compelling vision for the future of language learning, highlighting how technology can cater to diverse linguistic needs and learning styles. As Southeast Asia continues to evolve as a hub of technological innovation and educational reform, language learning through edtech stands as a crucial milestone, promising to equip individuals with the tools necessary for thriving in a connected global community.
Congrats on getting into EduSpaze. What do you hope to gain from your time in the programme?
Jerry Yiu (JY): Thank you for the well wishes! We are especially delighted to be part of the well-established EduSapze accelerator programme. I launched Quippy, an AI-based platform for learning the Chinese language, with the intention of making learning Chinese accessible and engaging using the power of advanced AI technology. By being part of EduSpaze, especially when we’re still in our early stages, we are hoping to deepen our understanding of the edtech industry with their extensive team of edtech experts and mentors and learn from other like-minded entrepreneurs. By being part of these shared experiences with other edtech startups, we’re excited to grow with the rest of the startups in our cohort. More importantly, being part of the EduSpaze accelerator programme also means that we are able to tap into their network of investors which would help us reach our fund-raising goals quickly, allowing us to develop and show our innovative solutions to our target market as soon as we can.
Mint Lim (ML): We’re truly grateful for the opportunity. Through this journey, we hope to connect with kindred spirits, embrace the wisdom of mentors, and harness the resources to continually further develop our educational offerings. We aspire to collaborate closely with industry partners and expand our network of friends through EduSpaze’s nurturing community in Southeast Asia.
How has edtech evolved in your opinion over the last 12 months?
ML: In the past 12 months, edtech has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving beyond its initial pandemic-driven surge. With a renewed emphasis on personalised learning, edtech platforms are harnessing innovative technologies and proprietary methodologies to empower every child to unlock their inner superhero. These advancements go beyond video calls, offering tailored learning experiences that captivate and engage learners on a deeper level. The overarching goal is to cultivate a more personalised and joyful educational journey for all.
JY: I believe what we witnessed in the last 12 months is a greater adoption of technology in the education sector. Parents and educators are both now more receptive to integrating technology such as AI and machine learning into their children’s learning experience. With the greater adoption and trust placed in AI technology in aiding a child’s learning journey, startups like us have more confidence and opportunities to venture into utilising technology in delivering higher-quality education at a much lower cost.
The harnessing of the benefits of AI technology allows us to effectively develop solutions that are highly customisable to each student’s learning levels, providing a personalised learning experience for each student- overcoming challenges faced within the traditional education system.
Why is there a gap in language learning currently and how do you plan to plug it up?
JY: Oral skills are crucial for children learning a second language, yet many struggle to speak fluently due to limited practice opportunities outside the classroom, as well as receiving feedback or corrections. Additionally, language exams often include challenging oral components. We believe that Quippy’s AI speech recognition technology can significantly contribute to addressing this issue.
ML: Currently, the gap includes limited access to quality educational resources, lack of expertise in certain regions or lack of up-to-date teaching methods, and a lack of personalised learning approaches. At School on Cloud (SOC), we plan to address this gap by leveraging our innovative technology and pedagogical expertise to provide tailored language learning experiences. Through our platform, we aim to offer interactive and immersive language learning content that adapts to each learner’s unique needs and preferences. By combining cutting-edge technology with effective teaching methodologies, we strive to bridge the content and expertise gap in language learning and empower learners through their optimal learning style.
What’s next for your company?
ML: Expansion, expansion, expansion! We are super excited to further enter Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia. EduSpaze has been amazing at making collaborations and partnerships possible through their network and edtech communities that respect them so much! We are excited about deepening existing partnerships and forging more collaboration opportunities with like-minded educators, distributors and stakeholders of education for children under 12 in the area of STEAM and languages.
JY: Quippy’s mission is to empower today’s students to become tomorrow’s leaders and innovators. We firmly believe that language proficiency is a vital component for students to thrive in a globalised world.
Our goal is to position Quippy as a frontrunner in language learning for K-12 students in Southeast Asian countries and to achieve a $1 million USD Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) within the next 12 months.