An Alchemist of Learning: Transformation from Chemistry Study to EdTech

 

Life’s journey is an ever-evolving tapestry where the pursuit of knowledge and the spirit of innovation intertwine to create a profound impact. The transformative journey of Ronald TSE from a dedicated student of chemistry at HKU to the celebrated founder of AfterSchool and a Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honoree is a story of monumental success. His achievements in the education sector stand as a beacon of inspiration, proving that passion and purpose can indeed lead to impacts.

 

Ronald's innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive culminated in the creation of AfterSchool, a popular EdTech platform. Recognising the evolving landscape of education and the demand for a comprehensive marketplace, Ronald envisioned AfterSchool as the 'HKTVmall for education' in Hong Kong. The platform allows students and parents to seamlessly search, compare, and select educational resources, bridging a critical gap in the market. ‘I’ve come to understand that personalisation is key, with one-size-fits-all approaches becoming obsolete,’ Ronald reflected.

At its core, AfterSchool is committed to democratising education, offering a wide array of courses at accessible prices and breaking down barriers to quality education. This ethos extends to their social contribution, working with charitable organisations and educational institutions to offer free online tutoring services to underprivileged students.

Ronald’s vision does not stop here. He has crafted a strategic roadmap to broaden the spectrum of course offerings, elevate user experience and harness the power of AI and data analytics. ‘As we grow, upholding stringent quality assurance of our offerings and nurturing a robust community of learners and educators remain our top priority,’ he remarked.

The inception of AfterSchool was sparked by an entrepreneurship programme at HKU, resonating perfectly with Ronald's vision to revolutionise the education sector with an emphasis on addressing real-world problems innovatively. However, the journey from idea to reality was peppered with challenges. With a science background and limited initial capital, Ronald navigated the complex realms of business.

Realising his limited knowledge of the education sector, he visited professors in the Faculty of Education for advice. This bold move led to an unexpected opportunity: a part-time research assistant position. In this role, Ronald conducted interviews with students and teachers about a gamified reading platform, gaining invaluable insights that shaped AfterSchool's development. His experience highlights the power of stepping out of one's comfort zone and the unexpected opportunities that can arise from taking initiative.

Ronald dreamed up AfterSchool and created a pitch deck. He leveraged the experience and the insights gained to enhance his understanding of the education sector and bridge traditional educational methods with technology. Despite the hurdles, Ronald's determination transformed challenges into opportunities, birthing AfterSchool, a pioneer in the EdTech landscape.

 

Ronald's passion for science, ignited during his secondary school years, led him to major in Chemistry and minor in Mathematics at HKU. ‘I found myself increasingly drawn to understanding the fundamental truths of our universe at the molecular level,’ he recalled. This curiosity allowed him to approach complex problems with analytical rigour and creative thinking.

‘The multidisciplinary nature of HKU's curriculum proved invaluable. The University's flexibility allowed me to take introductory courses from different Faculties, providing me with foundational knowledge in business, marketing, and finance,’ Ronald shared. ‘HKU also provided a fertile ground for entrepreneurial thinking beyond just academic pursuits. The University offers a wealth of entrepreneurial activities and programmes that expose students to the world of business and innovation,’ added Ronald. 

More than just subject knowledge, HKU Science's supportive ecosystem equipped Ronald with a mindset of enquiry and resilience. The interdisciplinary approach of his studies helped him see connections between disparate ideas, nurturing an innovative spirit that became the cornerstone of his entrepreneurial endeavours. ‘The rigorous scientific training I received honed my analytical skills and instilled in me a data-driven approach to problem-solving. This scientific mindset has been crucial in developing AfterSchool's innovative educational model,’ Ronald noted.

 

Ronald's odyssey from an HKU student to a triumphant entrepreneur illustrates the transformative essence of education. His narrative inspires current students and exemplifies the vast spectrum of opportunities that an education from HKU's Faculty of Science can unlock. Ronald offers sage counsel to those aspiring to follow in his footsteps: ‘Maximise your university experience, identify and focus on solving real problems, and never be afraid of failure.’ Just as in the grand tapestry of innovation, his molecular seeds.