With her private education business IB Super, Bel Hwang helps students learn faster and easier through her 4Ps learning system.
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It’s a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how Bel Hwang, the founder of IB Super, gets it done like a boss.
What is your backstory and why did you decide to launch your business?
IB Super is a passion project that began unexpectedly in my life. A friend fell ill, and I stepped in to continue her tutoring assignment with an IB student. To my surprise, the student not only excelled academically but also developed a genuine love for learning under my guidance.
At the end of the year, the student’s mother showed her appreciation with a generous bonus, which served as validation for my innate ability to inspire and teach. This was a turning point in my career. That ultimately led me to start IB Super, a tutoring service that is dedicated to providing outstanding IB and IGCSE education.
My decision to start a private education business was met with skepticism from some of my friends, who believed that a corporate job would provide more financial stability. Even my parents had their worries initially. But they were eventually won over by my enthusiasm and perseverance. Their unwavering support sustained me through the pursuit of my dream.
What has been your biggest challenge so far and how did you overcome it?
Our most significant challenge was the Covid-19 pandemic. Lockdown measures forced us to close our physical tutoring centre, resulting in a 50% drop in business. However, this adversity pushed us to adapt.
The rise of online tutoring during the pandemic offered a new opportunity. We shifted our focus to serving overseas students, leveraging technology to reach a broader audience. This strategic pivot not only helped us weather the pandemic but also fueled our business growth. Today, we continue to offer online tutoring alongside our physical locations, embracing change as a catalyst for our evolution.
How do you deal with self-doubt or criticism?
When the going is tough, memories of my friends telling me how a corporate job is better with financial stability, pay raises and promotions will surface. I’ll start to doubt myself, wondering whether I should have taken a more conventional path earlier in my career. Some friends also think I’m just a full-time freelancer and not holding a “stable” job because I am “lazy” and won’t have enough savings when I retire.
I usually handle these thoughts by reflecting on the fact that we’re all different. We all have our life paths to take. My work is wholesome; it’s something I enjoy. It helps students who are having difficulties, and that motivates me more than any financial reward. My greatest inspiration comes from my students, who trust me and journey with me in their learning process.
Favourite place to work?
My ideal place to work is one that offers a great cup of coffee and strong air-conditioning.
Favourite business tool?
My go-to tool is Canva. It’s my favourite for quick and effective picture editing.
One thing you can keep talking about for hours?
I am deeply passionate about the science of learning and how technology can revolutionise education. I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact of research in this field, especially in helping students learn more efficiently and retain knowledge better.
Advances in MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) technology have provided a wealth of information on the mysteries of the brain, offering crucial insights into cognitive processes. This intersection of technology and learning science, along with MRI advancements, holds tremendous potential. I’m eager to contribute to its ongoing advancements.
Your go-to self-care activity?
Exercise is my non-negotiable self-care activity.
One piece of advice to your younger self?
I’ll tell her to seize the day and not get distracted. There are only 24 hours a day, 52 weeks a year, and who knows how many years in our lives!
Get in touch with Bel Hwang online.
Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. We offer almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring and media profiles on Honeycombers. Check it out and join us!
