Liling Ong is the Founder of PIEX Education. She is passionate about making a positive impact in the world through education. With approximately 6 years of experience in the education industry, she has developed a strong skill set and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the education industry. She is known for developing innovative and effective educational programs, promoting equity and inclusiveness in education, and empowering students to reach their full potential. With her expertise and commitment, she hopes to continue to make a positive impact in the world and to be a leader in the education industry.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
I grew up in a small town in Malaysia called Melaka. My childhood was filled with happiness and carefree moments, surrounded by my loving family and friends. Growing up, my grandfather has always been my role model and I was always fascinated by her grandfather’s life stories. He was born in a small village in Malaysia and grew up in a poor family. Despite facing numerous obstacles, he worked hard and eventually became a well-respected man in the community. He always taught my sister and I the importance of education, perseverance, and following our dreams. He instilled in us the belief that anything is possible if they put their mind to it.
When I was 15 years old, my family made the difficult decision to send my sister and I to Australia to study high school. The transition was a huge cultural shock for my sister and I and we were often homesick. I felt like an outsider and often compared myself to my peers, resulting in impostor syndrome. However, I soon found solace in learning about different cultures and using education as a tool for self-discovery and empowerment.
Was there any turning point in your life that changed your journey? If so, what was it? Please tell us the backstory behind it.
Upon graduation from university, I worked as a financial adviser. However, I always felt like there was something missing in my life, even though I had a well-paying job as a financial advisor. I felt that my work as a financial advisor wasn’t making the impact I wanted.
It was during a trip to Cambodia to visit an orphanage that I had an epiphany. I saw firsthand the ways in which education could change their lives. It was at that moment that I made the difficult decision to quit my job and pursue my true calling – improving the lives of children through education. Despite the fear and uncertainty that came with leaving a secure job, I was driven by my passion to make a difference. I wanted to help children I met in Cambodia, who had grown up without access to quality education and were struggling to make a better life for themselves.
I soon founded PIEX Education that focused on providing education to children using innovative programs, tools and technologies to enhance their learning and development. PIEX was a success, and I hope to continue to expand PIEX overseas, reaching out to more children all over the world and making a greater impact.
Tell us something about your initiative. What is it about, and what impact are you trying to make?
Our vision is to empower the next generation of leaders through innovative education for global impact. Our mission is to nurture tomorrow’s leaders to be change-makers, creative thinkers through innovative, technology-enhanced learning experiences. We transform education by empowering children to reach their full potential through innovative, technology-enhanced learning experiences. By developing their social-emotional, thinking and digital literacy skills, children will have the tools they need to make a positive impact on the world. Through our work, we aim to foster a future of creative problem solvers, empathetic leaders, and informed citizens who are equipped to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
Together we can create a world where everyone shines with their authentic selves and lives a life of joy and purpose. By embracing the abundance of life, we choose to collaborate, not compete, and harness our individual strengths to leave a lasting and meaningful impact on the world
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
My motto in life is to simply embrace my purpose, live my role, and fulfill my own destiny with unwavering devotion. For it is by living true to your swadharma that you can awaken your limitless potential and make a lasting impact in the world.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women’s leadership today?
As a female founder and mother with a young child, I have first-hand experience of the challenges and sacrifices that come with trying to balance career and family. For years, I worked tirelessly to manage both the household and the business, which eventually took a toll on my health. The reality is that many women face similar challenges, and it is the responsibility of organisations to support female leaders and help them achieve a healthy work-life balance. This includes providing flexible work hours, remote work options, and opportunities for career growth and development. By doing so, organizations can help to increase the representation of women in leadership positions and create a more diverse and inclusive work environment. Ultimately, this will lead to a more vibrant and dynamic workforce that can drive innovation, creativity, and progress.
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
Your strength lies in the resilience to overcome adversities. Listen to your heart, discover your purpose and hold onto your dreams, for they hold the power to make a positive impact in this world. The journey may not be easy, but the reward of perseverance is limitless.
