Lessons for millions: 5 edtech startups from Asia to watch

Jan 24, 2025

Cover Edtech innovations offers personalised and engaging experiences that empower students to reach their full potential (Photo: Getty Images)

Edtech innovations offers personalised and engaging experiences that empower students to reach their full potential (Photo: Getty Images)

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On International Day of Education, learn about five edtech innovators from Asia who are paving the way for a more equitable future in education

The education landscape is transforming, driven by technological advancements that promise to create a more inclusive and effective learning environment, surpassing traditional models.

From online learning platforms to AI-powered tools, educators can now reach underprivileged children and youth facing systemic barriers to quality education. These innovations offer personalised learning experiences tailored to individual needs and learning styles, empowering learners to unlock their full potential and prepare for a competitive job market.

On the International Day of Education, we celebrate five edtech startup founders, recognised as Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow, for driving Asia’s education revolution.

Parith Thiengtham

Above Parith Thiengtham is the co-founder and CEO of Edsy, which aims to democratise English learning with AI (Photo: Worapon Teerawatvijit)

Parith Thiengtham is the co-founder and CEO of Edsy, which aims to democratise English learning with AI (Photo: Worapon Teerawatvijit)

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While many enterprises are eager to adopt game-changing generative AI technology for more efficient and cost-effective workflows, Parith Thiengtham from Thailand aims to leverage it to help 10 million people become fluent in English.

His startup, Edsy, provides students and working professionals immediate feedback on language use and pronunciation. Through collaborations with organisations such as Bangkok’s Ministry of Education and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Edsy is on track to serve one million Thais by the end of 2025.

Ong Yong Xun

Above Ong Yong Xun is the founder of JomStudy, an all-in-one app that makes studying easier (Photo: Fady Younis)

Ong Yong Xun is the founder of JomStudy, an all-in-one app that makes studying easier (Photo: Fady Younis)

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JomStudy, an edtech platform established by Ong Yong Xun in Malaysia, has benefited over 450,000 students since its 2020 launch.

This all-in-one app enables users to study anytime, anywhere, with features such as concise notes, interactive quizzes and tailored syllabi covering more than 22 subjects. It also includes an AI chatbot that answers students’ homework questions at their convenience.

Looking ahead, Ong aims to broaden the platform’s reach across Southeast Asia and beyond.

Yeoh Wan Qing

Above Yeoh Wan Qing is the co-founder of Hatch, a platform offers comprehensive training in digital marketing (Photo: Darren Gabriel Leow)

Yeoh Wan Qing is the co-founder of Hatch, a platform offers comprehensive training in digital marketing (Photo: Darren Gabriel Leow)

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Yeoh Wan Qing from Singapore recognises that opportunities are often unequal, particularly for at-risk youth outside the conventional school system. To address this gap, she launched Hatch, a platform designed to train individuals to become digital marketing specialists.

The courses offered through Hatch, enhanced by AI-driven tools, focus on real-world applications across various topics, including user experience, web design and communication. Students also have the opportunity to intern with partnered startups and only pay a fee once they secure a job.

In addition to its academy, the company operates a media agency serving small businesses.

Khairul Anwar Mohamad Zaki

Above Khairul Anwar Mohamad Zaki co-founded Pandai, a platform that uses AI and machine learning to spot users’ strengths and weakness (Photo: Fady Younis)

Khairul Anwar Mohamad Zaki co-founded Pandai, a platform that uses AI and machine learning to spot users’ strengths and weakness (Photo: Fady Younis)

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Pandai, co-founded by Khairul Anwar Mohamad Zaki, is one of the fastest-growing edtech companies in Malaysia. With more than 400,000 registered students, the platform uses AI and machine learning to identify students’ strengths and weaknesses, and makes studying engaging through gamified quizzes that align with the country’s syllabus.

In 2022, it raised US$2.3 million from investors such as Y Combinator and Global Founders Capital.

Abner Chao

Above Abner Chao co-founded AmazingTalker, a platform that makes language learning more accessible (Photo: Renan Chung)

Abner Chao co-founded AmazingTalker, a platform that makes language learning more accessible (Photo: Renan Chung)

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AmazingTalker, co-founded by Abner Chao in Taiwan and supported by major investors like CDIB Capital and 500 Global, aims to make language learning more accessible. The platform also empowers independent teachers to earn a better income through well-structured online classes.

This venture employs user behaviour analysis and advanced algorithms to match teachers with students effectively. It also enhances teaching quality by providing valuable data-driven insights that help educators refine their skills.

Meet other Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow in Education.

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Topics

Education Startup Entrepreneurship Technology Innovation

Tatler Asia

Lessons for millions: 5 edtech startups from Asia to watch

Parith Thiengtham

Ong Yong Xun

Yeoh Wan Qing

Khairul Anwar Mohamad Zaki

Abner Chao