With over 20 years of experience in the education field, Dato’ Dr Jayles Yeoh is determined to change how knowledge is gained. Through AGES (AIMSMET Global Education System), paired with compassion and his passion for education, and creating a sustainable learning environment, his vision is one to be admired.
Walking into his office – I get a sense of passion and affordability for quality education where dream are made to come true.
What made you start this business?
To be honest, it was the passion for an affordable yet, quality education. For me, when a person has learnt something from me, and when what he/she learnt has made an impact on their lives, this is the ultimate drive. And this drives me to want to deliver more.
Another key reason why I started this business, is because I’m a very passionate educationist. Over the years, I had dedicated my time and my effort in education. I believe that education is not measurable by good grades, academic achievements or even an Honours degree, Doctorate degree, MBA or PHD. Education is measured in terms of a person’s ability; a child or an adult, to embark on the journey of their lives and contribute to the society in a way they think is fit for them. Not in the way the system of education dictates it should be. That’s why I started this business.
A humble beginning maketh the man. Impressed with his reasons and passion for education, his dedication speaks volume in this industry. And could you share what drove you to embark in this industry?
When I started this business, after having worked for others for 15 years of my life; in various states and industries. I decided at the age a little over 50, to start my own business called AIMSMET Executive Education. AIMSMET means meeting the aims of educational capabilities.
The whole idea came from what I saw and experienced over the years when I travelled to more than 100 countries. What I saw was that even the worst part of Africa, the poorest nation in the world, some underprivileged parts in China, even some poor parts of Eastern Europe, what we have taught, whether it be internationally acclaimed universities or local universities, in regards to university qualification, is that not everyone has the opportunity to be able to enter these institutions as there is clearly a divide especially in terms of wealth. I think as of today, as much as 30% of the world, is still divided by wealth. The poorest nation, can hardly earn 1 US dollar per day.
So has education which is supposed to take people out of the poverty cycle, actually helped them? The thousands of universities in the world can’t help them get out of the poverty cycle over so many centuries, because of the system. Having said that, you also must have the academic qualification to study in the various subjects and programs; whether it is business, Information Technology, Medicine or Pharmaceutical, and even Engineering. The so called “elite”, those who are wealthy, the people who come from a well-to-do families may have the opportunity to pursue further in the STEM programs. But what about the rest, perhaps about 60 percent of the world? Who don’t come from fortunate background, and they can’t seem to qualify for university? This is why I started my company – to create an innovative field where we can assist people even though they are young or they have work experience but yet, they still struggle to make ends meet. It is for them that I embarked on this journey.
Well-read and well-travelled. Impressed with his innovation mind and future filled experiences. Have you experienced successes and failures as a leader that has directly impacted your achievements and led you to where you are today?
I do fail every now and then, but with determination, failures do not mean that it’s the end to everything I’m passionate about. I also admit that I may not even learn from my mistakes the first time, or even the next few times. Like the saying goes, “Learn from your mistakes and never do it again” but for me, I have been through the same mistakes a few times, one after another with small differences but, what I won’t repeat is to let my mistakes define who I was during that time. So, I learn from the experiences and discover myself, my thoughts, and my people. As such, I am person who is continuously pursuing the best in every one of us.
When we want to be a leader, we take risks when making decisions. And sometimes we happen to fail. The way we overcome our failures is to have someone who sees us; who can point out and remind us of our mistakes. I’m lucky I have a soul mate, a guarding angel.
Company Website: http://www.amu.edu.my/about-amu/aee/