A Journey Through 20 Years

This is a moment filled with emotion and honor—a milestone to reflect on our origins and look forward to a promising future. Twenty years ago, YELAOSHR began with a humble classroom and a steadfast belief: “Every child deserves to shine.” Today, two decades later, YELAOSHR has grown into an influential educational brand, providing high-quality services to tens of thousands of students and families nationwide. Throughout these 20 years, we have remained committed to a child-centric philosophy. Through innovative teaching methods and a professional team of educators, we strive to provide each child with a learning approach tailored to their needs. From foundational education to personalized development, from traditional classroom teaching to online learning, we have consistently upheld our dedication to education, creating endless opportunities for children to grow. This year, YELAOSHR’s “From Educator to Edupreneur” program received international recognition by being honored in Finland’s HundrED Global Collection. This achievement not only validates our efforts but also underscores the global influence of YELAOSHR’s educational philosophy. This accolade belongs not only to YELAOSHR but also to every parent, student, and team member who has supported us along the way. Three Key Lessons from 20 Years 1. Education Centers on the Child Globally, child-centric education has become a prevailing trend. At YELAOSHR, we champion personalized teaching, breaking traditional molds with creative approaches that enable every child to discover the joy and fulfillment of learning at their own pace. 2. Innovation Is Fueled by Teamwork The strength of an educator team is the cornerstone of educational innovation. The “From Educator to Edupreneur” initiative empowers teachers, guiding them from educators to leaders and educational entrepreneurs. This not only enhances the quality of education but also breathes new life into our team culture. 3. Core Values Drive Us Through Challenges During the pandemic, we rose to the occasion by embracing digital transformation and providing innovative solutions to ensure consistent learning support for students and parents. Every challenge has been an opportunity to reaffirm our core values and strengthen our resolve. Looking Ahead YELAOSHR remains devoted to our guiding principles, transforming aspirations into actions. We promise to prioritize the growth of children, continuously innovate our teaching models, and elevate the quality of education. Simultaneously, we aim to support the career development of our team members, creating a platform where educators can achieve their dreams. To every parent and team member, we thank you for your trust and support. Your efforts have shaped YELAOSHR into what it is today. Together, let us step boldly into the future and write a new chapter in education. Cherishing the past, embracing the future. YELAOSHR is ready to create endless possibilities with you...

Twenty years ago, when a three-year-old girl stood before me and sweetly said, “Good morning, Teacher Yap,” and then opened her book to read the words I had taught her, the pure joy and sense of achievement deeply moved me. However, I also realized that many children who came to me were those who frowned at books, disliked learning, or were afraid to try. They showed me the true challenges of education and helped me understand that the essence of teaching goes beyond imparting knowledge—it lies in unlocking the potential and hope within every child.   Over the past two decades, YELAOSHR has faced challenges and evolved from a small classroom into a nationwide educational platform. Throughout this journey, we’ve held firm to one belief: to deliver education with craftsmanship and purposefully inspire the future. This commitment has been both our promise and our driving force.   In these 20 years, we’ve witnessed countless children transform from ignorant and naive to brimming with confidence. We’ve also seen teachers grow from beginners to seasoned professionals. Their growth and breakthroughs have been my greatest motivation to persevere. During this time, I’ve learned to see hope in every child’s eyes and to draw strength from the hard work of our team. Especially during the pandemic, when teaching methods faced unprecedented disruption, we didn’t retreat. Instead, our team’s unity and creativity forged a new path forward. It was during this period that I deeply realized: that the power of education isn’t just in the knowledge of books but in the shaping of hearts and minds.   This year, YELAOSHR’s “From Educator to Edupreneur” initiative earned global recognition by being featured in Finland’s HundrED Global Collection. This international honour acknowledges our 20-year educational philosophy and guides the path for our future. It reminds us that education isn’t just about passing on knowledge—it’s about breaking boundaries and creating infinite possibilities for children and our team. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to every parent, student, and team member who has been part of this journey. Your trust and support have built the YELAOSHR we see today. In the future, we will continue to uphold our mission, crafting even greater possibilities in education.   “Twenty years in reflection, our gratitude remains steadfast. We promise to pursue education with craftsmanship and the future with a pure heart.”     — Dr. Carol Yap, Co-Founder of YelaoShr...

EarlyWorks Experience: A Culinary Adventure in the World of Asian Cuisine At Yelaoshr Creative Preschool, we believe in the importance of hands-on, real-world learning to inspire curiosity and develop essential life skills in young learners. In collaboration with Smart Junior Chef Malaysia, we recently hosted a unique and immersive 5-day culinary workshop titled “Let’s Explore the Taste of Asia’s Cuisine.” This innovative program introduced children to the rich diversity of Asian cuisine while equipping them with entrepreneurial skills, creativity, and teamwork through the art of cooking. Exploring the Taste of Asia Over five exciting days, children participated in an enriching culinary journey that combined education and enjoyment. From discovering the flavors of Asian dishes to learning the fundamentals of running a food business, the program offered a comprehensive and interactive experience. The young participants assumed the roles of chefs and entrepreneurs, engaging in activities such as branding and packaging their creations, managing kitchen responsibilities, and preparing a variety of Asian dishes. The program culminated in a vibrant bazaar where they showcased and sold their culinary masterpieces to parents and visitors. Skills Developed Through the Program The EarlyWorks Experience emphasized skill-building in a practical and supportive environment. Throughout the workshop, children gained: ● Entrepreneurial skills: Understanding how to conceptualize and execute a business idea, from planning to selling their creations.● Branding and packaging: Designing unique branding and packaging for their dishes, encouraging critical thinking and creativity.● Culinary skills: Learning how to prepare authentic Asian dishes under the guidance of professional chefs and teachers.● Teamwork and responsibility: Managing kitchen tasks and understanding the importance of collaboration and individual contributions.● Real-world application: Setting up and managing a food stall, providing a hands-on understanding of business operations. The Bazaar Showcase The final day featured a bazaar where parents and visitors witnessed the culmination of the children’s efforts. The event showcased a range of carefully prepared Asian dishes, presented with pride and enthusiasm by the young chefs. The children confidently explained their creations, demonstrating not only their culinary knowledge but also their communication and organizational skills. Parents expressed their delight at seeing their children take on real-world responsibilities with such confidence, while teachers observed significant growth in the children’s problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and creativity. The Impact of Experiential Learning This culinary workshop exemplifies the power of experiential and project-based learning. By connecting classroom concepts to real-world contexts, children gained a deeper understanding of practical skills while fostering their critical thinking, resilience, and creativity. Parents praised the program for its meaningful approach, highlighting the positive impact on their children’s confidence and curiosity. Teachers noted that the immersive activities enhanced engagement and left a lasting impression on the students. Looking Ahead This culinary adventure is part of Yelaoshr’s EarlyWorks Experience, which seeks to integrate education with real-world applications. From exploring different professions to creative challenges, the program continues to inspire young learners to think critically, act responsibly, and approach the world with curiosity. As Yelaoshr Creative Preschool plans future activities, the goal remains the same: to nurture every child’s potential through innovative, meaningful, and hands-on learning experiences. To the parents, teachers, and students, thank you for making this workshop a success. Stay connected with us as we continue to provide transformative educational opportunities for our young learners. https://youtu.be/LG1jBPHNyF...

EarlyWorks Experience: A Day at Pu Jian Chinese Medicine Centre Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – In line with its mission to connect preschool education with real-world experiences, Yelaoshr Creative Preschool recently collaborated with Pu Jian Chinese Medicine Centre (Sri Petaling) to introduce young minds to the fascinating world of traditional Chinese medicine. This initiative is part of Yelaoshr’s EarlyWorks Experience, which aims to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning by taking children beyond the classroom into meaningful, real-world environments. At Pu Jian Chinese Medicine Centre, the children were warmly welcomed and treated to an engaging and educational experience. The visit was designed to immerse them in the world of traditional medicine, from identifying and exploring different herbs to learning about basic healing techniques. These age-appropriate activities provided children with a glimpse into the centuries-old practice of Chinese medicine, fostering both understanding and respect for its cultural and health significance. A Unique Learning Opportunity Through this collaboration, the children transformed into “Junior Traditional Medicine Practitioners,” exploring concepts such as holistic health and natural remedies. The passionate team at Pu Jian guided the children with engaging explanations and hands-on activities, making complex concepts accessible to their young audience. The activity aligned perfectly with child-centered pedagogy and the principles of Project-Based Learning (PBL), emphasizing experiential and interactive learning. Teachers prepared pre-visit lessons to introduce the basics of traditional medicine, while post-visit reflections allowed children to consolidate their learning. Parents, who were encouraged to participate, shared glowing feedback about the meaningful and impactful experience. Transforming Education Through Real-World Experiences Yelaoshr’s EarlyWorks Experience program seeks to address the limitations of traditional classroom settings by connecting education to real-world applications. Whether it’s learning about farming, baking, firefighting, or traditional medicine, the program is designed to broaden horizons, inspire aspirations, and equip children with the confidence and skills they need to thrive. This visit to Pu Jian Chinese Medicine Centre highlights the program’s core philosophy: learning should be practical, engaging, and deeply rooted in authentic experiences. By exposing children to diverse professions, EarlyWorks fosters curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a love for learning, creating a strong foundation for lifelong success. Positive Impact on Students and the Community The children’s feedback from the activity was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their excitement and newfound interest in traditional medicine. Parents appreciated the opportunity to witness their children’s active engagement and curiosity. Teachers observed that the hands-on learning approach helped children connect abstract concepts to real-world applications. The collaboration with Pu Jian Chinese Medicine Centre also underscored the importance of community partnerships in education. By generously opening their doors to the children, the Pu Jian team not only educated the students but also demonstrated the value of sharing knowledge and expertise for the betterment of society. Looking Ahead As Yelaoshr continues to innovate through its EarlyWorks Experience, partnerships like this one with Pu Jian Chinese Medicine Centre serve as shining examples of how real-world learning can transform education. This approach not only empowers students with knowledge and skills but also fosters a deep appreciation for their community and its cultural heritage. The success of this initiative reaffirms Yelaoshr’s commitment to making education practical, interactive, and connected to life beyond the classroom. With plans to expand the program to include more professions and environments, Yelaoshr is paving the way for a new generation of curious, confident, and capable learners. About EarlyWorks Experience EarlyWorks Experience by Yelaoshr Creative Preschool is a groundbreaking initiative designed to transform preschool education through real-world, hands-on learning. By immersing children in diverse workplace environments, the program fosters critical thinking, creativity, and curiosity, equipping young learners with the tools to thrive in an ever-changing world...

From November 12 to 14, 2024, Dr. David Yap, CEO of Yelaoshr Education Group, attended the HundrED Innovation Education Summit in Helsinki, Finland. The summit gathered education leaders, scholars, and innovators from around the world to discuss the future direction of education, particularly the application of educational technology (EdTech) and the latest trends in educational reform. As one of Malaysia’s representatives of academic innovation, Dr. David Yap was deeply inspired during the summit, especially regarding educational innovation, educator empowerment, and the application of innovative technologies. Revelations from Finnish Educational Philosophy In Finland, their education system emphasizes student autonomy, personalized development, and a student-centred approach, which is fundamentally different from traditional educational models. As someone who grew up in Malaysia and attended a Chinese independent school, Dr. David Yap understands the importance of traditional culture in education. However, through Finland’s educational philosophy, he sees a whole new possibility. “Finnish education made me deeply realize that education is not just about transferring knowledge, but about cultivating students’ ability to think independently and creatively. Through this approach, students can gain a broader space for growth—not just for exam results, but for future independence and self-fulfilment,” Dr. David Yap said. The Key Role of Educational Technology At this summit, Dr. David Yap also gained a deeper understanding of how educational technology (EdTech) plays an increasingly important role in enhancing teaching effectiveness, reducing teacher workload, and driving educational innovation. Finland’s education system, through the introduction of technology, has not only reduced teachers’ administrative and clerical tasks but also provided educators with more time to focus on teaching content and student development. “We are promoting the application of educational technology in Yelaoshr’s ‘From Educator to Edupreneur’ program, helping teachers reduce their workload so they can focus more on showcasing creativity and enhancing teaching quality,” said Dr. David Yap. “Educational technology is not just a teaching tool; it is a powerful support system that helps educators improve themselves and drive educational innovation.” Education Innovation: Integrating Tradition with Modern Approaches After attending the HundrED Summit, Dr. David Yap became even more determined to push for educational reform. He believes that the future of education should not only preserve the wisdom of traditional culture but also integrate modern educational philosophies and technological applications in order to effectively respond to the rapidly changing demands of today’s society. “We must, based on respect for traditional culture, learn from the innovative educational philosophies of countries like Finland, and use educational technology to drive the modernization of education. Only in this way can we cultivate the next generation with innovative spirit and independent thinking abilities,” said Dr. David Yap. Future Outlook In the future, Yelaoshr Education Group will continue to uphold its mission of empowering educators and promoting educational innovation, particularly through the application of technology, to create a more flexible and efficient education system that supports the growth of both teachers and students. Through global communication and collaboration in the education sector, Yelaoshr also hopes to make greater contributions to education in Malaysia and around the world, driving educational reform toward higher quality, more personalized, and developing an innovative direction. Dr. David Yap said, “Education is a powerful force for change in the world. Only through continuous innovation and breakthroughs can we truly realize the value of education and cultivate outstanding talents who are better equipped to meet the needs of future society.” From National Recognition to the International Stage: My HundrED Application Journey In 2019, I submitted the “From Educator to Edupreneur” program application to the HundrED Global Collection for the first time, with a clear goal in mind: to validate the impact of the program through recognition from an internationally authoritative platform. For me, this was not only an affirmation of my work but also a continuation of my sense of responsibility. Through HundrED’s recognition, I hoped to not only enhance the credibility of the program but also expand its reach to a wider educational scene, bringing change to more teachers and students. The creation of “From Educator to Edupreneur” stemmed from my long-term observation and deep reflection on the education industry. Over the years, I have witnessed many outstanding teachers who give their all in the classroom but face limited career development due to traditional constraints. I firmly believe that educators’ abilities go far beyond the classroom; they should have more autonomy and can be leaders in educational innovation and societal value creation. Therefore, I came up with an ambitious idea—to help teachers transform from being purely educators to “edupreneurs” with entrepreneurial thinking. Through systematic training and resource support, I aimed to help them create more value for themselves and their students. However, the result of my initial application was not as expected. HundrED’s rejection made me realize that no matter how excellent the concept of the program is, it is difficult to gain widespread recognition without sufficient data, results, and evidence to support it. This experience became an important turning point for me. I began to seriously reflect on how to accumulate influence through practice and how to communicate the core value of the program more clearly to a larger audience. In the following years, my team and I continuously optimized the program’s content, conducted in-depth research into teachers’ actual needs, and injected more innovative elements into the plan. We started with the most basic teacher training, offering practical courses and hands-on guidance to help participants truly experience the value of the program. At the same time, we actively expanded our influence, promoting the program to larger areas and collecting a wealth of real-world cases and data. These results not only validated the effectiveness of the program but also provided strong support for our subsequent application to HundrED. This year, when I submitted my application to HundrED again, I felt a sense of calm. This time, I was no longer simply hoping for recognition; I truly believed that this program could serve as a reference for global education. When I learned that “From Educator to Edupreneur” was successfully selected for the HundrED Global Collection, my joy was beyond words. This recognition is not only an affirmation of past efforts but also an international acknowledgement, marking the higher-level validation of the program’s impact. Through the HundrED platform, my program was able to connect with a broader international education community. I was invited to attend the Education Innovation Summit, where I shared our story with educators from around the world and listened to their experiences and insights. These exchanges further strengthened my belief that educational innovation knows no boundaries. Its true value lies in providing inspiration and tools to educators from diverse backgrounds and cultures, enabling them to create change within their fields. From the setback of my first application to the success of being selected today, my journey has been filled with challenges and growth. Initially, I simply hoped to validate the impact of this program through HundrED’s recognition. Now, I have come to realize that the significance of this recognition goes beyond enhancing the program’s credibility; it is also a driving force for pushing educational reform. In the future, I hope to influence more educators through the “From Educator to Edupreneur” program, helping them break through their limits and collectively contribute to the future of education...

YELAOSHR Education Group’s innovative project – From Educator to Edupreneur – has been recognized as one of the HundrED Global Collection 2025’s top 100 global education innovations. This honour acknowledges the project’s significant impact in addressing teacher fatigue and burnout, enhancing professional development opportunities, and promoting entrepreneurship and professional growth within the education sector. “Empowering educators has always been my dream,” said Yap Yee Yee, the founder of YELAOSHR Education Group. “Teachers are the backbone of society. By providing them with tools and opportunities for growth, we hope to help them break through bottlenecks while benefiting more students and communities” Yap Yee Yee stated. This project helps teachers acquire entrepreneurial skills, offering a low-risk model that enables them to become successful partners of YELAOSHR and grow their educational businesses. “We want to create a stable platform for teachers by reducing risks during their transition period while focusing on teaching and innovation,” Yap Yee Yee explained. Through skill development, mentoring, and practical workshops, teachers can reignite their passion for education and transform traditional teaching methods into innovative educational models. They learn critical thinking, problem-solving approaches, and child-centred teaching methods while also mastering management skills for educational centres. “Leadership begins with opportunities,” Yap Yee Yee added. “We hope every teacher can become a leader of innovation, inspiring others to participate in educational reform.” Additionally, YELAOSHR provides a supportive growth environment for teachers. Through guidance from experienced educators, annual recognition events, and continuous learning programs, teachers not only grow into professionals but are also continuously motivated to create more possibilities. “From Educator to Edupreneur is not just a career development program; its goal is to help teachers rediscover their love for education,” Yap Yee Yee remarked. “By reducing the risks of entrepreneurship and providing continuous support, we enable teachers to focus on their educational careers and truly change students’ futures.” Currently, the program has been successfully implemented in 70 educational centres across Malaysia, helping more than 100 educators develop their careers each year. This innovative model has also received international recognition for its replicability and tangible results, earning a spot in the HundrED Global Collection 2025. “Seeing teachers not only achieve success in teaching but also develop into leaders and entrepreneurs is our ultimate goal,” Yap Yee Yee concluded. “Through this program, we hope to create a more hopeful and meaningful future for educators and students.” YELAOSHR’s From Educator to Edupreneur program demonstrates how empowering teachers through innovative educational models can inspire them to lead and innovate, bringing greater change and opportunities for future generations...

Carol Yap, the founder of Yelaoshr Education Group, has been dedicated to exploring innovative education since entering the education industry in 2005. She firmly believes that the beauty of education should not be measured solely by exam results, but by uncovering and stimulating the infinite potential of children. In 2016, she began to deeply study the philosophy of Finnish education. Through reading numerous books and reports, she gradually developed a strong interest in the student-centred, happiness-focused, and developed a strong interest in education philosophy that emphasizes happiness and innovation. In 2018, she visited Finland to survey, touring several schools and engaging in in-depth discussions with local educators. Finnish education heavily emphasizes the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of students, as well as their all-round development. This philosophy reinforced Carol Yap’s belief that the primary task of education is to cultivate physically and mentally healthy individuals because only healthy-minded people can build a healthy society and country. From Inspiration in Finland to the HundrED Application.Inspired by Finnish educational philosophy, Carol Yap began to think about how to integrate these ideas into Yelaoshr’s educational practices and gradually developed a series of innovative projects. In 2019, she discovered HundrED, a global education innovation platform that focuses on identifying and promoting the most promising educational innovations worldwide. HundrED’s vision and mission align closely with the child-centred, innovation-encouraging educational philosophy that she advocates. From 2019 to 2023, Carol Yap submitted Yelaoshr’s innovative projects to HundrED multiple times, including Teacher Zhang Baoyou’s “Creative Maths Magic” and her initiative, “From Educator to Edupreneur.” Although the applications in the earlier years were unsuccessful, she did not become discouraged. She’s well aware that educational innovation must be backed by data and practical results. Therefore, she continuously improved the project content, collected teaching outcomes and data, and applied for government certification to ensure the long-term sustainability of the projects. Through continuous effort, these projects gradually matured, especially the “From Educator to Edupreneur” project. Providing educators with entrepreneurial skills training, helps them transition from traditional teachers to education entrepreneurs, opening up new pathways for professional development. This concept has gained recognition from an increasing number of education professionals and has gradually attracted the attention of HundrED. Breakthrough of 2024: From Shortlist to Official InvitationIn May 2024, Carol Yap finally received an email from HundrED, informing her that the two projects she submitted had successfully made it to the shortlist for HundrED’s Global Project Selection. This news was incredibly exciting for her, as it was a significant recognition of her years of effort. Then, in a further notification in July, she learned that one of the projects, “From Educator to Edupreneur,” had been officially selected for the HundrED Global Collection 2025. Even more exciting, she received an invitation to represent Yelaoshr at the HundrED Innovation Education Summit, which would be held in Helsinki, Finland, from November 12 to 14. Upon receiving this news, Carol Yap was deeply moved. She reflected on the journey from the disappointment of her first application to the eventual success, and every effort along the way felt particularly precious. To better prepare for the summit, she and her team compiled a vast amount of project data and progress reports, striving to showcase Yelaoshr’s educational innovation practices on the international stage. Gains from Participating in the HundrED Innovation Education SummitIn November, Carol Yap arrived in Helsinki, Finland, to attend the three-day HundrED Innovation Education Summit. At the summit, she not only shared Yelaoshr’s “Scaling With Purpose” framework, which includes five reflections and outlooks. These five reflections and outlooks were not only a summary of her years of work in promoting educational innovation, but also provided valuable inspiration and references for the global education community: 1. The core of innovation is student-centeredness.Educational innovation must not deviate from the fundamental goal of education. Yelaoshr has always adhered to a child-centred educational philosophy, with the core of all its projects focused on creating better learning experiences for children and unlocking their potential. 2. Empowering teachers is the key to educational transformation.She shared how the “From Educator to Edupreneur” project helps teachers break free from the traditional education framework through entrepreneurship training and support systems, enabling them to become leaders in driving educational reform. 3.Maintaining the quality of innovation while scaling up.Carol Yap pointed out that the scaling of innovative educational projects should not come at the expense of quality. She used Yelaoshr’s experience of expanding to over 70 education centres nationwide as an example, demonstrating how to maintain the core values and teaching quality of the projects during the expansion process. 4. The sustainability of a project depends on data and collaboration.She emphasized that the success of any educational innovation requires the support of solid data and widespread collaboration. Through government certification, community involvement, and ongoing data collection, Yelaoshr’s projects ensure long-term sustainable development. 5. The integration of a global perspective with local practice.She deeply experienced that educational innovation requires the combination of international perspectives with local needs. By integrating the advanced concepts of Finnish education with the realities of Malaysia, Yelaoshr’s projects successfully achieved an effective fusion of global educational innovation and local practice...