Adam Khoo is undisputedly one of the most successful person in Singapore under the age of 40. In fact, he is most well known for making his first million by the age of 26, which is not too long after graduation from university. No doubt, in the eyes of many, he is leading a terrific life which we can only envy. We were therefore most curious to find out what he did differently that sets him apart from the mainstream.
Unlike most of the successful people we read about, Adam Khoo’s story is one which we can better relate to. He went to a neighborhood secondary school, followed by a decent Junior college and finally a local university. It resembles the educational track of the average joe on the street. Just like most Singaporeans, he worked hard in school and scored good grades, but the difference being that he did not get a good job. He created his own job.
He was in fact engaging in many ‘extra-curricular activities’ in school when most of us were just fixated on nailing our exams. He was taking on training assignments and running his own companies while schooling full time in Singapore’s most competitive university, NUS. It is no wonder that he achieved the much-coveted million dollar dream shortly after graduation. But what got us intrigued was the psychology of this young achiever at a tender age.
At 15, he started his own business and mapped out a life plan of earning his millions. Most people at that age would probably be having fun, chasing girls and asking money from parents. Here he was, dreaming of achievements beyond what his parents has accomplished. Then again, the next question one would ask: how does he acquire the ‘adult-like’ mindset at that age ? Wouldn’t it be great if all our teenage kids think the same way too instead of seeking pleasure all the time ?
We found out that he attended a life-changing camp at the age of 13 which empowered him with the mentality and skills of a successful person. It is known as the ‘SuperTeens’ Camp.
We then set out to explore the marvels of this program by signing out for their preview workshop. We had the pleasure of seeing in person the mentor of young Adam khoo, Dr Ernest Wong who gave the presentation that day. He shared the syllabus of his 5days 4 nights landmark SuperTeens program which includes imparting kids with exams skills, personal skills as well as social skills.
Listening further, we were astonished to find out that ‘goal setting’ and ‘finding your dream’ was also covered in the curriculum. Those are actually stuff we learn in a self-development seminar or book typically engaged in by an adult. It is therefore amazing to learn that young people are being taught all these life skills which will be most beneficial throughout their entire life. What is most unbelievable was how they deliver this information in a way that is understandable by teenage kids, or even making it interesting for those kids to want to listen to it is a remarkable feat. Many of the young graduates of this program are even now coaches and trainers with the company and were present during the session itself. Dr Ernest also went on to share that the graduates continue to do well in their careers.
It seems that such a program does complement our formal education system by making up for what is not being directly taught in school. Perhaps this is the direction that our education system should move towards. Fruit for thought.
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