Born in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Wong grew up in a multilingual environment. Her family spoke Cantonese at home and Mandarin was her second language. Additionally, she learned Malay and English in school. This early exposure to multiple languages piqued her interest in linguistics and inspired her to develop her language skills further.
After completing her secondary education, Wong moved to Singapore to pursue a degree in business management. During her university years, she worked part-time as a translator and language tutor, gaining invaluable experience in the field of language education.
Upon graduation, Wong landed a job at a multinational corporation, where she worked in human resources management. It was here that her passion for language training took root. She noticed that many employees, particularly those sent on overseas assignments, struggled to communicate effectively in the language of the host country. Wong realized that language training was an area with great potential, both as a business and a way to help others.
Determined to pursue her goal, Wong left her corporate job and founded her own language and cultural training company. She started small, with just a handful of clients, but her business quickly grew as word-of-mouth recommendations brought in more customers. Today, Wong’s company employs a team of experienced trainers and serves a diverse range of clients, from top-tier corporations to government agencies and individual learners.
Wong’s approach to language and cultural training is unique. She believes that language is the key to unlocking cultural understanding and creating strong relationships within diverse communities. Her training programs focus not only on the mechanics of language, but also on the cultural nuances and social customs that are essential for effective communication. By teaching her clients about cultural norms, traditions, and etiquette, Wong helps them navigate cultural barriers and build trust and rapport with people from different backgrounds.
Wong’s success has not come easy. As an entrepreneur, she faced numerous challenges, from financial constraints to competition from established language schools. However, her determination and resilience kept her going. She was never afraid to take risks, try new approaches, and adapt to changing market conditions. Wong’s passion for learning never waned, either. She has continued to expand her own language skills, learning Japanese, Korean, and Thai, among others.
Today, Wong Shu Qi is a respected figure in the Singapore business community, recognized for her expertise in language education and her commitment to building bridges between different cultures. She has won several awards for her entrepreneurship, including the prestigious “Women Entrepreneur of the Year” award in 2017.
Wong’s story is an inspiration to anyone who dreams of starting their own business or pursuing a career in language education. Her innovative approach, dedication to her clients, and passion for learning have helped her achieve tremendous success, and she continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in her field. As Wong herself says, “Language is more than just a tool. It’s a gateway to understanding the world around us, and it has the power to transform lives.”