It Changed My Life: Ex-student rebels now edtech trailblazers

Founders of education tech start-up say they owe their success to their independent streak

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From managing tuition centres, entrepreneurs Alicia Cheong and Neo Zhizhong decided to take a risk and invested in Geniebook - an online learning tool that serves over 60,000 students and parents.
Mr Neo (front row, far right) and Ms Cheong (second row, seventh from left) with Geniebook staff in a photo taken at their office in Ang Mo Kio last month. The duo also run School Plus, which comprises three learning centres and employs 40 staff. Gen
Mr Neo (front row, far right) and Ms Cheong (second row, seventh from left) with Geniebook staff in a photo taken at their office in Ang Mo Kio last month. The duo also run School Plus, which comprises three learning centres and employs 40 staff. PHOTO: COURTESY OF NEO ZHIZHONG
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A rebellious streak is not necessarily a bad thing.

Just ask Mr Neo Zhizhong and Ms Alicia Cheong, the two founders of School Plus, comprising three learning centres, and Geniebook, an educational technology (edtech) start-up which raised $1.5 million in pre-Series A funding last year.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on March 01, 2020, with the headline It Changed My Life: Ex-student rebels now edtech trailblazers. Subscribe