One of the world's youngest CEOs has shared her formula for success with aspiring entrepreneurs in the UAE.
Hong Kong-born Hillary Yip was just 10 when she launched Minor Mynas, an interactive app encouraging children to help each other master new languages.
An idea borne out of her own struggles to learn Mandarin has swiftly grown into a global success connecting young people from more than 60 countries.
Now 15, she said she has based her business success on three simple steps; reading, curiosity and execution.
If you have an idea, give it a go
Young hopefuls who follow this formula have a better chance of living their dreams, she told The National at the Global Women's Forum in Dubai.
“If I’m not in school or working on my app, I just read,” she said.
She urged her peers around the world to never let an idea die without trying.
“If you have an idea, give it a go. If you don’t, it will always remain an idea no matter how great it is.
“Ideas, if executed, can create a small impact. It may a small drop in the ocean but collectively such impacts can make a huge difference and will be a real change.”
She urged pupils to put technology to productive use and not spend hours on gaming apps.
“In my house, we have a strict policy when it comes to screen times. Video games can be fun when played in moderation, but it can lead to serious addiction,” she said.
“We live in a very polarised world; my app is building bridges and teaching tolerance to all the children who connect on the platform.
“It’s fascinating to see how shy children make friends on the platform and engage in peer-to-peer teaching, which is more effective than what we learn at school.
Hillary is in talks with investors to help her further grow the business.
“Currently, we are self-funded. I do charge a fee for speaking at events, which goes back into the business.
“I’ve had a lot of discussion with investors but it’s still a fairly new venture. We need to establish it more.”
The teenager said the formal education system is outdated as it was designed to meet the economic demands of the industrial revolution.
She feels the current way of learning cannot meet the needs of today’s hyper-connected society, which is constantly evolving.
“Our schools were built for the industrial revolution for people who were willing to obey rules. Times have changed and it’s difficult for brick-and-mortar institutions to adapt quickly. This is where technology comes in.”
Khalfan Belhoul, chief executive of The Dubai Future Foundation, echoed her thoughts during an interview at the global forum on Sunday.
He said the traditional school day could soon be consigned to the past as new technologies allow pupils to access education 'anytime, anywhere'.
The DFF and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Dubai’s private schools’ regulator, are turning to technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual reality and blockchain to devise the education system of the future.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Syria v Australia
2018 World Cup qualifying: Asia fourth round play-off first leg
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium (Malacca, Malayisa)
Kick-off: Thursday, 4.30pm (UAE)
Watch: beIN Sports HD
* Second leg in Australia scheduled for October 10
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
