Tee (fifth from left) and Tan (fourth from left), along with the top management team, are committed to providing Malaysian families with high-quality early childhood education.
NEARLY four decades ago, Simon Tee Wee Siong and Amanda Tan Saw Hong embarked on a journey born from love and a deep sense of responsibility.
Having seen countless families struggle to find a nurturing, high-quality preschool, they understood the need for better early childhood education options.
Recognising this, they took a leap of faith and established two preschools in Klang, Selangor, with immense hope and purpose.
What began as a personal mission soon blossomed into something much greater, laying the foundation for what would later become Eduwis.
Tee and Tan believe that every child deserves the best start in life, which is why they crafted a holistic and structured programme that nurtures academic growth and instils strong values and character.
The Eduwis programme was carefully designed by integrating the philosophies of eight renowned educationists, ensuring a balanced and well-rounded approach to learning.
Turning obstacles into opportunities
In the early years, Tee and Tan faced numerous challenges ranging from scarce resources to operational struggles, and a lack of awareness about structured early childhood education.
In 2008, they took a bold step forward, rebranding as Eduwis Sdn Bhd, a name that would become synonymous with excellent early childhood education.
The launch of the licensing programme in 2009 was a turning point, empowering passionate educators to bring the Eduwis approach to children across the country, reaching far beyond its initial home in Klang.
Five years later, in 2014, Eduwis was officially recognised as a franchisor under the Domestic Trade, Consumerism and Cooperatives Ministry.
Resilient expansion
As parents continued to seek the best education for their children, Eduwis grew beyond Klang Valley, reaching communities in Perak, Kedah and Melaka.
By 2016, the preschool provider established 32 centres, each reflecting Tee and Tan’s vision to provide every child with the best start in life. A year later, they introduced Eduwis Islamic Programme, to provide quality early education for all.
Then, in 2019, Eduwis expanded to 52 centres across six states, including Johor and Negri Sembilan.
That same year, the brand took another leap forward, introducing new business models and opening its first mall-based centre at The Gardens Mall in Kuala Lumpur.
Standing strong through uncertain times
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, it proved to be one of the greatest challenges for Tee and Tan as preschools struggled under the weight of prolonged lockdowns and financial uncertainty.
Instead of standing by, Eduwis introduced the CPR100 (Covid-19 Preschool Revival Programme), an initiative that provided equity funding of up to RM100,000 per preschool, helping centres weather the storm.
Eduwis’ support went beyond financial aid, as it continuously refined its programme and ensured teachers were equipped with the best training.
Now, with over 90 centres across the country, it has become a trusted choice for families seeking stability and quality education for their children.
Vision for the future
Eduwis’ journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in education.
Tee’s strategic vision has been a driving force behind the brand’s expansion, showcasing sustainable growth without compromising on quality. Tan, as chief curriculum officer, has poured her heart into shaping an early education programme that prepares children not just for school, but for life in general.
Together, they have built more than just a brand – they have created a legacy that continues to shape young minds, empower educators and transform communities.
Their dedication has inspired a new generation to carry the torch forward, with their daughters and other young, passionate individuals joining the Eduwis family with fresh perspectives and strong leadership.
These capable young leaders bring innovation, energy and expertise, ensuring that the Eduwis mission and values continue to thrive for generations to come.
