Ng Gim Choo

Mrs. Ng Gim Choo started the first EtonHouse school in Singapore in 1995. Today there are 20 EtonHouse pre-schools and international schools in Singapore, China, Indonesia and India. Mrs. Ng started her career as an accountant and worked for several years in firms such as Ernst & Young before becoming a housewife and following her husband and 3 children to England in the 1980s. As a mother she was pleasantly surprised when her children settled-in very well into their new pre-schools and talked excitedly about what they did in school. They found the experiences in school so stimulating that they were often disappointed when school holidays came around and wanted to go to school even on weekends.

Mrs. Ng as a parent volunteer was impressed by the teaching and learning philosophy that the British schools followed where children were happy and involved with their experiences in school. The children were confident, happy and enthusiastic learners. It was the intention of offering similar educational experiences in Asia that was the inspiration behind setting-up of the first EtonHouse school in Singapore which is now an authorised International Baccalaureate World School.

About EtonHouse

The EtonHouse schools follow an inquiry based curriculum where children are involved participants in their learning process. The schools offer education from pre-nursery to middle and high school in different parts of Asia to children and staff from more than 54 different nationalities. EtonHouse also has a education centre offering teacher education courses from the Diploma to the Masters level.

Awards and recognition

In recognition of her work and contribution towards raising the standards of international education in Singapore, she was recently awarded the Freedom of the City of London. The Freedom of the City of London is a ceremony in the UK dating back to the 14th century. The medieval term ‘freeman’ meant someone who was not the property of a feudal lord, but enjoyed privileges such as the right to earn money and own land. The recipient was therefore entitled to many ancient privileges and rights.

Even though the privileges do not hold true today, recipients are selected carefully by the Corporation of London after having being nominated by either Aldermen or Members of The Court of Common Council which is London’s local government authority. Mrs Ng was nominated by two former Mayors of London, Sir David Brewer and Sir Clive Martin. She is now entitled to call herself ‘Freeman and Citizen of London’ joining some of the city’s best and most prestigious companies and trade associations based in the City of London.

Educational background

Mrs. Ng completed her Masters in Education Management from the University of Western Australia in September 2001. Prior to that she undertook several qualifications in early childhood such as the Certificate in Pre-School Management and Administration and Certificate in early childhood care and education. Mrs. Ng also has a Bachelor of Accountancy from the University of Singapore.

Other interests

Apart from being the founder and group managing director of the EtonHouse Group, Mrs. Ng is a keen golfer, a mother of three, an enthusiast of Chinese art and calligraphy and is actively involved in charity events that raise funds for the community and promote cultural practices.

Sources

• http://business.asiaone.com/Business/SME%2BCentral/Prime%2BMovers/Story/A1Story20090710-153994.html
• http://www.mfa.gov.sg/london/Spring2009.pdf
• http://www.etonhouse.com.sg/images/stories/files/millionaire%20asia.pdf
• http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_363580.html
• http://www.etonhouse.com.sg/images/stories/files/expansion.pdf
• http://www.etonhouse.com.sg/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21&Itemid=35
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_the_City
• http://www.etonhouse.com.sg/images/stories/files/In%20a%20class%20of%20its%20own.pdf
• http://www.etonhouse.com.sg/images/stories/files/EH%20on%20Today.pdf
• http://www.etonhouse.com.sg
• http://www.eec.edu.sg