Key Points:
- Technopreneur, CEO, and venture capitalist Jin Tan launched ReSkills in late 2020, aiming to democratize learning after a career spanning technology, venture capitalism, and financial markets.
- ReSkills is an online educational portal with over 700 coaches serving 1,000,000 users from 70 countries, offering features like ReSkills OnLIVE classes, OnTheGo, OnStage, OnFerence & others.
- Jin says it is important to ensure disruptive innovation does not come at the expense of quality education, stating that digital platforms have the potential to advance educational inclusion globally.
If Jin Tan knows one thing to be true, it’s this: everyone deserves access to quality education.
Jin Tan, a technopreneur, CEO, and venture capitalist with about 14 years of industry experience, launched ReSkills in late 2020. After a career spanning technology, venture capitalism, and financial markets, and with a knack for business building and branding & marketing expertise, he embarked on a mission to democratize learning.
ReSkills is an online educational portal that connects aspiring learners with qualified trainers from all around the world. The platform now employs over 700 coaches, catering to the needs of over 1,000,000 users from 70 countries worldwide. With six distinct features, including ReSkills OnLIVE classes, OnTheGo learning videos, OnStage talks, OnFerence learning conferences, ReSkills 1on1 & podcasts in the platform to cover various niches for the education market.
Business APAC recently spoke with Jin, who says it is important to ensure disruptive innovation does not come at the expense of quality education, and that digital platforms have the potential to advance educational inclusion globally.
Business APAC: Tell us about your background and career journey. What inspired you to step into eLearning?
Jin: My journey began with a passion for education and technology. Over the past 14 years, I’ve been a technopreneur, spearheading multiple projects and creating impactful technology platforms.
The Covid-19 pandemic was a turning point for me, leading me to the eLearning industry. The transformative power of online learning inspired me, and I sought to bridge the gap between traditional education and the digital age.
My vision was to democratize access to high-quality education, making it available to everyone, regardless of their background or geographical location.
Business APAC: Please give us an overview of the current state of the eLearning industry in the APAC region. What are the main challenges and opportunities you see?
Jin: The eLearning industry in the APAC region is experiencing rapid growth. This growth is driven by increased internet penetration, smartphone adoption, and a growing demand for upskilling and reskilling.
However, there are still some hurdles to overcome. These include providing quality education and relevant career learning in remote areas, improving digital infrastructure, and overcoming language barriers.
Despite these challenges, there are significant opportunities. eLearning platforms have the chance to innovate and meet the varied learning needs of the region’s population.
Business APAC: Could you share the story behind the creation of Reskills Edtech? What sparked the initial idea? Was it a personal experience, a market gap you noticed, or something else?
Jin: The idea for ReSkills Edtech came from a desire to democratize education and empower individuals to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market. Whether it was a personal experience, a market gap we noticed, or a mix of both, our goal was clear from the beginning: We aim to serve the world through educational technology, making education affordable and accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Business APAC: Tell us about your eLearning platform. What sets it apart from the competition?
Jin: ReSkills is a subscription-based online learning platform. It offers users unlimited access to top-quality daily live learning courses, videos, talks, conferences, and materials. These resources come with globally accredited micro-certifications and focus on professional growth, career enhancement, and business entrepreneurship learning.
Moreover, our buffet-style model allows everyone to learn as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, for just $12 a year.
We stand out from the competition because we believe this is the new way of learning. It’s fast, convenient, and can be accessed anytime, anywhere. With affordable pricing, a variety of topics, and globally accredited micro-certifications, we ensure that users receive a top-quality education tailored to their needs. These features set them up for success in their careers.
Business APAC: Who is your target audience? What are their needs, and how does your platform cater to them?
Jin: Our platform is designed for professionals seeking career advancement, individuals looking to develop new skills, and aspiring entrepreneurs eager to launch successful ventures. We cater to their unique needs through our platform, enabling them to reach their career goals and stay competitive in today’s fast-paced world.
Business APAC: Being at the helm of the company, what are your prominent roles and responsibilities? Do you have any notable awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
Jin: As the CEO of ReSkills, my primary responsibilities revolve around strategic planning, team leadership, and fostering partnerships.
Some of our notable achievements include receiving industry recognition for our innovative approach, our impact, and our commitment to excellence in online education.
Business APAC: What challenges did you face on your leadership journey? How did you tackle them?
Jin: Being a leader certainly has its challenges. These range from understanding market trends to leading a diverse team. However, by promoting a culture of collaboration, innovation, and lifelong learning, we’ve been able to face these challenges directly and come out as a stronger company.
Business APAC: What are your top tips for developing effective learning habits and routines for online learning?
Jin: To develop effective learning habits, one needs discipline, organization, and a growth mindset. It’s important to set clear goals, establish a dedicated study space, stay organized, actively seek feedback, and embrace the concept of lifelong learning. These are the keys to succeeding in online education.
Business APAC: How do you manage to have a perfect work-life balance? What are your hobbies/interests beyond the cabin?
Jin: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for overall well-being. Outside the office, I make it a priority to spend quality time with my family and participate in outdoor activities.
Basketball is my sport of choice. I ensure that I dedicate at least one day each week to this hobby. This approach helps me maintain a balanced lifestyle that promotes both professional achievement and personal satisfaction.
Business APAC: What advice do you have for students using e-learning to prepare for the ever-changing demands of the future workforce?
Jin: For those preparing for the future workforce, I strongly recommend continuous learning, both offline and online. Online learning is a potent tool that complements traditional education, fostering constant growth and adaptability to career shifts.
Cultivate curiosity, resilience, and an eagerness to learn new skills. These traits will not only help you survive but also thrive in a constantly changing job market.
Quote
“To those gearing up for the future workforce, I highly recommend them to keep learning, not only physically but online too.”
“Set goals, create a dedicated study space, stay organized, seek feedback, and always embrace lifelong learning as keys to success in online education.”
