Timothy Joshua Chia Wei Cong’s career exemplifies a fearless pursuit of impact, innovation, and lifelong learning. A current Valar Institute MBA student, Timothy has made a name for himself as the founder of illum.e, Singapore’s fastest-growing enrichment company, known for its student-centered approach and impressive expansion. His journey reflects an unyielding dedication to education, driven by the desire to “light up people’s lives”—a philosophy rooted in his years of experience as an educator and leader.

From Classroom to Boardroom

Timothy’s career began with the Ministry of Education, where he served as an education officer and teacher. There, he honed his curriculum development and pedagogical skills, forming a strong foundation for his educational philosophy. His ability to teach and inspire was soon matched by his leadership potential. Timothy quickly took on a leadership role, where he successfully led a team of teachers early in his career. But Timothy’s entrepreneurial spirit pushed him to go further. Leaving the comfort of a stable position, he took on the private education sector, facing initial challenges head-on. His resilience paid off when he founded illum.e, achieving what he calls “unprecedented success” as he brought his vision to life.

Building a Brighter Future for Students

Guided by a deeply personal mission, Timothy attributes much of his motivation to the students he once taught. Their belief in his potential and encouragement to “do more” inspired him to establish illum.e, where he could make a broader impact. Today, Timothy channels his energy into creating meaningful learning experiences that empower both students and educators. With illum.e rapidly expanding to five locations and thousands of students, Timothy’s dedication to accessible, impactful education continues to drive the organization’s growth. “I’m determined to keep pushing illum.e to new heights, maintaining our commitment to be the most student-centric education company in the world,” he says.

Lifelong Learning and Leadership Development with Valar

Although Timothy describes himself as a teacher at heart, he pursued the Valar MBA to enhance his leadership and business acumen. The Strategic Leadership modules, in particular, have had a profound impact, providing him with insights into strategic decision-making and process building that have directly influenced illum.e’s growth trajectory. “Valar’s MBA helped me refine processes and strategies essential to our expansion,” he shares, noting that the company’s growth accelerated notably during his studies.

A Vision for the Future of Education

Looking ahead, Timothy sees new opportunities in education as learning needs shift toward microlearning and skill-based acquisition. With the rise of AI and adaptive learning tools—technologies already integrated at illum.e—he believes there is a unique chance to democratize education by delivering meaningful, efficient microlearning experiences. “Technology is the platform, but real impact lies in designing learning experiences that adapt to our changing world,” he explains.

Beyond Business: The Art of Poetry

Outside of his career, Timothy finds balance through his love for writing. Having published poetry collections and educational guidebooks, he aims to continue exploring his creative side. “Writing poetry offers me solace,” he says, describing it as an essential counterbalance to his dynamic career.

Leadership in Action

For Timothy, leadership is about adaptability, much like the water metaphor famously quoted by Bruce Lee. “A good leader in today’s world is like water—shapeless, formless, yet powerful,” he reflects. “To lead well, you have to adapt, nurture, and empower others, all while driving the team forward.”

Reflecting on his journey with Valar, Timothy says, “The experience has been amazing—engaging modules, insightful project feedback, and a friendly academic team ready to help whenever needed. I’ve made wonderful connections with peers, and every minute spent has been truly worth it.”

With his unwavering commitment to education and continuous growth, Timothy’s journey is a testament to his dedication to making the world a brighter place—one student, one lesson, one breakthrough at a time.