We recently had the privilege of interviewing Asma Aldahlawi, CEO of Mathnasium Saudi Arabia. Asma Aldahlawi’s career is reflected by her huge expertise in managing several national-level events and her profound passion for mathematics. Intending to make mathematics make sense among Saudi kids, she has built Mathnasium Saudi Arabia.
As the CEO of the Mathnasium Saudi Arabia, she presents a perfect blend of her fortes of management and mathematics. In this insightful interview, Asma Aldahlawi shares her perspective on challenges, staying updated with the trends, and plans for her organization, and building unique services, while offering invaluable suggestions for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Beginnings First
We started the interview by asking, “Could you share a brief overview of your career journey, including key milestones and transitions?”
Asma shared, “After completing a degree with high honors in Educational Mathematics from Qassim University in 1996, I became a Math teacher for high school students in Al Rass and Najran for 6 years. After that in 2004, I had the opportunity to be the Manager of Gifted Education Administration under MAHWIBA, a sector for the Ministry of Education, for 18 years until 2022.
Here, I supervised the national project to scout the talented and engaged in major key functions including participation in implementing the confined Scholastic Achievement Admission Test (Science) in cooperation with the general administration for measurement and evaluation. As a judge in scientific projects for innovations & inventions by the talented in several national Olympics. Also, participated in writing & preparation of 6 scientific studies & guides in talent & abilities development.”
She added, “At the same time, I was also a member of the National Center for Assessment wherein I contributed to writing the quantitative part of the Post-Graduate General Aptitude Test and Talent and Creativity Test. In 2015, I was certified by Pearson VUE as an International Professional Trainer in Mathematics, as well as a trainer for the development of life skills and personal abilities to which I have trained more than 130 teachers and 400 students in 2016.
In 2018, the Housing Development Program under the Bunyan Charity Association asked for my support and served as Supervisor where I headed the planning and determining of working strategies for choosing the best accommodation for beneficiaries within the capacities of the program.
In 2019 during the pandemic, I became interested in Mathnasium after seeing tremendous positive results on one of my sons who was enrolled through Mathnasium US online which led me to sign a 45-unit master franchise agreement on the 14th of January 2022. Thus, we gave birth to the very first Mathnasium center in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia wherein we will be closing the year 2023 with 2 centers, AlOlaya and Qurtubah.”
Influence Of Educational Choices
We were curious to learn about how Asma Aldahlawi’s educational choices shaped her career path over the years. So, we asked, “How has your education influenced your career choices and growth in this industry?”
Asma responds, “As much as I can remember, I have loved Math and solving math problems since I was young which is why I pursued a degree in Mathematics. My education greatly influenced my career since I believe that everyone is smart, and each one of us has a special brain that needs a special plan of learning especially through Math.
Now, it gives me a lot of confidence to have started my mission of providing a means of learning and honing the Math skills for the children of KSA in which I aim to change their lives for their betterment through Mathnasium.”
Adaptability Amidst Challenges
Challenges are an inevitable part of any business. So, we asked, “How do you tackle challenges in your field amidst changing market dynamics and technological advancements?”
Asma responds, “It is truly a changing market, especially in this age of AI and time of digital global education. However, upon learning that Mathnasium has been helping the kids for 20 years and with over 1,100 centers worldwide, I am certain bringing it here in the Kingdom will boost the education level and develop our children for the better through Math.
Furthermore, with the support of Mathnasium International, they make sure that our function to operate within their best standards is met and that our core learning by the Mathnasium MethodTM is our primary tool for giving the kids the best teaching method even through online learning.”
Staying Ahead Of The Curve
To ensure sustainable success and growth over time, it is paramount to stay updated with all the emerging technologies. We asked, “How do you ensure your company remains adaptable to emerging trends and technologies?”
She replied, “In these emerging trends and technologies, we are adapting by making sure that our online presence and exposure are closely updated and monitored. Our instructors are kept trained and adapted to the new technologies embraced by our system as well as with the knowledge the students are getting from their respective schools.
We make use of agencies that can expand our market digitally and commercially, and constantly seek collaboration with potential institutions, not only in the educational field, so that we may be able to reach further hopefully to the entire Kingdom.”
Plans We Asked Asma Aldahlawi
We further asked, “What are your plans or goals for your career and company?”
Asma Aldahlawi continued, “It has been my mission to let the children of the Kingdom feel Mathematics NOT as a challenge. We may be able to teach more children and have them learn and love Math so that it can enhance their lives and help others as well. I am also eager to align with the current projects Saudi Vision 2030 is implementing in which quality education is being placed at the forefront.
With this, I am hoping that I may be able to build a Mathnasium center in each city in the whole of Saudi Arabia. Thus, a deep and better understanding of Math through Mathnasium will be available for every child in the Kingdom.”
Embracing The Lessons
Every professional comes across certain crucial lessons over their journey. So, we asked, “What valuable lessons have you learned throughout your career?”
Asma Aldahlawi responds, “I have learned that there is nothing impossible in life. We can solve any problem the right way and at the right time with the right tools. I also believe that we must be able to have a healthy mind and body to have a healthy life. Lastly, a person should trust himself first.
Self-trust will pave the way for confidence amidst the challenges life may bring, even in learning Math. Trusting yourself that you can solve Math problems and trusting the support, like we are giving through Mathnasium, ensures a solution to that problem you have never even thought of accomplishing before. And with that, we can change our lives for the better.”
Setting Mathnasium Apart
To set a strong brand presence in the industry, it is essential to have unique services. So, we asked, “How do you differentiate your services from competitors in the current market?”
“We are the very first after-school math learning center in the whole Kingdom. Backed by an internationally recognized learning method in which more than 1.5M children have been improved since 2002 under the company that boasts 1,100+ centers and is still growing worldwide.” Asma shared.
Navigating Through The Global Trends
“How has your company effectively navigated and capitalized on emerging global market trends or shifts in consumer behavior?”
She shared, “Through 20 years of experience, Mathnasium has already been proven to adapt to the global market. Seeing KSA as an emerging country that is currently making a positive note in history, I was able to tap this opportunity and bring it here firsthand. Mathnasium also developed a new scene in Math learning with its approach to teaching and the atmosphere of the centers they have created.
We truly value the importance of having strategic locations and being in line with the Mathnasium concept in putting up our center and we make sure to be active on our social media accounts regularly. Most importantly, we made sure to be intensively aligned with the educational programs of the schools of the Kingdom (may it be private, international, or government) to which we have built at almost the same level the entire curriculum and comprehensively translated into both English and Arabic as well. All of these contribute to attracting families to come and bring their kids to learn and enjoy.”
Suggestions For Beginners
We ended the interview by asking, “What are the most important qualities or skills you believe beginners should cultivate to thrive in this industry?”
Asma Aldahlawi shared, “In truth, this is the first step in my career as a center owner with a master franchise which makes it a tremendous responsibility. As said before, self-trust is truly vital whether in putting up a small business or running a large corporation. Having a trustworthy and efficient team and support from the company itself like Mathnasium International, to help you succeed in your business is crucial and more so to treat them as family.
“Learning your market, analyzing your potential customers and micromanaging are also truly effective. Valuing your customers to whom we offer our services is second to none. It is also helpful to find and collaborate with companies that need their services and expand the business. Likewise, it is fundamental to have a clear and long-term plan. Most of all, always remember and take hold of the reason why you are committing to this industry which will be your guide amidst the challenges, and see it as a seed to take care of and cultivate.
I wanted our children to learn Math so that they may use it to become better, not just in school but also in life. Math can change their lives, and they can change the world.” Asma concluded.
Connect with Asma Aldahlawi on LinkedIn.
Find Mathnasium Saudi Arabia on LinkedIn or visit their website to learn more.
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