Dialogue with Sky Dou, Chairman of BLOSSOM: A Journey of Continuous Growth and Blooming Potential

Brand Voice Forbes, June 29, 2024, 15:08, Beijing

Sky Dou is the Chairman of Shanghai Shengquan Education Technology Co., Ltd. (BLOSSOM), the founder and executive director of Singapore BLOSSOM EDUTECH FOUNDATION LTD., and a member of the INSEAD Women Entrepreneurs Association.

A 2017 graduate of Johns Hopkins University, Sky Dou was the runner-up in Harvard University's Global Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program competition. After graduation, she served as the Head of Global Collaboration and Employer Relations at Johns Hopkins University. Currently, she is pursuing an EMBA at INSEAD, where she holds the distinction of being the youngest EMBA student in the school’s history.

Driven by a deep passion for education and philanthropy, Sky has volunteered with the United Nations, helping to raise funds for UNHCR projects. Over the years, she has organized numerous charitable initiatives to support children with Down syndrome and autism. She also established a non-profit educational foundation in Singapore, dedicated to diversifying educational opportunities and giving back to society.

Q: Could you share the current status of your company and its future goals?

Since its founding in China in 2020, Shanghai Shengquan Education Technology Co., Ltd. (BLOSSOM) has been committed to its mission of "empowering education through technology and serving society through education." We have built strong online and offline partnerships with top international high schools and universities, with a focus on key disciplines such as economics, finance, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Our team has developed a series of high-quality courses designed to support students in enhancing their academic backgrounds and preparing for study abroad. We ensure they receive guidance from prestigious institutions, top-tier companies, and experienced mentors, along with access to high-quality learning opportunities.

BLOSSOM's public finance lectures and Wharton Business Competition series have been featured on Baidu's homepage five times. By the 2024 application season, we successfully helped over 100 students gain admission to their dream universities, including MIT, Harvard, Columbia, and Stanford, as well as secure positions at leading companies such as J.P. Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Google, and McKinsey. Many of these students have benefited from our philanthropic initiatives and are now active members of the BLOSSOM alumni network.

Although BLOSSOM began as a for-profit enterprise, we have always carried a strong non-profit vision—to support underserved communities, particularly children with Down syndrome and autism, by providing free educational services. This vision has gradually taken shape. In 2024, while pursuing my EMBA at INSEAD in Singapore, I established the Blossom Edutech Foundation, marking a significant step towards our goal of nonprofit public education. The foundation is dedicated to offering professional and transparent educational and career consulting services, embracing the principle of "education for all." We strive to ensure that every student who interacts with BLOSSOM, regardless of financial background, has equal access to educational and career development opportunities.

Our academic programs, in collaboration with scientists and entrepreneurs from Harvard, MIT, Johns Hopkins, INSEAD, and the National University of Singapore, leverage AI to optimize resumes, cover letters, and personal statements, providing strong support for students and job seekers. We also utilize AI and VR technologies for remote training, offering advanced engineering courses and online project experiences to reduce the costs associated with studying abroad.

Looking ahead, BLOSSOM Education Group, inspired by Singapore’s educational model, aims to create an immersive learning environment that integrates knowledge, experience, and personalized services. We recognize that every student is unique, and we leverage cutting-edge technology to unlock and nurture their potential. Our commitment is to provide all students—especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds—with professional, transparent, and equal opportunities to access top universities and companies worldwide, empowering them to showcase their talents on the global stage. We firmly believe that, with our support, every student can flourish in the sunlight of education and embrace their moment to bloom.

Q: What inspired you to embark on an entrepreneurial journey in the education sector?

My decision to pursue entrepreneurship in education stemmed from a deep-seated passion for public service and a strong sense of responsibility toward education.

In 2019, I collaborated with friends to create and donate over 3,000 preserved flowers to coffee shops run by children with Down syndrome and autism in Shanghai and Nanjing. The genuine smiles and optimistic spirit of these children deeply moved me. It made me realize that beyond providing material support, I could contribute to the world through intellectual and emotional enrichment.

That same year, as a university mentor, I led students in the global high school financial investment competition organized by the Wharton School of Business. It was my first time in a teaching role, and I poured my heart into it—staying up late with students to analyze markets and draft trading reports. Our dedication paid off, as we ranked second in the U.S. for one of our trades. I was deeply touched when I received numerous handwritten thank-you letters from students, which reinforced my belief in the transformative power of education.

At the start of 2020, students and parents expressed their desire for me to continue teaching. I recognized a gap in financial investment education for high school students in China—there were no standardized curricula or structured teaching methods in this field. Simultaneously, as Head of Global Employer Relations and Corporate Partnerships at Johns Hopkins University, I worked closely with HR leaders from nearly 200 Fortune 500 companies and organized hundreds of career development events. These experiences highlighted the need for a structured approach to career planning and workplace education.

Although this entrepreneurial path diverged from my original career plans and family business expectations, I received immense support from my family, mentors, and friends. Several of my friends even joined my team, giving me an unprecedented sense of responsibility and purpose. This encouraged me to confidently embark on this challenging yet rewarding journey—one driven by a desire to unlock potential and nurture future leaders through education. My ultimate goal is to build an educational platform that deeply impacts students' lives, providing the guidance and opportunities that I once sought. Through BLOSSOM, I aim to pass on this love for learning and sense of responsibility to every student, helping them grow under the sunlight of knowledge and become positive forces in society.

Q: What have been your key takeaways from your entrepreneurial journey? Have you ever considered other career paths?

Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I have come to appreciate the wisdom in the saying, "It takes ten years to grow a tree, but a hundred years to nurture a person." Education is not an instant process—it requires long-term dedication and collective effort. My team plays a crucial role in shaping students’ learning experiences, not just academically but also in character development. For instance, when we arrange student visits with Fortune 500 executives, we emphasize not only professional attire but also critical thinking—encouraging students to prepare thoughtful questions and engage proactively. These seemingly small details significantly impact their growth. I hope my students become inquisitive thinkers who dare to challenge and innovate.

Entrepreneurship is a path filled with challenges, but I believe humility and sincerity are the most valuable assets in any journey. Whether in academia or business, I approach every mentor, colleague, and classmate with gratitude, believing that only with a humble and open mindset can we continue to grow.

At one point, I briefly considered joining my father’s company or becoming a university professor. However, my passion for education led me to this entrepreneurial path. Now, as an EMBA student at INSEAD, I am inspired by my peers who balance family, career, and continuous learning. Their dedication motivates me to work harder and pursue my dreams with unwavering determination. I aspire to contribute to both my family and society, using education as a tool for positive change.