OWN X SCHOOL PROGRAMS

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Real-World Experience​

For students aged 12-18

RWX is a project-based career exploration program that allows students to get a taste of potential careers by learning directly from industry professionals, develop the core competencies needed to make an impact in their chosen industry, and map out pathways to future career success.


Customizable according to your needs

Formats

  • Single-industry track
  • Multi-industry track

Schedule

  • Curricular/ Co-curricular
  • Extra-curricular / Holiday

Class size

  • One classroom*
  • Single or multi-grade levels*
  • One-on-one

*Maximum of 25 students

Duration

  • 1 day or less
  • 5 days
  • 3 months or more

Case Studies

American International School of Hong Kong

Challenge
As a future-thinking school, the American International School of Hong Kong (AIS) sought a practical career exploration program to complement classroom learning. 

Solution: 
OWN Academy partnered with AIS to deliver our multi-track career exploration program offering hands-on learning and guidance from industry experts. Launched in 2018 (with a brief hiatus in 2020), the program has become an annual staple at AIS.

Outcome:
•  Students explored diverse career paths and experienced what it’s like to pitch a business idea as an entrepreneur, work on a set as a filmmaker, and so on.
•  Exceptional participants even landed internships with esteemed brands such as The New York Times, South China Morning Post, and Ocean Park.
•  The program is now mandatory for Grade 9 to 12 students, which means that by the time they graduate from high school, they would have had four rounds of career simulation. 

Key Takeaways:
•  Having four rounds of career exploration gives students four different career experiences to leverage for university applications, internships, and networking.
•  The program aligns with the AIS Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs), developing these four aspects: Empowered Thinker, Effective Communicator, Well-Rounded Individual, and Global Citizen. 

Stamford American School Hong Kong

Challenge:
Stamford American School Hong Kong (SASHK) wanted to introduce more diverse pathways in their existing Cornerstones Program, a project-based program for Grades 9 and 10. 

Solution:
Since 2021, OWN Academy has delivered our career exploration program featuring exciting fields such as game design, biotechnology, DJ and music production, entrepreneurship, fitness and wellness, architecture, filmmaking, finance, event production, and e-commerce. 

Outcome:
•  Students are able to learn from industry professionals and gain hands-on experiences, with teachers facilitating the learning process.
•  Customizing the program to suit the school’s needs, we run the program weekly for a total of 12 sessions incorporated into curricula time—almost as if it were a new subject. 

Key Takeaways:
•  The program is now embedded in the school’s culture, with students looking forward to the next career industries they want to explore through the program.
•  Students are able to discover new interests that they had not previously considered because they had the opportunity to explore in a safe, dynamic environment.
•  Students who perform exceptionally well may have the chance to be offered summer internships by our vetted Industry Coaches who run the programs. 

International Community School Singapore

Challenge:
Eric Laug, a college counselor at International Community School Singapore (ICS), recognized the need for career exploration but lacked the time to manage a comprehensive program. 

Solution:
OWN Academy partnered with Eric to deliver a one-day version of our multi-track career experience program, a dynamic and interactive alternative to traditional career fairs. 

Outcome:
•  Students actively participated in workshops across three diverse career paths, gaining hands-on experiences and valuable industry insights.
•  OWN Academy was able to provide much needed support to Eric’s existing work as a single college counselor. 

Key Takeaways:
•  The program went beyond traditional career fairs with interactive workshops on entrepreneurship, media, and finance with vetted industry experts.
•  Learners were energized and motivated, with a newfound awareness of career possibilities.
•  As Eric says, it takes a village to provide students with “the best experiences they can have to grow and develop into world-class citizens.”

Sha Tin College

Challenge
Sha Tin College in Hong Kong was no stranger to experiential learning weeks, but were looking to expand local career exploration options for students.

Solution
OWN Academy became their solution, offering multi-track and single-track career exploration programs for students aged 12-18. These programs provided a valuable alternative to traditional overseas trips, allowing students to stay local and gain real-world opportunities.

Outcome

  • Several students secured internships directly through the program—one student who has always been interested in filmmaking landed a role as an intern at EuCan Productions, working closely with our Industry Coach Eugene Chan. 
  • Similarly, a group in the Biotechnology track scored summer jobs at Nanopath Technologies Limited (Spidfier), even publishing their own research papers in a science journal. 

Key Takeaways

  • Although every educator, parent, and student wants an internship, traditional models that aim for immediate placement often fall short. 
  • OWN reinvents internships and bridges this gap by creating a platform for students to prove their abilities and potential to industry professionals.
  • We empower students to showcase their skills and work ethic, increasing their chances of securing roles in industries they’re passionate about and giving them a headstart on building their professional network.

Real-World Challenge

For students aged 14-18

As a teacher, what if you could contextualize your academic lessons with real-world problem solving scenarios by bringing an industry expert into the classroom? RWC is a challenge-based program designed for students to solve an industry case study and implement a solution through the lens of an industry professional. Co-facilitated by the teacher and industry professional, this program takes place during class hours and is seamlessly integrated into the subject curriculum.



Sample Challenges

Working with a team, develop a plan for a specialty coffee retailer to source their raw materials, such as coffee beans and fruit, from a sustainable and ethical supply chain. Identify strategies to achieve business objectives.

Design an innovative mobile app that promotes mental health awareness and self-care strategies specifically for university freshmen. Create a marketing campaign and content calendar to announce the launch of this app. 

Present a strategy for a multinational tech company to implement energy efficient measures, paperless practices, and reduction of single-use plastic, outlining the stakeholders, time, and cost involved.

Case Studies

Cranbrook School, Sydney

Challenge:
Nick Hanrahan, IB Diploma Programme Coordinator and Teacher of History and Global Politics at Cranbrook School, wanted to show students how their curriculum applied to the real world. 

Solution:
OWN Academy brought in an industry professional to complement Nick’s efforts as an individual teacher, helping students contextualize academic lessons with real-world scenarios.

Outcome:
•  We designed a curriculum-aligned case study on Corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and International Law with speaker and lawyer Jessica Shing.
•  Students understood the ESG principles in global business expansion and developed solutions through the provided case study. 

Key Takeaways:
•  Students found the program “insightful and engaging” and “enjoyed solving the case study with the guidance of an industry professional.”
•  As IBDP coordinator, Nick saw the value in the program and wants the other teachers he oversees to experience it.
•  Even IB teachers, who are already immersed in the philosophy of real-world learning, may have limited bandwidth and need additional support to execute their vision. 

American Embassy School, New Delhi

Challenge:
The Institute for Design and Innovation at the American Embassy School (AES) in New Delhi, India, wanted to provide exciting experiences to students but lacked industry connections. 

Solution:
OWN Academy filled the gap for the forward-thinking institute and developed a bespoke four-day intensive workshop featuring vetted industry experts. 

Outcome:
•  In our simulated business environment, students took on the roles of decision makers at a fictional company facing real-world sustainability challenges.
•  Students developed their critical thinking and negotiation skills as they navigated the delicate balance between financial considerations and environmental responsibility.

Key Takeaways:
•  The program proved to be a valuable learning experience for AES students, empowering them to see themselves as changemakers.
•  Students emerged with a deeper understanding of sustainability challenges, diverse perspectives, and effective communication.
•  Even forward-thinking educators, who believe in the power of real-world learning, may have limited resources and need additional support to help their students.

Australian International School Hong Kong

Challenge:
Australian International School Hong Kong found it challenging to maintain their industry network to provide a consistently high-quality work experience program for students. 

Solution:
OWN Academy partnered with the school to pilot a fully online version of our case study program, addressing the school’s unique needs amid the pandemic restrictions in 2021. 

Outcome:
•  We brought in renowned industry professionals, like Dr. Hwei Huih Lee, a leader in COVID-19 vaccine development, to share her real-world expertise with students.
•  The program empowered the teachers to facilitate the program within the existing curriculum, providing real-world context for specific topics outlined in the syllabus. 

Key Takeaways:
•  A significant milestone for OWN Academy, the pilot program proved the effectiveness of the collaboration between teachers and industry experts to elevate student learning.
•  Teachers gained new opportunities to explore topics like scientific ethics to enrich their lessons, and students gained a deeper understanding of opportunities and careers.
•  International schools may have their alumni network and industry connections, but maintaining relationships and providing relevant training require more resources. 

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Jade Carey

Co-Founder and Director, Little Cove Espresso and HAVN Coffee

Jade Carey is the Co-Founder and Director of Little Cove Espresso and HAVN Coffee in Hong Kong. As an F&B entrepreneur, she focuses on creating spaces that deliver an exceptional experience through specialty coffee, food, and warm, connected customer service. Jade is dedicated to the creative and design process of the physical spaces, branding, and menu development. Beyond the coffee and food, she is passionate about growing and empowering individuals within the team. She focuses on highlighting individual potential and creating opportunities for growth, fostering effective leaders who can then share their skills and contribute to others.

Jeff Wong

Consultant

Jeff is an accomplished senior B2B technology sales executive with a proven history of consistently building high performing teams to accelerate revenue growth. Served as the Country Manager of Linkedin Hong Kong and Head of Accelerated Growth Business at Google. Jeff is dedicated to empowering individuals and teams to reach their full potential while driving strategic initiatives that deliver meaningful impact. Jeff cares deeply about: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity and values: Integrity, accountability and Impact. His personal mission statement is " To help people be happier and more successful at work and at home."

Ting Mao

Founder & CEO, Sunnystep

Ting Mao, founder of Sunnystep, turned a personal spine injury into a mission: to create stylish, everyday performance footwear that truly supports the body. In partnership with the MIT Sports Lab, she drives innovation in shoes that combine science, comfort, and sustainability. Today, Sunnystep has 17 stores in Southeast Asia, ships globally and is recognized for empowering people through high-performance, body-friendly footwear for daily life.

Tim Smith

Head of Large Enterprises, Linkedin

Tim leads LinkedIn's Large Enterprise Sales team in Southeast Asia, with nearly two decades of experience in the talent industry across APAC. Originally from Tasmania he has worked in different regions including Hong Kong and now Singapore. Tim represents Linkedln at conferences typically aimed at the C-suite level. He is passionate about workforce transformation, Al, in-deman skills, and building professional brands that connect people to opportunities.

Billy Tam

Head Facilitator Director,
OWN Academy

Billy Tam is an architect turned entrepreneur with over 11 years of experience in 5 idea-to-exit startups in fitness, retail, and food and beverage. With 9 years of experience as a program facilitator, he was one of the pioneer entrepreneurship industry coaches at OWN Academy prior to joining the company. As the Director of Operations, he is responsible for overseeing all programs, facilitator recruitment and curriculum development at OWN Academy.

Tiphanie Doumba

Data Analyst

Tiphanie is a data analyst based in Dubai with experience leading transformation projects across Africa and the Middle East. She combines data insight with strategic vision, encouraging students to use analytical thinking as a tool for solving real-world problems and creating impact.

Tannya Jajal

Founder, AIDEN Global (Data Science & Al Innovation)

Tannya Jajal is an educator and technologist who has delivered 40+ keynotes worldwide on Al, machine learning, and consciousness. Before founding AIDEN, an education company building Al-integrated curricula and learning platforms for schools, she led cybersecurity at VMware, one of the world's top cloud infrastructure firms. A longtime Forbes contributor, she's spent over a decade exploring how Al is made, and how it's transforming the future of learning and work

Anvita Dasani

Branding & Design Strategist

Anvita is a Parsons-trained brand strategist and designer with over 12 years of experience across the Middle East and India. Having built brands for startups and global companies, she teaches creative problem-solving and design thinking through workshops across the UAE, India, and Egypt.

Sid Khakhar

Senior Architect, Atkins Realis

Sid is a senior architect with over 12 years of experience in architecture and urbanism across Asia and the Middle East. His work focuses on data-informed, participatory urban design, integrating innovation and analytical depth to shape human-centered cities.

Prerna Prasad

Founder, Curiousiac (Brand Strategy & Marketing)

Prerna is a brand and growth strategist working across design, storytelling, and marketing. She helps brands define their message and audience through curiosity-driven strategies, using creativity as a practical tool to drive influence and innovation.

Georgina Hills

Founder, ROOM 102 (Leadership & Sustainability in Fashion)

Georgina is a leadership coach and former fashion executive with over 25 years of experience across brands including CELINE, Dolce & Gabbana, and Armani. She partners with global houses like LVMH and Kering, guiding leaders to build emotionally intelligent, purpose-driven, and sustainable businesses.

Farah Kassab

Founder, Development x[by] Design (Urban Planning & Project Management)

Farah is an urban planner with 15 years of experience leading major projects across the Gulf Region. She advises governments and private sectors on urban master plans, combining technical expertise, strategic management, and stakeholder engagement to shape sustainable cities.

Master-1

Dillon Coutinho

Senior Consultant, Ernst & Young (ESG & Sustainability)

Dillon is an ESG and Sustainability professional at e& (etisalat) with extensive experience in reporting, assurance, and policy development. He helps organizations enhance transparency and credibility through global ESG frameworks and drives long-term value through sustainable business practices.

Who this Camp is for?

Students aged 10-13

Comfortable with advanced English communication (to join pitching, teamwork, and project activities)

Accepted through an application process to ensure the best fit and experience (Note: Registration fees are refunded if your child isn’t eligible.)

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