Sheng Wong, Founder of DIRI
Education is a domain that’s constantly evolving and there’s no denying there has been a substantial shift in Malaysia’s educational landscape in the past few decades. One of the few innovators who aim to redefine how we approach learning in our day and age is Sheng Wong, the visionary mind behind DIRI, a new edutainment platform tailored for a diverse and forward-thinking generation.
For Wong, the path to DIRI was a mosaic of experiences. From a career in investment banking to co-founding a digital marketing and esports organisation, each step was a lesson in storytelling. However, it was through marketing and sales that the importance of storytelling became clear to him, setting the stage for the creation of a platform that fuses diverse professional experiences with a passion for education that resulted in the founding of DIRI.
“Throughout my life, I’ve been blessed to have great partners and mentors to teach me the hard truths about life. I wanted to give that opportunity to anyone that wanted it as well. It’s about providing a platform where leaders and professionals can gain insights from the best in their fields, a concept I believe resonates with entrepreneurs and executives seeking continuous growth.,” Wong shares, emphasising the inspiration behind DIRI.
Tunku Ali Redhauddin bin Tuanku Muhriz, Co-founder of DIRI
The realisation of a need for tailor-made training modules led the founder to transition from concept-driven to experience-based teaching. The initial stages involved meticulous market research, aligning content with HR needs, and securing professional input. “Getting mentors on board required some convincing, but notable mentors like Tan Sri Nazir Razak recognised DIRI’s potential as a platform for sharing personal experiences and giving back,” says Wong. Differentiating itself from global counterparts such as Masterclass, DIRI focused on providing localised and relatable content for the Malaysian audience.
The heart of DIRI lies in its carefully curated content. Courses are a collaborative effort, ensuring mentors bring valuable experiences to the table. Structuring courses for specific learning outcomes, DIRI emphasises real-world applications and actionable insights, embodying its approach to Resonance Learning. “Our courses are not scripted but follow a structured approach, incorporating instructional design techniques for clarity and actionable takeaways,” Wong explains, detailing the commitment to delivering impactful and engaging educational experiences.
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“Education that is entertaining” is a key pillar as entertainment fosters deeper interaction and engagement between learners and mentors. With courses accessible on both desktop and mobile devices, DIRI accommodates diverse learning preferences, offering bite-sized lessons to seamlessly integrate into every professional’s busy lives.
DIRI aspires to create a ripple effect, transforming the way people approach learning. By focusing on relatable content and integrating real-life experiences, DIRI bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, something the textbooks can’t replicate.
DIRI
As DIRI continues to evolve, Wong shares the anticipation for expanding course offerings and introducing individual purchase options in early 2024. “Additionally, we are focused on enhancing the user experience and making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection, regardless of their background. We’re focused on breaking down barriers to learning and knowledge sharing,” adds Wong.
“In essence, DIRI is set to redefine learning by making it more accessible, relevant, and impactful for today’s learners and tomorrow’s leaders,” Wong concludes.
