Q&A with Gim Choo Ng, 2025 Doctoral Graduate

Gim Choo Ng (EdD '25, Leadership and Innovation) shares her favorite Steinhardt memories and her advice for others in the education field.

Tell us about yourself! What did you study at NYU Steinhardt? What kind of extracurriculars were you involved in?

I’m receiving my EdD in Leadership and Innovation from NYU Steinhardt. It’s a fully online program that I completed from my home in Singapore. I’m also the founder and chairwoman of the EtonHouse International Education Group. Over the past 30 years, we’ve grown to over 100 K-12 campuses across nine countries.

When I turned 70, I decided to step down from day-to-day operations. But I knew there was still so much to learn. And, with a history of dementia in my family, I needed something to energize my brain! The EdD in Leadership and Innovation has been a great way to keep learning. It’s been a very good program: practical and relevant, with case studies, group presentations, and lots of interesting, stimulating discussions. We’ve got a diverse cohort, with students from around the globe working across education, technology, the military, and more. We’ve supported one another and feel very close, despite it being an online program.

What is your favorite memory from your Steinhardt experience?

I got to meet some Steinhardt professors when they visited Singapore, and that was a great experience!

One other memory that stands out is how helpful my professors were when I asked to defend my dissertation early so it didn’t overlap with Chinese New Year. My husband was also very sick at the time, and he had been encouraging me throughout my doctoral program. When I visited him in the hospital, I got to share the news that I’d successfully defended my dissertation. He was so happy for me! We didn’t get to celebrate my graduation together as we’d originally planned—he passed away just a few days after my dissertation defense—but I’ll always be grateful he got to see me complete that portion of my program.

Any plans after graduation? Where do you see yourself in three years?

To celebrate my graduation, I’ll be visiting my grand-niece in Portland, then I’m coming to New York City with my eldest son for the Doctoral Convocation and the All-University Commencement at Yankee Stadium! My son and I will then go on holiday for six weeks to see Machu Picchu and explore Peru.

I know that the world is quite confusing and messy, and I see many misunderstandings between the East and West. In the coming years, I hope my EdD and continued work with EtonHouse can help me promote peace education for young people, especially working with our primary school students in learning to respect diverse cultures. I also plan on sharing my entrepreneurship experience at the university level and mentoring young entrepreneurs. Finally, I’m writing a book about my journey from accountant to housewife to educational entrepreneur.

What advice do you have for students in your field or program?

Be confident, believe in yourself, and work hard. If you invest time and energy, you will make it. I’ve been on a long journey, but determination, perseverance, and support from peers has made the difference. At age 73, I hope my story inspires people that it’s never too late to learn and to live the life you want to.