From Software Engineering to Maths Tutor in Singapore: The Story Behind ImproMaths

Portrait image of a group of Asian students at university

April 30, 2026

There are moments in life when everything looks right on paper — but something still feels missing.
My name is Sai, and I spent 8 years in the software industry. I was an Electronics Engineer turned Software Professional, working in a field many people aspire to join. But if I’m honest, I spent much of that time convincing myself I was where I was supposed to be.
Three of those years, I was unemployed.
When I moved to Singapore, I was still searching for direction — trying to find my place again, both professionally and personally.
I told myself I was lucky. I told myself this was the path my parents had worked hard for. But deep down, something felt incomplete. The success I had achieved felt hollow.
And being in a new country, without clarity or work, made that feeling even stronger.
It was one of the lowest points in my professional life.
Then, everything changed.

The Phone Call That Changed Everything

A friend called me one day and asked if I could teach her daughter Mathematics.
Not just help — her daughter was terrified of maths. The kind of fear that shows up as anxiety before exams, even nightmares.
I said yes without thinking twice.
Teaching had always brought me joy, and at that point, I needed something that felt meaningful again. That one session reignited something in me I didn’t realise I had lost.
For the first time in a long while, I felt alive.
Every time my student understood something — truly understood it — it felt like a small victory for both of us.
That’s when I knew: this was more than just teaching. This was my calling.

How ImproMaths Began

Even after returning to a full-time job, I continued teaching.
Slowly, more students came. Word spread. What started as one session grew into something much bigger.
That’s how ImproMaths was born.
After my son was born, I made the decision I had been holding back on — I left the software industry completely and embraced teaching full-time.
It has now been over 7 years.
Seven years of growth, purpose, and doing something that genuinely matters.

Why Many Students Struggle with Maths

Over the years, I’ve realised something important:
Most students who struggle with maths are not lacking in ability.
They struggle because:

It’s not maths they fear.
It’s the experience of learning it.

What I Believe About Teaching Maths

My goal has always been simple:
To give students the same kind of learning experience that my own teacher once gave me.
A space with:

Every student learns differently. Some need more time, some need more reassurance.
And that’s completely okay.
Because one belief guides everything I do:
Understanding comes before speed.

The Student Who Spent 1.5 Months on Integers

One story I’ll never forget:
I once spent nearly 1.5 months teaching a student just integers.
One topic. Six weeks.
His parents and I worked together — patiently, consistently, without rushing.
Today, that same student can solve problems confidently and quickly.
That’s what happens when you build strong foundations.

Creating a Safe Space to Learn

Over time, I realised something deeper:
It’s not just the subject that scares students.
It’s the fear of:

At ImproMaths, we work hard to change that.
Students are encouraged to:

Because mistakes are not failures — they are part of the learning process.

Beyond Academics: Building Confidence

To support students beyond just academics, I became an NLP-certified Life Coach.
This allows me to help students not only with maths, but also with:

Because real progress happens when both the mind and the subject are understood.

Building Strong Foundations First

This belief led to the creation of ImproMaths Basics — a structured programme focused on strengthening core concepts.
Because when the foundation is strong, everything else becomes easier.
And this is something we will continue to focus on.

A Journey That Continues to Grow

As my students grow, I grow too.
Their curiosity keeps me learning.
Their progress keeps me motivated.
Their trust reminds me why I started.
Through it all, my husband Vishwas has been a constant source of support — helping me redefine what success truly means.
And today, I strive to do the same for my students.

Where Maths Becomes Meaningful

ImproMaths is more than just tuition.
It’s a place where:

And most importantly – where every student gets the chance to find their spark.

Thinking About Maths Tuition in Singapore?

If you’re exploring maths tuition in Singapore for your child, the most important thing isn’t just the syllabus or the number of worksheets.
It’s finding the right environment.
One where your child feels: