In Singapore, access to private tuition remains a privilege, often widening the academic divide between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. According to the 2023 Household Expenditure Survey, lower-income households allocate nearly four times less on tuition than their higher-income counterparts, leaving many students to navigate their education without additional support.
KidsExcel, an initiative by CATCH THEM YOUNG, is bridging this gap with a strategic, holistic approach. The programme keeps students engaged by integrating academics, sports, and character-building while equipping them with the skills to thrive. Since 2016, KidsExcel has empowered over 3,000 children from lower-income families across Singapore, ensuring that every student—regardless of financial background—has the opportunity to excel.
Students engage in a dynamic blend of academic instruction and physical activity each week. A typical after-school session transitions seamlessly from core subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science to structured basketball drills and collaborative teamwork exercises. This strategic approach builds academic proficiency and self-confidence—equipping students with the skills to excel in and beyond the classroom.
“Traditional classrooms don’t always work for every student,” says Nuhsyahrul Indera, Head of Sports, KidsExcel+. “By integrating movement and interactive learning, we’ve seen remarkable transformations—students become more engaged, ask more questions, and challenge themselves in ways they never have before.”
For many participants, KidsExcel+ is their first exposure to organised sports. Through structured play, they develop discipline, teamwork, and resilience—skills that enhance their academic performance and prepare them for life success.
Jess Teh, Head of Programme, says that she has seen a difference. Students who used to sit quietly at their desks now take the lead in group activities, and some who once lacked confidence in math now approach problem-solving with a different mindset.
Expanding Impact with KidsExcel+
CATCH THEM YOUNG is amplifying its reach with KidsExcel+, a strategic expansion of the original KidsExcel programme designed to create a deeper, more lasting impact.
This enhanced initiative aims to empower 650 primary school students under the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s (MSF) ComLink+ and the Ministry of Education’s Financial Assistance Scheme, focusing on children from households with a per capita income of $750 or less.
However, the success of KidsExcel+ hinges on the generosity of forward-thinking donors committed to shaping brighter futures.
In a show of support, The Apipatana Foundation has contributed S$50,000 to the programme through the Community Foundation of Singapore’s donor-advised fund.
For its founder, Thanit Apipatana, this investment is about unlocking joy and opportunity for students. “As a squash enthusiast, I know firsthand how sports can shape a young person’s life,” he shares. “KidsExcel+ stands out because it seamlessly blends learning, mentorship, and physical activity—keeping students engaged and inspired every step of the way.”
KidsExcel+ is designed to equip students with academic excellence and personal growth through a structured, results-driven programme.
Students will engage in 1.5-hour English, Mathematics, or Science lessons weekly, completing 30 to 40 high-impact lessons per subject annually. They will also undergo 1.5-hour weekly sports training to foster resilience and teamwork, accumulating 80 intensive sessions annually. Additionally, biannual participation in community sports leagues will allow students to apply their skills in real-world competitions.
To bridge the digital divide, each student will receive comprehensive digital learning support, including access to e-resource libraries, adaptive assessments, and Android tablets with mobile connectivity. This ensures seamless learning beyond the classroom, even for those without home technology access.
Beyond academics, measurable success metrics are embedded into the programme. 50% of regular attendees are projected to demonstrate a minimum of 15% improvement in at least one core subject. Half of the students will also show enhanced Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) scores, a crucial indicator of personal development and emotional resilience.
With a strategic focus on academic and personal growth, KidsExcel+ is committed to closing learning gaps, fostering confidence, and preparing students for long-term success.
“Every student needs something that makes them want to show up and keep trying,” says Kevyn Sim, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Catch Them Young. “KidsExcel+ gives them that chance, whether it’s mastering a tough math problem or scoring in a game. Those moments matter because students will remember them for the rest of their lives.”
Stronger Support Through the SG Gives Matching Grant
KidsExcel+ is supported by the Collective for a Stronger Society (CSS) led by CFS. The CSS platform unites donors, non-profits, public and private organisations to uplift lower-income families through a series of cross-sector programmes. Under the SG Gives Matching Grant, donations to CSS will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling the impact of The Apipatana Foundation.
Apipatana views this as a strategic, long-term investment in the next generation. “A programme like this lays a strong foundation for students beyond graduation,” he explains. “By providing essential tools, mentorship, and encouragement, KidsExcel+ ensures that no student is left behind due to circumstances beyond their control. That’s why I chose to support it.”
Looking Ahead
Despite being in its early stages, the funding for KidsExcel+ is already driving tangible impact. Students arrive eager to learn, engage, and push their limits each week. Whether drawn by the lessons or the sports, they leave equipped with new skills, measurable progress, and the confidence to keep striving. KidsExcel+ isn’t just an extension of the classroom for these students—it’s the catalyst for their growth and success.
Thanit Apipatana is a Bangkok-based entrepreneur, investor, and startup advisor with a keen interest in venture building, real estate, F&B, sports and philanthropy. Mr. Apipatana has advised and invested in companies in the region, including Singapore-based proptech startup Mogul.sg and Thai-based Life Below Labs. As a thought leader, Mr. Apipatana shares his insights on entrepreneurship, F&B, education, sports and the social sector.
