Emily Kim

What do you think makes you a good coach?
As a visual learner, I prefer to visualise what I am trying to teach to others. It helps make the teaching concept more memorable and fun to those I am teaching. If someone is confused about a concept, whether it is easy or hard, I am happy to help them understand it.

What are your key strengths?
I’ve got a lot of patience and empathy.
I always make sure to take my “mistakes” as a learning opportunity and not fuss over the negatives. In a way, it makes me a person with a positive outlook on life.

Why do you love Chess?
I enjoy activities that require “forever” learning. There’s always going to be a new, unpredictable obstacle in the way. Sometimes, there’s a way you know around it; other times you need to find a new way to overcome it. Chess is one of those games that fit the criteria.

When/how did you first learn to play?
I first started learning chess in primary school and have loved it ever since.

Why do you enjoy working with kids?
The way kids think is very different from the way adults think. There are many things they know that we don’t and vice versa. I find it an enriching experience to learn from them as much as they learn from us.

What are your main Chess achievements?
I went to a few tournaments from primary to intermediate but never won any grand prizes. I placed 2nd-3rd consistently in my primary school chess class. Outside of my younger years however, I’m just a casual chess player.

How do you think Chess helps kids?
Chess is a game that requires a lot of thinking and learning. For kids, this is good for their growing minds and provides mental stimulation. Especially since the use of technology by children is rising, it is a great benefit to give them a game that utilises your thinking capabilities for more than an hour.