From Struggling Learner to Learning Strategist Philanthropist

Edward Teh — known as IQ Daddy. Born in Malaysia to second‑generation Chinese immigrant parents, he grew up in a family where his parents had little to no chance for formal education. Books were scarce at home, and Edward often struggled in school, quietly believing that success was only for the naturally gifted.

That mindset shifted in his twenties, when he encountered the work of psychologist Anders Ericsson on the science of expertise. Ericsson’s research showed that top performance is not about talent or IQ, but about deliberate, structured practice. If training could be designed to collapse years of learning into far less time, then maybe Edward could design his own.

So he began researching many accelerated learning methods — speed learning, memory systems, habit design, performance psychology — and combined the best into his own approach. Then he tested it.

• 🔑 Accounting: Edward applied his system for the first time and completed a 4‑year Chartered Accountancy in just 2 years, graduating with a World Top Scorer award and a Book Prize in Malaysia.
• 🎹 Music: He advanced from ABRSM Grades 1–8 plus a London College of Music diploma in just 1.5 years — a journey that normally takes over a decade.
• 🎤 Public Speaking: Though an introvert, he joined the Toastmasters International for one year. In that short time he became public speaking champion in Hong Kong, Macau, and Southern China. He then defeated 10 other district champions from around the world, advanced to Philadelphia’s global stage, and was honored as one of the world’s top speakers.
• 🧠 IQ: Using his own preparation method, Edward scored 156 on the Mensa IQ test, placing him in the top 0.01% of the world’s population.

That Mensa IQ score caught the attention of one of Hong Kong’s top conglomerates, which headhunted him. During recruitment, he was asked to sit a Mensa‑style test — where he set a record score that still stands today — and was hired into a company that usually recruits only from elite global universities.

In his career, Edward continued applying his accelerated learning system. By mastering new functions quickly, he rose through 7 promotions in 10 years, becoming the youngest board management member at the multinational company where he now works.

But this also forced him to ask: was I truly more intelligent, or had my learning system simply amplified me beyond what I thought possible?

These experiences convinced Edward that learning skills aren’t just for exams — they shape confidence, creativity, careers, and opportunities in life. That’s why he has dedicated himself to giving back. Over the years, he has sponsored more than 30 children through World Vision, and shared learning strategies and brain development methodologies directly with young people. He also began compiling the most effective methods, continuing to pass them on to the underprivileged or children who are in need.

In 2025, during the international speaking contest in the U.S., Edward was deeply moved by his mentor’s charity work. Encouraged to leverage his talents for greater impact, he launched a personal campaign based in Malaysia, using the nickname "IQ Daddy" given to him by one of his sponsored children.

IQ Daddy shares brain development and accelerated learning strategies with families worldwide, with one mission:

to make smart learning accessible to every child, and to direct 100% of profits toward children’s education and early brain development.

Because every child deserves the chance to unlock their fullest potential.

— Edward Teh