From “Problem Student” to Entrepreneur: 23-Year-Old SUTD Student Overcomes Learning Challenges to Pursue Tech Dreams

From “Problem Student” to Entrepreneur: 23-Year-Old SUTD Student Overcomes Learning Challenges to Pursue Tech Dreams

ISTD
DATE
23 Jul 2025

Lianhe Zaobao, 从“差生”到创业者 他撕下标签追梦

 

(Translated title and summary)

 

At 23, Lim Hanyang has already come a long way. Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia as a child, he struggled academically and was often labelled a “problem student.” But he refused to be defined by these labels. Through sheer perseverance and determination, he overcame his learning difficulties and found his path in tech entrepreneurship.

 

Today, Lim is a third-year Computer Science and Design student at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). He is also a recipient of the Singapore Valley Awards, and will be heading to Shanghai later this year to intern at a private equity firm, where he hopes to gain deeper insights into the venture capital industry.

 

“I don’t want these labels to define me,” Lim said in an interview. As a child, he had trouble focusing and read slowly, which made it hard to understand lessons in class. “Back then, there was little awareness about learning disorders, and schools and families lacked the resources to support us. I had to figure things out on my own.”

 

Despite setbacks and misunderstandings, Lim didn’t give up. He gradually caught up with his peers, qualified for the express stream, completed his polytechnic studies, and eventually gained admission into his dream university. “I realised that instead of dwelling on my weaknesses in language, I should focus on areas I’m strong in — like technology and design.”

 

Co-Founded Freelance Platform Glance.sg

Lim’s interest in tech and entrepreneurship deepened during his time in polytechnic. In 2020, he co-founded Glance.sg, a freelance platform that connects freelancers with companies while managing administrative tasks like contracts.

 

“Many freelancers aren’t registered as businesses, which means they can’t work with larger companies. We wanted to remove that barrier through our platform,” he explained.

 

The platform also aims to support people who can’t take on full-time work — such as those with health issues or caregiving responsibilities — by offering flexible work options. “We hope to build a more inclusive work environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

 

Glance.sg is currently backed by SUTD’s Baby Shark Fund and Enterprise Singapore. The platform is expanding and attracting new corporate partners.

 

Looking ahead, Lim hopes to scale Glance.sg across Southeast Asia and the broader Asian market, creating meaningful job opportunities for freelancers across the region.

 

Drawing from his own journey, he encourages other young people facing challenges: “Don’t let grades or others’ opinions define your path. Find what you love and are good at, and keep going — you’ll carve out your own way.”