More Than Language.
A Way to Grow.
Mandarin at Da Di is more than memorisation. It's a life-enriching journey of connection, presence, and purpose — guided by decades of experience and a heart for growth.
Meet Our Founder — Ben Lim
Father of six. Champion of mindful education. Builder of safe spaces to grow in Mandarin and in life.
With over 15 years of experience in education, Ben has dedicated his life to creating learning environments where children thrive. As a father of six, he understands the challenges and joys of raising bilingual children in today's fast-paced world.
It was while teaching his own children that Ben had a profound realization. Despite excelling in exams, his older children struggled to speak Mandarin with confidence. This disconnect between academic success and practical language use became the catalyst for change.
In 2023, Ben and his youngest daughter took the stage together, winning the prestigious Speak Mandarin Family Talent Competition. This experience reinforced his belief that language learning should be joyful, engaging, and deeply connected to real life.
In 2010, Ben founded My Little Gems Preschool — a bilingual, heart-led preschool that continues to thrive today, laying the foundation for what would eventually become Da Di Learning Studio.
The Heart Behind Da Di
"Learning Chinese should be a joyful, mindful, and life-enriching experience — not just a race for grades."
In today's fast-paced, distraction-filled world, children are constantly pulled in multiple directions. Traditional Mandarin education often adds to this stress, focusing on rote memorization and test scores rather than genuine understanding and enjoyment.
At Da Di, we're changing that. We believe in bringing Mandarin to life through:
- Real communication - Practical, everyday language use
- Storytelling - Connecting with culture through engaging narratives
- Mindful learning - Creating space for focus and presence
- Joyful exploration - Making learning an adventure, not a chore
Mandarin isn't just a subject to be studied — it's a living bridge to culture, family, and self-discovery. At Da Di, we're passionate about helping students cross that bridge with confidence and joy.
Our Teaching Philosophy
Our approach to learning is built on four timeless principles
Ask
wèn
Encouraging curiosity and inquiry-based learning. We believe that asking questions is the foundation of understanding.
Analyze
sī
Developing critical thinking and analytical skills to understand the deeper meaning behind the language.
Apply
xiū
Practical application of language skills in real-life situations to ensure meaningful learning.
Stillness
jìng
Gaining insight and achieving mastery through reflection and understanding.
Meet Our Educators
Our team of passionate educators is dedicated to providing the best learning experience for your child.
学而时习之，不亦说乎？
"Is it not a joy to learn and to practice what you have learned?"
— Confucius
Inspired by our story?
Reach out to learn how Da Di's philosophy can support your child's journey.