ABOUT KIM OOI
Hi, my name is Kim Ooi. I hold a BA in Business Administration, an MA in Information Management, and the Cambridge CELTA qualification. I'm a native English speaker and a UK citizen who has taught English in China for over 11 years. During that time, I have taught students of all ages, from kindergarten through to university postgraduates, as well as adults at a training center.
During my time teaching in China, I've gained the experience of teaching numerous subjects, which include oral English, writing, study skills, campus English, Business English, Western Management, and English-speaking Countries. I have also taught various exam preparation classes for IELTS speaking, CET, SAT writing, and TOEFL reading and writing.
I am a published author and blogger with no fewer than 54 articles about living and teaching in China to my name. In addition, I am also an avid medal collector and researcher, and have published a further 4 articles on this topic in the Journal of the Orders & Medals Research Society.
I am looking to utilize my vast experience in teaching, writing, and blogging to pursue a new career in the field of content creation, academic journalism, editing, or publishing.
The Orders and Medals Research Society Journal
By K. W. T. Ooi, MA
In these articles, I reflect on the extraordinary bravery of two men whose actions earned them the George Cross, men who, in very different times and settings, embodied the same spirit of selfless courage.
Squadron Leader Edward Donald Parker, GC, DFC, RAFVR was one of those rare individuals whose composure under pressure defined the finest traditions of the Royal Air Force. In June 1940, when his aircraft crashed and burst into flames shortly after take-off, Parker returned to the burning wreckage to rescue his wireless operator, fully aware that four 500-pound bombs could explode at any moment. His calm resolve and disregard for personal safety saved a life and earned him the Empire Gallantry Medal, later exchanged for the George Cross. Parker went on to serve with distinction until his death on a bombing raid over Berlin in 1943.
Robert Pearson, GC, a dyer and bleacher from Stockport, displayed that same quiet heroism in civilian life. In 1925, he climbed into a steam-filled tank at Henry Marsland Ltd to rescue two young co-workers trapped inside. Despite suffering severe burns, he managed to pull one boy to safety before collapsing himself. For this act, Pearson received the Edward Medal, which he later exchanged for the George Cross in 1972.
Though their stories unfolded decades apart, one in the skies of wartime Europe, the other in the heart of industrial Britain, both Parker and Pearson exemplify the timeless virtues of courage, duty, and compassion. In telling their stories, I hope to honor not only their gallantry but also the enduring human spirit that the George Cross represents.
Originally published in The Orders and Medals Research Society Journal (September 2002 & September 2004)
Fixing English Textbooks:
A Teacher’s Editorial Perspective
English textbooks in China have considerable scope for improvement. As a native English speaker, published author and blogger and one who has taught in China for over 11 years, I believe that I possess the unique ability to contribute towards the improvement of English textbooks in China for all students and teachers
Birthday Celebration with Students: Personal Connection
A snapshot of the strong rapport I build with my students. This image reflects my approachable, engaging teaching style and my ability to foster meaningful classroom relationships, an asset both in teaching and in human-centered content writing.
Ladies in Miao Dress: Respect for Chinese Traditions
This highlights my deep appreciation and respect for minority cultures in China. This perspective enriches my writing on intercultural themes and positions me well for educational journalism or content creation with cultural insight.
Harbin Ice Festival: Travel & Cultural Engagement
This image demonstrates my openness to Chinese culture and my ability to connect language teaching with lived cultural experiences. Such cultural fluency strengthens my teaching and adds authenticity to my writing.
Bridging Cultures Through Language:
11 Years of Teaching English in China
In China, I have taught all age groups from kindergarten through to postgraduates and even adults at a language centre. I've taught a huge range of courses covering reading, writing and speaking as well as exam preparation classes for the CET, SAT, TOEFL and IELTS. I have also taught subjects like English-speaking Countries and Western Management. As a result, I have gained numerous skills including teaching using a wide range of different methods, assessing students, classroom management, report-writing, running one-to-one student surgeries and English Corner meetings as well as judging elocution contests and writing student reports.
Teaching in Focus: A Visual Journey Through 11 Years in China
This collection of photographs offers a window into my journey as an English teacher in China, spanning over a decade of classrooms, students and cultural encounters. Each image reflects not only the diversity of learners I have taught but also the evolving methods and experiences that shaped my teaching practice.
From the energy of kindergarten classes to the thoughtful discussions of postgraduate seminars, these images capture the wide spectrum of English education in China. They highlight the diversity of learners, from young children taking their first steps in English to adults mastering business English. They show moments of classroom innovation, where creative lesson activities and interactive teaching methods brought language to life. They also reveal the richness of cross-cultural exchange when teaching English becomes a two-way sharing of ideas and perspectives. Above all, they shine a light on the human side of education, snapshots of curiosity, laughter, achievement and connection that define the classroom experience.
Together, these photographs form more than just a visual record. They represent a narrative of teaching, learning and cultural exchange, illustrating how education can bridge gaps, create opportunities, and inspire growth.
This portfolio demonstrates my ability to combine visual storytelling with educational insight, a skill that directly translates into content creation, academic writing, and publishing.
