From World Records to Preschoolers: Sancy Suraj’s Innovative Approach to Education the CEO of the Umonics Method

Sancy Suraj is the CEO of the Umonics Method, a memory training program for preschoolers that is making waves in the education industry. With a background in memory training and an impressive list of world records to his name, Suraj has developed a unique approach to teaching young children how to improve their memory skills. In this interview, we delve into Suraj’s personal background, the inspiration behind the Umonics Method, and the key techniques he teaches in the program.

Can you tell us more about your personal background and how you became interested in memory training?

My personal background is quite diverse, but one thing that has remained constant throughout my life is my fascination with memory. As a child, I was always intrigued by how I could remember some things effortlessly while struggling to retain others. This curiosity led me to explore various techniques to improve my memory skills, and as I grew older, I started competing in memory competitions. I hold the world record for memorizing the longest sequence of colours, which was a major achievement for me.

My interest in memory training became more pronounced during my university years, where I pursued a degree in psychology. During my studies, I learned about the power of memory and how it plays a vital role in shaping our lives. It was during this time that I realized the need to share my knowledge and techniques with others. I was convinced that memory training should not be limited to professional memory athletes but should be made accessible to everyone, including young children.

This realization inspired me to start the Umonics Method, a memory enrichment training program for preschoolers in Singapore. The Umonics Method aims to provide a holistic approach to memory development, ensuring that young children between the ages of 3 to 6 can develop strong foundations in memory techniques for lifelong learning. Our program equips children with practical memory techniques and strategies, which they can use to retain and recall information with ease.

How did you come up with the idea for The Umonics Method and what inspired you to focus on preschoolers specifically?

The idea for The Umonics Method came to me after years of personal experience as a memory athlete and trainer. As the founder and chief corporate trainer of Pinnacle Minds, a Singapore-based memory improvement training organization, I had already been working with individuals of all ages to improve their memory skills. However, it was during my work with young children that I realized the importance of introducing memory training at an early age.

I believe that memory is a foundational skill that is necessary for all learning, and I wanted to create a program that would help preschoolers develop their memory skills in a fun and engaging way. My personal experience as a memory athlete showed me that anyone can improve their memory with the right training and techniques, and I wanted to bring that same opportunity to young children.

At the same time, I was also inspired by the belief that children are capable of far more than we often give them credit for. I saw the potential in young children to develop advanced memory skills and wanted to create a program that would allow them to reach their full potential. By focusing on preschoolers specifically, I hoped to provide them with a strong foundation in memory techniques that would serve them throughout their lives.

Could you walk us through a typical Umonics Method session for preschoolers?

A typical Umonics Method session for preschoolers begins with a warm-up activity to get the children excited and engaged. This could involve physical activity such as jumping jacks or clapping games, or mental exercises such as memorizing a short list of words or numbers. The warm-up activity is followed by a review of the previous session’s material, reinforcing what the children have already learned.

Next, we introduce a new memory technique or concept that is appropriate for the children’s age and developmental stage. This could involve teaching them how to associate a particular word or image with a specific piece of information they need to remember, or using songs or rhymes to help them remember a list of items. We also incorporate play and games into the session, making it fun and engaging for the children.

After the new concept is introduced, we give the children an opportunity to practice what they have learned. This could involve individual or group activities, such as reciting a list of items or playing memory games with their peers. We encourage the children to help each other and work together as a team.

Finally, we end the session with a review of what was learned, reinforcing the new concepts and giving the children a chance to ask any questions they may have. We also provide parents with resources and activities they can do with their children at home to further reinforce what was learned in the session.

“With the Umonics Method, we make learning a fun and engaging adventure for preschoolers. Through playful activities, memory techniques, and interactive sessions, we empower young minds to unlock their full potential and lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning.”

What are some of the key memory techniques that you teach in the Umonics Method and how do they benefit young children?

In the Umonics Method, we teach a range of memory techniques that are specifically tailored to young children. One technique that we teach is called the “linking” technique. This technique involves linking one image to another to create a story. By doing so, it helps children to remember a sequence of events or objects. For example, if a child needs to remember a list of items, we teach them to create a story in their minds by linking each item to the next in a creative way. This technique helps to strengthen their visual memory and recall skills.

Another technique that we teach is called the “peg” technique. This technique involves associating a number with a specific image, or “peg”. For example, the number 1 could be associated with an image of a pencil, 2 with a swan, and so on. This technique helps children to remember numerical sequences more easily. For instance, if a child needs to remember a sequence of numbers, they can associate each number with its corresponding peg and then easily recall the sequence by visualizing the pegs.

We also teach the “chunking” technique, which involves breaking down information into smaller, more manageable chunks. This technique is especially useful for remembering long lists of information. By chunking information, children can process and remember it more easily. For example, instead of trying to remember a long list of words, we teach children to group them into categories and remember the categories instead.

All of these techniques are designed to benefit young children by improving their memory and recall abilities. By learning these techniques at a young age, children can develop a stronger foundation for lifelong learning and academic success. They can use these techniques to remember information in school, such as facts and formulas, as well as in their personal lives, such as remembering names and important dates. Ultimately, the Umonics Method aims to help children maximize their potential by creating a strong foundation in memory techniques for lifelong learning.

What kind of results have you seen from children who have completed the Umonics Method program?

At Umonics Method, we have witnessed remarkable results in children who have completed our program. Our approach focuses on creating a strong foundation for learning, building children’s confidence and unlocking their full potential. Our techniques provide children with the tools to enhance their learning abilities, and the results are truly transformative.

Firstly, children who have completed the program demonstrate a significant improvement in their memory retention and recall. They are able to remember and recall information more easily, which helps them in all aspects of their learning. This has a positive impact on their academic performance and their overall confidence.

Secondly, we have seen a remarkable improvement in children’s attention span and concentration. Our program teaches children how to focus, and we have seen children become more attentive and able to concentrate for longer periods of time. This is a crucial skill for academic success, as it allows children to absorb and retain information effectively.

Thirdly, our program helps children to develop a love for learning. By providing them with the skills and tools to succeed, children become more confident and enthusiastic learners. This positive attitude towards learning is vital for their long-term academic success.

Finally, we have received feedback from parents and teachers that children who have completed our program have improved their problem-solving skills and are more creative. These skills are essential in the 21st century, where the ability to think creatively and solve complex problems is highly valued.

“The Umonics Method is not just about improving memory, it’s about unlocking the full potential of young minds. Our program empowers children with the skills and confidence to excel in their learning journey, resulting in improved memory retention, enhanced concentration, and a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.”

Suraj’s journey in memory training started when he was just 15 years old. He discovered his love for memory training while reading books on the subject and decided to pursue it as a career. Over the years, he has achieved many world records and accolades in memory training, including memorizing a deck of cards in the shortest amount of time and memorizing 10,000 binary digits in just 30 minutes.

In creating the Umonics Method, Suraj drew inspiration from his experience as a memory athlete and his passion for education. He recognized that young children have a natural ability to absorb information and decided to create a program that would help them harness their memory skills from an early age. The Umonics Method focuses on teaching preschoolers through interactive games, music, and storytelling, making the process both engaging and effective.

One of the key memory techniques taught in the Umonics Method is the “linking method,” which involves creating associations between two seemingly unrelated items. For example, linking the word “apple” to the color red by imagining an apple painted in red. This technique not only helps preschoolers remember information but also improves their creativity and imagination.

How do you ensure that your program is age-appropriate and engaging for young children?

Ensuring that the Umonics Method is age-appropriate and engaging for young children is of paramount importance to our team. We are committed to creating an enjoyable and interactive learning experience for preschoolers. One of the key ways in which we achieve this is through our use of games and activities that are designed to be both fun and educational. We believe that by making learning an enjoyable experience, children are more likely to stay engaged and retain the information they are learning.

We also take great care to ensure that our curriculum is designed with the developmental needs of young children in mind. We work closely with child development experts to ensure that our lessons are age-appropriate and aligned with the developmental milestones that children are expected to reach at each age level. We recognize that children have different learning styles and preferences, so we strive to incorporate a variety of activities and teaching methods that appeal to different learning styles.

In addition to the curriculum itself, we also pay careful attention to the design and layout of our learning materials. We use bright colors, engaging graphics, and interactive elements to capture children’s attention and make the learning experience more engaging. We also ensure that our materials are easy to navigate and use, even for young children who may not have fully developed fine motor skills.

Finally, we recognize that young children need plenty of breaks and opportunities to move around and play, so we build in regular breaks and movement activities into our program. This not only helps keep children engaged but also helps them develop important physical skills and supports their overall health and well-being. By combining all these elements, we strive to create an age-appropriate and engaging program that helps young children develop important cognitive and life skills.

What are some of the challenges you have faced in promoting memory training for preschoolers, and how have you overcome them?

One of the major challenges we have faced in promoting memory training for preschoolers is skepticism from some parents and educators who believe that such training is unnecessary or even harmful to young children. Some people have the misconception that children’s brains are not yet developed enough to handle memory training, or that it may put too much pressure on them. However, we have been able to overcome these challenges by educating parents and educators on the benefits of memory training for young children, and by providing them with scientific evidence that supports our methods.

Another challenge has been to make the program accessible to a wider audience, especially to families who may not have the financial means to afford private tutoring. To overcome this challenge, we have partnered with schools and other organizations to offer the Umonics Method program at a lower cost, and have also developed online resources that are available for free. Additionally, we have trained teachers and caregivers to incorporate our techniques into their daily activities with young children, making the program more accessible and sustainable.

Another challenge we have faced is keeping the program engaging and age-appropriate for young children. We have overcome this by constantly evolving and improving our techniques, and by incorporating fun and playful elements into our sessions. For example, we use games and interactive activities to keep children engaged and motivated, and we tailor our sessions to their individual interests and learning styles.

Overall, while promoting memory training for preschoolers has come with its challenges, we have been able to overcome them by educating parents and educators, making the program more accessible and sustainable, and continuously improving our techniques to keep them engaging and age-appropriate for young children.

In addition to the Umonics Method, you also founded Pinnacle Minds and Knowles Training Institute. How do these organizations fit into your overall vision for memory improvement training and education?

Pinnacle Minds and Knowles Training Institute are companies that I founded before Umonics Method. These organizations are also focused on providing education and training in memory improvement and other areas. However, they cater to a wider range of audience, from professionals to students.

Pinnacle Minds is a training and consultancy company that specializes in memory improvement, speed reading, and critical thinking. We work with corporate clients, schools, and individuals to help them develop their cognitive abilities and enhance their performance in various areas. Our approach is based on cutting-edge research in psychology, neuroscience, and education.

Knowles Training Institute, on the other hand, is a training company that provides courses in leadership, sales, customer service, and other business-related skills. We also offer courses in memory improvement and speed reading, as we believe that these skills are essential for success in any field. Our courses are designed to be practical, engaging, and relevant to the needs of our clients.

Umonics Method is a natural extension of my work in memory improvement and education. It is a program that is specifically designed for preschoolers, with a focus on developing their cognitive abilities at an early age. My vision for memory improvement training and education is to make it accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of their age, background, or education level.

Through Pinnacle Minds, Knowles Training Institute, and Umonics Method, I hope to make a significant impact in the field of education and cognitive development. By providing high-quality training and education, we can help individuals and organizations to reach their full potential and achieve their goals. I believe that memory improvement training is not just a skill, but a life-changing experience that can transform the way people learn, think, and live.

What advice would you give to parents who are interested in helping their young children develop their memory skills at home?

As a memory improvement expert and CEO of the Umonics Method, Pinnacle Minds, and Knowles Training Institute, I strongly believe that memory skills are essential for success in life. Parents can play a crucial role in helping their young children develop strong memory skills, and there are many simple yet effective ways to achieve this.

Firstly, parents should engage in activities that help children to remember things better. For example, playing memory games such as matching games, puzzle-solving, and repeating a series of numbers or words can be effective ways to enhance memory skills. In addition, encouraging children to pay attention and focus on details can also help to improve their memory retention.

Secondly, parents should create a conducive environment for their children to learn and retain information. This includes providing a quiet and distraction-free study area, as well as ensuring that their children have adequate sleep and nutrition. These factors are crucial for optimal brain function and memory retention.

Thirdly, parents should be positive and patient in their approach to teaching memory skills. They should avoid putting undue pressure on their children and instead create a fun and enjoyable learning environment. This will help children to be more engaged and motivated to learn, and ultimately lead to better outcomes.

Finally, parents should lead by example and demonstrate good memory habits themselves. They should show their children how to organize and prioritize tasks, use memory aids such as notes and calendars, and practice regular recall exercises. By doing so, children will learn from their parents and be encouraged to develop good memory habits from a young age.

In conclusion, parents play an important role in helping their young children develop strong memory skills. By engaging in memory-enhancing activities, creating a conducive learning environment, being positive and patient in their approach, and leading by example, parents can help their children to achieve success in life.

What are your future plans for The Umonics Method and your other organizations, and how do you see the field of memory training and education evolving in the coming years?

“At Umonics Method, we believe that memory skills are the foundation for lifelong success. By empowering parents with effective memory-enhancing strategies, we aim to create a generation of confident and capable learners who can thrive in the ever-evolving field of education and beyond.”

Overall, Sancy Suraj’s innovative approach to memory training for preschoolers is changing the way we think about education. With his impressive background in memory training and dedication to teaching young children, it’s no surprise that his programs have seen tremendous success. As we move into the future, it will be exciting to see how Suraj’s vision for memory training and education continues to evolve.