For Pooja Sivakumar, Kumon is more than a brand, it’s been a defining part of her life, from a student, to a centre assistant and now a multi-site franchisee.

“I can’t remember life before Kumon!” Pooja says. “It’s been a significant part of my life for eight years. At 21 I was the youngest instructor in the network.”

Pooja was studying for a Bachelors in commerce, majoring in management studies and accounting at Monash University. She also held an accounting cadetship, and worked part-time as a centre assistant at Kumon.

“Life was pretty packed at that time,” she recalls.

The turning point for Pooja came when her Kumon manager said she had potential as a franchisee. It got Pooja thinking about the future. Inspired by the idea, Pooja began thinking more seriously about her long-term goals. After graduating and preparing for her next challenge, she attended a Kumon franchise information session, and the rest is history. 

Buying into a business with franchise support

“I finished my studies in December 2020 and bought my first centre in 2021,” she reveals.

At the time, Pooja was young, with no family history in business ownership. This was a leap into uncharted territory for her. 

“It was quite daunting,” she admits. “I’d spent five years working at Kumon, so I understood the operational flow, how to induct new families, how to retain clients, but running a business? That was entirely new for me.”

Despite completing a commerce degree with training in business setup and marketing, the transition from theory to practice came with a steep learning curve. 

“Real life is very different,” Pooja acknowledges. “But Kumon was incredibly supportive. The team tailored their support to match my experience and helped guide me through the challenges of business ownership.”

Kumon’s franchise model offered tangible support through marketing and rent subsidies, making the initial phase of entrepreneurship less financially daunting. For Pooja, the brand’s international presence and structured franchise system were key draws.

“Kumon is very supportive and tailors support to suit the varied experiences that franchisees bring.”

“You can see so many peers achieving, so you can see what the future hold for you,” she says. “You don’t have the fear of losing relevance. I have confidence we will adapt and change as a franchise.”

Pooja built her franchise from the ground up. This meant not only delivering Kumon’s academic programmes but also establishing a brand presence in the local community. She focused on grassroots engagement: forming business connections, sponsoring local sporting events and forming partnerships with local schools.

“These efforts have helped us build strong relationships with families,” she explains. “When families are satisfied, they share their experiences among their networks. That’s more powerful than any traditional marketing campaign.”

Her dedication and strategic approach have been recognised at the highest level. In 2024, Pooja’s franchise received both an Instructor Excellence Award for Asia and Oceania and the Centre Growth Award for Australia and New Zealand.

“We didn’t expect it,” she reflects. “I’ve never focused solely on numbers. My approach has always been about steady, sustainable growth and delivering meaningful results for students and families.

Kumon develops life-long learners

In June, four years after setting up, Pooja’s first franchise relocates to its own premises in June – reflecting steady growth and sustainable business development. Pooja also has a newer business, Kumon Pakenham John Street Education Centre, where her focus is on building a strong reputation and differentiating her offering in a suburb already home to another Kumon franchise.

“It’s important to operate in harmony,” Pooja says. “We’re honest and genuine about how we deliver our services, and we showcase how I lead and manage my team.”

Pooja’s approach to student development is hands-on and focused on the learning process.

“When we assess a new student, we don’t just look at the results”, Pooja explains. “We observe how they approach the work and we continue that observational support until their very last day with us.”

Pooja views enrolment as a family decision, one that often leads to younger siblings joining after parents witness the transformative impact Kumon can have. While the academic focus is on maths and English, she emphasises that Kumon’s deeper value lies in the long-term development of core learning skills.

“We help nurture confident, resilient learners. Children who are willing to try, persevere, and overcome challenges,” she explains. “Each learning step is a milestone, and every goal is achievable. Through this process, you don’t just teach children; you help shape them.

“In return, they shape you. My students have helped me become the person I am today. That’s something I truly treasure.”

The emotional reward of her work is equally fulfilling. Parents often express gratitude for the positive changes they see in their children, which Pooja considers one of the most gratifying aspects of the role.

“At Kumon, we create a trusted, structured environment where parents feel confident leaving their children with us,” she says. “When a family tells you that you’ve made a real difference in their child’s life — that’s the ultimate job satisfaction.”