Breaking Boundaries: How Hash Future School is Shaping the Future of Education
Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Mr. Shihabudheen P.K., the founder and CEO of Hash Future School, a pioneering institution that’s redefining education for the future. In this conversation, he shares insights into the innovative approach that drives the school’s curriculum, its emphasis on research, and the importance of preparing students for both higher education and the workforce. Mr. Shihabudheen also opens up about his journey as an entrepreneur and the challenges he faces in building a meaningful education system.
TFS: Welcome, Mr. Shihabudheen, to The Founder’s Story. We are delighted to have you with us today. Your work in transforming education has caught the attention of many, and we are eager to hear about your journey and the vision driving Hash Future School.
Mr. Shihabudheen: Thank you for the warm welcome. It’s a pleasure to be here. I’m excited to share the journey of Hash Future School and discuss the unique approach we have taken in reshaping education for the next generation.
TFS: To kick things off, could you share what inspired you to start Hash Future School? We would love to hear how your journey began and what led you to this remarkable idea.
Mr. Shihabudheen: The idea for Hash Future School actually came from a very personal place—seeing the struggles my children faced with the traditional education system. It became frustrating to watch them not thrive in a conventional setup, so we decided to take a different approach. We began unschooling them, focusing on personalised learning that suited their individual needs. A pivotal moment for me was when my son, at just 10 years old, started his own online tutoring platform. That’s when I realised how powerful this approach could be, not just for my own children but for others too. As friends and acquaintances noticed the progress, they joined us, and their encouragement led us to turn this idea into what is now Hash Future School.
TFS: Mr. Shihabudheen, your journey from software engineering to education is fascinating. Can you tell us how your personal experiences influenced the creation of Hash Future School and what vision you hoped to bring to life?
Mr. Shihabudheen: Well, it all started with a frustration I shared with my wife about the traditional schooling system and how it wasn’t serving our children well. We saw them becoming increasingly stressed by the constant exams, assignments, and a rigid structure that left little room for creativity or personal growth. This led us to explore other alternatives, and that’s when we stumbled upon unschooling. The freedom to let children learn at their own pace, based on their interests, was eye-opening for us. We saw how much more engaged and confident they became. But we quickly realised that unschooling, while powerful, wouldn’t suit everyone—it was too big a shift for some families.
That’s where the idea of Hash Future School began to take shape. I wanted to combine the freedom and flexibility of unschooling with the structure that many families still rely on. My background in software engineering gave me the tools to build something that could integrate technology to make learning more personalised and engaging. The vision was clear: create an environment where curiosity, creativity, and independent thinking could flourish. At Hash Future School, we are focused on supporting students in a way that allows them to take control of their learning while still providing the structure and guidance needed to succeed.
TFS: It sounds like Hash Future School is quite different from traditional schools in many ways. Could you share more about how the culture you’ve created there stands apart and how it impacts student engagement?
Mr. Shihabudheen: Absolutely. At Hash Future School, we’re all about making learning more meaningful, and we’ve really embraced an AI-first approach. The way I see it, the future isn’t about learning things that AI can easily do—it’s about developing the skills that machines can’t replicate, like critical thinking and creativity. We focus on personalised learning because no two students are the same.
We also place a strong emphasis on building self-learning skills, financial independence, and encouraging students to design their own learning journeys. These are areas that traditional schools tend to overlook or treat as afterthoughts. We challenge the standard model, which often focuses too heavily on rote memorisation and exams, by allowing our students to build personal portfolios. These portfolios help them navigate higher education and land opportunities that really matter in today’s world.
On top of that, we’ve built a culture that’s democratic at its core. Students have a real say in what and how they learn. Their voices are heard and respected, which helps foster an environment where collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity can thrive. It’s refreshing to see how engaged our students are because they’re not just ticking boxes—they’re actively shaping their education. At the end of the day, we want them to be ready for the world, not just the classroom.
TFS: You have mentioned using technology in such an innovative way. With self-directed learning at the heart of Hash Future School, how do you make sure it stays personal and truly human-focused, rather than just a tech-driven process?
Mr. Shihabudheen: Great question! At Hash Future School, we really focus on blending technology with human connection to keep learning personalised and meaningful. We use an AI-first approach, where our systems track individual learning patterns and adapt the curriculum, feedback, and progress pathways to fit each student’s needs. This makes learning dynamic and flexible, allowing students to move at their own pace.
But, of course, technology can only go so far. That’s where our human element comes in. With a 1:8 facilitator-student ratio, every student gets personalised guidance from mentors who are there to nurture critical thinking, creativity, and even help with ethical decision-making. By combining cutting-edge AI with real, meaningful human interaction, we create a balanced learning environment that’s not just about academic progress but about holistic development and lifelong learning. It’s all about making sure technology empowers the learner, not replaces the human touch.
TFS: It sounds like you faced quite a few challenges along the way, especially with AI being a central part of the school’s approach. How did you manage to balance the need for self-determination with the introduction of AI?
Mr. Shihabudheen: Yes, it wasn’t without its challenges, to say the least. When we first introduced an AI-first approach, there was a lot of resistance, especially from educators and parents. They were worried that AI would take over the human side of learning, or worse, limit students’ independence. The concern was that it might stifle creativity and critical thinking, making students too reliant on technology.
But as we saw, the reality is actually quite different. AI doesn’t take away from creativity—it frees up time by automating routine tasks like administrative work, which then allows both students and teachers to focus on what really matters: exploration and innovation. Another big challenge was making sure everyone had equal access to the technology while also addressing concerns about data privacy and using AI ethically.
We overcame this by having open, transparent conversations with our community, providing proper training for educators, and making sure our AI systems were designed to enhance, not replace, the very personalised mentorship that’s so crucial to our approach. It was about making sure AI supported the human side of learning, not the other way around.
TFS: You place a big emphasis on self-learning skills, especially by the age of 10. How do you manage to strike the right balance between providing guidance and giving children the freedom to explore their own passions?
Mr. Shihabudheen: That’s a great question, and it’s something we think about a lot at Hash Future School. I believe that humans are born with a natural curiosity and an innate drive to learn—it’s something we all have from the moment we’re born. The challenge, then, is how to nurture that curiosity without squashing it. So, how do we make sure we’re not just filling kids with knowledge but encouraging them to ask questions, explore, and develop their own passions? That’s the key.
We create an environment where children aren’t just sitting back and receiving information. They’re actively involved in their learning journey. We give them the space to ask those big questions and the freedom to explore the subjects that genuinely spark their interest. That sense of wonder and excitement about learning is what drives them forward. It’s not just about teaching them facts; it’s about fostering the skills they need to keep learning for life.
And let’s not forget, we’re not just giving them a space to explore—we’re also providing the right guidance. It’s about giving them the tools to navigate their educational path while still allowing them to take the lead. Through innovative teaching methods, personalised support, and a community that encourages exploration, we help children discover their unique talents and potential. Ultimately, we want them to not just learn but to love learning.
TFS: In today’s world, things are constantly changing, and we hear a lot about VUCA—volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous conditions. How do you see Hash Future School preparing children for a world like this?
Mr. Shihabudheen: That’s the big question, isn’t it? The world we live in now is nothing like what we grew up with, and the pace of change seems to be accelerating. At Hash Future School, we’re focused on giving children the skills they need to not just survive in a VUCA world, but to thrive in it. It’s all about helping them develop the right mindset and resilience to handle whatever comes their way.
Our AI-first approach is one of the ways we do this. By introducing children to advanced tools from an early age, they become fluent in digital technology and adaptable to new platforms, which is so important in today’s world. But it’s not just about the tech—we also focus on project-based learning and real-world problem solving, where they work on challenges that require critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. These are the kinds of skills that will help them navigate uncertainty with confidence.
We also place a strong emphasis on emotional intelligence and ethical decision-making. It’s one thing to be able to solve a problem, but it’s another to do it with integrity, compassion, and a strong sense of responsibility. Our aim is to nurture leaders who are not just adaptable but principled as well. And, of course, we make sure every child’s journey is personalised. Everyone learns at their own pace, which helps build confidence and cultivates a growth mindset—two essential things for embracing challenges and seizing opportunities in an ever-evolving world.
TFS: That’s fantastic to hear. Can you give us an example of a project where students at Hash Future School applied the principles, they’ve learnt to solve a real-world problem?
Mr. Shihabudheen: Absolutely! One example that stands out is Fathima Zohal, a student who truly embraced the spirit of leadership and empathy. She saw a real need in her community—many children were struggling to communicate effectively in English. Fathima, being passionate about language learning, decided to do something about it.
Instead of just thinking about the problem, she took it upon herself to make a difference. She launched a community project offering free weekly English language classes for kids in her neighbourhood. It wasn’t your typical classroom setup; Fathima made sure to keep the learning process fun and engaging with interactive games, storytelling sessions, and creative activities.
She focused not just on the technicalities like vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation but also on building the children’s confidence. It was about more than just teaching English—it was about giving these kids the confidence to communicate and connect with the world around them.
What’s really inspiring is how quickly the initiative grew. More and more children joined in, eager to improve their language skills. Fathima’s ability to tailor lessons to meet each child’s individual needs showed how well she understood the principles we instil here at Hash Future School.
And beyond just language learning, Fathima’s project helped foster a sense of community. The children formed new friendships, supported one another, and gained a real sense of belonging. The impact was profound—these kids walked away with more than just language skills; they walked away with a new sense of self-belief and the ability to connect more confidently with others.
TFS: Financial independence by age 15 is an ambitious goal. How does Hash Future School work to achieve this objective?
Mr. Shihabudheen: It’s definitely an ambitious goal, but we’re all in. At Hash Future School, we believe in empowering our students with the entrepreneurial mindset and practical skills they’ll need to succeed in today’s economy. We’re not just about memorising facts and figures—we’re about giving them the tools to take charge of their futures.
Our approach is centred around creativity and problem-solving. We encourage students to explore their passions and think outside the box. We integrate skills that are actually in demand, like coding, digital marketing, graphic design, and business development, so they can build real-world expertise. And, of course, we make it all hands-on. Students work on projects that help them learn by doing, which builds a portfolio of work they can actually show off.
The results are pretty impressive. Roughly 70% of our students are already earning income through their own ventures. Some are teaching AI and Canva skills, while others are freelancing as designers or copywriters. And here’s the funny thing: some of them are already giving me business tips!
It’s not just about making money—it’s about teaching them to be financially literate and confident in their abilities. We give them the chance to network with industry pros and get guidance from experienced mentors. By the time they’re 15, they’ll be in a good position to build their own financial future.
We’re really changing the narrative of what education can look like, and honestly, I’d say we’re getting the job done—although I might need to take a few notes from them on how to build a business empire!
TFS: Designing one’s own education really sounds revolutionary. How do you help learners create a path that reflects their unique skills and passions?
Mr. Shihabudheen: Well, it’s all about giving students the freedom to take charge of their learning. At Hash Future School, we start by encouraging students to think independently. We believe that education should be as unique as the learner, and that means giving them ownership over their journey. We take a student-centred approach, allowing them to explore what truly excites them while also teaching them to be adaptable and creative in an ever-changing world.
When it comes to board exams—whether NIOS, IGCSE, Cambridge, or GED—students are the ones responsible for everything. From registering to preparing, they design their own strategy for success. This not only gives them the confidence to manage their education but also instils valuable skills in self-direction. After all, isn’t that what learning should be about? Helping them build their path rather than following a one-size-fits-all model?
And of course, we don’t leave them to do this alone. We encourage the use of online resources and AI tools to support their learning. Our AI-based assessment system is particularly useful—it maps their skills across 37 different areas and provides real-time feedback, helping them to stay on track and make informed decisions about their future. This way, students can create personalised learning paths that highlight their strengths and passions while also ensuring they’re aligned with what’s needed in the world ahead.
But tell me—how many schools let students take full ownership of their learning? It’s something that takes a bit of trust, but when you see how quickly they flourish, you know it’s the right approach.
TFS: How do facilitators at Hash Future School manage to support students without stepping in too much, especially when children are struggling with their self-directed projects?
Mr. Shihabudheen: That’s a great question! At Hash Future School, we really believe in taking a guidance-over-instruction approach. The idea is to create a balance where students feel supported but not over-directed. When they hit a roadblock in their projects, our facilitators act more like mentors than traditional teachers. Instead of swooping in to solve the problem, they encourage students to pause and think about the challenge.
We guide them by asking questions that get them to analyse the issue from different angles and come up with their own solutions. It’s about building resilience and critical thinking rather than just giving them the answer. They learn that setbacks are part of the process and overcoming them is what makes them stronger.
But of course, emotional support is just as important. We help them navigate frustration and failure, which is crucial in building a growth mindset. Facilitators are also able to track progress using AI-based tools, which give them insights into each student’s journey. They can then provide feedback based on real-time data, ensuring the student stays on track without stepping in too much. It’s about striking that perfect balance—being there when they need us but never taking away their independence.
It is amazing how much a child can learn just by being trusted to figure things out on their own.
TFS: Could you elaborate on the “blended curriculum” that uses resources from MIT, Stanford, and Harvard, and how these fits with the mission of your school?
Mr. Shihabudheen: Absolutely! At Hash Future School, our blended curriculum is all about combining top-tier global resources with a learning model that’s flexible and personalised for each student. We’ve integrated materials from leading institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard—everything from their research insights to course content and advanced tools.
This gives our students access to the latest developments across STEM, humanities, and entrepreneurial thinking. They are not just learning theory but also how to apply it to solve real-world problems in creative ways. It ties directly into our AI-first approach, helping students develop essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability. These are all vital for thriving in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world.
What makes it even more effective is that this global content is combined with student-driven projects and localised learning, ensuring each student’s path is as unique as their passions. Our goal is to help them become lifelong learners, ready to lead in a world that’s always changing. To support this, we also have our own AI systems, which tailor case studies and scenarios to each learner’s capabilities, ensuring the content is always relevant and challenging. It’s about creating a learning experience that’s both world-class and personal.
TFS: With technology changing so quickly, how does your curriculum keep up with all the new advancements while still staying true to the core values of education?
Mr. Shihabudheen: That’s a great question! At Hash Future School, we know that technology is moving faster than ever, so we’ve built our curriculum to be flexible. We stay ahead by constantly reviewing global trends, industry needs, and research, making sure we’re always integrating the latest insights into what we teach.
But here’s the thing—we make sure that this doesn’t come at the expense of the fundamental skills that truly matter. While our AI-driven approach helps students get comfortable with the latest tech, we’re equally focused on critical thinking, ethics, and emotional intelligence. It’s about finding that balance—teaching the tech while making sure students don’t lose sight of being empathetic, responsible individuals.
For example, when students work on their projects, they have the freedom to incorporate whatever new technology they’re excited about. But we always tie it back to core values, like resilience and creativity, so they understand how to use these tools in meaningful, thoughtful ways. We want them to be leaders who not only understand tech but also know how to think for themselves and work well with others.
TFS: With such a focus on self-directed and personalised learning, how do you ensure students still feel like they belong to a community at Hash Future School?
Mr. Shihabudheen: Great question! Even though our students have their own learning paths, we make it a priority to nurture a strong sense of community. We believe that a sense of belonging is key to their growth, so we create plenty of opportunities for them to come together.
For instance, we use project-based learning, which really encourages teamwork. Students work together on solving problems, bounce ideas off each other, and learning from their peers. This helps them not only academically but also socially, as they get to see different perspectives and develop stronger relationships.
We also hold regular mentorship sessions, where facilitators help students with their learning and also guide them in building those important emotional and social connections. It’s about helping them grow as individuals but also as part of a collective.
And of course, we have school-wide events like workshops, seminars, and even creative competitions, like our recent “GenAI Superheroes” project. It brought out some amazing AI-based projects, with ten real-world problem statements being tackled by students. Events like this give students the chance to express themselves, celebrate their achievements, and feel truly connected to the Hash Future School community. It’s all about respect, inclusivity, and creating a culture where everyone feels valued.
TFS: You’ve mentioned integrating financial management and entrepreneurship early on. How do these subjects shape a child’s development at Hash Future School?
Mr. Shihabudheen: Ah, yes! These subjects play a huge role in a child’s overall development at Hash Future School. We don’t just teach the basics of budgeting or business planning—we use these subjects to build real-life skills that students will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
When students start learning about financial management, they get a firsthand understanding of things like resource allocation, making decisions, and long-term planning. It teaches them to be accountable for their choices and helps them feel more independent. They start to understand that money doesn’t grow on trees—unless, of course, you’re an entrepreneur with a great idea!
Entrepreneurship, on the other hand, is all about creativity and thinking outside the box. It encourages students to take calculated risks, learn from their failures, and, importantly, keep pushing forward. These experiences help them develop resilience and adaptability—critical skills as the world keeps changing so quickly. And they might even come up with the next big idea while solving a school project!
We also make it very collaborative. Students often team up to create business models or manage projects, which gives them hands-on experience with leadership, teamwork, and communication. They get to see how ideas come to life and the value of working together as a team to get things done. So, in a way, these subjects are preparing them for the real world, making sure they’re not just ready for exams but ready for life.
TFS: Research is such a crucial part of education today. How do you integrate research into your curriculum, and how do you get young learners to approach learning in a research-driven way?
Mr. Shihabudheen: Research is at the heart of everything we do at Hash Future School! It’s not just reserved for older students or those in universities. We believe that even young learners can benefit from using research as a way to explore the world and deepen their understanding of the subjects they’re studying. It’s about getting them curious and showing them how to answer big questions.
We’ve woven research tasks into project-based learning, where students are often tasked with solving real-world problems. For example, if they’re working on a science project, they won’t just memorise facts—they’ll dive into research, ask meaningful questions, and look for information from various sources. It’s about helping them discover things for themselves rather than just absorbing information passively.
Of course, we guide them along the way. We don’t just let them wander off into the wilds of the internet (trust me, there are some rabbit holes we’d rather not have them down!). We equip them with tools—AI and digital resources—that help them find reliable information and work out how to make sense of it. Once they’ve done their research, they get to present their findings, either through presentations, reports, or even creative projects. It’s really about giving them the confidence to share what they’ve learnt with others.
Ultimately, it’s all about creating that growth mindset. Research teaches students that challenges aren’t something to shy away from; they’re opportunities to learn, explore, and find new ways to solve problems. And, let’s face it, in a world full of information, knowing how to research is an essential skill—just ask any adult who’s had to Google something last-minute!
TFS: Transitioning from a self-directed learning environment to more structured ones, like higher education or the workforce, can be a challenge. How do you prepare students for this shift at Hash Future School?
Mr. Shihabudheen: At Hash Future School, we focus on developing transferable skills that are crucial no matter where students go next. Time management, goal setting, and accountability are all key areas we work on because they are absolutely essential for success in more structured environments. We encourage students to take ownership of their projects by setting clear deadlines, self-imposed milestones, and regular reflection. This not only helps them balance their autonomy but also prepares them for the kind of structure they’ll encounter in the future.
We also make sure students are exposed to real-world scenarios through internships, industry collaborations and mentorships. These opportunities allow them to experience the demands of the workforce firsthand. It’s all about giving them a sense of professionalism, teamwork, and communication, so they’re comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
When it comes to higher education, we don’t just focus on academic content—we help students build strong academic habits. They work on skills like research, critical thinking, and academic writing, all of which help them manage both individual and group-based projects. Our personalised learning approach means they can take ownership of their academic journey while also getting the strategies and support they need to transition smoothly into more structured settings. Ultimately, we want them to feel empowered to succeed, whether they’re in a university lecture hall or a fast-paced office environment.
TFS: You mentioned using some advanced tools for feedback and self-management. Could you tell us more about the technologies you use to support students in these areas?
Mr. Shihabudheen: Of course! At Hash Future School, we prioritise giving students the tools they need to track their progress and develop self-management skills. We use AI-based assessment tools that provide real-time, data-driven feedback, mapping their skills across 37 areas. This allows students to see both their strengths and areas where they can improve.
Our Learning Management System (LMS) is another important tool. It helps students stay organised by tracking their progress and assignments. For managing projects, we rely on tools like Trello, which let students break tasks into smaller steps and set deadlines.
Digital portfolios are also key—they give students a space to document their learning journey and reflect on their development. We pair this with real-time analytics to give instant feedback, helping students adjust quickly. Lastly, peer review systems encourage collaboration and self-reflection, further building their ownership of their learning process. These tools all come together to prepare students for success, both in their academic journey and beyond.
TFS: With such a dynamic curriculum, how do you ensure consistency in learning outcomes across different age groups and learning levels?
Mr. Shihabudheen: At Hash Future School, we make sure every student progress at their own pace, thanks to personalised learning paths. Even with that flexibility, we still ensure they meet core educational standards. We rely on AI-based assessment tools to monitor individual progress and provide timely feedback, which helps keep students aligned with their goals.
Our facilitators are key in this process. They offer targeted support, adjusting to the unique needs of each student. This ensures consistency even within a dynamic curriculum. On top of that, we encourage peer collaborations and group projects, which help students at different levels learn from each other and build skills together, reinforcing consistent learning outcomes across the board.
TFS: How do you approach social media learning as part of your curriculum, and how do you guide students in using these platforms responsibly?
Mr. Shihabudheen: At Hash Future School, we see social media as a tool for creativity, collaboration, and global learning—so why would we restrict it? Instead, we teach students to engage with it constructively. Through resources from Common Sense Media, Google, and others, we focus on social media literacy and how to spot fake news.
We’re not about banning students from social platforms; we’d rather show them how to use them responsibly. We guide them on ethical sharing, critical thinking, and the importance of reliable sources. Think about it: If they’re going to be online, they might as well know how to filter out the nonsense, right? By empowering students with these skills, we help them harness social media for learning, networking, and personal growth—without getting lost in the digital noise.
TFS: What are your long-term aspirations for Hash Future School, and how do you envision scaling this model to impact education on a global level?
Mr. Shihabudheen: Our vision is pretty straightforward: we want to create an education system that’s not just relevant but meaningful in today’s rapidly changing world. We’re focused on fostering innovative problem-solvers who genuinely enjoy learning and feel inspired to grow—because when kids are happy, they’re more likely to thrive.
In terms of scaling, we’re planning to establish hybrid centres in cities around the world. This will allow students to collaborate in both physical and virtual spaces, giving them the flexibility to learn from anywhere while staying connected. Right now, we’ve got vibrant learning communities in Dubai, Qatar, Bengaluru, and Kochi, but we’re looking to expand globally—think of it like building a network of connected learners and educators.
And it’s not just about growth in developed countries. We’re also committed to reaching out to underdeveloped regions, making sure kids everywhere can access the same high-quality education. If we can make quality learning available anywhere in the world, with skilled facilitators providing personalised support, we’ll be doing our part to create a more equitable educational ecosystem. Ultimately, we want to prepare students to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities that the future holds.
TFS: On a more personal note, can you describe a typical day in your life as an entrepreneur?
Mr. Shihabudheen: Ah, a typical day for an entrepreneur… Well, I’m sure you’ve heard it’s a mix of hard work, sleepless nights, and constant problem-solving, right? But there’s a bit more to it. For us, it’s all about staying true to a bigger mission—building meaningful education. We like to think of it as a blue ocean strategy, where we focus on creating unique value rather than getting stuck in the competition. But that means we’re often navigating uncharted waters, which leads to a lot of trial and error.
My day starts pretty early—around 4:30 AM—when I begin with prayers and rituals. It’s my grounding time, just before the hustle begins. I use these peaceful moments for planning, introspection, and feeding my brain with a good book or a TED Talk. You’d be surprised how much clarity those quiet hours give me. It’s like a little secret for setting the right tone for the day!
Then, it’s a packed day—meetings, brainstorming sessions, and workshops. The goal? Innovation. Every day, we’re trying to bring meaningful change. And, of course, making sure the team is motivated and aligned with the bigger vision. Leadership is as much about vision as it is about keeping everyone on the same page.
By 6:30 PM, the workday ends (well, ideally!). I transition to family time, which is something I really cherish. That said, as any entrepreneur will tell you, flexibility is key. So sometimes there are late-night meetings or prep for the next big thing. But hey, every minute counts when you’re building something with purpose, right?
TFS: When things get tough and it feels like the road ahead is uncertain, how do you manage to stay motivated and keep pushing forward in your entrepreneurial journey?
Mr. Shihabudheen: When challenges come up—and let’s face it, they always do—what keeps me motivated is remembering why I started in the first place. The goal of transforming education and making it truly meaningful is something that drives me every day. When setbacks happen, I see them as part of the learning process rather than roadblocks. They push me to find new solutions, think outside the box, and keep moving forward.
I’m also fortunate to have a team that shares this vision. They aren’t just employees—they’re co-dreamers. Their resilience, especially when times get tough, helps to lighten the load. Together, we keep each other going.
On a personal level, my family plays an essential role. They understand the bigger picture and support me through the ups and downs, which gives me the strength to continue, even when things seem tough.
Another crucial aspect is financial discipline. By avoiding debts and focusing on sustainable growth, we keep ourselves in a position where we can make decisions with a clear mind. It reduces stress and allows us to focus on our long-term goals rather than short-term pressures. With all of these elements in place, we stay grounded and motivated, no matter what challenges come our way.
TFS: For anyone out there thinking about starting their own business, what advice would you give them to help set them on the right path?
Mr. Shihabudheen: The first piece of advice I’d give is to start as early as possible. If you’re in school or college, that’s the best time to dive into entrepreneurship. You’ve got energy, creativity, and fewer obligations, so it’s the ideal time to experiment, learn, and build the foundation for your future.
That said, don’t start just for the money. Sure, financial success is part of it, but it’s the vision behind your business that will carry you through the tough times. Without a bigger purpose, it’s easy to get distracted or lose momentum when things get challenging.
Perseverance is another key factor. Entrepreneurship is a winding road—there are no shortcuts. You’ll face setbacks and failures along the way, but your ability to keep pushing forward, regardless of the challenges, will define your success.
And trust yourself. Listen to your instincts and stay true to your values. Sometimes the noise around you can cloud your judgement, but your passion and your inner compass will keep you on the right track.
Finally, don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is part of the journey, not the end of it. Every setback teaches you something valuable, and that’s what prepares you for the next step. Entrepreneurship is all about resilience, passion, and vision. Start with a clear purpose, keep building your skills, and don’t let setbacks hold you back.
TFS: As we wrap up, what’s been the most rewarding part of your entrepreneurial journey?
Mr. Shihabudheen: The most rewarding aspect, without a doubt, is seeing the impact we have on the lives of our students and their families. There’s something truly special about witnessing the joy on parents’ faces when they realise their children have unlocked hidden talents they never knew existed. It’s one of those moments that words can’t really capture—just knowing that our vision is helping students discover their potential and excel in ways they never thought possible.
And honestly, one of the most memorable moments for me is when our students start their own businesses. To see them take those bold steps, armed with the confidence and skills they’ve gained, really validates everything we’re doing. It’s not just about building a school—it’s about nurturing a new generation of changemakers who will go on to shape the future in ways we can only imagine. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.
TFS: Mr. Shihabudheen, it’s been truly inspiring to hear about the vision and passion driving Hash Future School. Your commitment to reshaping education and empowering students is both refreshing and impactful. Thank you for sharing your journey with us today.
Thank you for such a thoughtful conversation. It’s always rewarding to talk about the values and purpose behind what we do. I hope this sparks more conversations about the future of education and how we can all contribute to shaping it.