About Me

My Teaching Philosophy:

I believe mentorship in the 21st century must go beyond grades and checklists. Too often, students are pressured to chase marks and polish résumés, while what truly matters (to universities and oneself) is the courage to be fiercely individual — to take initiative, launch their own projects, and shape a path that no one else could replicate. My role is not to mold students into a standard shape, but to guide their blossoming into thinkers, creators, and visionaries.

I’m Maximilian “Max” Chan — a University of Pennsylvania graduate, Hong Kong Debate Champion, and founder of startup Eucleid and communities like Penn MMA and the Penn Yoga & Meditation Community. With IB 44, SAT 1560, and over five years of coaching experience, I’ve mentored students to achieve not just academic success but personal transformation. My students have gone on to win debate championships, secure admissions to universities such as UPenn, Oxford, Cornell, UCLA, and LSE, and create initiatives that set them apart.

Among these stories: I coached a 14-year-old into a paid design role at the Hong Kong Football Club, guided a 12-year-old through building a playable online game, and helped a 16-year-old launch a sports sock startup. Each of these projects reflects the same philosophy — that education is not just about instruction, but about igniting direction, individuality, and impact.

My Qualifications

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Coaching Experience

5+ years in debate and public speaking coaching and college admissions guidance.

Assisted students in gaining admission to top US and UK universities, including UPenn, Cornell, UCLA, USC, Oxford, and LSE.

Trained 15+ students who achieved top tournament results (Champion, Best Delegate, and 1st Runner-Up).

20+ projects completed with students: startups, magazines, NGOs etc.

Education

UPenn 2025 Graduate; Diocesan Boys’ School Alumni

IB Grade: 44

SAT: 1560

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Debating

Overall Champion of Hong Kong British Parliamentary Debating Championships (2019);

Grand Finalist and Top 10 Best Speaker in 14th HK Parliamentary Debating Tournament 2018

Semi-Finalist in Shanghai Debate Open 2018

Chair Adjudicator for Grand Finals at Junior Secondary Debating Competition 2019

Entrepreneurship

Founder of startups Eucleid and Blink Tank

Eucleid: Neuroscience-driven application integrating with home automation systems to control environmental conditions – to optimize mental states for activities such as sleep, meditation, work, and exercise.

Blink Tank: Online service connecting tutors and students.

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Community

Founder and President of Penn Mixed Martial Arts Team

Founded the Penn Mixed Martial Arts Team, and grew it into the largest martial arts community at Penn within 1 year.

Founder and President of Penn Yoga and Meditation Community

Founded the first secular spiritual community at Penn, bringing together members of diverse religious backgrounds with science-backed methods of meditation and yoga.

Social Chair of Alpha Chi Rho Fraternity, Phi Phi Chapter