Private Coach and Mentor

Maximilian Damien Chan

5+ year coaching | University of Pennsylvania Graduate | Hong Kong Debate Champion

Services

Debate and Public Speaking

Profile Building & College Admissions

About Me

My Teaching Philosophy:

I believe modern education has stripped each student of their individuality. At the core of every student is a human being with their own tapestry of feeling, mode of thinking, and form of intelligence, drive, and voice. My role is not to re-mould them in a standardized image, but to assist them in their blossoming – through debate and public speaking, where they are exposed to the complexity of the world and learn to carve their ideas into it with their voice; or through meaningful self-initiated projects that not only strengthen their résumé but allow them to discover their own creative force.

My Qualifications:

Coaching: 5+ years of debate/public speaking coaching and college admissions guidance.

Education:

  • UPenn 2025 Graduate; Diocesan Boys’ School Alumni

  • IB Grade: 44; SAT: 1560

Debating/Public Speaking:

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

  • 2x Best Delegate at Hong Kong Model United Nations Conference (31st and 32nd)

  • “Outstanding Advocacy Award” for HK Schools Mooting and Mock Trial 2018

Leadership and Work Experience:

  • Founder of startups Eucleid and Blink Tank

  • Founder and President of Penn Mixed Martial Arts Team and Penn Yoga and Meditation Community

  • Founder and President of Penn MMA Team  

  • Founder and President of Penn Yoga and Meditation Community

  • Social Chair of Alpha Chi Rho Fraternity, Phi Phi Chapter

Services

Debate and Public Speaking

This program develops confidence, clarity, and critical thinking through structured coaching in:

  • Speaking Skills: Building fluency and confidence in English, projecting presence, and learning how to speak with conviction in front of an audience.

  • Debating: Training in argumentation, case-building, rebuttal, and strategic thinking — suitable for both beginners and advanced students aiming to compete at high levels.

  • Competition & Interview Prep: Coaching for Debate, MUN, Mock Trial, or school team tryouts, as well as practical preparation for interviews and oral exams.

Case Studies:

  • Coached 5+ students to earn places on their schools’ varsity debate teams.

  • Mentored 2 students who went on to win local tournament championships.

  • Built a confidence-first program for a shy 7-year-old; he discovered a joy for self-expression and was later admitted to a leading Australian boarding school.

Profile Building & College Admissions

This program combines practical admissions strategy with long-term mentorship. I guide students through:

  • Profile Building: Identifying interests and developing them into concrete, résumé-worthy achievements — such as leading initiatives, starting projects, or taking on leadership roles in existing activities.

  • Essay Writing: Brainstorming, structuring, and line-by-line editing of the personal statement and supplements so their voice comes through with clarity and strength.

  • Application Strategy: Crafting a balanced school list, preparing for interviews, and presenting a coherent story across essays, activities, and recommendations.

College Admission Case Studies:

  • 4+ years of college application and personal statement guidance experience.

  • Guided students from Hong Kong and the US to get into UPenn, Cornell, UCLA, UCB and more. 

  • Notably, assisted a student with an IB score BELOW the admissions average to get into Northwestern University via essays and positioning.

Profile Building Case Studies:

  • Coached a 13-year-old to secure a paid graphic/design job with the Hong Kong Football Club.

  • Advised a 14-year-old in launching an online fashion retail venture, guiding sourcing and storefront setup.

  • Mentored a 16-year-old from concept to launch of an independent football sock brand (product design, supplier vetting, go-to-market).

  • Guided a 12-year-old through end-to-end development of an online game - from design brief to playable prototype.

  • Helped multiple students win student council elections, make school debate teams, and join other competitive extracurricular teams.

Testimonials

  • “As a parent, it is hard to see my kid struggle to fit in, and shy away from expressing his view and making any decision. Max casts his magic on our kid - we see a big improvement and would definitely recommend Max to others.”

    Ms. Ip, mother of a 7 y/o student who gained admission into a top Australian boarding school

  • “Max has been a wonderful tutor/mentor for my two kids. His creative approach truly inspires my teenage kids to learn. He has helped them set life goals, encourages them to take initiative and to try anything.”

    Ms. P, mother of 13 y/o with design job

  • “Janice is now much more confident with her college applications, thanks a lot! Referred you to a few of my friends.”

    Mr. Cheung, father of 17 y/o student who got into UCLA

  • “An inspiring tutor who’s always flexible and coming up ways to work with your children.”

    Ms. Lin, mother of student that got into varsity debating team

Leading a Session at Penn Yoga and Meditation Community

Leading a Session at Penn Yoga and Meditation Community

Hosting First Trial Session at Penn Mixed Martial Arts

Hosting First Trial Session at Penn Mixed Martial Arts

Champion at Hong Kong British Parliamentary Debating Championships (2019)

Champion at Hong Kong British Parliamentary Debating Championships (2019)

IB Official Results

IB Official Results

Contact Me

Facebook: Maximilian Damien Chan

Whatsapp: +852 92281073