Singapore-based early educator company scouting for its first Adelaide site

A Singapore-based early childhood educator that advocates a keto-style diet and a mindset of “respect and no fear” is coming to Adelaide.

Singapore-based early childhood educator MindChamps has confirmed it is scouting for its first Adelaide location.

With operations in five Asian nations and 22 centres in NSW, the alternative childcare centre now has a South Australian franchisee partner.

It also has a partnership with UniSA, recently hosting a research team in Singapore for a study on how music, computing and neuroscience can benefit young children.

The company, which is listed on the Singapore stock exchange, has a mission to “build a world of MindChampions who possess the 3 Minds (Champion, Learning & Creative) and are empowered with the mindset of 100% Respect, Zero Fear”.

Former South Australian Lieutenant Governor Dr James Muecke with a MindChamps class in Singapore … he is on the MindChamps advisory board and is a strong supporter of its healthy eating program. Picture: Tessa Dempster

It says it has an emphasis on how to learn rather than what to learn.

MindChamps accepts children from six weeks to six years old aiming to “nurture the attributes of enthusiastic and creative lifelong learners in a stimulating but fun environment”, according to its website.

Activities include small group discussions where children are encouraged to ask questions, numeracy with hands-on work – such as experimenting with combinations of money denominations, developing a love for reading through interactive activities, and outdoor physical activity promoting health, teamwork, confidence and motor skills.

Former Australian of the Year, former South Australian Lieutenant Governor Dr James Muecke is on its advisory board and is a strong supporter of its healthy eating program.

He met MindChamps founder David Chiem through mutual friend, movie director Scott Hicks, a Senior Fellow for MindChamps.

Ophthalmologist and 2020 Australian of the Year Dr James Muecke.

Filmmaker Scott Hicks. Picture: Emma Brasier

Dr Muecke has long championed a low sugar, keto-style diet to prevent eye damage from the diabetes epidemic sweeping Australia and has developed his own “food diamond” as an alternative to the mainstream food pyramid.

He recently managed to reverse a woman’s serious vision problems which would normally require injecting antibodies simply by significantly changing her diet. The outcome also saw her come off insulin for her type two diabetes.

“I resonated with the fundamental values of MindChamps, and its mission to instil healthy eating habits in the early years to improve Aussie kids’ relationship with food long term,” Dr Muecke said.

“All ingredients in MindChamps’ recipes are 100 per cent whole foods, meaning the meals undergo minimal processing and are free from additives and preservatives.

Healthy food diamond from Dr James Muecke.

“The meal plans provide children with 100 per cent of their recommended dietary intake of essential vitamins and minerals and 85 per cent of their energy needs.

“I love the fact that MindChamps takes the cultivation of positive eating habits in early childhood seriously.”

Dr Muecke warned “ultra processed foods” are causing “metabolic mayhem” in children and are driving the epidemics of obesity and chronic diseases such as heart attack, dementia and type 2 diabetes.