About us
Hello, dear friends!
If you’re here reading this, I have a feeling that you’re just as interested in language as I am—whether it’s to travel, connect with others, or expand your skills for work. I’m Keenan, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to Keenan Mandarin.
My story with languages began as a child in Malaysia, a country with an incredible blend of cultures and languages. At home, we spoke Cantonese, which connected me to my family’s heritage. But from age four, I attended a Chinese school where I first encountered the complexity and beauty of Mandarin characters and pronunciation. Learning Mandarin, along with the Malay and English required in school, taught me early on that language was the key to connecting with the people around me.
As I got older, I realized that learning languages had become a way for me to build bridges, friendships, and new experiences. When I went to university in New Zealand, I met friends from all over the world, including South Korea, which introduced me to Korean. Out of curiosity, I began learning Korean to communicate better and create a deeper bond with them. I learned Vietnamese in a similar way, driven by a desire to understand my Vietnamese friends in their own words. From Japanese to French, I tried other languages, and with each, I gained a better understanding of different cultures. But beyond that, I learned how language can make you feel at home wherever you are.
n 2020, I started teaching Mandarin as a way to help people connect with Chinese culture and gain a sense of confidence and joy in speaking a new language. It began with a few private lessons and small group classes, but soon I was teaching students from around the world: Thailand, the U.S., Russia, Australia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and beyond. I loved seeing each student’s unique reasons for learning Mandarin, and each lesson reminded me how language helps us relate, communicate, and build bridges.
Throughout my teaching experience, I noticed a common pattern among learners: those who focused too much on explanations in their native language found it harder to make steady progress. They’d rely on translations, which slowed down their ability to think and respond directly in Mandarin. So, I created an immersive teaching style to address this, prioritizing practice, confidence, and the natural flow of Mandarin rather than endless explanations. This approach led to remarkable progress in my students, who started speaking more fluidly and confidently.
Because of this, I wanted to reach even more people who, for one reason or another, couldn’t join a private class. I created online courses to allow anyone, from anywhere, to take the first steps into Mandarin and discover its beauty and cultural depth. Now, whether you’re learning for travel, connecting with family, or deepening your career skills, you have a place to start.
If you speak one language, there’s no reason you can’t speak two, three, or even more. Each language you learn opens up new perspectives, relationships, and opportunities. So, if you’re starting or thinking of learning Mandarin, remember: progress may take time, but every step is part of an incredible journey.
Learning Mandarin isn’t just about mastering vocabulary and grammar; it’s about connecting with a rich culture and a new way of seeing the world. I’m here to guide you, not only through the language itself but also into the traditions, stories, and experiences that make Mandarin so unique.
I hope to see you often in our online course—see you there!!!!!! 😄
