Robert Sun - Creating a new generation of thinkers

First IN Math Inventor Robert Sun

In 1988, inventor Robert Sun embarked on a journey to teach children the relationship between numbers through a game. The result of his efforts was the 24® Game, a unique teaching tool that has the power to engage students from diverse economic and social backgrounds. In 2002, Sun introduced the groundbreaking First In Math online math-practice program to help students acquire, reinforce and retain vital math skills. 

Today, Sun leads a dedicated team of twenty whose collective experience is greater than 340 years.

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Inventor of the First In Math Online program

Robert Sun, chairman, president and chief executive of Suntex International Inc., is an inventor, engineer and entrepreneur who holds numerous U.S. patents and several copyrights in the field of educational games. 

During the past 30 years, Sun has seen his latest creations—the complete line of 24® games and the First In Math® Online Program—used by more than 10 million students throughout the United States and abroad as innovative tools that are teaching a new generation of students to become critical thinkers and problem solvers.

Born in Shanghai, Sun moved to the United States when he was nine years old. “I was placed in the fifth grade, though I barely knew my ABCs. While I struggled to learn a new language, I was teased mercilessly by my peers. These same students would, however, later turn to me for help with their math problems."

“I realized then that math was powerful, and I further understood that the power of math transcends cultures. Based on these experiences, I believe it is imperative that we teach our youth skills that are universal.”

Sun, who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1970 with a degree in electrical engineering, is a nationally-recognized expert in the use of technology to enhance math education. Sun’s articles have appeared in The Huffington Post, U.S. News & World Report, USA Today Magazine and many education-related publications.

Sun’s efforts at improving the math skills of his nation’s youth resulted in a White House reception, May 1990, with First Lady Barbara Bush. Because Sun believes in the importance of weaving math achievement into the popular culture, his work has lead him to meet with leaders in business, education and government, including members of Congress, governors, mayors of large cities and corporate CEOs.

In 1994, Sun travelled to South Africa, where the 24® game reached more than one million schoolchildren. Sun addressed leaders in education, business, and government on developing a national strategy to upgrade math literacy of all South African children.

In December 1994, Pennsylvania Gov.-elect Tom Ridge’s transition team chose Sun to serve as a member to help prepare a report on the Pennsylvania Department of Education. In April 1995, Sun was appointed by Gov. Ridge to serve as a member of the State Board of Education of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In 1997, Gov. Ridge appointed Sun to the Team Pennsylvania Ambassador Council.

In May of 2008, Sun was presented with an Asian Entrepreneur of the Year Award by Asian Enterprise Magazine. Sun was handpicked by the Awards Committee for being a source of inspiration for the Asian Pacific American business community, and was recognized in the Manufacturing/Engineering category. Sun received a U.S. Congressional Medal of Distinction in 2008, and the General George A. McCall Centennial Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in 2009.

Robert Sun's greatest hope is that the 24® game and First In Math® will serve as tools to create a new generation of thinkers. He continues to inspire students to connect with the world of numbers and move on to excel in the fields of mathematics and science.

The company he founded, Suntex International Inc., is an organization committed to helping students develop math skills that will sustain them for a lifetime.

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