AdminMalaysian educator Galvin Lee Kuan Sian, 25, has been named a 2026 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Malaysians (TOYM) Honouree in the Academic Leadership and/or Accomplishment category, recognising his work in higher education, educational technology and student-centred learning.
The national recognition was presented during the 2026 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Malaysians Awards Ceremony on September 19 at Sheraton Johor Bahru.
Recognition for student-centred education innovation
Lee, who was born in Kuching, Sarawak, serves as a lecturer and programme coordinator in business education at a private higher education institution in Malaysia. He is also a PhD candidate and researcher in Marketing at the Asia-Europe Institute of Universiti Malaya.
His educational work includes AI-supported learning, experiential and gamified business education, microlearning, assessment support and academic quality assurance.
Rather than relying solely on conventional content-based teaching, Lee’s approaches are designed to give students opportunities to interact with concepts, make decisions, apply theories and reflect on their learning.
One of his projects, Global Voices: AI Persona Lab, uses simulated consumer personas to allow students to explore consumer behaviour concepts through interaction. The project has received Gold Awards at Malaysian teaching and learning innovation platforms, including the International University Carnival on E-Learning (IUCEL).
Lee has also developed virtual business simulations and gamified learning activities intended to help students connect classroom theory with decision-making, consequences and problem-solving.
Family influence and lessons from students
The recognition has particular significance for Lee, who grew up in a family of educators. Both his parents are teachers, an environment he said helped nurture his commitment to education from an early age.
During his acceptance speech, Lee recalled a recent classroom encounter in which students expressed surprise after learning that he was 25. They subsequently told him they had been reading about his work and achievements to understand the experiences and efforts behind his career.
Lee said the encounter reinforced his view that educators can influence students not only through what they teach but also through the examples they set.
“We don’t have to be the best. We just have to do the right things and to do the things right,” he said.
The JCI Ten Outstanding Young Malaysians programme recognises Malaysians aged 18 to 40 for achievements and contributions across 10 categories. The 2026 edition carried the theme “One Nation, One Vision” and was hosted by JCI South Key under JCI Malaysia.
For Lee, the recognition comes as higher education continues to respond to artificial intelligence, digital learning and changing student expectations. His current work remains focused on the intersection of education, technology and applied learning, alongside his research in marketing and consumer behaviour.
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