Ju Seong Lee (李主聖), Ph.D. (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

Every day, I reflect on the questions that guide my research:

• Does my work address real challenges and meet the needs of people and communities?
• Does it create solutions that are locally relevant and sustainable?
• Can it inspire educators, industry leaders, non-profits, and policymakers to design innovations that benefit society, especially its most vulnerable members?

My journey in education and research began with grassroots volunteering across 10+ countries, including Malaysia, Mongolia, and Thailand. Since 2000, these experiences have shaped my deep commitment to educational equity and lifelong learning. Witnessing the diverse challenges learners face in under-resourced communities motivated me to pursue solutions that bridge the gap between traditional education systems and real-world opportunities.

In 2018, I developed the Informal Digital Learning of English (IDLE) model, a framework designed to integrate formal classroom instruction with self-directed digital practices. IDLE empowers learners to enhance their English skills, foster self-agency, and gain access to global opportunities. Over the years, our research community has demonstrated the academic impact of IDLE, showing significant benefits for both students and educators.

We are now expanding IDLE’s impact beyond academia to address broader social challenges. By integrating AI technology into the framework, we aim to make it more inclusive and accessible for diverse, under-resourced communities. With support from institutional and external grants, we have implemented IDLE in disadvantaged areas across Hong Kong, mainland China, and Indonesia. Through partnerships with Indonesia’s Muhammadiyah school network, we are scaling IDLE natiowide and expanding its reach to Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and other Belt and Road countries. These efforts focus on addressing Global South challenges such as digital inequality and limited access to quality education. Our work increasingly involves collaboration with industry leaders, NGOs, and policymakers to ensure IDLE drives sustainable, real-world impact. By working across sectors, we aim to create scalable solutions that empower vulnerable communities and foster innovation.

At the heart of my work is a belief: without genuine care, research loses its significance and becomes mere noise. This principle guides how I mentor students, collaborate with colleagues, and design solutions that connect with and serve communities.