First from the right, Dr. David Yap, CEO of Yelaoshr Education Group
From November 12 to 14, 2024, Dr. David Yap, CEO of Yelaoshr Education Group, attended the HundrED Innovation Summit held in Helsinki, Finland. The summit brought together global education leaders, scholars, and innovators to discuss the future of education, focusing on the role of education technology (EdTech) and the latest trends in educational reform. As a representative of Malaysia’s educational innovation, Dr. David was deeply inspired by the discussions, particularly around educator empowerment, the integration of technology, and the future direction of education.
Inspiration from Finnish Educational Philosophy
In Finland, education emphasizes student-centered learning, individualized development, and fostering autonomy. This approach is quite different from traditional educational models, and Dr. David, who was raised in Malaysia within the context of traditional Chinese culture, found the Finnish philosophy to be a fresh perspective.
“Finnish education made me realize that learning is not just about transferring knowledge. It’s about developing students’ ability to think independently and creatively. This approach provides a broader space for students to grow—not only for academic success but also for their future independence and self-fulfillment,” Dr David shared.
The Key Role of EdTech
During the summit, Dr. David also gained valuable insights into the growing role of EdTech in enhancing teaching effectiveness, reducing the administrative burden on teachers, and driving educational innovation. In Finland, the integration of technology into education not only alleviates teachers’ workload but also enables them to focus more on teaching content and student growth.
“At Yelaoshr, we are already integrating EdTech into our ‘From Educator to Edupreneur’ program to help teachers reduce administrative tasks and focus more on their creativity and teaching quality,” Dr. David explained. “EdTech is not just a tool for teaching—it is a powerful support system that helps educators innovate and improve their professional skills.”
Education Innovation: Merging Tradition with Modernity
After attending the HundrED Summit, Dr. David is even more determined to push for educational reform. He believes that the future of education should be a balance between respecting traditional cultural values and incorporating modern educational philosophies and technology to meet the evolving needs of society.
“We must combine the wisdom of traditional culture with innovative educational philosophies from countries like Finland, using technology to modernize education. Only through this fusion can we cultivate a generation of students who are not only academically capable but also innovative thinkers,” Dr. David Yap emphasized.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Dr. David Education Group remains committed to empowering educators through innovative programs, particularly by integrating EdTech to create a more flexible and efficient educational system that supports both teachers and students. Dr. David Yap hopes that through global collaborations and continued innovation, Yelaoshr can contribute to the development of education both in Malaysia and worldwide, fostering reform towards a higher quality, more personalized, and innovative education system.
“Education is a powerful force for change, and only through continuous innovation and breakthroughs can we truly realize its potential to cultivate the next generation of talented individuals who are ready to meet the challenges of the future,” Dr. David Yap concluded.
