Dr LEE, Ju Seong

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

I believe our time and talents are entrusted to us not merely for personal gain, but to uplift others and contribute to something greater than ourselves. Since 2000, I have volunteered in more than 10 regions—including Cambodia, Mongolia, and Thailand—where I’ve witnessed firsthand how lifelong, lifewide, and informal learning can transform young people and entire communities.

In 2018, I developed the Informal Digital Learning of English (IDLE), inspired by the Korean word “아이들” (aideul), meaning “children.” IDLE encourages learners to explore English naturally through digital tools, fostering curiosity and creativity much like how children acquire language organically. Studies across 10+ regions show that IDLE is linked to positive outcomes in over 20 areas—from motivation and academic achievement to speaking skills and beyond.

Since 2020, we have used IDLE to co-design social impact projects with teachers in Indonesia, reaching more than 2,800 students. These efforts continue to grow through partnerships with universities, schools, industry, NGOs, and governments across Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Global South. Our hope is that this work not only equips learners with language skills, but also empowers them to serve others—creating ripples of change that endure well beyond our brief time on earth.