Dr Lai Kee Huong from the School of Mathematical Sciences was recently announced as the recipient of the Award for Excellence (AET) in Teaching, during the Sunway University Academic Staff Excellence Award Ceremony 2021. The award acknowledges academic staff who demonstrated outstanding achievement in teaching and made significant contributions to enhancing the quality of teaching and learning.

Dr Lai has taught both undergraduate mathematics and postgraduate research methodology subjects. He contributed greatly to curriculum design, technology-enhanced learning, and outcome-based learning. Dr Lai also served as an Associate of the Academic Enhancement Division (AED), whose roles include supporting AED in contributing to the professional development of academic colleagues through workshops, and in providing recommendations on good teaching practices.

Dr Lai began his award acceptance speech by acknowledging the unwavering support from the University and his alma mater. “My teaching journey in Sunway University over the past four years has been made more rewarding owing to the support from the University.” 

Commenting on the recent changes in the educational landscape, Dr Lai remarked, “As cliché as it might sound, in mathematics, every problem has a solution. The pandemic over the past two years has greatly disrupted the conventional delivery method, and it has prompted educators to rapidly adapt to online learning; which requires educators to produce educational videos and conduct live sessions. Sharing of good practices among colleagues is the way to move forward; and I encourage all educators to embrace technology in their teaching and learning activities, to further engage learners.”

Dr Lai also emphasized the importance of treating students with compassion and kindness. “During my visits to car workshops, I have always been amazed by how skilful the mechanics are, in quickly identifying the problem of my vehicle. Likewise, I always marvel at the professionalism demonstrated by doctors and paramedics, who act so promptly and responsibly in taking care of their patients. My point is, that we should be passionate about whatever we do, as it leads to a fulfilling and rewarding career. As educators, we should treat our students respectfully, with kindness and compassion. We never know if a student has had a bad day.”

An avid mathematics educator, Dr Lai mentioned that mathematics has been his favourite subject for as long as he can remember, and he is eternally grateful to not only be able to further his study in a field that he is passionate about, but also to continue sharing the beauty and elegance of mathematics, to the next generation.

In concluding his award acceptance speech, Dr Lai shared a quote from Martin Luther King Jr, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus characters – that is the goal of true education.”

Dr. Lai Kee Huong
School of Mathematical Sciences
Email: @email