A Visionary for the Heart and Mind: Ms Evelyn Chen Lee Na Honoured with Global Leadership Awards
IPOH, MALAYSIA – In a milestone achievement for the Malaysian education sector, Ms Evelyn Chen Lee Na, Executive Director and Director of Schools at Bonanza Educare, was honoured at the 34th World School Summit held in Kuala Lumpur on 24th January 2026. Recognised for her transformative impact on the learning landscape, Ms Chen was conferred the prestigious School Director of the Year Award and an Honorary Doctor of Laws.
The accolades serve as a testament to a career defined by “heart-led leadership.” As the guiding force behind Bonanza Educare’s diverse portfolio, Ms Chen has ensured that the group’s institutions, Knewton Global Schools, Kinder Labz and the Ipoh Learning & Training Institute (ILTI) are synonymous with excellence and character-building. Rather than focusing solely on academic metrics, her stewardship has fostered a “comprehensive educational ecosystem” where the human element remains the central priority.
Under the Bonanza Educare umbrella, these institutions have become some of the most decorated in the country. In 2024 and 2025, Kinder Labz secured consecutive Parents’ Choice Awards and was named the Elite Winner for Best Preschool of the Year at the PEEAM EduAwards. Similarly, ILTI was recognised as the Best Enrichment Academy of the Year, while Knewton Global Schools Rawang earned a top-five spot in the People’s Choice Award for Education.
For the 49-year-old Sarawakian educator, these achievements are the byproduct of a singular, deep-seated philosophy.
“Every child is precious and treated as our own,” Ms Chen shared. “We believe every child deserves a safe, happy environment to blossom at their own pace. As Aristotle said, ‘Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.’”
This commitment to “educating the heart” is reflected in Ms Chen’s own life. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Education Leadership, she embodies the lifelong learning she advocates for her students. Beyond the boardroom, she is an accomplished painter and a dedicated runner; viewing physical discipline and artistic expression as essential components of mental clarity and effective leadership.
The World School Summit, which hosted over 200 delegates from 25 countries, highlighted the global resonance of Ms Chen’s work. The awards were presented by Chief Guest Geeta Phogat, India’s first female Olympic wrestler. The pairing was symbolic; just as Phogat broke barriers in sport, Ms Chen has broken the mould of traditional education by creating inclusive environments that empower not just the students within the classroom, but the broader communities surrounding them.
The Honorary Doctor of Laws specifically marks her contribution to humanity, acknowledging that her influence at Bonanza Educare has reshaped how the next generation of Malaysians will think, lead and care.
Congratulations Dr Evelyn Chen!
