At Bett Asia, we believe the future of education is shaped by bold thinkers, passionate educators and changemakers driving meaningful innovation across the region. The Bett Asia EdTech 10 List was created to celebrate those individuals, leaders who are transforming learning experiences, championing technology and creating lasting impact within education.

Among last year’s inspiring winners is Dr. Nisa Omar, Associate Professor Dr. Nisa Omar, Director of ELITE (Educators Leading Innovation in Teaching Excellence), University Malaya-Wales, whose human-centred approach to leadership, educator development and digital learning continues to empower educators, professionals and communities across Southeast Asia.

Interestingly, Dr. Omar’s journey into education wasn’t something she originally planned. Beginning her career in media and communication, she initially saw her future firmly rooted in industry, but stepping into teaching changed everything.

“What I realised very quickly was that education is not just about delivering content,” she explains. “It’s about shaping confidence, identity and future possibilities.”

That curiosity, and a constant desire to improve learning experiences, naturally led her into the world of EdTech. Not through technology alone, but through its potential to create more meaningful, engaging and human learning experiences.

Today, much of her work centres around helping people believe in their own capabilities. It’s a challenge she feels deeply passionate about solving after years of witnessing talented students and professionals underestimate themselves or hesitate to step forward.

“Education should not create dependency, it should build confidence and independence,” she says.

Through educator development programmes and executive training initiatives, Dr. Omar works with lecturers, government officers and industry professionals on leadership, communication and learning design in the digital age. However, what makes her approach stand out is its strong focus on reflection and personal growth rather than simply theory or technical knowledge.

Whether speaking to senior leaders or educators in the classroom, she consistently encourages people to think differently about the impact they have on others.

“I always bring people back to one question,” she says. “How do you show up, and how do you make others grow?”

For Dr. Omar, true innovation in education isn’t just about digital tools or systems, it’s about transforming mindsets.

That transformation is something she has witnessed first-hand throughout her work. One experience that particularly stayed with her involved a group of women leaders in Sabah who initially lacked confidence and hesitated to speak openly during sessions.

“But over time, something changed,” she recalls. “They started sharing ideas, supporting one another and finding their voice. One of them told me, ‘I didn’t realise I could lead like this.’”

It's those moments of personal breakthrough, rather than statistics or metrics, that define success for her.

Similar shifts have emerged in her work with technical and professional communities in Selangor, where participants who were once resistant to change began embracing new approaches to leadership, learning and collaboration.

“They didn’t just learn,” she says. “They shifted their mindset.”

Of course, driving transformation within education rarely comes without challenges. One of the biggest barriers Dr. Omar continues to encounter is the fear of change itself.

“People often think, ‘This is how we’ve always done it,’” she explains. “And change can feel uncomfortable.”

Rather than forcing change, she believes in creating safe environments where people feel comfortable reflecting, questioning and experimenting with new ideas at their own pace. It’s an approach rooted heavily in empathy and collaboration, something she credits as being central to her own journey.

“Every collaboration brings a new perspective, a new challenge and a new way of thinking,” she says. “It keeps me grounded, and constantly learning.”

Being recognised as part of the Bett Asia EdTech 10 List was therefore an especially meaningful moment.

“Behind this recognition are years of conversations, classrooms, workshops and moments with people who trusted me to guide them,” she reflects. “It reminded me that the work we do, especially the quiet, everyday work, matters.”

Looking ahead, she believes the future of EdTech in Southeast Asia will become increasingly human-centred. While technology will continue evolving rapidly, she believes its true value lies in how it empowers people, builds confidence and creates more accessible and relevant learning experiences.

“The goal is not just smarter systems,” she says, “but stronger, more confident learners and leaders.”

For women considering a career in EdTech, her advice is refreshingly simple: don’t wait until you feel ready.

“Your perspective matters. Your voice matters,” she says. “You don’t need to have everything figured out to make an impact.”

And if she could offer one piece of advice to her younger self?

“Don’t let what you cannot do stop you from doing what you can do.”

It's a mindset that has clearly shaped not only her own journey, but the countless individuals she continues to inspire through her work today.

The Bett Asia EdTech 10 List celebrates educators, innovators and changemakers redefining learning across the region, and leaders like Dr. Omar are helping shape a future where education is more empowering, inclusive and impactful for all. If you want to nominate yourself or others for this year’s EdTech 10 List, applications open on 26 May! Discover how to why this initiative matters, how to apply and explore previous winners here.