Meet The Dream Team of Expert Judges: Little Steps Education Awards 2026

Danny Harrington: Managing Director Of ITS Education Asia

Meet Danny Harrington, Managing Director and co-founder of ITS Education Asia, in Hong Kong. With an MA in Geography from the University of Oxford, Danny has been shaping education in Asia since 1997. He began as a tutor, quickly led a school, and in 2005 founded ITS to professionalise tutoring, create genuine alternatives to mainstream schooling, and unite multiple learning pathways under one roof. Today, ITS runs registered schools in Hong Kong (with global online access) and focuses on flexible, relevant education — especially preparing students for an AI-driven world.

Here’s what Danny shared with us:

• Superpower to improve education? The ability to make learning truly relevant — too much academic content doesn’t help in real life.
• One piece of advice for parents choosing a school? Look for genuine flexibility — in attitude and actual opportunities. Ensure the school delivers what its marketing promises.
• Fun fact, most people don’t know: I was a child opera performer.
• Favourite children’s book: The Little Prince

Danny brings sharp insight, warmth, and a strong belief in student-centred, practical education to the Little Steps Asia Education Awards 2026 judging panel.

ITS Education Asia

Stefan Tueger: Executive Director At Lion Rock Education

Jonathon Ma: Regional Manager Of Crimson Education

Meet Jonathan Ma, Regional Manager at Crimson Education Hong Kong. A Hong Kong native and Dulwich College alumnus, Jonathan brings a multidisciplinary background in French & Linguistics and Strategic Business Management. He has successfully guided over 700 students into top US and UK institutions and is a sought-after speaker on global admissions strategy for leading banks and schools. Jonathan specialises in turning his own first-hand boarding experience into high-impact roadmaps for the next generation of international scholars.

Here’s what Jonathan shared with us:

• What first sparked your passion for education? My teachers were my role models — I always wanted to be in their position.
• Superpower to improve education? Time Dilation: the ability to pause or slow down time so students can truly enjoy the learning process.
• Most inspiring trend in Asian schools recently? The shift from rote learning to AI-driven personalised “Smart Classrooms” that identify individual student needs, free teachers to focus on social-emotional growth, and turn high-pressure environments into more inclusive, human-centric ecosystems.
• Fun fact, most people don’t know: I can identify any song from the 2000s within seconds.

Jonathan brings deep expertise in international admissions, a passion for student-centred learning, and valuable insight into Asia’s evolving education landscape to the Little Steps Asia Education Awards 2026 judging panel.

Crimson Education

Yolanda Miller: Director At British Tutors

Meet Yolanda Miller, Director at British Tutors. With over 15 years of experience supporting families with school placements and academic success, Yolanda is a Hong Kong-born expat who understands the local and international education systems from both personal and professional perspectives. As a mother of three, she brings a practical, empathetic approach to helping families find the right school fit. She is delighted to join the judging panel for the Little Steps Asia Education Awards 2026.

Here’s what Yolanda shared with us:

• What first sparked your passion for education? My own journey through different systems — starting in a local Hong Kong school, then moving to an international school and later the UK — deepened my appreciation for the right learning environment.
• One piece of advice for parents choosing a school? Look beyond facilities and results, and focus on ethos. A school’s culture and how it aligns with your family’s values will have a far greater long-term impact than any league table.
• Fun fact most people don’t know: I’m an avid baker — nothing makes me happier than filling the kitchen with the smell of fresh bread or baking a beautiful birthday cake!
• Favourite children’s book: The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling (it even inspired her daughter’s name, Louie Baloo!)

Yolanda brings warmth, deep local insight, and a strong commitment to holistic, child-centred education to the Little Steps Asia Education Awards 2026 judging panel.

British Tutors

Irene Wong: Education Consultant At EG.SG

Meet Irene Wong, Founder of MPM Edification Learning and education consultant with ED-SG in Singapore. With extensive experience in Singapore’s local education system and the aviation industry, Irene brings a unique, versatile perspective to learning. In 2005 she established MPM Edification Learning, a centre dedicated to fostering academic excellence and strong problem-solving skills through innovative, exploratory programs.

Now helping families with relocations, she specialises in finding the right school fit and strongly believes in tailored education rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Her global travels have further strengthened her view that education should shape confident global citizens.

ED-SG