Lim See Yew, Ph.D., Senior Director of the School of Engineering at Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College Central, Singapore, is the recipient of the 2026 Terry O’Banion Provocateur Award second prize. In his paper, Beyond Skills-First: The Emergence of Hybrid Intelligence in Human Evolution, Lim argues that the current global approach to AI and sustainability, focused mainly on incremental upskilling and reskilling, is deeply flawed. It is in what he calls the Factory Logic Trap, applying linear, skills-based solutions to complex, systemic problems. Lim looks at the issue through the lens of human evolution, arguing that hybrid intelligence—the collaboration between humans and AI—is the next stage of development, and it is essential. The paper, published by the League this month, is available here.

Terry O’Banion Provocateur Award

The Terry O’Banion Provocateur Award honors individuals who reflect the spirit of Dr. Terry O’Banion, one of the most influential voices in community college history. Through this award, the League for Innovation continues O’Banion’s legacy, encouraging leaders across the field to confront difficult issues, imagine new possibilities, and take courageous steps toward a more student-centered future for community and technical colleges.