Equally impressive at a piano or computer keyboard, 28-year-old Kwun Fung Lee—“Ivan Lee”—from Hong Kong is majoring in science and mathematics at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. He also works in research and management information systems at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) and, in his spare time, continues to pursue his passion for music.

Ivan practices piano regularly, plays for his Young Married 5th Ward, and recently performed a piece by composer Sergei Rachmaninoff in concert at the McKay Auditorium on campus. At 6 feet 5 inches tall, he is easily recognizable on campus.

Ivan’s journey to Oʻahu began with a conversation with his wife, Ellorie Gak—who also attends BYU–Hawaii—about his patriarchal blessing. She felt strongly that even though years had passed, he should follow the inspired counsel within the blessing regarding education. He received the blessing at age 19, just as he was about to graduate with a university degree while working at his own software company.

“I don’t remember the exact wording of the blessing,” Ivan said, “but it gave me the message that I needed to go to BYU–Hawaii. At the time, that sounded ridiculous to me because I was already attending another college. I didn’t think it was serious. I thought, ‘Why would I attend a second university when I’m already enrolled in one?’”

Ivan says matter-of-factly that he has worked two jobs since he was 18 years old. One of those roles emerged when he founded the software company. with his father, a Hong Kong–based firm specializing in AI-driven technologies for parking lot management systems. The company developed technology capable of reading the license plates of vehicles entering parking lots—an in-demand solution in a city of more than 7.5 million people, where parking space is scarce. Many parking lots across Hong Kong use this technology. As part owner of the company, he remains involved in a technical role.

Years later, after his marriage to Ellorie, the couple reconsidered his patriarchal blessing together. Despite his professional success, the inspired direction and influence became a major turning point for the Lees. After much discussion and prayer, they decided to follow its guidance and move to Oʻahu.

Ivan had already achieved significant success in both education and business. These accomplishments included earning a degree from Coventry University, building a successful business, and spending five years developing software for another IT company—all while continuing to help manage his business. Even so, the couple chose to pursue further education at BYU–Hawaii.

Although the process included navigating complex U.S. government paperwork to make the move,  Ivan now sees the blessing he once dismissed with new clarity. What once seemed unrealistic unfolded gradually through work, marriage, faith, and preparation.

“I came here to study new things,” he says simply, “and to build something more.”

Ivan thrives on learning new ideas and expanding his technical skill set. His goal is to translate complex mathematical formulas from whiteboards into functional computer programs—refining them into software that can positively impact the industrial world. His goal is not just technical success; he hopes to design systems that improve how people work and live.

At the Polynesian Cultural Center, Ivan’s work involves analyzing daily operations and identifying opportunities where technology can improve efficiency.

“I observe what people are doing and think, ‘Is there software that can automate part of their work so they can focus on the tasks only they can do—things AI or software cannot replace?’”

One project focused on analyzing daily operations involving bus drivers who transport guests to the Center and reviewing their daily reports. Questions such as whether drivers are wearing required headsets, holding the steering wheel properly, sharing pertinent information, becoming distracted, or showing unauthorized absences traditionally required hours of manual video review. Ivan helped develop software that analyzes large volumes of video footage and automatically extracts critical information—a forecasting system that relies on analytical skills and statistical concepts.

With encouragement from his mentor and a senior missionary, along with valuable input from team members, Ivan successfully built a system for the Strategic Development and Research Department at the PCC. It saves approximately 20 hours of work per week, reducing the workload for this task by nearly 85 percent. He continues refining the system and adding enhancements.

One senior member of the team said:

“Ivan is one of the smartest computer programmers I have ever met and is genuinely a kind person. It was a joy to work with him.”

Through faith, education, and innovation, Ivan Lee demonstrates how technical skills and personal inspiration can come together to create meaningful, real-world impact—both inside and outside the classroom.

Other projects use similar methods to explore ticket sales data. The computer can be programmed to sift through mountains of information to extract various entities’ sales performance.

Ivan easily switches from the computer keyboard to the piano keyboard on a daily basis. He began learning piano at age 11 and, as a child, practiced for up to eight hours a day.

“Music is an emotional expression for me. The piano feels romantic to me, and it helps me release sadness, hatred, and other negative emotions. I can completely lose myself in the music. It is also a form of mental exercise. Playing piano requires intense focus and rapid thinking, which makes heavy use of my brain.”

After turning 18, his practice time decreased to three or four hours a day. Professor Scott McCarey ensures that a dedicated piano room is available so Ivan can fit in the one to two hours of daily practice he manages these days.

Ivan prefers to live a low-key life and does not seek recognition or fame. Instead, he enjoys helping organizations function better and making people happier. He simply wants his actions to make a positive contribution.

Faith remains a strong influence in his decision-making and everyday life. The decision to study at BYU–Hawaii through the guidance of his patriarchal blessing gives him an eternal perspective.

“This influences how I make decisions—not for short-term gain, but for long-term and eternal benefit. I do not study simply to make money or seek temporary happiness. I want to gain knowledge that can be applied throughout my life and even beyond it.”

As an international student, Ivan feels grateful to be part of a faith-centered community. It has helped him adjust and feel a sense of belonging as he interacts with people of many beliefs, both members of the Church and those of other faiths. 

“Overall, I find this community to be welcoming and uplifting. People here are generally spiritual, kind, and willing to share ideas. Compared to Hong Kong, life here is much more relaxed. In Hong Kong, everything moves quickly, and people are constantly busy. Living here has helped me slow down, adapt, and appreciate balance rather than constant work.”