International Early Childhood Conference (IECC)
Keynote 1: Balancing Bytes & Bodies: Achieving Holistic Physical Health in a Digital World
by Dr Jeremy Lee (KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital, Malaysia)Synopsis
In an increasingly digital world, achieving holistic physical health has become more challenging yet vital for children's development. This keynote will delve into the impact of technology on physical well-being, emphasizing the importance of balanced routines, active lifestyles, and mindful nutrition. Attendees will gain insights into fostering healthier habits that empower children to thrive physically and emotionally in a tech-driven era.
Speaker's Profile
Dr. Jeremy Lee completed his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the International Medical University in Malaysia. He obtained a Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health(UK) in 2018. He currently serves as a paediatric consultant at KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital in Kota Kinabalu and is also a visiting lecturer at the University Malaya Sabah. Dr. Lee has a particular interest in neonatal and pediatric cardiology.
Keynote 2: Children of today as citizens and future leaders
by Professor Mary-Rose McLaren (Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia)Synopsis
As our world changes with increasing rapidity, we need to ask: how do we best equip Gen Alpha (and in the next few years, Gen Beta) for a future where artificial intelligence is everywhere and in everything, where truth is fluid, where big existential problems are ever-present, such as climate change, mass immigration and food and water insecurity? This presentation will explore the characteristics of Gen Alpha, and the implications of these for Early Childhood teachers. By analysing how young children learn and shape their worlds, this presentation will ask what we, as adults, need to do to offer children hope, and the practical and ethical understandings they need to thrive amid the uncertainties of 21 st century life.
Speaker's Profile
Professor Mary-Rose McLaren is the Head of Program in Early Childhood Education at Victoria University, Melbourne. Professor McLaren researches at the intersection of practice, theory, and performance, as scholarship, and knowledge building, and includes traditional and non-traditional outputs. Her research incorporates the disciplines of Early Childhood Education, Creativity, Performing Arts, History and Education. It untangles interconnections between the past and present, personal agency, collaborative agency, and creativity, focusing on the question of how we know what we know. In Early Childhood Education, Professor McLaren’s research centres on play in public spaces, communication of values, and preservice teacher identity and experience.
Keynote 3: Fostering Emotional and Social Resilience
by Dr Christine Chen (AECES, Singapore)Synopsis
This keynote highlights the critical role of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in nurturing a generation equipped with emotional resilience and strong social skills. It will explore how SEL fosters self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication, empowering children to navigate challenges and build meaningful relationships. Attendees will gain actionable insights into implementing SEL strategies to cultivate a supportive environment that promotes lifelong emotional and social well-being.
Speaker's Profile
Dr. Christine Chen is the Founder President of the Association for Child Care Educators (ACCE) and Founder and current President of the Association for Early Childhood Educators (AECES). Her first work experience in Singapore was in the company sponsored child care centre for factory workers’ children, she learnt about the importance of having qualified teachers to ensure quality education for ALL children. As a result she initiated the Association to advocate for teacher development, continuous learning and career pathways. She has been advocating for professional development and learning for early childhood educators for 25 years.