Breakout 2: The Mind 8:30 AM

B2A: Brain Gym: Bridging Body and Mind

by Jacqueline Lingham (Malaysia)

There are a total of twenty-six Educational Kinesiology or Brain Gym® movements, designed to stimulate and enhance brain integration—a vital element for learning across all age groups, from infants to seniors. Developed by Dr. Paul and Gail Dennison in the 1980s, these engaging and accessible movements have assisted many individuals in achieving their goals and realizing their full potential.

This approach fosters a strong 'body-mind' connection, cultivating a calm and relaxed individual, thereby enhancing their capacity to absorb information and facilitate effective learning.

This two-hour workshop aims to introduce Educational Kinesiology, also known as Brain Gym® movements. Participants will have the opportunity to experience firsthand how these movements can address various challenges. Engaging with Brain Gym® is akin to taking a daily supplement that supports our overall well-being; therefore, to fully experience its benefits, consistent daily practice is essential. The beauty of these movements lies in their adaptability for any learner. Participants attending the workshop will be equipped to implement these movements immediately with their students.

Ms Jacqueline Lingham is certified as an International Licensed Educational Kinesiologist Consultant/Trainer & Movement Based LearningTrainer. Her passion for volunteering within the community has earned her two awards from the Sabah State and also from the Royal Institute of Singapore. She is the co-founder to Persatuan C.H.I.L.D. Sabah, an Non profit organisation that aims to support Persons with Disabilities in Sabah. Jacqueline has her very own practice that is unique and diverse. Her sessions provide 'work-life' balanced learning programs and activities for all children and teenagers. Her future plan includes preparing and organising holistic and dynamic activities and programs for young adults and the elderly.

Breakout 2: The Mind 8:30 AM

B2B: The Synergy of Imagination, Exploration, and Competencies: Cultivating Holistic Development in Early Childhood

by Dr Siew Siew Kim (Malaysia)

The Malaysian Preschool Curriculum 2026 (KP 2026) operationalizes holistic development through its competency-driven approach, emphasizing the interconnected growth of physical (body), cognitive (mind), and socio-emotional (heart) domains. Classroom-based observations during teaching and learning sessions in Malaysian preschools reveal that pedagogical strategies cantered on imagination and exploration are instrumental in cultivating core competencies. Specifically, a dynamic, triadic relationship was observed, imagination sparks exploration, exploration builds competencies, and competencies subsequently fuel imagination. Empirical findings indicate that this cyclical process effectively empowers young learners, classrooms prioritizing these pedagogical approaches demonstrate heightened student engagement, improved self-regulation, and enhanced problem-solving abilities. Consequently, this "whole-child" pedagogy aligns with and operationalizes KP 2026's vision of nurturing future-ready learners.

Dr Siew Siew Kim obtained her PhD in Early Childhood Care and Education from University of Malaya. She was a secondary school teacher and now serves as Chief Assistant Director, in Preschool Sector, Curriculum Development Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia. She has abundant experience in early childhood, especially in developing curriculum and program. She is actively involved in various NGO’s and now the secretary of Association of Professional in Curriculum and Educational Instruction, Malaysia, as well as Malaysia Association of Professional Early Childhood Educator.

Breakout 2: The Mind 8:30 AM

B2C: Tomorrow's minds today: Educating young children for an unimaginable future

by Professor Mary-Rose McLaren (Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia)

The future of Early Childhood Education is in imagining the unimaginable and supporting our children to be engaged and critical thinkers, good citizens, and happy and resilient in themselves. This workshop presentation aims to stimulate thinking about how we use what we know to address the things we cannot know. We will put the child at the centre of our thinking as we explore ways to create safe spaces for children to develop skills that will support them as they venture into the world. We will play games to open up our thinking about collaboration, problem-solving and power, brainstorm activities to do with children, and share stories to help us build understanding. We will use the power of laughter to guide us as we confront the challenges of the 21 st century.

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.

Breakout 3: The Heart 1:30 PM

B3A: Social, Emotional Learning (SEL) for Young Children

by Dr Christine Chen (AECES, Singapore)

This workshop focuses on the importance of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in the early years, laying the foundation for children's emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and social skills. Participants will explore practical strategies to nurture empathy, resilience, and positive relationships in young children. Through interactive activities, attendees will learn how to create supportive environments that promote emotional well-being and equip children with essential life skills for success.

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.

 

Breakout 3: The Heart 1:30 PM

B3B: From Stress to Strength: Centering Teacher Wellness in Early Childhood Education

by Suhaimi Bin Matshah (Malaysia) , Sharin Aizrulidana Binti Samsuri (Malaysia)

This interactive workshop explores the critical link between teacher mental health and the well-being and safety of young children. Educators play a central role in shaping the emotional and developmental environment of their students, and their mental wellness directly impacts how they respond to children's needs, behaviours, and safety. Participants will gain insights into how stress, burnout, and emotional fatigue can affect classroom dynamics and child outcomes. The session will also introduce practical strategies for self-care, stress management, and building supportive workplace cultures. By prioritizing their own mental health, teachers can create safer, more nurturing, and more effective learning environments for young children.

Mr. Suhaimi is an experienced education officer currently serving at the Kota Kinabalu District Education Office. With 27 years of service in various management roles in public schools and the Sabah State Education Department, he brings a wealth of leadership and expertise. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Educational History and is a certified Coach (IAB) under the Ministry of Education. Recognized for his dedication, Mr. Suhaimi has been awarded as a model employee in group management multiple times and is a proud recipient of the prestigious 'Bintang Kinabalu (BK)' title from the Sabah State Government.

Cikgu Sharin is a dedicated preschool teacher at SK Bukit Padang with 20 years of experience teaching at both primary and preschool levels. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, majoring in Finance from Universiti Putra Malaysia, and a Diploma specializing in Preschool Education. As a Master Trainer for Preschool Curriculum, SIVIK and PJKR appointed by the Ministry of Education, she has shown strong leadership and commitment to quality education. Her outstanding service has earned her the Excellent Performance Award. Known for her creativity, Cikgu Sharin has developed numerous innovative teaching tools and ideas, receiving multiple awards in the field of educational innovation.

Breakout 3: The Heart 1:30 PM

B3C: Bouncing back: Reversing the Pandemic's impact on child learning

by Dr Nur Farhana Ardillah Binti Aftar (Malaysia)

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the lives of many, particularly on children’s development and life experience in general. For children, the pandemic resulted in disruptions such as school closures and the shift to online classes lead to notable learning losses, increased social anxiety, and emotional challenges. These effects have influenced both academic progress and social development, particularly as children return to in-person learning environments. This presentation will address the strategies that parents and educators can adopt to help children get back on track. Focus will be placed on personalized learning approaches, fostering social-emotional skills, and establishing stable, supportive routines. By implementing these strategies, children can regain academic confidence, improve emotional well-being, and successfully adapt to the post-pandemic educational landscape.

Dr. Nur Farhana Ardillah Binti Aftar

PhD Clinical Psychology (GallaudetU, USA), MClinPsych (UKM), PGDip (UKM), BSc (UKM)

Dr. Nur Farhana Ardillah Aftar is a lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology and Social Work, Universiti Malaysia Sabah. She is currently the Program Head for the Undergraduate Psychology Program. She is also a registered clinical psychologist with the Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology (MSCP). Dr. Farhana obtained her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 2010, followed by a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Gallaudet University in 2018, a university renowned for its expertise in the study of deafness and hard of hearing, located in Washington DC, USA. Dr. Farhana has extensive clinical experience both in the United States and Malaysia. She is also currently providing her clinical services at KPJ Sabah Hospital. Additionally, she trains and supervises therapists at Alamesra Psychological Services, a private psychological service center in Kota Kinabalu. Other than working with children and families in general, Dr. Farhana also provides psychological services to the Deaf and individuals with hearing impairments.