Meet our Keynote Speaker
Professor Adele Diamond
Tier 1 Canada Research Chair Professor of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
Department of Psychiarity, University of British Columbia, Vancouver
Topic: Strategies To Nurture Executive Functions In School And At Home
Meet our Featured Speaker
Ms Karina Schreurs
Karina Schreurs has a background in Therapy in Education and has post-graduate study in Neuroscience. She is passionate about empowering educators with practical strategies to see stress reduced in classrooms.
Topic: Supporting Pre-schoolers Development: Through an Occupational Therapy Lens
Conference Sub-themes
Inclusive practices and children’s wellness
Teacher well-being and efficacy
Positive parent-teacher-child relationships
Ecosystem redesign
Something for Everyone
Click to view the list of topics by profiles.
The Art of Care & Compassion in Pre-School Education: Practical Strategies That Support Care and Compassion
Presenter: Ms Karina Schreurs
Neurofeedback: An Upstream Intervention for Children with Additional Needs
Presenter: Dr Joseph Guan
Application of Tools: Effective Strategies to Promote Executive Functions
Presenter: Dr Tseng, Shu-Hsien
Structuring Early Childhood Learning through the DDMT Model
Presenter: Dr Tsao, Ya-Lun
Understanding your children: Parenting education at the Parent-Child Centre
Presenters: Ms Ni, Jhen-Yu & Ms Liao, Wei-Qi & Dr Chen, Hsiang-Chun
Integrating AI Robots into Parent-Child Activities: Enhancing Learning Outcomes and Positive Interaction
Presenters: Ms Tang, Yi & Dr Chen, Hsiang-Chun
Empowering SEN Paraeducators with Voice and Visibility: Lessons for Inclusive Preschools
Presenter: Dr Siew Hui Li June & Ms Jolene Pang
An Early Childhood Educator’s Journey to Understand Inclusive Practices
Presenter: Ms Christabel Quek & Dr Chua King Loo
The Contribution of Parent-Child Math Activities to Children’s Math Ability
Presenter: Dr Huang Qi
Supporting Teacher Well-being Through Counselling
Presenter: Ms Chen Siyu
Enhancing Classroom Inclusion Through Collaborative Partnership Between Early Childhood and Early Intervention Educators
Presenter: Ms Sherine Ma, Ms Nur Syza Sabrina & Dr Chua King Loo
Empowering Young Learners through Inclusive Literacy Practices
Presenter: Ms Weng Yiyao & Ms Shakthi Sathiasilan
Unlocking Potential: The Role of Visual Processing in Learning
Presenter: Mr Andy Teo
Collaborative Communication for Parents and Teachers
Presenter: Ms Tina Tan
Harnessing the Strengths of the Father in Children Development
Presenter: Mr Kevin Goh
Play with Purpose – How Inclusive Multi-Sport Environments Support Holistic Child Development
Presenter: Mr Antoine Bouchacourt
Building a Strong Foundation in Early Childhood
Presenter: Mr Junya Sakata
Harnessing Creative Arts to Empower Children as Agents of Sustainable Change
Presenter: Skool4Kidz Preschool
Digital Wellness for Young Children in an
AI-driven World
Presenter: Ms Carol Loi
Building Emotional Understanding and Awareness in Young Children with Inclusive Strategies
Presenter: Ms Cindy Kua Shu Mei
Empowering Early Literacy through Collaborative Partnerships
Presenter: Ms Weng Yiyao & Ms Shakthi Sathiasilan
EduDrama® as a Systemic Framework for Curriculum Adaptation, Teacher Agency and Culture Building in Preschools
Presenter: Ms Fiona Mcdonald & Ms Lynette Chua
Perspective Taking: The Life Skill our Children Need for Healthy Relationships
Presenter: Ms Laura Tan & Ms Anna Soh
Reimagining Learning Ecosystems through Everyday Moments of Listening and Curiosity
Presenter: Ms Chooi Foong Sin (Yue Leadership & Growth Coaching) & Ms Cheong Choy Kiew
Empowering Educators for Inclusive Preschools: Working hand in hand to create an inclusive classroom (Partners for Inclusive Practice) – Insights from a collaborative coaching model between Preschool and EI
Presenter: Ms Mawar Musfirah Binte Mohd Fo’ad & Ms Nur Aqidah Binte Latif
Positive Early Environment Shapes Children’s Development
Presenter: Ms Rowena Mark Ramos
Relieve & Prevent: Essential Lower Back Care for Educators and Caregivers of Young Children
Presenter: Ms Jing Shi
Experiential Learning & Engagement with Live Specimens
Presenter: Mr Alester Tan
The Preliminary Results of Content Validity for the Dimensional Change Card Sorting Task among Taiwanese Preschool Children
Presenter: Dr Tseng Shu-hsien
Neurofeedback: An Upstream Intervention for Children with Additional Needs
Presenter: Dr Joseph Guan
Enhancing Classroom Inclusion Through Collaborative Partnership Between Early Childhood and Early Intervention Educators
Presenter: Ms Sherine Ma, Ms Nur Syza Sabrina & Dr Chua King Loo
Unlocking Potential: The Role of Visual Processing in Learning
Presenter: Mr Andy Teo
Building a Strong Foundation in Early Childhood
Presenter: Mr Junya Sakata
Digital Wellness for Young Children in an
AI-driven World
Presenter: Ms Carol Loi
Building Emotional Awareness in Young Children
Presenter: Ms Cindy Kua Shu Mei
Empowering Young Learners through Inclusive Literacy Practices
Presenter: Ms Weng Yiyao & Ms Shakthi Sathiasilan
Empowering Early Literacy through Collaborative Partnerships
Presenter: Ms Weng Yiyao & Ms Shakthi Sathiasilan
Positive Early Environment Shapes Children’s Development
Presenter: Ms Rowena Mark Ramos
Relieve & Prevent: Essential Lower Back Care for Educators and Caregivers of Young Children
Presenter: Ms Jing Shi
Experiential Learning & Engagement with Live Specimens
Presenter: Mr Alester Tan
The Art of Care & Compassion in Pre-School Education: Practical Strategies That Support Care and Compassion
Presenter: Ms Karina Schreurs
Your Child is Good Enough! (Solution focused parenting)
Presenter: Mr Edwin Choy
Neurofeedback: An Upstream Intervention for Children with Additional Needs
Presenter: Dr Joseph Guan
Understanding your children: Parenting education at the Parent-Child Centre
Presenters: Ms Ni, Jhen-Yu & Ms Liao, Wei-Qi & Dr Chen, Hsiang-Chun
Integrating AI Robots into Parent-Child Activities: Enhancing Learning Outcomes and Positive Interaction
Presenters: Ms Tang, Yi & Dr Chen, Hsiang-Chun
An Early Childhood Educator’s Journey to Understand Inclusive Practices
Presenter: Ms Christabel Quek & Dr Chua King Loo
The Contribution of Parent-Child Math Activities to Children’s Math Ability
Presenter: Dr Huang Qi
Unlocking Potential: The Role of Visual Processing in Learning
Presenter: Mr Andy Teo
The Art of Care & Compassion in Pre-School Education: Practical Strategies That Support Care and Compassion
Presenter: Ms Karina Schreurs
Collaborative Communication for Parents and Teachers
Presenter: Ms Tina Tan
Harnessing the Strengths of the Father in Children Development
Presenter: Mr Kevin Goh
Play with Purpose – How Inclusive Multi-Sport Environments Support Holistic Child Development
Presenter: Mr Antoine Bouchacourt
Building a Strong Foundation in Early Childhood
Presenter: Mr Junya Sakata
Harnessing Creative Arts to Empower Children as Agents of Sustainable Change
Presenter: Skool4Kidz Preschool
Digital Wellness for Young Children in an
AI-driven World
Presenter: Ms Carol Loi
Building Emotional Awareness in Young Children
Presenter: Ms Cindy Kua Shu Mei
Empowering Young Learners through Inclusive Literacy Practices
Presenter: Ms Weng Yiyao & Ms Shakthi Sathiasilan
Empowering Early Literacy through Collaborative Partnerships
Presenter: Ms Weng Yiyao & Ms Shakthi Sathiasilan
Perspective Taking: The Life Skill our Children Need for Healthy Relationships
Presenter: Ms Laura Tan & Ms Anna Soh
Reimagining Learning Ecosystems through Everyday Moments of Listening and Curiosity
Presenter: Ms Chooi Foong Sin (Yue Leadership & Growth Coaching) & Ms Cheong Choy Kiew
Positive Early Environment Shapes Children’s Development
Presenter: Ms Rowena Mark Ramos
Relieve & Prevent: Essential Lower Back Care for Educators and Caregivers of Young Children
Presenter: Ms Jing Shi
Experiential Learning & Engagement with Live Specimens
Presenter: Mr Alester Tan
Speakers and topics are subject to changes. Please check back for the latest updates.
Unlocking Potential: The Role of Visual Processing in Learning
Profile of Mr Andy Teo
Andy Teo is a Developmental Optometrist and Educator specializing in Learning Difficulties and Vision Therapy. With postgraduate training from Salus University (US), the University of New South Wales (AUS), and The College of Teachers (UK), he bridges vision care and child development. A Fellow of the Optometric Vision Development & Rehabilitation Association (FOVDRA), Andy works closely with doctors, therapists, and educators to support children with Dyslexia, ADHD, Dyspraxia and visual processing challenges.As a child, Andy struggled with amblyopia (lazy eye), double vision, and a squint after cataract surgery at age 8, which affected his learning. This experience drives his mission to help children overcome vision-related barriers. At NeuroTree, he provides vision therapy and screenings, while also leading ELF Preschool, which he founded in 2009 to offer science-based, play-driven learning.
Andy believes that unlocking a child’s potential starts with understanding how they see and process the world.
The Art of Care & Compassion in Pre-School Education: Practical Strategies That Support Care and Compassion
Profile of Ms Karina Schreurs
Your Child is Good Enough!
Profile of Mr Edwin Choy
Edwin Choy (MSc) is a certified Solution Focused Therapist and an approved Solution Focused Brief Therapy Supervisor with the Canadian Council of Professional Certification (CCPC). Edwin is also a Master Solution Focus Practitioner with International Alliance of Solution Focused Teaching Institutes (IASTI). He is also a Professional Certified Coach with International Coaching Federation (ICF).He appeared numerous times on radio and spoken at conferences including twice at MOE Excel fest to speak on coaching, fathering and parenting issues in Singapore.
Edwin has developed and conducted numerous solution focused coaching and counseling workshops for educators, parents and civil servants.
Edwin has conducted Solution Focused training with Academy of Singapore Teachers in the last 10 years for the following courses :
1) Coaching Self & Others
2) Growing from Within
3) Heart of Teacher Leader (TLP 1)
He has also conducted numerous well reviewed trainings in Solution Focus leadership and coaching courses for school leaders, middle managers and teachers of more than 50 schools in Singapore.
Importance of Caregiver Safety
In addition, the workshop will emphasize the need for caregivers to prioritize their own safety first, offering practical steps for adopting safe caregiving practices. It explores the physical and emotional impact of distress on caregivers and will introduce simple self-regulation techniques for managing stress.
Finally, the workshop will illustrate how distress behaviors occur over a continuum and provide strategies to address these behaviors early before they escalate. This comprehensive yet condensed overview aims to equip caregivers with the knowledge and tools to enhance their well-being and effectiveness in their roles.
Profile of Mr Robin Ho
Robin has been actively contributing to the training and education industry since 1999. Working across a broad spectrum of industries and learner demographics has provided him with a keen insight into the various challenges that learners and trainers experience.Robin’s experience as a seasoned organizational development manager, course developer, learning facilitator, and solutions integrator allowed him to quickly respond to the social service community’s needs for a training which would enhance the caregiving journey.
Robin’s involvement and experience in the teaching and learning of workplace safety as well as passion teaching self-defence and wellness programs nudged him towards the development of dedicated safety programs for home and professional caregivers in Singapore. The program’s objectives are to foster better community inclusion by building confidence in caregivers and has been warmly embraced by the social service community since its inception in 2024.
Building Emotional Understanding and Awareness in Young Children with Inclusive Strategies
Profile of Ms Cindy Kua Shu Mei
Cindy has about 20 years of experience in providing therapy for children and adolescents, specialising in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She works extensively with children and adolescents and their families on difficulties relating to anxiety, emotion regulation, and social skills. Cindy conducts regular training workshops for professionals and parents on supporting children with ASD.She previously worked as an Early Intervention Teacher (EIPIC) at Autism Association (Singapore), and as a Senior Psychologist at the Child Guidance Clinic (Institute of Mental Health). Currently, Cindy is practising at Skillbuilders, a therapy center for children and adolescents.
Publication:
Chong, W. H., & Kua, S. M. (2017). Parenting self-efficacy beliefs in parents of children with autism: Perspectives from Singapore. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 87(3), 365–375. https://doi.org/10.1037/ort0000169
Empowering Young Learners through Inclusive Literacy Practices
Profile of Ms Weng Yiyao & Ms Shakthi Sathiasilan
Ms Weng Yiyao:
Yiyao is the Lead Educational Therapist and Preschool Programme Manager at the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS). Since 2014, she has worked with both preschoolers and school-aged students with dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Yiyao is passionate about empowering learners by equipping them with skills to overcome their challenges. As a programme manager Yiyao oversees the programmes and manages the development and implementation of the preschool program to ensure it meets the unique needs of its young learners. She is also a fellow of the Register of Educational Therapists Asia (RETA) and holds a Master of Arts in Special Educational Needs from the University of South Wales.Ms Shakthi Sathiasilan:
Shakthi is a Lead Educational Therapist at the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS). Since 2015, she has been working with preschoolers with early learning difficulties, as well as primary and secondary students with dyslexia and other specific learning differences. As a member of the Preschool Core Team, Shakthi assists with program-related matters. She is also deeply interested in integrating research into teaching practices and serves on the DAS Research Committee. Shakthi is an associate fellow of the Register of Educational Therapists Asia (RETA) and holds a Master of Education in Special Education from Nanyang Technological University.
Collaborative Communication for Parents and Teachers
Profile of Mrs Tina Tan
Collaborative Communication for Parents and Teachers
Participants will gain insights into how secure attachments, emotionally responsive care, and inclusive pedagogical practices foster cognitive, emotional, and social growth. The session highlights the importance of stable relationships and the detrimental effects of chronic stress on brain development, emphasising the role of early detection and responsive intervention. Through science-backed strategies and practical applications, educators and parents will learn how to create nurturing, language-rich, and emotionally safe environments that support executive functioning, resilience, and lifelong learning.
Armed with new perspectives and strategies, participants will be better prepared to nurture resilient, curious, and confident learners from the start.
Profile of Ms Rowena Mark Ramos
Rowena Mark Ramos is the Head of Curriculum and Enrichment at Babilou Family Singapore. Inspired by the educators who shaped her journey, Rowena embarked on a path in education, steadily expanding her professional portfolio over the years.Having earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Wheelock College in Boston, Massachusetts, she assumed the role of mentor teacher, guiding novice educators through their inaugural year with skill and dedication, fostering the growth of future leaders within the field.
With invaluable experience under her belt, Rowena now spearheads the Curriculum Department to ensure curriculum quality while leading the team in developing innovative programmes and delivering enriching training sessions for fellow educators.
Additionally, Rowena is a certified Developmental Play Practitioner, further enhancing her expertise in the field.
Relieve & Prevent: Essential Lower Back Care for Educators and Caregivers of Young Children
Profile of Ms Jing Shi
Jing Shi started practicing yoga at the age of 19 as she suffered from lower back pain, and a mild case of scoliosis. Doctors recommended swimming and stretching to manage the pain, and to improve her spinal health.After practicing yoga for some time, she found that she has become stronger, and has gained improved flexibility and mobility in general. More importantly, the focus on core strength, proper muscular engagement, postural alignment and mindful spinal movement have helped immensely in alleviating her back pain.
Having experienced the benefits of yoga, she then took up a certification course to become a yoga teacher, hoping to help others who might also benefit from regular yoga practice. She has been teaching yoga since 2009, and also conducts annual yoga teacher training programs (since 2015) to help others become yoga teachers.
Harnessing the Strengths of Fathers in Children's Development
Profile of Mr Kevin Goh
Digital Wellness for Young Children in an AI-Driven World
Profile of Ms Carol Loi
EduDrama® as a Systemic Framework for Curriculum Adaptation, Teacher Agency and Culture Building in Preschools
Profile of Ms Fiona Mcdonald & Ms Lynette Chua
Ms Fiona Mcdonald
Having worked in preschool and primary school for over 30 years, Fiona has a strong belief in ensuring all children reach their potential and that they enjoy the process of learning. Fiona has worked as a classroom teacher, a teacher of children with additional needs (from preschool to teenagers), and as a trainer. Fiona has a Master’s in Education specialising in Special Needs as well as a range of other qualifications in both education and training. She has been with Julia Gabriel Education for 25 years and currently supports centres in Singapore and overseas with training and developing curriculum. Her current area of interest is developing social and emotional programmes for preschoolers and primary school students including elements of mindfulness, character strength development and an awareness of others. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching documentaries and real life discussions. An avid traveller, she enjoys visiting places for pleasure and for work – there is always something new to discover and learn.Ms Lynette Chua:
With over two decades in education and a lifelong passion for the performing arts, Lynette is a seasoned educator and advocate of EduDrama®. She holds a Master’s in Early Childhood Education (Distinction) from Monash University—awarded the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence—as well as multiple diplomas in performance and teaching from Trinity College London and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Beginning her journey with Julia Gabriel Centre in 2002, she has held various teaching, training, and leadership roles, and now leads business development and international expansion efforts. Most recently, she was instrumental in launching Thrive After-school Sanctuary, a premium student care initiative. Deeply committed to nurturing confident communicators, she believes in the transformative power of education. A mother of three daughters who are between the ages of 17 to 22, she enjoys cooking, reading, and discovering more of the world when she travels.
Harnessing Creative Arts to Empower Children as Agents of Sustainable Change
Understanding Your Children: Parenting Education at the Parent-Child Center
Profile of Dr Chen, Hsiang-Chun, Ms Ni, Jhen-Yu & Ms Liao, Wei-Qi
Dr Chen, Hsiang-Chun:
Professor Chen, Hsiang-Chu holds a PhD in cognitive psychology and is currently a faculty member in the Department of Early Childhood Education at National Tsing Hua University. She teaches professional training courses for teachers, including child development and child observation. Her academic expertise lies in “Child Development Science.” Professor Chen’s research interests focus on measuring and training children’s executive functions, especially working memory, and the development of children’s memory and learning strategies. She employs eye movement experiments and behavioral science research methods to explore the mechanisms behind children’s cognitive development and the effectiveness of interventions.
Additionally, Professor Chen has led the parent-child centre project in Taiwan for many years. Through organizing parent-child centre, providing parenting guidance, and hosting parenting lectures, she has promoted knowledge related to early childhood development within families and communities, thereby enhancing the quality of parent-child interactions.Ni, Jhen-Yu:
Ni, Jhen-Yu is pursuing a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education at National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan. Her research focuses on the relationship between sustained attention and infant cognitive development, using eye-tracking technology as evidence. This study has deepened her interest in various assessments for infants and toddlers, as she seeks to better understand the developmental processes during early childhood. She hopes that her academic work and research can advance knowledge in young children’s cognitive development and support the creation of effective strategies to foster their growth.
Liao, Wei-Qi:
Liao, Wei-Qi is currently studying for a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education at National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan. In addition to improving her educational knowledge and skills as a preschool teacher, she is also very interested in the development of children’s temperament and executive function. She has published a study on the relationship between children’s temperament and executive function at the ICEI academic conference in Taiwan. Her master’s thesis is an intervention study on children’s learning outcomes in an inhibitory control digital game-based course. She hopes to understand better children’s development and the strategies to enhance their cognitive abilities and contribute to the research on their cognitive development.
Empowering SEN Paraeducators with Voice and Visibility: Lessons for Inclusive Preschools
Profile of Dr Siew Hui Li June & Ms Jolene Pang
Dr Siew Hui Li June:
Dr June Siew heads the DAS Academy and is a strong advocate for inclusive education. She holds a Doctor in Education from University College London and Nanyang Technological University and is a Fellow with the Register of Educational Therapists (Asia).Specialising in dyslexia and ADHD, Dr Siew holds a grounded perspective of Special Educational Needs (SEN), developed through her extensive experiences with students and their community of support. She is a pioneer in advocating inclusive practices in schools, having trained SEN Officers since they were first introduced to the mainstream school system in 2005. She passionately believes that the family and community are key to a child’s success and works closely with them to help students with SEN thrive.
Jolene Pang:
Jolene Pang is a lecturer at DAS Academy with over a decade of experience in Special Educational Needs (SEN). She began her career as an English teacher trained in SEN and a Dyslexia Coach with the Ministry of Education (MOE), before joining a Social Service Agency as an Educational Therapist in a multi-disciplinary team.
She has worked closely with children with SEN and their families across preschool and primary levels, in both classroom and student care settings. This hands-on experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of their needs and effective, practical strategies to support them. Over the past 10 years, Jolene has also conducted training and customised coaching for educators and parents, empowering them to help children with SEN thrive.
Jolene is a passionate advocate for inclusive, evidence-based practices that enhance the lives of children with SEN.
Neurofeedback: An Upstream Intervention for Children with Additional Needs
Profile of Dr Joseph Guan
Dr Joseph Guan holds a Ph.D. in Education from Texas A&M University, Texas, USA and a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.Dr Guan has been involved in corporate training for the last 15 years specializing in the areas of emotional intelligence, leadership, stress management, team building, learning strategies, and creative thinking. He was Vice-Principal of St Joseph’s Institution and Principal of St Patrick’s Secondary School.
Dr Guan has advanced training in neurofeedback and is actively involved assisting children with learning disabilities with a variety of interventions including energy psychology, brain gym and neurofeedback. He has treated more than 1000 clients in the Asia Pacific region. He is a certification instructor for Global Neurofeedback Initiative initiated by Brainmaster Technologies Inc.
Integrating AI Robots into Parent-Child Activities: Enhancing Learning Outcomes and Positive Interaction
Our findings demonstrate high levels of engagement and acceptance among both children and parents, including those with special needs. Through AI-integrated activities, parent-child relationships were positively strengthened, children experienced high levels of motivation, and the depth and breadth of learning content were significantly enhanced while reducing the need for repeated explanations by educators.
Overall, robot-assisted parent-child activities are particularly well-suited for families with children aged 2 to 7. The STEAM-focused curriculum model we developed provides substantial benefits for children, parents, and educators alike.
Profile of Ms Tang, Yi & Dr Chen, Hsiang-Chun
Tang, Yi:
Tang, Yi holds a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Counseling at National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan. Her research focuses on the development of executive functions in young children, with a particular emphasis on working memory. She is also engaged in the development of working memory assessment tools that utilize behavioral observations, eye-tracking data, and EEG measures.In addition to her academic work, Tang has extensive practical experience as a preschool teacher and has led numerous parent-child activities at Parent-Child Centers in Taiwan. Drawing on her dual expertise in early education and educational technology, she has integrated AI robots into Parent-Child Center. She designed and implemented AI-robot STEAM activities by placing interactive robots in natural play environments, encouraging spontaneous child-robot interactions, and embedding learning within developmentally appropriate, play-based contexts.
Dr Chen, Hsiang-Chun:
Professor Chen, Hsiang-Chu holds a PhD in cognitive psychology and is currently a faculty member in the Department of Early Childhood Education at National Tsing Hua University. She teaches professional training courses for teachers, including child development and child observation. Her academic expertise lies in “Child Development Science.” Professor Chen’s research interests focus on measuring and training children’s executive functions, especially working memory, and the development of children’s memory and learning strategies. She employs eye movement experiments and behavioral science research methods to explore the mechanisms behind children’s cognitive development and the effectiveness of interventions.
Additionally, Professor Chen has led the parent-child centre project in Taiwan for many years. Through organizing parent-child centre, providing parenting guidance, and hosting parenting lectures, she has promoted knowledge related to early childhood development within families and communities, thereby enhancing the quality of parent-child interactions.
Structuring Early Childhood Learning through the DDMT Model
Profile of Dr Tsao, Ya-Lun
Empowering Early Literacy through Collaborative Partnerships
Profile of Ms Weng Yiyao & Ms Shakthi Sathiasilan
Ms Weng Yiyao:
Yiyao is the Lead Educational Therapist and Preschool Programme Manager at the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS). Since 2014, she has worked with both preschoolers and school-aged students with dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Yiyao is passionate about empowering learners by equipping them with skills to overcome their challenges. As a programme manager Yiyao oversees the programmes and manages the development and implementation of the preschool program to ensure it meets the unique needs of its young learners. She is also a fellow of the Register of Educational Therapists Asia (RETA) and holds a Master of Arts in Special Educational Needs from the University of South Wales.Ms Shakthi Sathiasilan:
Shakthi is a Lead Educational Therapist at the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS). Since 2015, she has been working with preschoolers with early learning difficulties, as well as primary and secondary students with dyslexia and other specific learning differences. As a member of the Preschool Core Team, Shakthi assists with program-related matters. She is also deeply interested in integrating research into teaching practices and serves on the DAS Research Committee. Shakthi is an associate fellow of the Register of Educational Therapists Asia (RETA) and holds a Master of Education in Special Education from Nanyang Technological University.
Supporting Teacher Well-being through Counselling
Profile of Ms Chen Siyu
The Contribution of Parent-Child Math Activities to Children's Math Ability
This presentation explores how both the quantity and quality of parent-child math activities influence young children’s mathematical learning. Drawing on two research studies, we examine: (1) the frequency of numeracy activities (Study 1), and (2) the quality of parental involvement, particularly scaffolding behaviors during different types of math activities (Study 2) within Chinese families. Together, the findings highlight the distinct yet equally important roles that both mothers and fathers play in supporting early math learning.
Profile of Dr Huang Qi
An Early Childhood Educator’s Journey to Understand Inclusive Practices
In the session, participants can expect the findings of both successes and setbacks in adapting teaching strategies, highlighting the importance of flexibility, empathy, and continuous professional learning. Practical approaches that support participation for all learners and identify persistent barriers will be emphasized.
Profile of Ms Christabel Quek, Dr Chua King Loo
Christabel Quek:
With over a decade in the preschool sector, Christabel Quek deeply values the power of hands-on practice and leadership, grounded in meaningful and inclusive approaches. Leading by example, she strives to nurture growth in both young learners and fellow educators, encouraging creativity and child-centered practices. Working in an inclusive environment has been both challenging and rewarding- teaching her to embrace diverse learning needs and celebrate every small milestone. These experiences helped shape her belief in creating spaces where everyone feels heard and supported. Inclusion becoming a way of life – her goal towards building learning environments that inspire learning, collaboration, and growth for all.Dr Chua King Loo:
Chua King Loo (EdD) is an adjunct lecturer at NIEC and SUSS. Formerly a managing director of a preschool centre, she has a strong interest in mentoring and supporting educators in their teaching practices. She firmly believes in the pivotal role that adults play in shaping early childhood education and is passionate about building the capacity of educators. To advocate that, she works the staff at AaytoZee, a preschool organisation with an inclusion programme, in improving their teaching practices. She focuses on strengthening classroom engagement strategies to support diverse learners. She believes that inclusion classrooms thrive when educators are committed to engaging all children in meaningful learning and development.
Building a Strong Foundation in Early Childhood
This session introduces the Lieben-style approach to early childhood physical education, developed in Japan and experienced by over 300,000 children. It emphasizes the importance of physical development as the basis for lifelong skills, using their innovative tool, Sekaiichi no Hashi, to engage children in movement-based learning.
Profile of Mr Junya Sakata
Junya Sakata is the founder of Liebe Inc. and a specialist in early childhood physical education. After majoring in Early Childhood Physical Education at Biwako Seikei Sport University, he worked as a PE instructor in Kyoto, where he noticed many children disliked physical activity. This inspired him to develop the Liebe-style exercise ®️ program in 2012, designed to fill children’s hearts and bodies with joy through active, playful experiences.
Since then, Sakata has delivered programs to over 300 schools and 340,000 children across Japan, offering fun, inclusive physical play activities using unique equipment. His work supports both children and educators in creating positive, active learning environments.
He passionately advocates for “響育 (Kyoiku that resonates),” believing education should emotionally connect with and uplift children. Through his engaging programs and workshops, Sakata continues to promote the joy of movement, aiming to foster healthier, happier futures for young children.
Experiential Learning & Engagement with Live Specimens
Profile of Mr Alester Tan
Business Development Manager, Rainbow Fish Industries Pte Ltd
Trainer for SkillsFuture Course – “The Business of Fishkeeping and Aquascaping” with Ngee Ann PolytechnicAlexter has over a decade of hands-on experience in aquascaping, aquarium setup, and ornamental fish care. He currently serves as the Business Development Manager at Rainbow Fish Industries and leads Rainbow Academy, where he champions knowledge-sharing and hobbyist engagement.
At Rainbow Academy, Tan designs and conducts interactive learning programmes for young children and school groups, sparking curiosity about the natural world. A former SAF Captain with a strong background in instructional leadership, Tan is also a passionate animal, insect, and nature enthusiast who inspires learners of all ages through structured and engaging experiences.
Perspective Taking: The Life Skill our Children need for Healthy Relationships
Attendees will gain practical, research-informed strategies to both model and explicitly teach Perspective Taking in their interactions with children. By doing so, adults can help children feel seen and understood, laying the foundation for deeper empathy, stronger peer relationships, and long-term emotional resilience.
Profile of Ms Laura Tan & Ms Anna Soh
Laura has 10 years of experience in the social work field and has worked extensively with families with young children. With a decade of experience in the social services, Laura possesses a deep understanding of the challenges faced by multi-stressed families. She started her journey working extensively with victims and perpetrators of family violence, then later shifted her focus to supporting children from low-income families. Laura possesses a wealth of varied experience across the continuum of preventive-developmental to remedial intervention. She is also passionate about sharing her experience with others in the sector and beyond. Through her work, she hopes to help children from low-income families access opportunities and resources in order to positively shift their trajectories. She believes in the power of the child’s ecosystem, and invests her time in coming alongside educators and parents to shape each child’s development for the better.Ms Anna Soh:
Anna is a social worker with experience journeying with diverse groups of clients from caregivers of adults with additional needs to trafficking survivors. Through her work, she observed how complex challenges can disempower individuals, making it difficult for them to envision change. This inspired her to hone her ability to ignite shifts in both mindset and heartset, bringing hope and courage to those she supports. Motivated by this same passion, Anna joined Circle of Care Consultancy Services to utilise her strengths in weaving deep insights into learning and development interventions. She desires to continue to inspire hope and courage in the whole ecosystem surrounding a child, especially in the critical early years.
Empowering Educators for Inclusive Preschools: Working Hand in Hand to Create an Inclusive Classroom (Partners for Inclusive Practice) - Insights from a Collaborative Coaching Model between Preschool and EI
Through a series of workshops, shared learning sessions, and coaching opportunities, the PIP programme equips participants with evidence-based strategies, tools, and resources to promote inclusivity within diverse preschool settings. Emphasis is placed on co-developing individualized strategies, discussing real-world challenges, and sharing best practices, which empower educators to confidently implement inclusive practices in their classrooms.
Preliminary results indicate improved educator confidence, enhanced collaboration between early intervention and early childhood professionals, and stronger, more inclusive preschool environments. This paper presentation outlines the PIP programme’s structure, impact, and key takeaways for sustainable inclusive practices.
Profile of Ms Mawar Musfirah Binte Mohd Fo’ad & Ms Nur Aqidah Binte Latif
Mawar Musfirah Binte Mohd Fo’ad:
Mawar is a dedicated Learning Support Educator at THK EIC Services working within the DS-LS (Development Support and Learning Support) programme. With a profound passion for early intervention, she is committed to enhancing the development of children through tailored support and inclusive practices. Mawar’s expertise and dedication continues to make a positive impact on the lives of children and educators alike. With over 9 years of experience, Mawar has served as an educator in both early intervention and early childhood centres. Her extensive background has equipped her with the skills to effectively support young learners with diverse needs. Additionally, Mawar has significant experience in coaching early childhood teachers, guiding them to adopt inclusive practices in their classrooms.Nur Aqidah Binte Latif:
With over 9 years of experience as an Early Interventionist, Aqidah collaborates closely with preschool educators, parents, and therapists to create a holistic support system empowering every child to reach their full potential. She is currently working as a Development Support (DS)-Plus teacher to integrate effective strategies and interventions to support the children better in preschool settings so that they can transit to primary school with equipped skill sets. Her continuous strive is to remain dedicated and committed in active collaboration with parents, therapists, and preschool educators to create a holistic support system that empowers every child to reach their full potential.
The Preliminary Results of Content Validity for the Dimensional Change Card Sorting Task Among Taiwanese Preschool Children
The tool includes three stages—color, shape, and alternating sorting—to assess attention shifting. Results show strong content validity, with high performance in early stages and age-related differences in the third, more complex stage. These findings highlight the tool’s potential for early identification and provide insight for developmentally appropriate support of young children’s executive function development.
Profile of Dr Tseng, Shu-hsien
Enhancing Classroom Inclusion Through Collaborative Partnership Between Early Childhood and Early Intervention Educators
The presenters share strategies that the EI educators adopted during their intervention sessions. It also includes their partnership with the early childhood educators in the centre to offer better support to all children in the classroom. The poster highlights successes, ongoing difficulties, and practical implementation tips. It is supported by real case studies and artifacts such as learning materials, children’s work, parent feedback, and teacher reflections.
Profile of Ms Sherine Ma, Ms Nur Syza Sabrina & Dr Chua King Loo
Sherine Ma:
Sherine Ma is an early intervention educator who believes that inclusive classrooms start with inclusive mindsets. With hands-on experience supporting children with diverse developmental needs, she is deeply committed to bridging the gap between early intervention and mainstream early childhood education. Sherine is passionate about shifting perceptions from seeing children with additional needs as “special” to understanding that all children learn in their own unique ways. Her work focuses on advocating for a more unified, collaborative approach among educators where support stems not from obligation, but from empathy and respect for every child’s learning journey. Through her presentation, Sherine hopes to offer practical insights and encourage fellow educators to reflect on how we can build classroom environments where every child feels seen, supported and truly belongs.Nur Syza Sabrina:
With a deep passion in shaping young minds, Nur Syaza Sabrina is a dedicated advocate for special needs education and inclusive classroom practices. She firmly believes that the environment plays a crucial role in a child’s development, especially during the formative early years. Driven by the conviction that inclusive education fosters empathy, understanding, and meaningful social connections, Sabrina champions classrooms where every child regardless of ability is welcomed, supported, and empowered to thrive. Her work emphasizes that inclusion is not just a teaching strategy, but a vital step toward building a more compassionate and connected society.Dr Chua King Loo:
Chua King Loo (EdD) is an adjunct lecturer at NIEC and SUSS. Formerly a managing director of a preschool centre, she has a strong interest in mentoring and supporting educators in their teaching practices. She firmly believes in the pivotal role that adults play in shaping early childhood education and is passionate about building the capacity of educators. To advocate that, she works the staff at AaytoZee, a preschool organisation with an inclusion programme, in improving their teaching practices. She focuses on strengthening classroom engagement strategies to support diverse learners. She believes that inclusion classroom thrives when educators are committed to engaging all children in meaningful learning and development.
Reimagining Learning Ecosystems through Everyday Moments of Listening and Curiosity
Rather than offering fixed models or professional case studies, we present relatable scenarios drawn from everyday family and classroom life—each accompanied by a possible adult response and reflective prompt. These invite participants to reflect, adapt, and share their own perspectives.
This poster is for educators and parents who want to co-create responsive learning ecosystems—not by doing more, but by showing up differently. It encourages slowing down, listening beyond words, and letting curiosity guide both teaching and parenting.
Together, we explore: What could shift if we met more moments with presence?
Profile of Ms Chooi Foong Sin, Ms Cheong Choy Kiew
Chooi Foong Sin:
Foong Sin is a leadership and growth coach, parent, and educator at heart. With over two decades of experience in a leading global university, she has led cross-functional, highperforming teams, designed global education programmes, and championed growth with
clarity and compassion. An ICF-credentialed professional coach, she is known for her reflective, values-driven approach to both personal and organisational development.
As a mother of three and an active volunteer in parenting and community initiatives, she brings grounded insight into the lived realities of families and educators. Her coaching philosophy is shaped by years of mentoring students, supporting parents, and creating
reflective spaces where growth begins with presence and purpose.
She is especially passionate about supporting adults to nurture emotionally secure, valuesrooted children and youth—not through over-scheduling, but through everyday conversations, shared pauses, and intentional connection. Her work bridges the personal and
professional, advocating for slower rhythms, free play, and curiosity as pathways to resilience.Cheong Choy Kiew:
Cheong Choy Kiew is an ICF credentialed Certified Coach (PCC & ACTC) and an EMCC Senior Practitioner and Accredited Coach Mentor/Supervisor. Her expertise in coaching spans individuals, groups, and teams.Choy Kiew has over 30 years of corporate experience in senior leadership positions across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and South Africa. She has a rich and diverse professional background, having lived and worked in Singapore, Japan for two years, and China for nearly seven years. Throughout her career, she has excelled in leading both individuals and teams. She is recognised for her skills in spearheading strategic business initiatives within a highly regulated environment. While based in Japan and China, Choy Kiew was instrumental in initiating and establishing a coaching culture.Choy Kiew has published 2 books — the first book “Into The Wild, Creating a Coaching Culture at the Workplace” and the second book “Nyonya Puteh” in honor of her family’s rich heritage.
Writing continues to take up most of her spare time, in addition to mastering the distinct and unique flavours across South-east Asia.
Areas of capability and interest include:
Executive Coaching
Team Coaching
Peer Learning
Organizational Alignment Coaching and Culture Change
Retreat and Workshop Facilitation
Developing Teams and Team Coaches
Designing & Delivering Leadership Development Programs
Play with Purpose – How Inclusive Multi-Sport Environments Support Holistic Child Development
Profile of Mr Antoine Bouchacourt
Driven by my passion for sports and desire to find a differentiated approach for young children, I’m launching Minisport Singapore. As an avid tennis player and father of two young boys, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of sports in a child’s life.The Minisport approach goes beyond just physical activity. The program aims to ignite a lifelong love of sports in children, fostering essential skills, teamwork, and a foundation for a healthy lifestyle to prepare them for success on and off the field.
For nearly 15 years, I’ve called Singapore home and I’m excited to bring this innovative multi-sport program to the local community. Minisport’s vision of creating active, confident, and resilient individuals deeply resonates with what I hope to nurture with my own boys, and to bring to young children across Singapore. As the program grows, I hope it will also serve as a platform for Singapore children coaches to build on their skills, exchange ideas and serve their communities.