Dr Foo Suan Fong, Executive Director of Singapore Centre for Chinese Language (SCCL), delivered a speech titled "Bilingual Education in Singapore-Opportunities and Development: Reflections of an Educator" on 14 September 2024 at "The Development of Chinese Language Education in Southeast Asia: Opportunities and Prospects" symposium.

         Dr Cheng Wan-Ni, Dean of Early Childhood Care and Education, was invited to share her insights on picture book creation at the Chinese Reading Carnival on 26 October 2024.

         On 28 September 2024, Dr Han Yiting, SCCL lecturer, was invited as a keynote speaker at the 8th Singapore Early Childhood Education Chinese Symposium, where she delivered a speech titled "AI Magic Ship Piloting 101: Riding the Waves of Future Early Childhood Education".

         Principal Master Teacher Dr Zheng Yingjiang was invited to share her insights on "The 'Secret' between Schematic Play and Children's Chinese Language Acquisition" at the 2024 Mother Tongue Languages Symposium (MTLS) on 14 September 2024. She was also invited to deliver a speech on "The Nurturing Early Learners Framework 2022: Interpretation and Exploration of Teachers' Practices Related to the Updated Content of Preschool Chinese Language Teaching and Learning" at the NIEC Conference 2024 held on 17-18 October 2024.

1. Dr Foo Suan Fong, SCCL Executive Director

         On the afternoon of 14 September 2024, Dr Foo Suan Fong, Executive Director of SCCL, participated in the symposium titled "The Development of Chinese Language Education in Southeast Asia: Opportunities and Prospects" held at Chui Huay Lim Club. The event was co-organised by Nanyang University Alumni Academic Society and Chinese Heritage Centre, National Technology University (NTU), with support from the Centre for Chinese Language and Culture, NTU, and the Department of Chinese Studies, School of Humanities, NTU. It was sponsored by Sian Chay Medical Institution, Sian Chay Charity Centre, and Chui Huay Lim Club. The symposium was hosted by Assoc Prof Yow Cheun Hoe, Director of the Chinese Heritage Centre, Director of the Centre for Chinese Language and Culture, and Head of the Department of Chinese Studies, NTU.

         Dr Foo delivered a speech titled "Bilingual Education in Singapore—Opportunities and Development: Reflections of an Educator". He focused on five key aspects in his talk: (1) the two phases of Singapore's bilingual education policy, (2) the evolution of the socio-linguistic environment in Singapore, (3) the identity of Singaporeans, (4) the identity of Chinese Singaporeans , and (5) the opportunities and prospects for the future. Dr Foo pointed out that although the use of the Chinese language in the daily lives of Chinese Singaporeans has been gradually declining, educators should view Chinese language teaching as a mission. He recommended adopting an integrated approach to assist Singaporean youth in learning Chinese and improving their proficiency.

         The symposium attracted more than 160 attendees, with a full house and enthusiastic responses from the audience.

Dr Foo Suan Fong delivering his speech

The symposium organiser presenting a souvenir to Dr Foo

Group photo of participants

 

2. Dr Cheng Wan-Ni, Dean of Early Childhood Care and Education

         The 2024 Chinese Reading Carnival, co-organised by Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC), Committee to Promote Chinese Language Learning, and Hwa Chong Institution, was held at CDAC Headquarters located at Tanjong Katong Road on 26 October 2024. Dr Cheng Wan-Ni, Dean of Early Childhood Care and Education of SCCL, was invited to share her insights on picture book creation. Two teachers from Kinderland were invited to present at the storytelling sessions: Ms Tng Bee Tin presented the story "Where is the Chimney?", while Ms Guo Jing shared the story "Santa's Red Headscarf". Both stories were written by Dr Cheng.

        It was a fun and enjoyable event for participating parents and children. They were engaged in the interactive games and storytelling sessions in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. The event also provided good opportunities for the parents and children to spend quality time to bond together.

         Parents and preschool educators are welcome to visit our Youtube Channel to watch the recording of the event.

CDAC Executive Director, Mr Tan Yap Kin (right) presenting token of appreciation to Dr Cheng Wan-Ni

Ms Tng Bee Tin presenting "Where is the Chimney?" 

Ms Guo Jing presenting "Santa's Red Headscarf"

 

3. Dr Han Yiting, Lecturer

         The 8th Singapore Early Childhood Education Chinese Symposium was held on 28 September 2024. With the theme "AI in Early Childhood Education: The Evolving Role of Teachers", it was jointly organised by Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) Centre for Chinese Studies and S R Nathan School of Human Development. The event took place at the Lifelong Learning Institute. Dr Han Yiting, a lecturer at SCCL, was invited as a keynote speaker and delivered the speech titled "AI Magic Ship Piloting 101: Riding the Waves of Future Early Childhood Education."

         In her engaging talk, Dr Han guided the audience aboard the "AI Magic Ship" to explore how to navigate the waves of AI technology and uncover the potentials of future early childhood education. She provided an in-depth analysis of the underlying logic of effective communication with AI and examined what kind of future early childhood educators and AI are collaboratively shaping. Dr Han shared the three magical elements essential to education and revealed the three core competencies and one unique perspective needed by future captains in the AI-driven educational landscape.

         With humour and wit, Dr Han recounted her own educational stories and reflected on moments of inspiration from teachers who impacted her life. These stories illuminated the essence of education and delved into the meaning of humanity in the AI era.

         The session concluded with enthusiastic applause and laughter from the audience. Dr Han expressed her hope to inspire every educator to contemplate and share their understanding of the essence of education and the meaning of humanity in this era of AI.

Dr Han sharing her insights on the meaning of humanity in the AI era

SUSS representative presenting a token of appreciation to Dr Han 

4. Dr Zheng Yingjiang, Principal Master Teacher

(1) Mother Tongue Languages Symposium 2024

         The 2024 Mother Tongue Languages Symposium (MTLS), with the theme "Our Mother Tongues as Living Languages", was held at Suntec Convention Centre on 14 September 2024. Principal Master Teacher Dr Zheng Yingjiang was invited to share with preschool teachers and parents on "The 'Secret' between Schematic Play and Children's Chinese Language Acquisition".

         Dr Zheng observed that to unlock this "secret", preschool teachers need to acquire a set of "decoding tools", and take on diverse roles to promote children's schematic development and Chinese language acquisition in play. She shared specific strategies and methods to guide teachers in the diverse roles -- as observers to analyse children's schemas in play, as co-players to understand children's thoughts and language, as designers to use schemas to design "living" Chinese language learning experiences, and as advocates to help parents understand what kind of schematic play can be carried out at home to promote their child's Chinese language acquisition.

Dr Zheng Yingjiang interacting with teachers and parents at the MTLS

(2) The NIEC Conference 2024

         The NIEC Conference 2024 was held at Sands Expo & Convention Centre on 17-18 October 2024. Tailored for early childhood educators, centre leaders, and other professionals working with young children, the conference brought together passionate individuals dedicated to shaping the future of early childhood education. Principal Master Teacher Dr Zheng Yingjiang was invited to deliver a speech on "The Nurturing Early Learners Framework 2022: Interpretation and Exploration of Teachers' Practices Related to the Updated Content of Preschool Chinese Language Teaching and Learning".

         Dr Zheng's presentation examined the impact of the updated Nurturing Early Learners Framework 2022 on Chinese language teaching and learning for preschool educators. She elaborated on the significance of integrating and expanding the concept of "Language and Literacy" in the updated Framework, and discussed how the new emphasis on "joyful" in the "beliefs about children" statement can support children's schematic development and Chinese language acquisition through play. She also addressed topics such as differentiated instruction in preschool Chinese language teaching and the development of children's social, emotional, and executive functioning skills.

Dr Zheng Yingjiang's online presentation

Local participants interacting with Dr Zheng