Global Experts and Local Champions Converge at KLCII’s Inaugural Bridging Worlds Conference in Singapore

SINGAPORE, Aug 5, 2025 — KLC International Institute (KLCII) has successfully concluded its inaugural Bridging Worlds in Early Childhood Development Conference, held on 31 July and 1 August 2025 at Furama RiverFront. The two-day event welcomed over 400 participants from 12 countries and regions. With the focus on “bridging worlds”, the event brought together practitioners from multiple fields, ranging from early childhood educators, special education teachers, therapists, policymakers, neuroscientists and parents to connect and learn from one another, establishing the foundation for innovations and collaborations to propel Singapore forward on her journey towards greater inclusion in the early childhood development space.

The conference was headlined by Professor Adele Diamond, a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair Professor of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of British Columbia. As one of the world’s most influential neuroscientists, and a co-founder of the field of developmental cognitive neuroscience, Prof. Diamond has made pioneering contributions to understanding the development of executive functions and how they can be enhanced through targeted interventions, even in early childhood.

Drawing from decades of research, Professor Diamond emphasized during her keynote that executive functions (EF) —such as working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility—can be nurtured from infancy and are shaped not only by education but also by emotional, physical, and social well-being. All educators and parents play a vital role is developing a child’s EF.

When asked what is one recommendation she would make, she said “reduce the stress levels of teachers, as stress impairs teachers’ executive function.”

“Professor Diamond’s keynote grounded the conference in both science and heart. Her call to meet cognitive needs by also addressing emotional and physical well-being truly resonated with our educators,” said Dr. Chua Ying Hwee, Principal and CEO of KLCII.

Based on her visits to local preschools in Singapore, Professor Diamond shared three reflections:

• First, children are far more capable than we often assume, and deserve to be treated not only with care but with respect and high expectations.

• Second, emotional safety and strong relationships — not just curriculum — form the foundation of learning.

• And third, stress impairs learning and executive functioning across ages. Creating calm, supportive environments helps both children and teachers thrive.

Her insights, grounded in global research and local observation, reminded participants that nurturing the minds of children begins with the hearts of the adults around them.

For a copy of Professor Adele Diamond’s full profile, please visit https://psychiatry.ubc.ca/adele-diamond/

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A Vision Rooted in Lived Experience

In his Opening Address, Dr Chua Ying Hwee traced the origins of the conference—beginning with conversations with early childhood centre leaders in Singapore, and deepened through the support of many overseas experts, spanning four continents.

“This conference has no Guest-of-Honour,” Dr Chua remarked. “But it is a conference of VIPs, because each of you—teachers, parents, partners, and friends—are VIPs, very important persons, to many children, in your respective fields.”

He shared how meetings with international experts around the world reinforced the urgent need for professional development in inclusive practices. At the invitation of Babilou Family Singapore, he attended the “International Congress on Brain Sciences, Early Childhood Care and Education” in September 2024 at UNESCO Paris, where the vision of bringing Professor Diamond to Singapore was born, for educators in Singapore to learn together from her.

Dr Chua also introduced the “Every Child · Every Teacher” (ECET) initiative, a ground-up effort to treasure and give life to every child and every teacher (including every parent—a child’s first teacher), anchored by the “VALUED” framework—Validating, Affirming, Loving, Understanding, Enabling, and Developing to the fullest every child and every teacher, and through it strengthen human capital development for the future.

“Every interaction we have with a child can either bring healing or cause harm,” he reflected. “Choose kind, ahead of choosing to be right. Connect first—before correcting or redirecting.”

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Four Sub-Themes Drive Meaningful Engagement

The conference was designed around four core sub-themes, brought to life through over 30 workshops and paper presentations:

1️. Inclusive practices and children’s wellness which focus on improving children’s wellness through inclusive practices.

2️. Teacher well-being and efficacy which focus on the equally important, teacher well-being and effectiveness in caring for children

3️. Positive parent-teacher-child relationships which focus on the equally important, teacher well-being and effectiveness in caring for children n.

4️. Ecosystem redesign which through the interaction of participants of diverse backgrounds, at every level of the ecosystem, stakeholders find new inspiration to make things better by doing things differently.

Innovation in Action: KLC AIR and the Conference Soundtrack

To translate learning into action, KLCII introduced KLC AIR (Actionable Ideas Record)—a digital tool that enabled participants to capture real-time insights and actionable steps for post-conference follow-up.

At the conference opening, a live acoustic performance of the theme song “Every Child • Every Teacher” by the conference chair accompanied by a friend on the guitar, set the tone of the conference for shared purpose, community, sincerity and fun.

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Building Forward

Bridging Worlds signals the start of a longer and deeper journey. KLCII invites all partners of kindred spirit (educators, parents, caregivers, therapists, researchers, policymakers, etc.) with an interest in reshaping and strengthening Singapore’s early childhood ecosystem for greater inclusion, to join us in communities of practice, that together, Every Child • Every Teacher VALUED becomes second nature to all of us.

“How can we help?” Dr Chua concluded in his speech. “This was the abiding question in designing this conference. And it’s the question we hope each participant carries home.”

About KLC International Institute

KLC International Institute is a human capital development organisation in Singapore, offering innovative and inclusive training for early childhood educators. With a legacy of 37 years, KLCII pioneers programmes that champion whole-child development, educator empowerment, and ecosystem redesign collaboration.

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