To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Pacific Early Childhood Education Research Association (Hong Kong), and to honour local educators who have made outstanding contributions to early childhood education, the Association has established its first “Distinguished Educator Award” The award was presented on 7 March 2026 at the 20th Anniversary Celebration cum 2025–2026 Annual Meeting.
This award aims to recognise educators who have demonstrated long‑term, profound, and professional influence in the early childhood education sector in Hong Kong. Convened by PECERA‑HK Vice‑Presient Dr. Sanly Kam Sau‑wai, the Selection Committee comprises three highly respected leaders in education and public administration: Dr. Elsie Leung Oi‑sie, former Secretary for Justice; Mrs. Helen Yu Lai Ching‑ping, former Director of Education; and Mrs. Patricia Chu Yeung Pak‑yu, former Deputy Director of Social Welfare.
The Selection Committee evaluated nominees based on three core criteria:
After thorough deliberation, the Committee selected Dr. Betty Chan Po‑king as the inaugural award recipient.
The Committee unanimously commended Dr. Chan for her outstanding achievements in early childhood education policy, pedagogical philosophy, system development, and professional training. Since the 1970s, she has actively championed forward‑thinking approaches—such as open classroom practices and learning through play—which have had a far‑reaching impact on early childhood education in Hong Kong and beyond. Dr. Chan led the establishment of the Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education (YCCECE), advancing the professionalisation and internationalisation of the field. She has also been a long‑standing advocate for multicultural and bilingual education, making significant contributions to teacher preparation and children’s learning.
PECERA‑HK extends its highest respect and heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Betty Chan Po‑king for her exceptional contributions to early childhood education and for becoming the first recipient of the Distinguished Educator Award, serving as an exemplary role model for the sector.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Pacific Early Childhood Education Research Association (Hong Kong), and to honour local educators who have made outstanding contributions
PECERA‑HK marked a significant milestone on 7 March 2026 with our 20th Anniversary Celebration cum 2025–2026 Annual Meeting, bringing together educators, scholars, policymakers, and partners
(Chinese Version Only) 點擊查看建議原文 太平洋區幼兒教育研究學會（香港）(PECERA-HK) 《行政長官 2026 年施政報告》建議 太平洋區幼兒教育研究學會（香港）的首要宗旨是為幼兒教育專業研究學者及從事促進幼兒發展與成長的同工及專業人士，提供學術交流與合作的平台，以攜手促進幼兒發展， 提升教育質素。兒童的成長與發展一直是本學會的重點關注。 本學會認同過去兩年的施政報告均能針對實際情況，釐訂有利香港發展的政策，包括鼓勵生育，投放資源以支援在職父母，增加資助獨立幼兒中心日間照顧數目及「鄰里支援幼兒照顧計劃」名額，並擴展多元支援配套。此外，政府推出的「家有初生優先配屋計 劃」，及新生嬰兒父母現金獎勵等，能在不同範疇締造多項推動育兒環境的德政，取得積極成效。 然而，考慮到香港目前受財政限制，本學會建議政府持續推動家庭友善城市建設，並務實地優化現有資源配置與運用，提升投入產出比例，同時兼顧資源效用最大化，提升服務質素及推動創新發展。本學會就促進持續優化幼兒教育及家庭支援環境的策略，提出以下六大原則及建議： 1. 表揚及善用社會各方為民所需投放資源的貢獻 香港有不少機構、團體或公司成立基金會，惠及弱勢和有需要人士；亦有很多學術團體，憑藉其學術專長，研發各類評估手法或專業服務模式，且不少已結集成網上資源，可作廣泛應用。建議政府善用以上已經研發的成果，主動表揚他們的貢獻，以鼓勵他們積極開展更多的研發工作。此舉無疑可增潤服務的專業能力，政府從中也可採納配合施政的方案。
It is with sadness and fond remembrance that we announce the passing of Dr. Maggie Koong May-Kay — a beloved founding Executive Council member
On July 9th, the PECERA-HK Dinner in Shanghai hosted by Dr. Maria Lee, the President of PECERA-HK, was successfully conducted. It provided a warm and
