PECERA‑HK 20th Anniversary Celebration cum 2025–2026 Annual Meeting Highlights

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 to reflect on two decades of advancing early childhood education in Hong Kong and the wider region, while looking ahead to future directions.

 

The event welcomed Dr Jeff Sze Chun-fai, Under Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong SAR Government, as the Officiating Guest.

 

A key highlight of the celebration was the inaugural presentation of The Distinguished Educator Award, established to honour educators whose lifelong contributions have had a profound and sustained impact on the field in Hong Kong SAR. The first recipient, Dr. Betty Chan Po-king, was recognised for her visionary leadership and enduring influence on early childhood education across Hong Kong SAR, the Chinese mainland, and overseas. The award reflects PECERA‑HK’s commitment to professional excellence, research‑informed practice, and cross‑cultural dialogue.

 

The Distinguished Educator Award was adjudicated by three influential leaders from the fields of education and public administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government: 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. In line with PECERA-HK’s mission, the selection committee carefully evaluated the candidates’ lifetime contributions in three aspects: impact on educational policy and systemic reform; innovation and professional practice; and forward-looking academic research.

 

At the award ceremony, Mrs Helen Yu delivered the citation, “Since the 1970s, Dr Betty Chan has been a pioneer in early childhood education. She was among the first to introduce the concepts of ‘Open Classroom’ and ‘Play-based Learning’, and has promoted systemic changes through her research, advocacy, and professional practice. Her influence extends across the Chinese mainland and overseas, making her a true leader in cross-cultural early childhood education.”

 

The programme also featured a range of academic and professional exchange activities, including two two keynote addresses: Professor Kathy Sylva University of Oxford, delivered a keynote titled “Supporting Self‑Regulation at Preschool and at Home: Evidence from Longitudinal and Intervention Research”, sharing empirical insights from her extensive research. Professor John Lee Chi‑kin, JP, President and Chair Professor of Curriculum and Instruction at The Education University of Hong Kong, presented “The Future of Early Childhood Education in a Digital World: What Shall We Do?”, inviting participants to reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing early childhood education in the digital age.

 

In addition, the event featured the panel discussion Charting New Horizons for Early Childhood”, bringing together leaders from the education and philanthropic sectors. Panelists included Ms. Nicole Li, Deputy Executive Manager, Charities of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Ms. Cecilia Ho, President of Lee Hysan Foundation; Ms. Miranda Chan, Secretary General of Chow Tai Fook Charity Foundation; and Ms. Irene Yu, Program Director of Simon K.Y. Lee Foundation. The discussion explored future directions in early childhood education and highlighted the importance of cross‑sector collaboration in supporting young children’s development.

 

In addition, the day of the event featured the QAPC Scheme Certificate Presentation and a curated exhibition of “Highlights of Posters Showcased by Hong Kong Participants at the PECERA Annual Conference – Shanghai 2025”. Together, these elements made the event an important platform connecting academic research, educational practice, and policy development.

 

As PECERA‑HK enters its next chapter, the Anniversary Celebration marked both a moment of reflection and a reaffirmation of the Association’s mission to foster collaboration, uphold quality, and advance the continuous development of early childhood education for young children and the wider community.

 

We will be sharing a collection of event photos. Keep an eye out for our event page to access these exciting highlights.