International Early Childhood Conference (IECC)

Keynote Speakers

We are delighted to announce our keynote speakers for the 2023 International Early Childhood Conference in Sabah, Malaysia.

Keynote 1: RETHINKING & REIGNITING ECE: Building Community Connections

by Cheong Su Fen (CEO & Founder of Preschool Market, Singapore)

Synopsis

What is the wayforward for ECE industry? Collaboration between community and parents has proven to be a key element for the sustainability of a kindergarten/center. The support and collaboration with and from the community does have a significant impact on the ECE industry. What does this look like and how can we build a supportive community?  Let’s learn form the Singapore story where social enterprises was set up to change the landscape of the EC sector. Ms Cheong will share some of the sectorwide projects that have been successful in Singapore. Its time to Reimagine and reignite EC Industry to be up to date in this 21st century.

Speaker's Profile

Su Fen is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Preschool Market, a preschool consultancy social enterprise leading the preschool community in Singapore, and also involves in early childhood development work in Southeast Asia. At the heart of Preschool Market, lies our passion for early childhood educators,  children and families.

Su Fen believes that every child, parent and teacher plays a part in defining how our children learn, play and grow. Preschool Market believes in cultivating effective partnerships through consultation, collaboration and action. Su Fen has worked with many amazing educators and hopes to share her experience with more educators. She is also a scholarship recipient and a PhD student at National Tsing Hua University. 


Keynote 2: Play is everything! Reimagining and reconnecting with play

by Judd Walsh (Victoria University, Australia)

Synopsis

What does it look like when we talk about reimagining and reconnecting to play? This keynote will address ideas on what play can look like when children take the lead when adults step back and play has space to evolve.  I will discuss how and why you need to be the voice for children in your care and advocate for what is most important in their lives - play! You will be empowered with new ideas, strategies& knowledge on how to implement and provide spaces where Play is everything!

“Play and children should be the heard of everything we do”

Speaker's Profile

Judd is passionate about providing opportunities for children to engage in self- directed play. She ran a business, Journey into Play, that provided training and consultancy, primarily to the Early Childhood sector but she has also worked with schools, out of school hours care and Playworkers. Currently she works at Victoria University as one of their academic staff.