Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education faculty and students participated in the PECERA-HK 2024-2025 Annual Meeting cum Young Scholars Conference, which was held in Hong Kong on 10 January 2025. This event is free of charge for PECERA-HK members and young scholars, including early career faculty, postgraduate students, and undergraduate students engaged in research (including Action Research) in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related fields. The event commenced with a welcome address and Annual Report presentation of the PECERA (Hong Kong) 2024 by Dr. Maria Lee, President of PECERA-HK.  

Following this were inspiring speeches by the officiating guests, Ms. Michelle Li, JP, Permanent Secretary for Education of the Education Bureau (EDB), and Ms. Winnie Ying Fung-sau, Head of Charities (Youth Development & Poverty Alleviation; and Talent & Sector Development) at The Hong Kong Jockey Club.

The PECERA-HK 2024-2025 Annual Meeting cum Young Scholars Conference is a highlight in the academic calendar, serving as a distinguished platform that brings together educators and professionals in the field of education. Attended guests included representatives from the co-organising institutions across Hong Kong, such as The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University School of Continuing Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, HKMU LiPACE, Tung Wah College, and Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education.

Our President and Chair Professor of Child Development Professor Kerry Lee was invited to deliver a keynote speech at the Conference.

Titled "Planning, executing, and analysing longitudinal studies on children’s development", Prof Lee provided a comprehensive exploration of methodologies in studying children’s development, focusing on both the limitations of cross-sectional studies and the opportunities presented by more robust approaches. He also shared the various statistical models that can be used to study developmental changes and some insights into the practical aspects. 

Dr. Carly Ng, Assistant Professor of the College joined Dr. Anna Hui, Associate Professor, City University of Hong Kong to lead the symposium titled “Effectiveness of a Home-based Support Program for Underprivileged Families with Infants and Toddlers: Findings on Parents from a Mixed-Method Approach”. The program was designed to support families with infants and toddlers under 3 years old in enhancing parents’ capacity to care and educate children in their home environment. This approach helped parents develope knowledge capacity in educating and caring for their young children, and fostered positive changes in the dynamics of these families being studied, ultimately benefiting the growth and development of infants/toddlers.

Dr. Brad Chan, Assistant Professor of the College was invited to present a topic “Fast-tracking Literature Review and Data Collection through AI-Powered Tools” for the Research Writing Workshop. This workshop focuses on how young scholars can use AI-powered technologies to fast-track literature reviews and qualitative data collection, transforming traditionally time-consuming processes into streamlined workflows. Participants are thrilled to exchange views and experience in adopting the tools in teaching.