As AI Reshapes Education, Singapore to Convene Global Dialogue on the Future of Early Childhood Education

Singapore is set to host the 2026 REACH Reggio Emilia Conference, positioning the city as a regional hub for early childhood education excellence. The event, taking place from October 30 to 31, 2026 at METT Singapore, will gather over 400 educators, school leaders, policymakers, and researchers from across Asia, Europe, and South America.

The conference, organized by REACH (Reggio Emilia in Asia for Children) in partnership with Reggio Children and the Embassy of Italy, seeks to explore how education can adapt to rapid technological change while preserving the human foundations of learning.

The conference aims to strengthen Singapore's status as an early childhood education leader by connecting global perspectives with regional best practices. Key themes include nurturing curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and agency in children, as well as addressing the role of childhood in shaping future democratic cultures.

Participants will engage in global pedagogical thinking, regional exchange, immersive professional learning, and project-sharing sessions, drawing inspiration from the Reggio Emilia Approach, which emphasizes children's rights, relationships, and potential.

The conference builds upon REACH's existing partnership with Reggio Children and follows a successful 2024 exhibition and conference in Singapore. Senior Minister of State Goh Pei Ming, as the Guest-of-Honour, emphasized the importance of democratic culture in schools and the role of educators in shaping children's experiences. The Embassy of Italy expressed its support for the conference, highlighting the Reggio Emilia Approach's relevance in today's rapidly changing world.