Promising Ideas, Knowledge Builders, Future Ready
The inaugural Kids' Conference Asia 2024, held on 9th July, marked a milestone for the Knowledge Building community in Singapore. Hosted by the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NIE NTU, Singapore) in collaboration with Kids’ Conference, the event featured Ms. Beatrice Chong, Deputy Director-General of Education, as the esteemed Guest-of-Honour.
The event commenced with an insightful opening address by Dr. Teo Chew Lee. Dr. Teo delved into the rich history of Knowledge Building efforts in Singapore, providing a comprehensive overview of the progress and achievements in fostering a collaborative and inquiry-based learning environment.
Following Dr. Teo's address, Dr. Stephen Spain, the principal founder of Kids' Conference, joined online to deliver an introduction speech about the conference. Dr. Spain emphasized the importance of the event in providing a platform for students’ voices.
The highlight of the opening ceremony was the inspiring keynote speech by Ms. Beatrice Chong, the Deputy Director-General of Education and the Guest-of-Honour for the event. Ms. Chong's speech resonated deeply with the audience, as she spoke about the importance of cultivating future-ready knowledge builders and the impact of innovative thinking in creating a sustainable future. Her words inspired the young attendees, reinforcing the significance of their contributions to society.
A standout segment of the conference was the student forum hosted by Dr. Katherine. During this forum, several students took the stage to discuss their reflection on their journey of thinking through the Knowledge Building Design Studio in June 2024. They shared how these experiences had profoundly shaped their final sustainability designs. The depth of thought and insight displayed by the students was truly mind-blowing, revealing their nuanced understanding of sustainability and process of their learning. This was followed by a dialogue from two teachers about their takeaways of the forum as well as a short sharing from an alumni of Knowledge Building Design Studio.
Themed "Promising Ideas, Knowledge Builders, Future Ready," the focal point revolved around the showcase of the innovative sustainability ideas of Primary and Secondary school students from the Knowledge Building Design Studios. These young visionaries presented their projects, demonstrating a deep commitment to addressing real-world problems with sustainable solutions. Alongside them was a special feature by the NIE Library team that presented a virtual reality tour of the sustainability aspects in NIE as part of the collaborative design for Knowledge Building Design Studio.
With around 180 enthusiastic participants, from students to teachers as well as principals from the various schools, the conference was not only an intellectual feast but also a lively, carnival-like event. Attendees engaged in activities like the Earthquake Challenge, the Sustainability Challenge and brain-based games that complemented the student exhibitions, adding an element of fun and interactive learning to the proceedings. Participants also collected stamps from each booth and activity that was used to exchange for the different treats. The vibrant atmosphere underscored the joy and excitement of the participants, making the event a memorable experience for all.
The event concluded with a ceremony recognizing the efforts and achievements of the participating students. Each group that presented at the conference received e-certificates and a framed poster of their work, honoring their valid ideas and contributions to sustainable solutions. This gesture celebrated their hard work and innovation, providing them with a lasting memento of their journey.
Kids' Conference Asia 2024 served as a celebration of the students' journey in exploring their interests and potential in sustainability. It highlighted their role as future-ready knowledge builders, capable of inspiring their peers and the wider community. This inaugural event emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent in the quest for sustainable solutions to global challenges and sets a precedent for this annual event.
