Keynotes

Discover fresh insights from experts on neuroscience, inclusive play spaces, robotics, and the transformative journey of dramatic play in child development.

KEYNOTE | 01

New Ways to Live, Learn, Work, Love and Be through the Neuroscience of Play

Amutha Meyyappan

KEYNOTE | 02

Open Minds, Open Doors: A Blue Plan for Inclusive Play Spaces

Dr Esther Joosa

KEYNOTE | 03

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Early Years: Building a Foundation for the Future

Cheong Su Fen

KEYNOTE | 04

The Playful Pathway: The Journey of Dramatic Play in Child Development

Ambre Lee

KEYNOTE | 01

New Ways to Live, Learn, Work, Love and Be through the Neuroscience of Play

Amutha Meyyappan

KEYNOTE | 02

Open Minds, Open Doors: A Blue Plan for Inclusive Play Spaces

Dr Esther Joosa

KEYNOTE | 03

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Early Years: Building a Foundation for the Future

Cheong Su Fen

KEYNOTE | 04

The Playful Pathway: The Journey of Dramatic Play in Child Development

Ambre Lee

Keynote

1

Date: 20-Sep-23
Time: 09:35-10:00

Venue:
Aliwal Arts Centre
Multi Purpose Hall #01-03
28 Aliwal St, Singapore 199918

Presenter:
Amutha Meyyappan

Organisation:
Independent

Keynote Title:
New Ways to Live, Learn, Work,
Love and Be through the Neuroscience of Play

Embrace the power of play as if there is no tomorrow, for it holds the key to happiness, productivity, and self-actualization. Our brains are intricately wired to absorb information from the world through our senses. The more complex and robust our neural networks become, the quicker we process and learn. However, we have disregarded activities that once engaged our hands and feet, inadvertently impairing our brain’s development and hindering optimal learning, growth, and emotional equilibrium. Leveraging groundbreaking insights from neuroscience, this keynote will unveil the profound connection between well-being and the integration of play into our lives. Discover how to navigate the new normal, wherein we strive for balance and fulfillment in our daily living, work, education, relationships, and overall existence, through play.

Keynote

2

Date: 20-Sep-23
Time: 12:00-12:30

Venue:
Aliwal Arts Centre
Multi Purpose Hall #01-03
28 Aliwal St, Singapore 199918

Presenter:
Dr Esther Joosa

Organisation:
Arts of the Earth Learning Hub

Keynote Title:
Open Minds, Open Doors: A Blue Plan for Inclusive Play Spaces

Within this keynote we share a process of a one-year research and reflection on the role of the playground in all its vastness and complexity. Based on the play experiences of children with various disabilities, we present a comprehensive framework for the design of play practices and design of space. With examples of our research, we look at children’s play as a continuous multimodal process of meaning-making and the role of teachers as reflective and mindful practitioners. By opening our minds to the possibilities of play, we create a blue plan that brings a systematic development of an infrastructure that is applicable to early childhood organisations, non-profit outreach organisations, special schools and museums.

Keynote

3

Date: 20-Sep-23
Time: 14:00-14:30

Venue:
Aliwal Arts Centre
Multi Purpose Hall #01-03
28 Aliwal St, Singapore 199918

Presenter:
Cheong Su Fen

Organisation:
Preschool Market

Keynote Title:
Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Early Years: Building a Foundation for the Future

This presentation focuses on the exciting possibilities that robotics and AI can offer to children in their early years. We’ll discuss the importance of introducing children to these concepts at an early age and how it can lay a foundation for their future success. We’ll explore how robotics and AI can be used in early childhood education to enhance learning, encourage creativity, and develop critical thinking skills. We will also examine ethical and social implications of using robotics and AI in early childhood settings, and consider ways to promote responsible and mindful use of these technologies.

Keynote

4

Date: 20-Sep-23
Time: 16:30-17:00

Venue:
Aliwal Arts Centre
Multi Purpose Hall #01-03
28 Aliwal St, Singapore 199918

Presenter:
Ambre Lee

Organisation:
Independent

Keynote Title:
The Playful Pathway: The Journey of Dramatic Play in Child Development

Play and creativity are innate qualities within us all, but if not given the space to explore, express and nurture, this muscle has no avenue to develop or flourish. This keynote will address the fundamental importance of play, illuminating the developmental progression of dramatic play in child development.