2026 International Leadership Research Forum
Date: 8 Jul 2026 to 9 Jul 2026
Time: 09.00AM to 05.00PM
Venue: Singapore University of Social Sciences
Event Type: Conferences
School/Department: S R Nathan School of Human Development
Register for the event!
2026 ILRF-EC Leading the Future: Innovating Early Childhood Education for a Changing World
The International Leadership Research Forum in Early Childhood Education (ILRF–EC) is a global platform that brings together early childhood leaders, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to reflect, exchange, and innovate around the future of early childhood education (ECE) leadership.
- How can leadership in early childhood adapt and thrive in a fast-changing world?
- What pedagogical and policy innovations are needed for sustainable impact?
- How do we cultivate the next generation of early childhood leaders?
Conference Theme
Leading the Future: Innovating Early Childhood Education for a Changing World
Call for Papers [DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 31 MARCH 2026]
We are delighted to announce the Call for Papers for the International Leadership Research Forum in Early Childhood Education (ILRF–EC) 2026, to be held on 8 & 9 July 2026 at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), Singapore.
We invite scholars, researchers, and early childhood professionals to share their research, insights, and innovations with an international community of passionate educators and leaders. Submissions are welcome for paper presentations, practice reflections, and posters that contribute to the global dialogue on leadership in early childhood education.
Don’t miss your chance to showcase your work and leadership perspectives!
Submissions are now open — deadline: 31 March 2026.
This conference offers an excellent platform for networking, collaboration, and sharing research and practice with a vibrant global community of early childhood education leaders and scholars.
For enquiries:
Administrative or logistics: [email protected]
Presentation and proposal submissions: [email protected]
We look forward to receiving your proposals and to welcoming you to Singapore for an inspiring and thought-provoking forum.
Work schedule: Deadline for proposals submissions: 31 March 2026 |
Proposal template Call for papers
Highlights
- Keynote Presentations
Gain insights from distinguished international and regional authorities in early childhood leadership, including Associate Professor Elina Fonsen (Finland), Associate Professor Ng Pak Tee (Singapore), and other prominent scholars advancing the field of ECE leadership.
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| Associate Professor Elina Fonsen (Finland) | Associate Professor Ng Pak Tee (Singapore) - TBC |
She has a Title of Docent at the University of Helsinki and at the University of Eastern Finland. She was previously part of the faculty at the University of Helsinki, Finland, and has worked as a project coordinator, lecturer, and teacher at the University of Tampere. She has also held roles such as Deputy Director of the Department of Education and ECE teacher in the cities of Pirkkala and Tampere in Finland. A/P Fonsén’s research interests focuses on leadership in the educational sector, including pedagogical leadership, discourses of leadership, and professional development. She has led numerous national and international research projects, such as exploring the discourse of leadership in early childhood education, and supporting structures and administrative processes for early childhood education service providers. She is a member of the Board of the Early Childhood Education Association Finland (ECEAF) and leads the International Leadership Research Forum (ILRF-EC). Additionally, she serves on the Executive Board of the Education, Administration, and Science Special Interest Group (SIG) of the Finnish Society for Education. |
Associate Professor Ng Pak Tee is based at the National Institute of Education (NIE), Nanyang Technological University (NTU). His primary focus areas include educational change, policy, and leadership. He has previously held positions such as Associate Dean of Leadership Learning, Head of the Policy and Leadership Studies Academic Group, and NIE Academic Integrity Officer. He is also a Fellow of the NTU Teaching Excellence Academy. He has published extensively and has served as executive editor, co-editor, or editorial adviser for several international peer-reviewed journals. Currently, he acts as an honorary mentor to emerging editors. He is the co-editor of the Routledge Leading Change book series and authored “Learning from Singapore: The Power of Paradoxes”. Pak Tee has delivered numerous keynote addresses globally at events like the Google Global Education Symposium and the International Baccalaureate Global Conference. His insights and advice on educational change are frequently sought by government agencies, professional networks, and media internationally. He is presently a member of Scotland’s International Council of Education Advisers. |
- Concurrent Sessions & Research Poster (Watch this space.)
Engage with presentations and papers that showcase research, reflective practice, and leadership innovations from across the globe.
- School Visits (Watch this space.)
Gain insights from a range of early childhood institutions in Singapore. Experience first-hand how centres are enacting leadership and innovation in diverse settings.
Conference Programme
| Pre-Conference Day (Tuesday, 7 July 2026) – School Visits |
| 0900h – 0930h | Registration - Assemble at SUSS |
| 0930h – 1000h | Travel to first school |
| 1000h – 1145h | 1st school visit |
| 1145h – 1400h | Travel to lunch venue (local mall) |
| 1400h – 1430h | Travel to second school |
| 1430h – 1615h | 2nd school visit |
| 1615h – 1700h | Travel back to SUSS |
| Conference Day 1 (Wednesday, 8 July 2026) |
| 0900h – 0930h | Registration at SUSS |
| 0930h – 0945h | Welcome Address |
| 0945h – 1045h | Keynote 1 & Q&A |
| 1045h – 1100h | Transition |
| 1100h – 1230h | Concurrent Session 1 |
| 1230h – 1400h | Lunch & visit poster gallery |
| 1400h – 1530h | Concurrent Session 2 |
| 1530h – 1600h | Coffee Break |
| 1600h – 1700h | Social Network Visit poster gallery |
| 1900h – 2130h | Dinner (optional) |
| Conference Day 2 (Thursday, 9 July) |
| 0930h – 1030h | Keynote 2 & Q&A |
| 1030h – 1045h | Transition |
| 1045h – 1215h | Concurrent Session 3 |
| 1215h – 1330h | Lunch |
| 1330h – 1500h | Concurrent Session 4 |
| 1500h – 1515h | Closing at concurrent session 4 |
| 1530h – 1700h | Research Group Meetings (Internal to committee) |
Download conference programme booklet with full details
(Do keep a lookout for this updates.)
Conference Registration
Date: | 8 July 2026 to 9 July 2026 |
Time: | 09.00AM to 05.00PM |
Note: | School visits for International participants will be on 7 July 2026 For any administrative or logistics queries, please contact [email protected] For any presentation speaker queries, please contact [email protected] |
Conference Venue
SUSS Block C Singapore University of Social Sciences 463 Clementi Road, Singapore 599494 |
Getting here:
| By Car/Motorcycle | Take Exit 26A along PIE and turn into Clementi Road |
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| By Bus | 52, 61, 74, 75, 151, 154, 184 |
| By MRT | Alight at King Albert Park [Downtown Line, DT6] exit via Exit A to bus stop. Take bus 74, 151 or 154 from the same side and alight opposite SIM HQ |
Info for International Participants
Accommodations
For participants of ILRF 2026, the following hotel(s) offer special room rates during the conference period from 03 to 12 July 2026:
Metropolitan YMCA
Available Room Type | : | Deluxe Single / Double Room |
Room Rate | : | S$155.00 nett (with breakfast) , S$140.00 nett (without breakfast) per room/night |
Available Room Type | : | Standard Single / Double Room (no windows) |
Room Rate | : | S$140.00 nett (with breakfast) , S$125.00 nett (without breakfast) per room/night |
Inclusion | : | Daily Housekeeping service (after every 3 nights of stay) |
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| Bedroom amenities |
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| Wi-Fi internet connection |
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| King-sized or twin bed, subject to availability |
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| Swimming pool and gym |
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| Non-smoking environment |
General Terms & Conditions:
Accommodation rate quoted includes:
- Free wireless internet broadband access
- Taxes and non-commissionable basis
Not included in the package are:
Any incidental charges such as telephone charges, laundry, and transfer service.
Room policy
We would require pre-payment and full payment of each booking received to secure the room block.
Payment
Mode of Payment: Payment can be made by Credit Card, cash (SGD), or local bank transfer.
Cancellation policy
No cancellation allowed
No modification allowed
No Show: No refunds
Guests can book via [email protected] with booking code: MYMCAxPECERA2026 and the hotel will assist them accordingly.
Vibe Hotel
Address: 24 Mount Elizabeth Singapore 228518
Room Type | Single Occupancy | Inclusions |
Deluxe Room | S$180++ with 1 breakfast S$200++ with 2 breakfast |
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Guests can through the link: VHSO - PECERA 2026
Hotel Rendezvous (Orchard)
Address: 1 Tanglin Rd, Singapore 247905
Room Type | Single Occupancy | Inclusions |
Deluxe Room | S$195++ with 1 breakfast S$220++ with 2 breakfast |
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| Deluxe Plus Room | S$225++ with 1 breakfast S$255++ with 2 breakfast |
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| Club Room | S$255++ with 1 breakfast S$285++ with 2 breakfast |
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Guests can book through the link: ORH - PECERA 2026
Hotel Rendezvous (Bras Basah)
Address: 9 Bras Basah Rd, Singapore 189559
Room Type | Single Occupancy | Inclusions |
Deluxe Room | S$205++ with 1 breakfast S$230++ with 2 breakfast |
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| Deluxe Plus Room | S$235++ with 1 breakfast S$265++ with 2 breakfast |
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| Club Room | S$265++ with 1 breakfast S$295++ with 2 breakfast |
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Guests can book through the link: RHS - PECERA 2026
Visa and Customs
Most visitors to Singapore do not require a visa for entry. For more information on visa requirements and the Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF), visitors are encouraged to consult the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority or the Singapore Overseas Mission. The duration of stay granted will be indicated on the visit pass endorsement in the passport.
Things to do in Singapore?
Inclusivity
Enabling
Village
The Enabling Village is an
all-accessible space that supports
people with diverse abilities. It combines retail,
lifestyle, and training, and features
social businesses staffed by both able-bodied and
disabled individuals. It provides
career advice, training, and job placement for
jobseekers with disabilities through
partnerships with voluntary welfare organisations. The
space is designed holistically
with assistive technologies to facilitate participation
by visitors with disabilities.
It is staffed by people with diverse abilities, skills,
and ideas. Visit the website for
more information here.
City
Gallery
The Singapore City Gallery
features over 50 interactive
exhibits that depict Singapore's evolution into a highly
liveable city in Asia over the
past 50 years. The gallery showcases the city's
development story by presenting the
planning challenges and innovative solutions employed to
overcome them. Visit the
website for more information here.
Heritage Discovery
Immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Singapore's ethnic enclaves by exploring Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. This activity is perfect for those seeking an authentic experience of the city's heritage. To explore other parts of the city, see here.
Nature Walk
Singapore has been recognised as one of the world's greenest cities, with a thriving network of green spaces that integrate nature into urban living. Over six decades of greening efforts have contributed to a more liveable, sustainable, and climate-resilient city. The Singapore Green Plan 2030 aims to further advance these efforts and turn Singapore into a "City in Nature." To explore our city in nature, visit website here.
Gardens by the
Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a
101-hectare park featuring three spaces,
including the world's largest glass greenhouse and a
mist-filled Cloud Forest. The
Supertree Grove lights up at night with a Garden
Rhapsody of light and sound, and Bay
East Garden offers stunning sunset views. Visit the
website for more details here.
Singapore Botanic
Gardens
The Singapore Botanic
Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
is a large park with a rich history spanning over 150
years. With thousands of plant
varieties, including rare orchids and ancient trees,
it's a great place to visit for
nature lovers. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll,
have a picnic, or explore
educational zones and forest habitats. The gardens also
offer recommendations on what to
see, do, and eat. Visit their website here for
more
information.
Wildlife Parks
The wildlife parks in Mandai are committed to world-class animal care, conservation, and sustainability. They are partnering with the wider conservation community to promote biodiversity and animal welfare interests. Mandai is undergoing transformation into an integrated wildlife and nature precinct, featuring new parks, an eco-friendly resort, a nature-themed attraction, and green public spaces. The precinct is designed to provide a conducive habitat for native wildlife and to offer memorable experiences that connect people with nature. Visit the website for more details here.
Museum & Exhibitions
National Museum of
Singapore
The National Museum of
Singapore, established in 1887,
showcases Singapore's history and development using
advanced technology and creative
storytelling. It hosts various events and activities,
including the Night Festival and
art installations, and has a resource centre with a
large collection of publications on
cultural studies, design, and Singapore's history. Visit
the website for more details here.