EdUHK organises 11th Conference for Research in Early Childhood Education: Focusing on Early Mathematics and Playful Learning
Themed ‘Early Mathematical Learning and Playful Exploration in Real Life: Theory and Practice’, the Department of Early Childhood Education (ECE) at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) hosted the 11th Conference for Research in Early Childhood Education (CRECE 2025) on 14 June 2025. The conference highlighted the importance of early mathematics and playful learning in child development.
This event was one of the largest ECE conferences ever held in Hong Kong, in which three renowned keynote speakers were featured, including Professor David Purpura from Purdue University, Professor Minna Hannula-Sormunen from the University of Turku and Dr Sam Cheung Sum-kwing from EdUHK.
With 48 paper presentations, more than 50 poster presentations, an exhibition of students’ projects, four symposiums, and an ECE roundtable forum entitled ‘Current Challenges and Opportunities of Early Childhood Education’ led by Dr Chan Wai-ling, CRECE 2025 attracted over 400 attendees, including 100 principals and senior officers from local ECE organisations and kindergartens.
In his opening remarks via video EdUHK President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin said, “Early childhood education is the foundation of education, and also the first important step in shaping children's future. As educators, each of us should be responsible for learning, innovating and working constantly and closely together to provide an educational environment with high quality for the younger generation. I hope that we can work together to create a better environment for children's growth with professional practice, innovative ideas and dedication, in order to make greater contributions to our local community and country.”
Dr Eva Lau Yi-hung, Acting Head of ECE Department, expressed her expectation on the close liaison and communication with industry. “In addition to the CRECE 2025, we will continue to organise activities focusing on topics that most concern industry, such as services provided for those aged 0 to 3, SEN and inclusive education, and children's emotional and physical health. We look forward to working more closely with all stakeholders in the future.”
During the closing ceremony, Professor Philip Li Hui, Chair Professor of the ECE Department, highlighted that there were cultural differences in early maths curriculum and pedagogy, as well as individual differences in early maths learning and development. He encouraged continuous collaboration among educators, researchers and policymakers to seek the best and culturally appropriate practices in the field of ECE.
About the CRECE 2025, please visit the website at www.eduhk.hk/crece2025.
