On 27 September 2025, Dr Cheng Wan-Ni, Dean of Early Childhood Care and Education of the Singapore Centre for Chinese Language (SCCL), was invited to deliver a keynote speech titled "Contemplating the Roots of Story, Walking the Path of Culture: Local Picture Books and the Imagination of Preschool Chinese Education in Singapore" at the 2025 Singapore Early Childhood Education Chinese Symposium, which was held by the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS).

         On 1 November 2025, Master Teacher Dr Chau Sook Kuan, SCCL Deputy Dean of Curriculum, was invited by the Confucius Institute, Nanyang Technological University to deliver a talk titled "Beginning from the Heart: Supporting Psychological Needs to Foster Motivation in Chinese Language Learning", as part of the "In Class with the Masters 2025" Lecture Series.

1. Dr Cheng Wan-Ni, Dean of Early Childhood Care and Education

         The Singapore University of Social Sciences held the Singapore Early Childhood Education Chinese Symposium on 27 September 2025. Dr Cheng Wan-Ni, SCCL Dean of Early Childhood Care and Education, was invited to deliver a keynote speech titled "Contemplating the Roots of Story, Walking the Path of Culture: Local Picture Books and the Imagination of Preschool Chinese Education in Singapore", which received enthusiastic response and widespread acclaim.

         Drawing on her extensive experience in local picture book creation and teacher training, Dr Cheng guided the audience—both humorously and insightfully—to reflect on how Chinese language education can be rooted locally, beginning with children's everyday lives, and growing into a Singaporean narrative of language and culture.

         During the session, she shared works such as The Journey of Little Stone, Mozzie Finds a New Home, and A Hug for You!, vividly illustrating how "cultural generativity" emerges through image, sensation, and lived experience. Her reflections also echoed postcolonial concerns about reclaiming local knowledge and linguistic legitimacy. Her heartfelt invitation to educators— "Let us walk this path of cultural education together" —resonated deeply, making the session one of the most memorable highlights of the forum.

         This speech not only showcased Dr Cheng's profound reflections on local Chinese language education, but also highlighted her ongoing exploration and contributions to original picture book creation. In celebration of Singapore's 60th anniversary, her book Where is Love? was honoured as one of the selected titles in the National Library Board's curated list, "60 Recommended Singapore Books", representing the children's picture book category. The book was launched with Minister Sun Xueling as the guest of honour. Through its gentle yet profound narrative and illustrations, the book guides young readers in understanding care, separation, and how love can be preserved across time and distance. The story resonates deeply with themes of familial bonds, emotional literacy, and cultural connection, making it a highly engaging picture book published locally in recent years. In addition, Where is Love? was also included in the lists "120 Must-Read Picture Books for Children under nine (2025)".

Group photo of Dr Cheng Wan-Ni (third from the right) with the guests

Dr Cheng Wan-Ni delivering a keynote speech

Dr Cheng Wan-Ni sharing her inspirations for original picture books creation

The picture book Where is Love?, originally written by Dr Cheng Wan-Ni, was included in the list "60 Recommended Singapore Books"

 

2. Master Teacher Dr Chau Sook Kuan, Deputy Dean of Curriculum

         On 1 November 2025, Master Teacher Dr Chau Sook Kuan, SCCL Deputy Dean of Curriculum, was invited by the Confucius Institute, Nanyang Technological University to deliver a talk, as part of the "In Class with the Masters 2025" Lecture Series. Her talk, "Beginning from the Heart: Supporting Psychological Needs to Foster Motivation in Chinese Language Learning", explored how motivation influences the successful acquisition of Chinese as a second language.

         Drawing on Self-Determination Theory (SDT), Dr Chau explained that intrinsic motivation is shaped by the fulfilment of three psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. She emphasised the importance of supportive classroom environments and intentional teaching practices that nurture these needs, leading to greater enjoyment and sustained engagement in learning. The talk also offered practical strategies to enhance motivation through classroom practices and instructional behaviour.

         The session was warmly received by attendees who appreciated the relevance of SDT in guiding pedagogical decisions and its potential to strengthen motivation in Chinese language learning.

Dr Chau Sook Kuan delivering her talk

Dr Chau Sook Kuan interacting with attendees during the Q&A session