In a significant stride for early childhood education, Professor Datin Dr. Mariani Mohd Nor, hailing from SEGi University’s Faculty of Education, Languages, Psychology, and Music (FoELPM), took center stage as a key panelist at The International Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Conference in Kuala Lumpur on 8 January, 2023. Joining an esteemed panel that included Azlina Kamal from UNICEF, Dato Dr. Chiam Heng Keng, Dr. Aija from UNESCO, Timbalan Pengarah BPSH, and Dr. Bernard Gerard from HELP University, Professor Mariani contributed her expertise to discussions on sustainability in ECCE.
Themed “Moving Towards the Future: A Sustainable Early Childhood Care and Education,” the conference gathered leading experts and stakeholders to deliberate strategies for fostering sustainability in early childhood education.
Professor Datin Dr. Mariani Mohd Nor, recognised for her impactful contributions to early childhood education, provided invaluable insights during the panel discussion. The diverse expertise of the moderators, representing prominent organisations, enriched the discourse on challenges and opportunities in ensuring sustainable practices in ECCE.
Azlina Kamal, UNICEF representative, shared global perspectives on enhancing early childhood development. Dato Dr. Chiam Heng Keng contributed insights into healthcare aspects related to early childhood. Dr. Aija, representing UNESCO, discussed international frameworks and collaborations for advancing early childhood education.
Timbalan Pengarah BPSH of MOE brought a local perspective, shedding light on national strategies and policies, while Dr. Bernard Gerard from HELP University shared academic perspectives on shaping the future of early childhood education.
The interactive panel session allowed for a comprehensive exploration of challenges and opportunities in the pursuit of sustainable early childhood care and education. The collaborative efforts aimed to chart a course towards a future where early childhood education is not only accessible but also sustainable, ensuring the holistic development of young minds.
Professor Mariani’s participation in The International ECCE Conference underscores FOELPM’s commitment to actively engaging in global conversations on education. Her contributions, alongside other distinguished panelists, furthered the dialogue on shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for early childhood care and education on an international scale.