On 30 May, YCYW held a seminar on "Exploring the Trailblazing Journey of Early Childhood Education Practice", and launched the simplified Chinese version of The Yew Chung Approach to Early Childhood Education, at YWIES Beijing Yizhuang. More than 100 educators, parents, and representatives from across YCYW gathered to discuss insights and aspirations regarding Early Childhood Education. The event occurred two days before Children's Day on 1 June.

The String Orchestra of YWIES Beijing Yizhuang kickstarted the occasion with a performance of "Hungarian Dance No. 5". YCYW's CEO & School Supervisor, Dr Betty Chan Po-king, and YCYW's Chairman, Professor Paul Yip Kwok-wah attended the event.

They were joined at the event by: Madam Li Xiaolin, Honorary Chairperson of the Tao Xingzhi Education Foundation; Professor Shi Ping, Head of ECE Department of the YCCECE Chor Hang Educational Research Institute, and Head of the YCCECE Mainland Development Office; Madam Zhu Muju, Advisor of the Academic Committee of the Chinese Society of Education, Former Inspector of the Basic Education Department II of the Ministry of Education, and Former Director of the National Centre for School Curriculum and Textbook Development; Professor Ren Junhua, Doctoral Supervisor at the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (National Academy of Governance); and Dr Xu Xuejun, YCYW's Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Business Development Officer.

"Today, I am delighted to announce the release of the simplified Chinese version of this book," Dr Chan said. "This not only signifies that early childhood education theories developed in China through practical experience have received international recognition, but also that the wisdom of the Chinese people can contribute to the development of global education."

In celebration of Children's Day, Dr Chan extended her best wishes to children. She remarked, "You are the creators and successors of Chinese modernisation. The future belongs to you. I wish you good health and success in your studies. Keep up the great work!"

Through decades of evolution and refinement, YCYW has crafted a distinctive early childhood education pedagogy tailored to China. It harmoniously blends traditional Chinese Confucianism with John Dewey's Western theory of "Progressive Education". It is deeply rooted in Chinese cultural traditions and values, yet embraces a global perspective, rendering it unique among international early childhood education pedagogies.

Dr Stephanie C. Sanders-Smith from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, in the US, conducted extensive research on the Yew Chung pedagogy, and wrote The Yew Chung Approach to Early Childhood Education, which distills the 12 Values of YCYW's approach to ECE. This book is the culmination of our decades of practical experience and refinement in early childhood educational practice in the Hong Kong SAR and the Chinese mainland. The English version was published by Routledge, a prominent academic publisher.

In her address, Dr Chan highlighted the significant role that Beijing has played in YCYW's advancement of early childhood education. She recounted a pivotal moment on the eve of Children's Day in 1985. In order to share the latest international educational concepts and practices with colleagues in the Chinese mainland, Dr Chan had been invited by the Soong Ching Ling Foundation to give a presentation on early childhood education at the "Pillars of Tomorrow" exhibition in Beihai Park, Beijing. That exhibition was the first to introduce an early childhood education model from outside the Chinese mainland since Reform and Opening Up. Madam Kang Keqing, the wife of General Zhu De, and the then Chairperson of the Soong Ching Ling Foundation, officiated the opening ceremony. The exhibition received an overwhelming response. As a result, Beijing became a crucial hub for YCYW's engagements and cooperation with the education sector in the Chinese mainland.

In her keynote address "China Leads the Way in Moral-centric Education", Madam Li Xiaolin praised the Yew Chung pedagogy, describing it as a holistic, child-centred educational approach that prioritises not only the acquisition of knowledge but also well-rounded development.

She summarised its essence as: "Respect individuality and adapt teaching according to abilities. Stimulate interest to unlock potential. Create an environment that promotes creativity and innovation."

In his speech, Professor Ren Junhua emphasised that high-quality early childhood education is crucial for national development and the future of China. He underscored the importance of early childhood teaching to incorporate the best practices from both domestic and international contexts, particularly in the face of deepening cultural exchanges. Acknowledging the innovative approach of the YCYW ECE pedagogy, Professor Ren Junhua said, "Its distinctive ECE pedagogy, which integrates Eastern and Western principles, represents an innovative response to the national imperative for advancing ECE education in China."

Professor Shi Ping led the team that translated The Yew Chung Approach to Early Childhood Education into Chinese. During the conference, she elaborated on the uniqueness of the Yew Chung ECE pedagogy, emphasising the use of China's rich traditional cultural resources to cultivate talent in a multicultural and multilingual learning environment to address contemporary global issues. This is also the essence of international education in contemporary China.

She concluded by stating, "The Yew Chung pedagogy serves as a continual reminder, emphasising that drawing on external resources—e.g., progressive educational philosophies—is meaningful only when the pedagogy is firmly rooted in Chinese values. Consequently, we believe that the Yew Chung pedagogy can offer important insights and guidance for colleagues interested in early childhood education and international educational practices."

Since its establishment, YCYW has always adhered to an inclusive philosophy of international education, integrating the strengths of both Chinese and Western traditions. In 1989, UNICEF spearheaded the "International Symposium on Early Childhood Education in the 21st Century" in Hong Kong SAR. It was the first global symposium focusing on early childhood education for children aged 0-6 years old. Dr Chan chaired the symposium's organising committee, and actively promoted exchanges among Hong Kong SAR, the Chinese mainland, and the international early childhood education community. The recent publication of The Yew Chung Approach to Early Childhood Education is another manifestation of this philosophy of ECE.

Madam Zhu Muju was also in attendance at the symposium in 1989. In her address, Madam Zhu recognised the significance of the Yew Chung 12 Values, and highlighted recent achievements in the reforms of kindergartens in the Chinese mainland.

She remarked, "The Yew Chung educational principles align closely with the early childhood education reforms advocated by the Chinese Government. Kindergartens in the Chinese mainland have dedicated years to learning and exploration, resulting in the improved quality of education, progress in the professionalism of teachers, and increased family engagement. The kindergartens are committed to advancing the holistic development of children, in collaboration with Yew Chung. "

Dr Xu Xuejun delivered the closing speech on behalf of the organisation. He underscored that the trajectory of China's ECE practice conforms with the nation's overall progress and development. The YCYW ECE pedagogy fosters the curiosity and exploration of children, contributing to the cultivation of a young generation with an innovative spirit and global perspective. This approach resonates with the nation's initiative to promote high-quality early childhood education.

In recent years, the Chinese Government has issued important policy documents such as the "14th Five-Year Action Plan for the Development and Enhancement of Pre-school Education" and "Guidelines for Evaluating the Quality of Early Childhood Care and Education". Dr Chan noted that YCYW has always aligned with the direction of the country and is committed to contributing to China's development of early childhood education. We hope that the publication of simplified Chinese version of The Yew Chung Approach to Early Childhood Education can make further contributions towards this goal.