What kind of future are schools preparing children for? Singapore educators explore question

More than 400 educators, policymakers, school leaders, researchers and regulators from across the world have gathered in Singapore to examine how early childhood education should evolve as artificial intelligence changes the way children learn, create and engage with their surroundings.

The discussions are taking place at the 2026 REACH Reggio Emilia Conference, which opened on October 30 and concluded its two-day program on Oct 31. The event brings together participants from Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Australia, other parts of the ASEAN region, South America, the Middle East and Italy.

Senior Minister of State Goh Pei Ming, from Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development, attended the conference as the Guest-of-Honour and addressed delegates.

The Singapore delegation includes representatives from the country's Anchor Operators, the Early Childhood Development Agency, the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Education. Educators, trainers and leaders from across the early childhood education sector are also participating.

Organized by REACH (Reggio Emilia in Asia for Children), part of the EtonHouse Group, the conference is being held in partnership with Reggio Children. The organization works closely with municipal infant-toddler centers and preschools in Reggio Emilia, Italy. The Embassy of Italy in Singapore is supporting the event.

The conference is being held under the theme "Education in Complex Times: Children, Democratic Cultures and the Role of Childhood in Shaping the Future." It focuses on how education systems can respond to rapid technological developments without weakening the human relationships and experiences that form the foundation of learning.

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly influential in children's lives, the discussions are examining the qualities that can help them navigate an uncertain future. These include curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, personal agency and the ability to participate meaningfully in their communities.

By bringing international perspectives together with regional experiences and Singapore's early childhood education expertise, the conference aims to reinforce the city-state's position as a center for early childhood excellence, professional exchange, best practices and global educational thinking.

The event also comes after renewed international interest in the Reggio Emilia Approach. Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales visited Reggio Emilia in May 2026 as part of her longstanding work in early childhood development.

Her reflections on nature, creativity and human connection brought further attention to an educational philosophy that places children's rights, relationships and potential at the center of learning. These principles have gained particular relevance as education systems respond to an increasingly complex and technology-driven world.

Key initiatives at the REACH Reggio Emilia Conference

The conference offers participants opportunities to explore international approaches to education, exchange regional experiences and connect educational ideas with classroom practices.

Global pedagogical discussions are being led by educators from Reggio Children and draw on the educational experience of Reggio Emilia. The sessions aim to introduce participants to approaches that place children and their learning experiences at the center of education.

Regional best-practice exchanges are another part of the program. Educators from Singapore and other countries are presenting projects and inquiries shaped by their respective cultural and educational settings.

The event also includes immersive professional learning activities, such as atelier experiences and school visits. These activities are intended to connect educational philosophy with everyday teaching and learning practices.

Keynote speakers Annalisa Rainieri and Valentina Violi are encouraging delegates to consider how learning environments and teaching approaches can support a childhood that every child deserves.

Project-sharing sessions are also demonstrating how educational principles influenced by the Reggio Emilia Approach can be adapted and interpreted across different cultures and education systems.

His Excellency Dante Brandi, Ambassador of Italy to Singapore, highlighted the relevance of the Italian educational philosophy as artificial intelligence changes how younger generations access and engage with knowledge.

"Reggio Emilia has given the world far more than a pedagogy—it has given us a way of trusting children as capable, curious protagonists of their own learning. As artificial intelligence reshapes how the youngest generations engage with knowledge, this Italian approach to early childhood education becomes an even more valuable compass. The Embassy of Italy is proud to support a conference that brings this heritage into dialogue with Singapore and the wider region."

Bipasha Minocha, Chief Executive Officer of REACH, also outlined plans to expand the organization's research collaboration with Reggio Children.

"Alongside our ongoing professional learning, we will be embarking on shared research projects with Reggio Children, involving educators from both EtonHouse and E-Bridge."

Minocha also emphasized the importance of children's participation in everyday school decisions, describing democratic culture as something reflected in how educational institutions listen to and respond to children.

"For me, democratic culture lives in the daily choices of a school. Who is listened to? Can an idea change direction because a child has contributed something none of us expected?"

The conference builds on REACH's longstanding collaboration with Reggio Children. It follows the Mosaic of Marks, Words, Material exhibition and conference held in Singapore in 2024, extending the partnership's work in educational dialogue and professional learning.

Through international discussions, research initiatives and exchanges among educators, the 2026 gathering seeks to explore how schools can prepare children for a changing world while preserving the creativity, relationships and participation that are central to childhood.