Singapore recently positioned itself as a focal point for early childhood education by convening more than 400 global educators, policymakers, and researchers for the 2026 REACH Reggio Emilia Conference, which opened on October 30, 2026, to address how artificial intelligence transforms how children learn and interact with the world.
Deepening Ties With Reggio Emilia Amid Technological Shift
As artificial intelligence reshapes learning environments, educators face an urgent question regarding the future being prepared for young children. Macau Business reported that the two-day event, held from 30 to 31 October 2026, brought together educators, leaders, and researchers from various regions and Italy.
At the event, E-Bridge and EtonHouse revealed plans to expand their existing partnership with Reggio Children by establishing a fresh initiative centered on professional development in early childhood education and infant care. This agreement connects regular professional dialogue, research projects, and learning directly with the experience of infant-toddler centres and pre-schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Senior Minister of State Goh Pei Ming, representing the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development, addressed delegates as the Guest of Honour. Attendees at the conference came from Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Australia, the wider ASEAN region, South America, the Middle East, and Italy.
The Human Compass in an Automated Era
The conference was put together by REACH (Reggio Emilia in Asia for Children)—a division of the EtonHouse Group—alongside Reggio Children and with the backing of the Embassy of Italy in Singapore, investigating ways for education to adapt to swift technological advancements while safeguarding human fundamentals.
His Excellency Dante Brandi, Ambassador of Italy to Singapore, noted that the Italian approach offers a valuable compass as artificial intelligence alters how the youngest generations engage with knowledge.
| Conference Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | 30–31 October 2026 |
| Location | METT Singapore, 11 Canning Walk |
| Guest of Honour | Senior Minister of State Goh Pei Ming |
| Core Organiser | REACH and Reggio Children |
Democratic Cultures in Daily School Choices
Delegates engaged with global pedagogical thinking led by educators from Reggio Children, alongside regional best-practice exchanges from Singapore and neighbouring educational contexts. Keynote speakers Annalisa Rainieri and Valentina Violi guided discussions on how learning environments nurture childhood development.
Bipasha Minocha, Chief Executive Officer of REACH, emphasized that democratic culture lives in daily school choices.
Further information on the initiative can be found through REACH Conference Information and the primary network portal at REACH Reggio Emilia in Asia for Children.
