Pacific Area Early Childhood Education Research Association (Hong Kong) Shanghai Dinner and PECERA 2025 Annual Meeting

The Pacific Association for Early Childhood Education Research (Hong Kong) Shanghai gathering on July 9, 2025, concluded successfully under the chairmanship of Dr. Li Liyun. Hong Kong early childhood education researchers and frontline staff engaged in pleasant exchanges and networking in a relaxed atmosphere. Following this, from July 10th to 12th, PECERA's annual international conference was held in Shanghai, China, with the theme "Early Childhood Education in the New Era: Globalization and Localization of Curriculum and Teaching," attracting early childhood education experts and scholars primarily from the Asia-Pacific region. The conference featured numerous engaging and diverse keynote speeches and seminars, providing participants with opportunities for the exchange of ideas and practices. Paper presentations and poster sessions fostered further in-depth discussions and exchanges, and visits to local kindergartens allowed participants to observe firsthand the development of early childhood education in Shanghai. Our team was fortunate to participate, and nine schools that had previously participated in our programs presented papers and posters, showcasing the professional achievements and outstanding contributions of Hong Kong's frontline early childhood educators. On international academic platforms, we see a greater presence and active participation from local frontline staff than ever before, gradually building a future where the industry continues to move towards professionalism. We firmly believe that cross-disciplinary exchanges and broadened perspectives among scholars, experts, and colleagues, along with a future that integrates theory and practice, will surely ensure the continued robust development of early childhood education in Hong Kong.