Singapore Hosts Four Hundred Educators for 2026 REACH Reggio Emilia Conference
Singapore has positioned itself as a regional hub for early childhood excellence by convening more than 400 educators, policymakers, and researchers for the 2026 REACH Reggio Emilia Conference. Running from October 30 to October 31, 2026, the two-day event at METT Singapore drew participants from across ASEAN, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Australia, South America, the Middle East, and Italy.
Senior Minister of State Goh Pei Ming, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development, attended the opening as the Guest-of-Honour and addressed delegates. The gathering brought together representatives from Singapore’s anchor operators alongside officials from the Early Childhood Development Agency, the Ministry of Social and Family Development, and the Ministry of Education.
EtonHouse and E-Bridge Deepen Partnerships with Reggio Children
Organised by REACH — Reggio Emilia in Asia for Children, a part of the EtonHouse Group — the conference marked the formalization of a deeper collaboration between EtonHouse, E-Bridge, and Reggio Children. The renewed partnership focuses heavily on professional learning in infant care and early childhood education. It establishes regular professional dialogue and joint research projects connected directly to the municipal infant-toddler centres and pre-schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Speaking at the event, Bipasha Minocha, Chief Executive Officer of REACH, noted that the collaboration involves shared research projects with educators from both EtonHouse and E-Bridge. She emphasized that democratic culture thrives in the daily micro-choices of a school environment, questioning who gets listened to and whether a child’s unexpected contribution can shift an entire direction. Can an idea change direction because a child has contributed something none of us expected?
Artificial Intelligence Prompts Debate on Childhood Foundations
The conference centered on the theme “Education in Complex Times: Children, Democratic Cultures and the Role of Childhood in Shaping the Future.” As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms how young generations learn and interact, educators confronted a central question regarding the kind of future they are preparing children to inhabit.
The conference followed heightened international interest sparked by The Princess of Wales, who visited Reggio Emilia in May 2026 to examine its early childhood development framework. His Excellency Dante Brandi, Ambassador of Italy to Singapore, said: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the REACH organization and when was it founded?
Founded in 2013 by the EtonHouse International Education Group, REACH represents Reggio Children in Singapore and China as a member of the Reggio Children International Network.
Where was the 2026 REACH Reggio Emilia Conference held?
The conference took place at METT Singapore, located at 11 Canning Walk, Singapore, running from October 30 to October 31, 2026.
Which international figures and diplomats supported the event?
The Embassy of Italy in Singapore supported the conference, while Senior Minister of State Goh Pei Ming served as the Guest-of-Honour.
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