Transformative leader and exemplar of excellence and dedication in early childhood special education

Professor Poon holds the esteemed Lien Foundation Chair Professorship of Education at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University. As Dean of Education Research and Centre Director of the Centre for Research in Child Development at the National Institute of Education, his leadership shapes the forefront of educational innovation.

With expertise in clinical psychology and early childhood special education, Professor Poon's research focuses on child development and understanding the complexities of children's growth, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds. An advocate for inclusivity, Professor Poon has co-chaired the Inclusive Preschool Work Group, championing quality education for all.

Professor Poon currently spearheads DREAMS, a monumental longitudinal study tracking 7,000 secondary school students’ aspirations, identity, relationships, and overall well-being. He has led groundbreaking projects such as the Transition and Adjustment of Children with Special Educational Needs (Tran-SEN) and co-piloted the Singapore Kindergarten Impact Project (SKIP).

Professor Poon’s multifaceted contributions include representing Singapore in the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children, as well as serving as President of Rainbow Centre (Singapore), a Board member of the National Council of Social Service, and Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Catholic Family Life.

Inclusion for preschool children with developmental needs: Where are we? What can we do? And what is next for the sector?

Join Professor Kenneth Poon as he dives into the essence of inclusive preschool education, which enriches the classroom community and explores how children with developmental needs become active participants. Master an understanding of both developmental and special educational needs and gain insights into the evolution of inclusive practices in Singapore. Unlock innovative strategies rooted in high-quality early childhood education designed to foster inclusion and diversity in preschool settings, with directions for further investigation in Singapore being considered.