ECDA Scholarships and Training Awards Presentation Ceremony 2023

The annual ECDA Scholarships and Training Awards Presentation Ceremony was held on 13 October 2023 at Suntec City Convention Hall. The ceremony, graced by Minister for Social and Family Development, Mr Masagos Zulkifli, saw close to 300 aspiring and in- service Early Childhood (EC) educators presented with the ECDA Scholarships and Training Awards (TA). Among them, 8 in-service educators received the ECDA Scholarships to pursue further studies, and 16 TA recipients who have graduated received Commendation Awards for exemplary achievements during their studies.

During the ceremony, Minister Masagos launched the expanded EC Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Roadmap, designed to help our educators deepen their knowledge and skillsets, and grow through their different career stages. Minister Masagos further shared that ECDA, in partnership with the National Institute of Early Childhood Development (NIEC), has also rolled out the revised Advanced Diploma in EC Centre Leadership (ADECL) for aspiring EC leaders in April this year. It covers new and enhanced content relating to leadership skills, which serves to guide and strengthen the capability of our present and future leaders.

In commemoration of this special day, the ceremony concluded with a mass cheer for EC. Energetic shouts of ‘hoorays’ by our recipients echoed across the hall, as the beaming crowd clapped along with their cheer sticks. It was a truly joyous occasion coming as one, to celebrate and affirm the passion and aspirations of our recipients, in their commitment towards nurturing our next generation of little ones!

Everyone also brought home with them a unique keepsake of how “egg-ceptional” and “meow-tastic” they are! “Bee-lieve in yourself” because educators are “otter-ly amazing”! Each enamel pin with these cleverly curated puns, were specially designed by three of our talented existing TA recipients. It is our hope that like the otter family, all our educators will support one another, by forming a close knitted community. Congratulations once again, to all our ECDA Scholarships and Training Award recipients of 2023!

Meet Our ECDA Scholarship Recipients 2023!

The ECDA Scholarships are offered to outstanding and deserving in-service Early Childhood (EC) educators who are in pursuit of a part-time Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE).

This year, 8 EC educators were awarded and recognised for their aptitude and potential in leadership roles. Their firm commitment has shaped their work as educators, and they play pivotal roles in molding the young minds of our next generation.

Let us meet our 8 Scholarship recipients as they share their aspirations:

	A’ishah Abdulatiff Pursuing Bachelor of Early Childhood Education with Minor at Singapore University of Social Sciences Principal at Creative Thinkers Preschool “I am passionate about creating a positive impact on children’s lives. To do that, I will continue to grow and develop my expertise to contribute to the EC sector.”
	Celeste Ng Qi Yin Pursuing Bachelor of Early Childhood Education with Minor at Singapore University of Social Sciences Senior Teacher at Superland Preschool “I am a firm advocate for providing every child with equal opportunities to learn and grow regardless of ability and background.”
	Lim Seok Ming, Cherie Pursuing Master of Education in Early Childhood at National Institute of Education Executive Principal at PCF Sparkletots “As a leader, I believe that providing genuine appreciation and support for fellow educators will improve the attraction and retention of staff.”
	Chua Jing Yi Elizabeth Pursuing Master of Early Childhood Education at Singapore University of Social Sciences Head of Academic and Operations at St. Joseph’s Institution International Preschool Ltd. “I aspire to be a mentor and coach for teachers and leaders in their EC journey, to encourage them to embrace their journey with passion, commitment, and willingness to learn and grow.”
	Lan Xuwen Wyn Gwendolyn Pursuing Master of Education in Early Childhood at National Institute of Education Curriculum and Quality Assurance Specialist at M.Y World Preschool “I hope to make a difference in the growth and development of children, where they are well-adjusted and competent adults who can contribute back to society in their own ways.”
	Sim Ming Shi, Hazel Hannah Pursuing Master of Early Childhood Education at Singapore University of Social Sciences Curriculum Coordinator & Centre Manager at Etonhouse International Research Preschool “Just as I have benefitted from the support and guidance given to me from my mentors, I hope to pay it forward to support and inspire the next generation of educators in improving teaching practices in the classroom.”
	Nurliyana Binte Muhiddin Pursuing Master of Early Childhood Education at Singapore University of Social Sciences Curriculum Mentor at Odyssey the Global Preschool (Wilkinson) “My aspiration for the sector includes being a role model for educators and translating my experience into best practices in curriculum and pedagogies.”
	Xia Bei Bei Pursuing Bachelor of Early Childhood and Chinese Language Education at Singapore University of Social Sciences Chinese Teacher at Creative O Preschoolers’ Bay “I hope to advocate for cross-centre learning to exchange tips and best practices for improving the EC sector.”

Meet Our ECDA TA Commendation Award Recipients 2023!

Nominated based on an all-rounded evaluation criterion, 16 ECDA Training Award recipients were conferred the TA Commendation Award for their outstanding achievements and contributions during their course of studies. May their tenacity, drive, and passion in nurturing our next generation continue to shine through.

Here are our 16 TA Commendation Award Recipients!

	Aina Saragih Binte Reiman Singh Graduated with Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education from NIEC (Temasek Polytechnic) “My passion includes championing children’s mental and emotional well-being and advocating for inclusive education.”
	Anna Lee Xian Mei Graduated with Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education from NIEC (Ngee Ann Polytechnic) “I aspire to provide quality education for every child and nurture them into lifelong learners.”
	Aqil Nasran Shah B Nizam Shah Graduated with Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education from NIEC (Temasek Polytechnic) “I strongly believe that exposing children to the arts will facilitate development holistically and allow for self-expression.”
	Ong Zhi You Bevinn Graduated with Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education from NIEC (Temasek Polytechnic) “I aspire to nurture children’s love for learning and discovery of the world.”
	Hew Shi Min Graduated with Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education from NIEC (Ngee Ann Polytechnic) “I firmly believe that children should be the constructors of their own learning."
	Koh Sherise Graduated with Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education from NIEC (Ngee Ann Polytechnic) “I am dedicated to providing a range of learning opportunities tailored to each child’s individual interests and abilities.”
	Kok Xiu Wen Graduated with Bachelor of Early Childhood Education with Minor from Singapore University of Social Sciences “I believe in creating a community of professionals who are constantly seeking ways to improve and uplift the Early Childhood sector.”
	Leonika Ong Graduated with Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education from NIEC (Ngee Ann Polytechnic) “My passion lies in encouraging inclusivity within mainstream preschool settings and advocating for children with various needs.”
	Nabilah Bte Nik Azizi Graduated with Higher NITEC in Early Childhood Education from NIEC (Institute of Technical Education) “I am passionate about encouraging the use of Mother Tongue Language in classrooms.”
	Nur Dinah Bte Mohamed Graduated with Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education from NIEC (Temasek Polytechnic) “My interest lies in seeking out new and age-appropriate methods for catering to children’s needs, interests, and abilities.”
	Nur Raeesa Iman Bte Ishak Graduated with Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education from NIEC (Temasek Polytechnic) “I am inspired to create enriching lessons through a variety of new tools and mediums such as digital, 2D and 3D art.”
	Razena Banu Binte Mohamed Yusoff Graduated with Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education from NIEC (Temasek Polytechnic) “I advocate for inclusivity and work to cater for children with diverse learning needs and interests.”
	Sarah Riaz Jadliwala Graduated with Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education from NIEC (Temasek Polytechnic) “I hope that the Early Childhood sector will continue to raise its standards of professionalism so as to provide children with a holistic and high-quality early childhood education.”
	Tia Nadine Hira Graduated with Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education from NIEC (Temasek Polytechnic) “I strive to be an educator who provides every child with equal opportunities to have fruitful learning experiences.”
	Yap Jie Qi Graduated with Bachelor of Early Childhood Education with Minor from Singapore University of Social Sciences “I strive to provide a safe environment for children to explore and nurture their joy in learning.”
	Yap Lin Xuan Graduated with Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education from NIEC (Ngee Ann Polytechnic) “I aim to build trusting relationships with children and shape them into active, inquisitive, and confident learners.”