Hong Kong, April 8, 2025 – The Global Research Institute for Finnish Education (GRIFE), in partnership with the ECE & SEN Special Interest Group (SIG), hosted the sixth session of the Finnish Education and Global Perspectives Seminar Series today. The event brought together leading education experts from Hong Kong and Finland to explore innovative approaches to early childhood education (ECE) and special education needs (SEN), fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and best practices.
The symposium featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Prof. Philip Hui Li, Dr. Noora Heiskanen, Prof. Kenneth Kuen Fung Sin, Dr. Kristof Fenyvesi, and Dr. Annie Xinyun Hu. Participants engaged in discussions centered on three key themes: ECE development in Hong Kong, SEN and research in Hong Kong and Finland, and the integration of STEM education in early childhood settings across both Hong Kong and Finland.
Prof. Cai Yuzhuo, co-director of GRIFE, opened the event with an introduction to the institute’s mission. He emphasized GRIFE’s ambition to establish itself as a global hub for Finnish education research and its ongoing collaboration with Finnish scholars. Prof. Cai also addressed the unique challenges facing Hong Kong’s education system, underscoring the need for innovative solutions and international partnerships.
Hosted by Dr. Annie Xinyun Hu, the seminar delved into critical topics shaping the future of education. Speakers explored Finland’s approach to early childhood special education, highlighting its holistic and inclusive model. In contrast, discussions on Hong Kong’s dual-track education system shed light on its strengths and areas for improvement. A significant portion of the event focused on the growing importance of integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education into early childhood curricula, with experts sharing experiences from both Hong Kong and Finland.
A key highlight of the symposium was the emphasis on Hong Kong-Finland collaboration. The speakers showcased ongoing efforts to develop a STEM curriculum framework tailored to Hong Kong’s early childhood education landscape, drawing inspiration from Finland’s renowned educational practices. This partnership aims to equip young learners with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The event underscored the value of cross-cultural dialogue in addressing global education challenges. By bridging perspectives from Hong Kong and Finland, the GRIFE Seminar Series VI offered fresh insights and actionable strategies to enhance early childhood education and support students with special needs. As collaboration between the Hong Kong and Finland deepens, the symposium marks a promising step toward a more inclusive and forward-thinking educational future.
