Big Fat Smile hosts Singapore’s ECDA for cross-cultural exchange in early learning

Big Fat Smile has welcomed a delegation from Singapore’s Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), in a visit focused on leadership, professional learning and inclusion in early childhood education and care (ECEC). The exchange offered valuable opportunities to share insights, reflect on best practice and strengthen international connections.

The visit was facilitated by Professor Cathrine Neilsen-Hewett, Academic Director of the Early Years at the University of Wollongong. It reflected the strong and ongoing collaboration between the university and Big Fat Smile.

Across the day, Big Fat Smile’s executive team met with ECDA Director Caroline Seng and colleagues to explore shared challenges and priorities in the early years. Key areas of discussion included:

• Quality teaching and learning: Big Fat Smile’s approach to supporting strong educational outcomes for children across diverse settings.
• Workforce development: Strategies to grow a capable, committed educator workforce through targeted professional development and retention efforts.
• Sector advocacy: The role of early childhood providers in shaping broader policy and practice.

The delegation also had the opportunity to see firsthand Big Fat Smile’s commitment to inclusive practice, a foundational value across its operations.

ECDA representatives shared details of Singapore’s Emerging Leaders Program, a government initiative designed to build leadership capability and support succession planning across the sector.

“These kinds of cross-cultural conversations are invaluable as we collectively shape the future of early learning for all children,” said Big Fat Smile CEO Kim Bertino.

The visit reflects a shared belief in the value of collaboration. It highlights the importance of learning from each other to strengthen early years outcomes, both locally and globally.