A delegation from the Child Development and Education (CDE) Center of the School of Education and Human Development (SED) of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) visited the Faculty of Education at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) on July 23, 2025, to initiate discussions on potential academic collaborations in the field of early childhood development and education.

The UA&P delegation was composed of Dr. Lexie C. Estacio from the Office of the Vice President for Faculty Affairs & former Director of the CDE Center; Ms. Melissa Antoinette C. Garcia, current Director of the CDE Center; and Ms. Shelesh Marie A. Fadri, Center Administrative Officer.

The visit was hosted by the Consortium for Research on Early Childhood Development and Education (CORE) at HKU. Dr. Diana Lee, Deputy Director of CORE, together with research assistant Mr. Jichen Liu, welcomed the delegation and led a guided tour of HKU’s Centennial Campus.

(Front row, L-R) CDE Center Administrative Officer Ms. Shelesh Fadri, CDE Center Director Ms. Melissa Antoinette C. Garcia, HKU CORE Deputy Director Dr. Diana Lee, and former CDE Center Director Dr. Lexie C. Estacio.

(Back row, L-R) HKU representatives Mr. Jichen Liu, Dr. Rhoda Wang, and Prof. Carrie Lau.

Following the campus tour, Dr. Lee delivered a detailed presentation on the early childhood education programs offered by HKU’s Faculty of Education. She introduced the Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education and Special Education (ECE&SE). Joining her were Dr. Rhoda Wang, Program Coordinator of the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood Education), and Professor Carrie Lau, Program Coordinator of the Master of Education (Early Childhood Education), who provided brief overviews of their respective programs. The HKU team also shared insights into CORE’s research initiatives and community-based projects, emphasizing their impact both locally and across the Asia-Pacific region. 

The visit served as a meaningful platform for mutual learning and exchange, laying the groundwork for potential academic partnerships between UA&P and HKU.

*Photos courtesy of The University of Hong Kong.