International Conference
on Children and Youth Work 2026
SAVE
THE DATE
SAVE THE DATE
18 - 19 November 2026
(Wednesday - Thursday)
The People Who Walk Beside Every Child Forward
A dedicated community of professionals, caregivers, and advocates committed to supporting children and families with compassion, consistency, and hope—every step of the journey.
About the Conference
This conference brings together practitioners, partners, and changemakers who work with children, youth, and families across different systems and sectors. Under the theme “Navigating Complexities, Rethinking Collaborations, Building Possibilities,” the conference creates space to explore how we respond to increasingly complex challenges — and how new ways of thinking, working, and collaborating can open up better outcomes for children and young people.
Through practical workshops, poster presentations, and shared learning, participants will be introduced to fresh frameworks, evidence-based approaches, and real-world examples of cross-sector collaboration. The conference also aims to inspire hope — showing how collective effort across people, communities, and sectors can make meaningful, lasting impact.
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Scan the QR code to be part of the conversation!
More information on the programme line-up, speakers and post-conference learning sessions will be available soon.
Date
18 - 19 November 2026
(Wednesday - Thursday)
Time
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
(GMT+8)
Venue
Concorde Hotel Singapore
Conference Details
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Programme Highlights
Keynote Speaker
Harnessing complexities for social good - Application of complexity science
Prof Dave Snowden, creator of the Cynefin® framework, will explore how complexity science can be applied to social good and social services. He will define what complex needs look like at a global level and discuss their implications for children and youth work. Participants will gain practical insights on how agencies can design adaptive responses, foster collaboration, and build resilience in the face of complexity.
Prof Dave Snowden
Founder & Chief Scientific Officer, Cynefin Co. and Cynefin Centre
Key Sessions & Topics
01
Over the years, various approaches to tackle complex issues have been practiced globally. Is there one that stands out and works better than the others? Who would emerge victorious? Watch this battle unfold, as global renowned agencies come together to share about the approach that they utilize in their professional work with children and youth.
Moderator
Assoc Prof Peace Wong, National University of Singapore
Panelists
-
SHINE Children and Youth Services [Representing Singapore]
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Hong Kong Playground Association [Representing Hong Kong]
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Tamarack Institute [Representing Canada] – to be confirmed
-
Cynefin Co and Cynefin Centre [Making Sense of Complexity]
Navigating Complexities: A Global Showdown!
02
“Good solutions rarely emerge in isolation, but are the result of the community, the interdisciplinary practice, the private sector as well as the government working together hand in hand.” - Minister Desmond Lee, Minister for Education and Minister-in-Charge of Social Services Integration.
On the first day, we learnt about complexity science and the different lenses and approaches that we can use to approach complexity. However, we also recognize that this piece of work is too big to be done alone. In this plenary, we invite representatives from the people, private, and public sector to rethink and discuss how collaborations can look like.
Moderator
Ms Raman Sidhu, Chief Executive Office, Octava Foundation
Panellists:-
Mr Lim Shung Yar, CEO, NCSS [Rethinking collaboration through sector development]
-
DGIF Foundation [Rethinking collaboration through impact investing]
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The Bridgespan Group [Rethinking collaboration through philanthropic strategies]
-
JobsFirst NYC [Rethinking collaboration through an international lens]
Rethinking Collaborations for Social Impact: People, Private, Public
03
Building Possibilities: What’s Ahead?
As the conference concludes, this final plenary turns our focus forward—towards hope, possibility, and what lies ahead for children and youth. The session brings together partners from di verse settings to share emerging ideas, initiatives, and commitments that point to the future of children and youth work. Through a forward-looking dialogue, speakers will explore how collaboration, practice, and systems can continue to evolve to support children and youth in navigating increasingly complex challenges. This closing session invites participants to leave energised, inspired, and ready to carry forward a shared vision of possibility into action.
ModeratorAssoc Prof Vincent Ng, Dean, SUSS School of Social Work and Development
Panellists
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Ms Terri Sorensen, Chief Executive Officer, Friends of the Children, USA [Benchmarking Standards for Impact]
-
Mr Kevin Tan, Chief Executive Officer, Tri Sector Associates [Innovative Philanthropic Developments]
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Ms Lydia Ang, General Manager, Capitaland Hope Foundation & Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Capitaland [Giving through Regional Partnerships]
-
Dr Gerard Chung, Associate Professor (National University of Singapore) [Technology x Social Service]
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Navigating Complexities: A Global Showdown!
To close learning gaps and boost school success.
Navigating Complexities: A Global Showdown!
To close learning gaps and boost school success.
Navigating Complexities: A Global Showdown!
To close learning gaps and boost school success.
Navigating Complexities: A Global Showdown!
To close learning gaps and boost school success.
Community showcases
Explore booths by partners working across the children and youth sector.
Youth-led experiences
Take part in hands-on activities led by youths—creating opportunities for connection and shared learning.
Wellness spaces
Pause and recharge with mental wellness activities designed to support your well-being.
Beyond the Sessions
Programme Details
9.00 am
Arrival of Guest of Honour – Minister Desmond Lee, Minister for Education and Minister-in-Charge for Social Services Integration
9.15 am
Opening Address by Guest of Honour,
Minister Desmond Lee,
Minister for Education and Minister-in-Charge of Social Services Integration
9.3 am
Keynote by Prof Dave Snowden, Founder & Chief Scientific Officer, Cynefin Co. and Cynefin Centre
Topic: Harnessing complexities for social good - Application of complexity science
In this keynote, Prof Dave Snowden, creator of the Cynefin® framework, will explore how complexity science can be applied to social good and social services. He will define what complex needs look like at a global level and discuss their implications for children and youth work. Participants will gain practical insights on how agencies can design adaptive responses, foster collaboration, and build resilience in the face of complexity.
10.30
Tea Break
11.00 am
Plenary Session (1)
“Navigating Complexities: A Global Showdown!”
Over the years, various approaches to tackle complex issues have been practiced globally. Is there one that stands out and works better than the others? Who would emerge victorious? Watch this battle unfold, as global renowned agencies come together to share about the approach that they utilize in their professional work with children and youth.
Moderator: Assoc Prof Peace Wong, National University of Singapore Proposed Panellists:
-
SHINE Children and Youth Services [Representing Singapore]
-
Hong Kong Playground Association [Representing Hong Kong]
-
Tamarack Institute [Representing Canada] – to be confirmed
-
Cynefin Co and Cynefin Centre [Making Sense of Complexity]
12.30 pm
Lunch
1.30 pm
Workshop 1-A
By Hong Kong Playground Association
Workshop 1-B
ByCynefin Co and Cynefin Centre
Workshop 1-C
By Mark Macgowen?
Workshop 1-D
Based on abstracts selected.
Workshop 1-E
Based on abstracts selected.
3.00 pm
Tea Break
3.30 pm
Workshop 2-A
By Tamarack Institute (to be confirmed)
Workshop 2-B
By SHINE Children and Youth Services
Workshop 2-C
By Cynefin Co
and Cynefin Centre
Workshop 2-D
Based on abstracts selected.
Workshop 2-E
Based on abstracts selected.
5.00 pm
Consolidation & Reflection Activity
5.30 pm
End of Day 1
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Post Conference Learning Experience
Participants will have the opportunity to opt into a curated post-conference experience designed to offer a closer look at Singapore’s social service landscape.
This guided programme will include visits and sharing sessions with selected organisations, to provide insights into local practices, service models, and cross-sector collaborations in supporting children and youth.
As spots are limited, this experience is best suited for participants who are curious about and may benefit from deeper exposure to Singapore’s context and what the local social service landscape is like.
Transportation for the learning experience and programme coordination will be arranged.
More details, including registration, will be shared closer to the conference dates.
Speakers
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Speaker
Wei Jie Tan
Implementing evidence-based intervention strategies for families navigating complex socio-economic challenges.
Lead Caseworker
Read More
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Speaker
Mei Ling Goh
Driving community-wide awareness campaigns to break the stigma surrounding youth mental health.
Advocacy Lead
Read More
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Speaker
Sarah Ng
Building collaborative ecosystems between private donors and social purpose organizations to maximize social mobility.
Head of Partnerships
Read More
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Speaker
Dr. Chloe Tan
Integrating inclusive learning frameworks to support children with diverse educational needs in schools.
Educational Psychologist
Read More
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Speaker
Rajan Subramaniam
Bridging the gap between data and actionable mental health support for Singaporean youth.
Director, Policy & Research
Read More
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Moderator
Lin Wei Ting
Facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues to strengthen youth resilience across community networks.
Principal Social Worker
Read More
Overseas Participants
Who needs a visa?
Most nationalities enjoy visa-free entry for short social visits to Singapore.
How to check?
Use the official ICA Visa Requirement tool to input your nationality and confirm if you need an entry permit.
Application
If required, apply for an Entry Visa online via an authorized visa agent or through a local contact.
SG Arrival Card (SGAC)
All visitors must submit an SGAC declaration online within 3 days prior to arrival.
Passport Validity
Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Singapore.
Stay Duration
Ensure you confirm your permitted stay period with the immigration officer upon arrival.
Nearest Airport
Changi Airport (SIN) is the primary gateway and is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world.
Getting to the City
Taxi/Ride-hailing: Available 24/7 at all terminals (Grab is the recommended app).
MRT (Train): The most cost-effective way to travel; follow "Train to City" signs at Terminal 2 and 3.Arrival Info
Upon landing, follow the "Arrivals/Immigration" signs. Have your passport and digital SGAC confirmation ready for a smooth experience.
Standard Options
Hotel Grand Central
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~200m away (~2-3 min walk) from the conference venue
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One of the more affordable Orchard options
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Good reviews for its location and convenience
YMCA @ One Orchard
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~500m away (~6–7 min walk) from the conference venue
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Clean, simple rooms
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Popular among travellers who prioritise value and centrality
YWCA Fort Canning Lodge
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~600–700m away (~8 min walk) from the conference venue
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Simple, value-based accommodation with a reputation for reliability
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Good option for tighter budgets
Enhanced Options
Holiday Inn Express Singapore Orchard City Centre
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~200m away (~2–3 min walk) from the conference venue
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Very convenient, modern amenities
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Good reviews across platforms for reliability and service
Voco Orchard Singapore
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~700–800m away (~10 min walk) from the conference venue
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Premium feel and more up-to-date amenities
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Well-reviewed for comfort and service
Ji Hotel Orchard Singapore
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~500–600m away (~7min walk) from the conference venue
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Newer, clean, minimalist rooms with decent amenities
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Positive reviews for location, convenience and comfort
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Submitted Abstracts
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What’s Your Email and Contact Number?
Attendance Days
Join Us at
ICCY 2026
Secure your spot and be part of this international exchange
For enquiries, please contact us via
Partners and Supporters
The People of SHINE
Dedicated Professionals Supporting Children
Youth, and Families
At the heart of SHINE is a multidisciplinary team of social workers, psychologists, counsellors, educators, and leaders who share a deep commitment to safeguarding and empowering children and youth.
