World Forum Study Tour: Malaysia


October 17-19, 2023
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Join World Forum Foundation on our newest global adventure: World Forum Study Tours. Our destination in 2023 is Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Join other early childhood professionals for an immersive ECD experience to see innovation and inspiration through a three-day tour of a diverse group of early childhood centers and programs in Malaysia. Onsite visits will be coupled with group discussions on recent successes and current challenges facing the ECD community in Malaysia and the region. This is a chance to build your network of friends from around the world, experience a taste of the vibrant Malaysian culture and take away new ideas for ECD program implementation and community impact.

On our transformative study tour, we will delve into the most pressing topics in early childhood education today. Our tour is designed to provide you with valuable insights and experiences that will elevate your expertise and enhance your ability to create meaningful change. Here’s why this study tour is a must attend for professionals in the early years field:

Comprehensive Exploration: Our tour covers a diverse range of topics, from the integration of children with all abilities to the profound impact of outdoor learning and nature-inspired education.

Refugee Education and Equity: Learn about the challenges faced by refugee children and the critical importance of providing quality education for all, regardless of their background. Understand how equity and inclusion can be promoted to ensure every child receives the opportunities they deserve.

Insights into Global Warming: Gain a deep understanding of the environmental challenges the world is facing, and how early childhood education can play a pivotal role in nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious and responsible citizens.

Embracing Artificial Intelligence: Discover the potential of AI in early childhood education, from personalized learning experiences to innovative teaching methodologies. Understand how AI can complement and enhance your pedagogical approaches.

Government Preschool Excellence: Explore a government preschool that sets the stage for ‘zero reject policy’ and a standard national curriculum in place.

Empowering Children’s Rights: Delve into the fundamental rights of children, understanding how early education can promote a strong foundation for a just and compassionate society.

This study tour will not only provide you with invaluable knowledge and insights but also offer a unique platform for networking and cross-cultural exchange. Collaborate with like-minded professionals from around the world, sharing your experiences and expertise, and forging lasting connections.

STUDY TOUR SPOTLIGHTS

Inclusive Outdoor Classroom (IOC)

IOC serves as the local host organization for the 2023 World Study Tour in Malaysia. In additional to providing leadership and coordination in the planning of the Study Tour, IOC will host one of the onsite visits during the Study Tour. IOC is a community-based inclusive program for children with disabilities and their families and serves as a model of community collaboration and volunteer engagement.

https://www.facebook.com/inclusiveoutdoorclass

Dignity for Children Foundation

Dignity for Children Foundation is a non-governmental organization that provides holistic care and education for urban poor children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Their work began in 1998 in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur with only 20 students then. Dignity is now a learning centre with more than 2,300 children (from over 25 nationalities) ranging from 2-19 years old.

https://dignityforchildren.org/

Blooming Tots House

Founded in 2006 by two very passionate early childhood educators, Blooming Tots House is a Montessori-based learning center with an engaging outdoor environment that is integrated into learning in this “farm in the city” school.

https://bloomingtotshouse.com.my/

TOY8 SCREENING

The TOY8 SCREENING, created by a former Nintendo game designer, utilizes AI to democratize developmental assessments for preschoolers through smartphones. This innovative tool assesses children’s play activities to gain insights into their unique characteristics and strengths, highlighting the importance of screening preschool children for their holistic development.

PURCHASE A STUDY TOUR T-SHIRT
*Available for pick-up onsite only*

PURCHASE MY SHIRT

Order Deadline: October 5, 2023. After this date, we will not be able to accommodate t-shirt orders.

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS FOR HOSTING A 2023 STUDY TOUR CENTER

EXPERIENCE A “SLICE OF MALAYSIA”

As part of the Study Tour, participants will visit the world famous Batu Caves and also explore the vibrant downtown KLCC area with abundant dining and shopping opportunities. This cultural tour experience will occur on Tuesday afternoon to experience a taste of the history and culture of the Selangor state and Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur.

SCHEDULE

We will start early each day in centers while children are the most active. The afternoons will involve vibrant discussions with tour participants to discuss the themes of the week and to share learnings from the week.

Monday, October 16, 2023 – Travel Day

7:00-8:30 PM | Registration Open at Dorsett Grand Subang Hotel

Tuesday, October 17, 2023 – Tour Day #1

6:45-7:15 AM | Registration Open at Dorsett Grand Subang Hotel

7:30 AM | Buses depart from Dorsett Grand Subang Hotel

8:15-9:45 AM | Onsite Visit Center #1

10:45 AM-12:00 PM | Onsite Visit to Center #2

12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch, sponsored by MITEC

2:30-4:30 PM | Group Discussion, Sharing and Brainstorming Session at Gardens Mall

TBD | Visit to Batu Caves and downtown at KLCC

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 – Tour Day #2

7:30 AM | Buses depart from Dorsett Grand Subang Hotel

8:15-10:00 AM | Onsite Visit Center #3

10:30 AM-12:30 PM | Group Discussion, Sharing and Brainstorming Session

12:30-1:30 PM | Lunch

2:30-5:00 PM | Onsite Visit Center #4 and Welcome Tea

Thursday, October 19, 2023 – Tour Day #3

7:30 AM | Buses depart from Dorsett Grand Subang Hotel

8:00-9:30 AM | Onsite Visit Center #5

10:15 AM-11:30 AM | Onsite Visit to Center #6

12:30-3:30 PM | Lunch & closing study tour session

REGISTRATION FEES & CANCELLATION POLICY

Your registration fee is based on the Gross Domestic Product per capita of your country of residence. Organized into regions on the registration form, your region will auto-populate once you select your country of residence. Your registration fee includes 6 center visits, 3 lunches, 1 afternoon tea, transportation to all center visits, and sightseeing to Batu Caves and KLCC.

Region 1
$450 USD

Region 2
$352 USD

Region 3
$195 USD

Malaysia Delegates
$150 USD

Delegates residing outside of Malaysia, please register and make payment through the World Forum Foundation website by clicking the button below.

International Delegates Register Here

Malaysia delegates, please register and make payment through the Inclusive Outdoor Classroom website by clicking the button below.

Malaysia Delegates Register Here

Notice of cancellation must be submitted in writing to [email protected]. Registrations canceled prior to September 17th, 2023 will be refunded, less a USD 20% service fee. Registrations canceled after September 17th, 2023 will be issued a registration credit, less a $30 USD service fee, to be used within 24 months from the start date of the World Forum event that you requested cancelation for. For example, if you cancel your registration for the Study Tour, you will receive a registration credit, less the $30 USD service fee, to use for a future World Forum Study Tour, the 2024 World Forum in Vancouver, or any World Forum event that may take place in the next 24 months. The credit expires if not used within 24 months.

HOTEL INFORMATION

The recommended hotel for the tour is the Dorsett Grand Subang Hotel. Study tour buses will be picking up and dropping off Study Tour participants from the hotel. This hotel is centrally located for the Study Tour activities and destinations in Subang Jaya (just outside of Kuala Lumpur). All rooms have one queen bed and a daily buffet breakfast included for the cost of MYR 230 ($50.90 USD) per night.

BOOK MY ROOM

FELLOWSHIPS & SPONSORSHIPS

World Forum Foundation is seeking additional sponsors for the Study Tour in Malaysia. If you would like to help support individuals to attend or sponsor the event itself, please reach out to [email protected]. If you would like to apply for fellowship funding to help support your attendance at the Study Tour in Malaysia if funds become available, please reach out to [email protected].