Professor Ming Wen Showcases Early Childhood Study at RGC Research Summit
Reinforcing our faculty’s position at the forefront of impactful research, Professor Wen played a key role at the recent RGC Research Summit. The summit was established to amplify Hong Kong’s research endeavours by bridging institutional strengths and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Amidst a gathering of leading researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders, Professor Wen presented a groundbreaking project poised to shape the future of social policy in our city.
Under the summit’s theme of transformative ideas, Professor Wen introduced her Collaborative Research Fund (CRF) project, “Early Childhood Development in Hong Kong: A Longitudinal Study.” She highlighted a critical gap: despite increased government support for early education, Hong Kong has lacked a comprehensive, large-scale database to guide effective policy and research for preschoolers. This project directly addresses that need.
Described as a significant milestone, this multidisciplinary study is the first-ever city-representative longitudinal study of its kind in Hong Kong. The ambitious project will track the holistic development of approximately 3,000 preschoolers across 100 kindergartens for three consecutive years. By analysing children’s development alongside their home environments, the study aims to identify factors that contribute to developmental outcomes and propose strategies for early intervention, especially for children from low-income families.
Professor Wen’s presentation underscored the faculty’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking. The data and insights generated will provide a robust foundation for informing policies on child health, education, and social welfare. Her leadership on this project at such a high-profile summit showcases our dedication to creating knowledge that not only advances scholarship but directly serves and strengthens our community for generations to come.
