Mataram, Universitas Mataram – Universitas Mataram Teacher Training and Education Faculty (FKIP Unram) held the Annual Conference on Early Childhood Care Education and Parenting or abbreviated as ACECEP (Annual Conference on Early Childhood Education and Parenting-ed) at the Aruna Hotel, Senggigi for 3 days from August 30, 2022 – September 1, 2022.

This international conference was held as a form of commitment from the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center for Early Childhood Care & Education and Parenting (SEAMEO CECCEP) with the University of Mataram, to ensure quality education, specifically in the field of Early Childhood Education (PAUD) and child care. in the post-pandemic era.

This international conference also brought together experts from all sectors to gather best practices related to PAUD and childcare. It was intended to redefine learning strategies in the post-pandemic era and to create further discussion among education practitioners.

Governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province, Dr. H. Zulkieflimansyah, S.E., M.Sc. in his speech said that this international conference is not only a place for publication of papers but also as a forum for sharing experiences of resource persons related to strategies and ways of educating early childhood.

“All participants, professors, who come from New Zealand, Singapore, Cambodia, and other countries should discuss and share experiences related to the idea of ​​communicating how to teach early childhood and educate,” said the Governor of NTB Province.

Rector of Unram, Prof. Ir. Bambang Hari Kusumo, M.Agr.St., Ph.D. also explain how important PAUD is in the development of children.

“In Chicago, children’s education also contributes to students in their adulthood. Where good children’s education will reduce the risk of heart disease, and increase social involvement, as well as promote long life health, “explained the Chancellor of Unram.

He also shared his experience while studying in New Zealand. The teachers of their children said they were not worried when their students failed at math, science, or English. But what the teachers worry about is when their students exhibit immoral behavior such as bullying or theft.

Prof. Bambang emphasized that in the process of early childhood education instills moral values, honesty, responsibility, and discipline. Because childhood is a time of character building and he hopes that through good education, good character of the nation’s children will also be created.

Furthermore, the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia (Dikbud Ristek RI), Nadiem Anwar Makarim, B.A., M.B.A. also gave his speech.

“Currently we are prioritizing the Quality PAUD program to encourage holistic and integrative PAUD unit services, namely improving the quality of learning and meeting the essential needs of students involving collaboration between schools and parents,” Mr. Minister explained.

He also added that the PAUD learning process should be fun for children. “We believe that learning must be fun so that our children will continue to love the learning process and eventually become lifelong learners,” said the Minister of Education and Culture, Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia in his opening video.

The core speakers in ACECEP include Nadiem Anwar Makarim, B.A., M.B.A. Minister of Education and Culture, Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia; Prof. Vina Adriany, M.Ed., Ph.D. as Director of SEAMEO CECCEP; Caroline Seng of Professional Development, Standards and Regulations Agency, Early Childhood Development, Singapore; Prof. Marek Tesar, Ph.D. from Auckland University, New Zealand; and H.E. Mr. Prak Kosal as Deputy Secretary General of NC-ECCD Director of Early Childhood Education Department, Cambodia.