Under the guidance of Jackson Seow, the teachers explored the kind of working environment and educational vision they aspire to create through their artwork. The photo shows the teachers posing with their completed pieces. (Photo by Tan Ley See)
On 12 September 2025, three centres from Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool held their 3rd Professional Development Day. Educators from each centre came together for a day of learning filled with inspiration and meaningful reflection, guided by two speakers, Mr. Jackson Seow and Mr. Jason Zeck Lee. Both brought professional expertise and heartfelt passion, eager to give back to society while supporting educators in continuously growing their practice.
Rediscovering Your Purpose · Rekindling the Passion for Education
The programme combined active participation with reflective activities, creating an interactive and engaging learning environment. Educators were guided through questions that encouraged them to revisit the reasons they chose a career in early childhood education, reflecting on the deeper purpose behind their work. Laughter and lively dialogue filled the sessions, allowing educators to self-reflect in a warm, supportive atmosphere.
The morning session, led by Jackson Seow, began with stories from his own journey, expressing gratitude for how education transformed his life. Today, he hopes to give back by sharing his expertise. Drawing on his 20 years of experience in both Singapore’s primary and preschool education sectors, he sparked reflection on the evolving social landscape of childhood. He highlighted the impact of smartphones, social media, and, more recently, Artificial Intelligence (AI), describing this shift as the “Great Rewiring of Childhood” and its influence on children from Gen Z and Gen Alpha (our children today). These changes make it increasingly important, and challenging, for Tzu Chi educators to lead values-based education for young children today.
Jackson Seow shared his journey of growth and learning with the teachers. He deeply understands that, in order to transform his family’s circumstances, education and learning were the paths he could strive for. (Photo by Win Moh Moh Han)
In the afternoon, Jason Zeck Lee travelled from Malaysia to Singapore to support the educators’ professional growth. Drawing on his background in psychology, he posed thought-provoking questions to help educators reconnect with their initial motivation for joining the profession. He emphasised that early childhood education goes beyond routine care. Every interaction is an opportunity to connect with children and nurture their emotional and social development.
Jason Zeck Lee interacting with the teachers in a lively and engaging manner, guiding them to rediscover their original motivation for joining the early childhood education field through thought-provoking questions. (Photo by Au Foong Yee)
Teamwork · Shaping Culture Together
In another activity, Jackson Seow invited educators to reflect on questions such as: “How do we want to work?” and “How do we want to connect?”
Educators discussed ways to live out humanistic values in interactions with children, colleagues, and stakeholders. The final discussions were captured in finger/palm-print artworks that anchored each centre’s “Quality Promises.”
It was inspiring to observe the diversity of approaches. Some teams carefully planned every step, while others flowed and adapted along the way. Both approaches, however, achieved the same outcome: shaping a shared philosophy of the impact educators have on children.
This activity also prompted reflection with questions such as: “Why did I choose early childhood education?” and “Why did I choose to teach in Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool?”
Each artwork told a unique story, echoing Jason Zeck Lee’s reminder that if an educator’s story does not reflect a commitment to nurturing the next generation, it may be time to reconsider whether their current work aligns with their life purpose.
The teachers engaging in self-reflection as they answer the questions. (Photo by Win Moh Moh Han)
This professional development day was not just about learning new skills. Rather, it was about co-creating culture. As Jackson Seow shared: “The culture of a centre is not built overnight, nor is it decided solely by the leaders. It is shaped by the fingerprints and handprints of everyone.”
Living Humanistic Values · Teaching by Example
A touching moment came when Jackson Seow noticed educators bringing their own reusable lunchboxes and enjoying simple meals together. While this may seem ordinary to Tzu Chi educators, it left a deep impression on him.
He reflected: “This showed me that Tzu Chi’s humanistic values are already part of your daily lives, and it inspires me to learn and follow your example.”
The preschool educators and the two speakers posed for a group photo. Seated in the front row (from left): Speaker Jason Zeck Lee, Head of Education Development Department, Tai Nyeok Moi, and Speaker Jackson Seow. (Photo by Tan Ley See)
This professional development not only helped teachers reconnect with their original purpose but also strengthened team cohesion. More importantly, it served as a reminder that education is a mission, not merely a job. Only by embodying Tzu Chi’s humanistic values in everyday actions can educators truly accompany children on a path of holistic growth, guided by love and care.
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