The HEAD Foundation

09/10/2026

🇰🇭 Cambodia has centuries of civilisational wisdom. 🇸🇬 Singapore has built a reputation for innovation and institutional excellence. What can they learn from each other?

H.E. Professor Dr Chhem Kieth Rethy, Senior Minister of the Royal Government of Cambodia, explores why the future of Southeast Asia may depend on bringing the two together — combining progress with patience, innovation with tradition, and technology with humanity. 🌏

As AI and technology become increasingly powerful, he leaves us with an important question: Are we becoming smarter… but not wiser?

▶️ Visit The HEAD Foundation YouTube channel for the full speech.

05/10/2026

A big thank you to Global School Leaders and Nomura for inviting The HEAD Foundation to be a part of your Regional Dialogue on Strengthening Leadership in Early Childhood Education on 30 September.

It was a wonderful learning opportunity for us to meet, listen and discuss with peers involved in early childhood education development (ECED) across various countries and contexts.

Our thoughtful discussions shed light on the crucial role that school leaders play in bridging the gap between policy design and children’s daily practices. We were reminded that ECED goes beyond education for the child, as their health and nutrition, protection and well-being, and caregiving are deeply interconnected.

Looking forward to continuing these conversations and collaborations across the region.

25/09/2026

DOWNLOAD | 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺?

STEM doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all approach. It can be shaped by the culture, context and needs of the learners it serves.

"STEM Education in Culture and Context: A Handbook for Educators" take inspiration from 4 STEM frameworks, bringing together 14 innovative lesson and curriculum plans, developed by 30 educators and practitioners across 6 countries.

Across two books, educators can explore practical ideas on:
🛜 Micro:bit coding and the Internet of Things
🪾Biodiversity preservation, climate change, and cultivating civic mindedness
💻 Hackathons and modelling solutions
📐Mathematics, cryptography, and geometry
💡Utilising design thinking and campaign advocacy

The handbook offers inspiration for educators looking to make STEM relevant and applicable across different subjects, grade levels and student proficiency levels.

🔗 Download both books under the Making HEADway series for free https://headfoundation.org/2026/06/30/stem-education-in-culture-and-context/

22/09/2026

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗮

The HEAD Foundation, University of Sumatera Utara and the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NIPD, China CDC), have signed a Tripartite Collaborative Agreement on Malaria Resurgence Containment in North Sumatra, Indonesia.

Signed on 21 September 2026 during the 8th Symposium on Surveillance-Response Systems Leading to Tropical Diseases Elimination (SRS8), the agreement establishes a collaborative framework for implementing research and intervention initiatives in North Sumatra.

The issue of malaria was explored by Dr Inke Nadia. D. Lubis, from the Faculty of Medicine at USU, who presented on zoonotic malaria and hidden malaria at the event.

We would like to thank NIPD, China CDC, for also inviting Mr Ho Swee Huat, Chairman of the Board of Directors at The HEAD Foundation, to participate in yesterday's roundtable on “Breaking Barriers and Driving Innovation: Surveillance-Response Systems for Tropical Disease Elimination Amid Global Health Transformation.” During the session, Mr Ho emphasised the importance of engaging local communities and leaders to ensure long-term project sustainability.

We look forward to working with our partners and impacting the local communities in North Sumatra.

📸: NIPD, China CDC

18/09/2026

WATCH | What can 🇰🇭 Cambodia and 🇸🇬 Singapore learn from each other?
In his keynote speech at The HEAD Foundation Conference 2026, H.E. Prof Dr Chhem Kieth Rethy of the Royal Government of Cambodia, explores how Cambodia’s ancient civilisation and enduring resilience can complement Singapore’s strength in innovation and institutions — and what this relationship might teach us about building a more resilient and compassionate Southeast Asia.

Bringing together history, technology, ethics and human flourishing, this is a reflection on what we carry from the past, what we choose to build for the future, and why progress does not have to mean leaving our roots behind.

▶️ Watch the full recording https://youtu.be/7adiYEsl2f8

What can Cambodia and Singapore learn from each other? In his keyno...

11/09/2026

What does it take to create lasting change for healthier, stronger communities?

At The HEAD Foundation Conference 2026, Dr Inke Nadia D. Lubis (Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital), Prof Dr Sok Soth (Royal University of Phnom Penh), and Prof Teo Yik Ying (NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health), together with moderator Emeritus Prof Khoo Hoon Eng (Fellow at The HEAD Foundation), explored the role of stronger community ecosystems.

The session discussed moving beyond top-down interventions, addressing barriers to healthcare access, empowering communities to take ownership, and also using policy and regulation to shape healthier behaviours. Essentially, Ssustainable impact requires local ownership, empowered communities and collaboration across sectors.

Watch this space as we share more key insights from the session.

10/09/2026

What if a country’s progress could be measured by more than just economic growth?🌞

On 8 September, The HEAD Foundation was honoured to welcome Dasho Kesang Deki, Cabinet Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office of the Kingdom of Bhutan, for an engaging lecture and dialogue on Bhutan’s distinctive approach to national development: Gross National Happiness (GNH). 🇧🇹

Coined in the late 1970s by Bhutan’s 4th King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, GNH offers a holistic way of thinking about progress — one that encompasses not only living standards and economic development, but also psychological wellbeing, health, education, culture, community vitality, governance and the environment.

Our thanks to Dasho Kesang Deki for sharing her insights, Dasho Tshering Cigay Dorji, from the Royal Civil Service Commission, for giving his perspective during the dialogue, and Mr Luke Tay, Founder of Cornucopia FutureScapes, for moderating the session. We also thank our guests for joining us in exploring what it means to build societies that people can flourish in.

A recording of the event will be available soon. Stay tuned!

13/08/2026

What helps children thrive in school?

At The HEAD Foundation Conference 2026, presentations and a panel featuring Mr Phann Bunnath (Kampuchea Action to Promote Education), Dr Viengsamay Sengchaleun (NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health), and Dr Judhiastuty Februhartanty (SEAMEO RECFON), moderated by Dr Shenggen Fan (The HEAD Foundation), examined the role of health and nutrition in shaping learning outcomes across Southeast Asia.

The discussion moved beyond a uni-dimensional approach, highlighting how learning is influenced by a mix of health, teaching quality, safety, inclusion, governance and community support. The speakers underscored that sustainable progress depends on coordinated, multi-sector action rather than isolated interventions, bringing up national nutrition policies and community-based programmes.

Stay tuned as we share more insights from the session.

11/08/2026

How can Tuina Therapy continue to grow while staying true to its roots?

At The HEAD Foundation Conference 2026, speakers Dr Brent Bauer (Mayo Clinic), Prof Lim Shih Hui (National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore), and Prof Dr Chen Jiaxu (Jinan University) explored what it will take to advance the profession for the future, together with panel moderator Prof Tay Boon Keng (Singapore General Hospital).

From strengthening the evidence base and embedding professionalism in healthcare profession, to preparing future practitioners through competency-based training and international collaboration, the session highlighted how research, education and professional standards can work together to enhance the credibility, quality and impact of Tuina Therapy.

Watch this space for more of their insights.

06/08/2026

Can AI help healthcare systems do more with less? 🦾

At The HEAD Foundation Conference 2026, Clinical Associate Professor Tan Hiang Khoon, CEO of Singapore General Hospital, explored how artificial intelligence could help Singapore respond to three persistent pressures on its healthcare system: an ageing population, rising costs and workforce shortages.

His presentation considered how AI can support healthcare professionals, improve efficiency and strengthen the system’s ability to meet growing and increasingly complex needs.

Stay tuned as we share highlights from his insights soon.