On 27 March 2025, the Yew Chung Yew Wah (YCYW) Education Network hosted a significant international educational exchange event. A delegation from Teachers College, Columbia University, in New York City, visited the Yew Chung International School of Hong Kong (YCIS Hong Kong) for discussions with teachers and students. The visit deepened mutual understanding between YCYW and Teachers College, Columbia University, and established the basis for future cooperation.

Teachers College, Columbia University is the first and most comprehensive graduate school of education, health, and psychology in the United States. Fields such as educational psychology, nursing education, nutrition education, special education, conflict resolution, and spirituality and education were created at Teachers College. The College has had a major impact on global educational development, as well as significant influence on the history of modern education in China. Renowned Chinese educators, such as Mr Tao Xingzhi and Mr Chen Heqin, the "father of Chinese early childhood education", studied at Teachers College. In the early 20th century, after completing their studies in the United States, they returned to China and dedicated themselves to advancing the nation through education.

During the same historical period, Madam Tsang Chor-hang, the founder of YCYW, also committed herself to education. Driven by the mission of "Honouring China," she co-founded the Yew Wah School in Hong Kong, China, in 1927. During a time of poverty and weakness, the school faced significant challenges. After all partners departed, Madam Tsang Chor-hang, driven by her deep historical responsibility to advance education for the nation, persevered in running the school alone for five years. In 1932, she renamed the school Yew Chung. During nearly a century of development, YCYW has emerged as a leading education network in various areas of international education, consistently integrating Chinese and Western educational philosophies while continually innovating in the field of international education. The unique Yew Chung Approach to Early Childhood Education combines traditional Chinese Confucianism with progressive Western education theories represented by John Dewey, who taught at Teachers College, Columbia University. Such connections foster a profound relationship between the two institutions of educational practice.

The visiting delegation included: Ms Roberta Albert, Vice President (Institutional Advancement) at Teachers College, Columbia University; Ms Edith Shih, Trustee; Dr Henan Cheng, Executive Director of Center on Chinese Education; and Ms Kerry Donohue, Director of Donor Relations and Special Events. The reception team from YCYW was led by Dr Esther Chan, Deputy CEO (K-12 Education) and an alumna of Teachers College, Columbia University; and Dr Lydia Chan, Deputy CEO (Higher Education) and Council Chairperson of YCCECE. Leaders from core departments of YCYW, including the Curriculum and Professional Development Division (CPDD), the Careers and University Guidance Office (CUGO), and the EdFutures Division, also participated.

The delegation from the Teachers College learned about the Yew Chung Approach to Early Childhood Education, and the significant achievements of CPDD, which is led by Dr Troy Lui Tsz-tak. These achievements include the YCYW bilingual education programme, the whole-book bilingual reading initiative, the unique Chinese curriculum, and the self-developed adaptive online assessment system for Chinese language learning, as well as the application of AI technology for teaching and learning. In addition, Mr John Liu, who is an alumnus of Teachers College, introduced the delegation to the work of CUGO, including its guidance of YCYW students in regard to their further studies in the United States and elsewhere.

The delegation visited the innovative learning space, and the Heritage Museum, which vividly presents the history and culture of YCYW. Students enthusiastically showed the activities of the bilingual learning community to the delegation and shared their personal exploratory learning experiences in this environment.

The delegation was very impressed by the outstanding YCIS Hong Kong students, particularly their confidence and deep engagement with their education. The members of the delegation raised numerous teaching-related questions during their discussions with the students and faculty. They also showed great interest in how YCYW supports diverse learners of varying cultural backgrounds and linguistic capabilities. The delegation expressed high regard for the dedication and professional expertise of the YCYW teachers, and acknowledged their significant contributions, including their role in fostering continual innovation in international education. The EdFutures Division explained various research and innovation programmes undertaken by students, highlighting YCYW's commitment to a comprehensive, future-oriented educational philosophy.

Dr Lydia Chan also introduced the latest programmes from YCCECE, especially the recently-launched postgraduate programme. This exchange was of great significance. It marks a new chapter in the relationship between Teachers College, Columbia University, and YCYW, fostering mutual understanding, enhancing communication, and paving the way for future collaboration to advance and innovate the field of education.