Welcome to the 2nd Developmental Paediatrics Conference (DPC) 2026, hosted by the Department of Child Development, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH).

 

This gathering brings together a diverse community of clinicians, allied health professionals, educators, researchers, and partners from across the region, united by a shared commitment to improving the developmental and mental health outcomes of children and their families.

 

This year’s theme - “From awareness to action: Fostering resilience and positive mental health in children and families” - reflects the growing recognition that identifying developmental and emotional health concerns is a critical first step in promoting mental health and in supporting children and families effectively. With increasing numbers of children presenting with a wide spectrum of developmental, behavioural, and mental health concerns, it is also imperative that we move beyond awareness towards coordinated, timely, and strengths-based responses that empower both children and the adults who support them.

 

Resilience is nurtured not in isolation, but through supportive relationships and enabling environments. As such, the field of developmental paediatrics increasingly involves collaboration which transcends traditional boundaries—linking medical care with early childhood settings, schools, community agencies, and families themselves. This conference offers a space to reflect on how we can collectively build systems that promote wellbeing, reduce barriers to access, and enable children and their families to participate meaningfully in everyday life.

 

The scientific programme features local and international experts whose work spans critical work in determining developmental pathways and long-term trajectories, mental health promotion, family resilience, community partnerships, and innovative models of care delivery. For the first time, we will also be offering two pre-conference workshops designed to build the capabilities of community partners working with vulnerable children and families and to address key considerations for caregivers experiencing mental health concerns.

 

We trust that that the discussions and connections fostered through this conference will inspire new perspectives, promote and strengthen collaborations and our collective commitment to advance developmental and mental health support for children and families.
 

We wish you a meaningful and enriching conference experience.