A group of eight representatives of early childhood educators from Beijing visited Tadika Seri Soka on January 27, 2008. The delegation included the committee member of the Early Childhood Education Commission of Beijing, Zhang Xiaohong; Zhou Yang Early Childhood Education Commission members, Yang Qing (Class leader) and Peng Xingrui (deputy class leader); director of Education Research Centre of Zhou Yang Region, Xu Meilin; manager of Mei Yu Orff Cultural Company, Wang Yingkai; Jin Song Kindergarten of Beijing’s principal Yu Yuanshen and director Luo Deqin, and the managing director of the Mei-Yu Orff Kids Music and Dance International Education Institute, Ceng Cheng.

During their visit, the delegation were briefed on the mission of the kindergarten and concurred with the educational concepts which centred on children’s happiness and a humanistic approach. Through exchange, teachers from both sides hoped that there would be international collaboration to promote children education. In the afternoon, Ceng Cheng organised a workshop of music for young children. Ceng said, “We should not be overly concerned whether our children are gifted or not in music. The most important thing to remember is that music is a long-term investment. Parents should allow children to enjoy music. If children can happily grow up in the midst of music, their future will be open to more possibilities.” This workshop gave parents and teachers much joy and memories of their own childhood days, and enabled them to see music as a human endowment. Ceng said, “Right or wrong are both beautiful!”

On January 28, 2008, the delegation met with the head of the Educational Psychology and Counselling Department, Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, Dr Shahrir Jamaluddin and Prof Dr Mariani Md Nor to discuss the development of early childhood education of both countries. They also talked about the exchange of visits between the two countries and areas of early childhood education research. The meeting witnessed the interest shown by the experts of both countries in early childhood education and their hopes for the future.