Prof Liu, Psychological Studies and MERL, NIE

Thank you, Minister Lee, for being the GOH for RPIC2026 and sharing your words of wisdom.

It was a joy and an honour to welcome Minister Desmond Lee to NIE - the Heart of Education.

We are proud to mark a milestone at the National Institute of Education with the gift signing between Nanyang Technological University, Singapore and Hwa Chong International School (HCIS).

The new HCIS – Tooh Fee San Distinguished Professorship in Education and AI, supported by a $5M gift, will drive interdisciplinary research, strengthen AI literacy, and translate innovations into real-world impact through close partnerships with schools.

Honouring the legacy of Tooh Fee San, this initiative strengthens NIE’s role in shaping the future of AI-enabled education.

In a recent Straits Times feature, I shared a perspective that is close to my heart: motivation in children is not about constant supervision or pressure, but about nurturing the conditions that allow it to grow.

Every child is different. Some need reassurance, others structure, and some thrive when given more autonomy. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, understanding the child is where it begins.

Drawing on the Self-Determination Theory, we know that children are more likely to become self-motivated when three basic psychological needs are met: competence, autonomy, and relatedness. When they feel capable, have a sense of choice, and feel supported, they begin to take ownership of their learning.

As parents and educators, our role is not to control every step, but to guide, support, and create space for children to discover meaning in what they do.

Perhaps the question is not “How do we get children to study?”, but “How do we help them see learning as their own journey?”

Read the article at https://www.ntu.edu.sg/nie/news-events/news/detail/how-to-nurture-a-self-motivated-child

How to nurture a self-motivated child? Research shows that such kids have three basic psychological needs met: competence, autonomy and relatedness

Thank you, colleagues, students and alumni! Way to go TeamNIE! ❤️ See you next year!

That’s a wrap on Best Foot Forward 2026 💗👟

Thank you for being part of and for making every step, run, and ride count towards a meaningful cause.

We look forward to seeing you at the next run 💫

The American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting 2026 has been a valuable platform for dialogue, connection, and renewed purpose in advancing education research globally.

This year’s conversations highlighted important shifts, from the growing influence of AI in education to the need for research that is both rigorous and responsive to real-world challenges. Particularly compelling were discussions on the future of teacher education, and how we can better prepare and support educators in an increasingly complex landscape.

A key highlight for the NIE was our breakfast reception, where we had the pleasure of bringing together partners, colleagues, and friends. Thank you to everyone who joined us, your presence made the gathering especially meaningful and energising. We were also pleased to mark the launch of the Professorships Summit book during the reception, a fitting finale to our NIE75 celebrations and a reflection of our shared journey and aspirations. A copy of the ebook can be found here: https://ebook.ntu.edu.sg/nie75-professorships-summit

We look forward to building on these connections and strengthening collaborations in the months ahead.

We’re just one day away! ✨

Join us tomorrow to spark bold ideas and co-create new possibilities for education research at the NIE NTU Singapore AERA 2026 Breakfast Reception.

📅 Friday, 10 April 2026
⏰ 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, 5th Floor, Wilshire Grand Ballroom II

Connect with our faculty, exchange insights, and explore opportunities to collaborate. We look forward to seeing you there.

More details: https://www.ntu.edu.sg/nie/aera

Join us at the AERA 2026 Annual Meeting in Los Angeles (8–12 April 2026)! 🎓✨

Our esteemed colleagues will be leading insightful sessions. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with experts, exchange ideas, and deepen your understanding of education’s diverse landscape.

See you there!

Details of our colleagues' sessions can be found here: https://www.ntu.edu.sg/nie/aera/paper-presentation-at-aera