AFCC Opening Keynote: Discovering the Power of Children’s Literature
PanelAngela Newby, Eugene Evasco, Tanya Lloyd Kyi | Moderator: Sadie-Jane Huff
In today’s VUCA world—where war, climate change-induced natural disasters, book bans, and the impact of AI are reshaping lives and perceptions—the importance of children's literature has never been more vital. As both a mirror reflecting the complexities of our times and a beacon guiding young minds toward hope and understanding, children's books hold the unique ability to spark imagination, nurture empathy, and inspire action.
This keynote will explore the enduring power of children’s books as tools for cultivating resilience and empowering young readers to navigate an ever-changing landscape. It will delve into the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation in the storymaking process and address the critical role children’s stories play in meeting the evolving needs of young readers in an increasingly interconnected yet unfamiliar world.
Words that Change the World by Tanya Lloyd Kyi
Award-winning author Tanya Lloyd Kyi believes that writing for children has the power to shape their worldview for years to come. She emphasizes that by focusing on agency, writers can do more than simply inspire young readers to become active and informed citizens. She suggests that teachers, parents, librarians, and book creators can also uncover new possibilities for themselves in the process.
Future of Literacy: Powering AI with a Human Touch by Angela Newby
Technology educator Angela Newby explores how AI can support literacy development while maintaining essential human skills. She provides practical insights on leveraging AI tools to create engaging and personalized learning experiences that enhance, rather than replace, human connection, critical thinking, and the joy of learning.
Unlocking Worlds, One Word at a Time by Eugene Evasco
Translating for young readers is more than just words—it’s about opening doors. In this keynote, children's story writer, translator, editor and academic, Dr Eugene Y. Evasco, will share insights from two decades of translating children’s books, folktales, and classics into Filipino. He will explore how translation nurtures language, revitalizes culture, and empowers children to read, dream, and think in their mother tongue.
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Angela Newby (Singapore)
Angela has over 20 years of experience as a technology educator and leader in international schools across Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Cairo. She is the Head of Digital Learning for K-12 at UWCSEA East campus here in Singapore. Committed to lifelong learning, Angela is deeply exploring the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. She believes in a shared journey of discovery and growth for educators and students alike. Her focus is on not only harnessing the potential of AI in the learning process but also thoughtfully examining its impact and ethical considerations. She emphasises the importance of developing essential human skills alongside technological advancements. Angela is dedicated to empowering both educators and students, advocating for a human-centered approach to AI literacy that prioritizes ethics, digital citizenship, and the preservation of core human values in an increasingly tech-driven world.
Eugene Evasco (Philippines)
Eugene Y. Evasco is a writer, editor, translator, and collector of children’s books. He is currently a Full Professor at the UP College of Arts and Letters. Some of his new books at Lampara are Ang Nag-iisa at Natatanging si Onyok, Ang Singsing-Pari sa Pisara, Ang Beybi naming Mamaw, and the Filipino translation of Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. In 2014, he won the UP Gawad sa Natatanging Publikasyon sa Filipino (Malikhaing Pagsulat category). He became a part of the Hall of Fame of the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature in 2009 and is currently a Fellow of the UP Institute of Creative Writing. He was accepted as a Research Fellow to the International Youth Library in Munich, Germany.
Tanya Lloyd Kyi (Canada)
Tanya Lloyd Kyi is the author of more than thirty books for children and young adults. Tanya has worked in the past as a graphic designer, an editor and a dishwasher. (She considers herself entirely qualified for that last one.) Her favourite color is blue, her favourite food is cheese and her favourite book is A Wrinkle in Time. Tanya teaches at the UBC School of Creative Writing in Vancouver, BC.
Moderator Sadie-Jane Huff (Singapore)
Dr Sadie-Jane Huff is the Wordsmith Extraordinaire at Superlative She—where she transforms words from mundane to magnificent. The powerhouse speaker, facilitator, and emcee with local and global presence is a fierce advocate for reading and a bonafide Book Fairy.
With a quill in one hand and all formats of books in the other, Dr Huff is ready to tackle the world by bringing stories to life. Follow her: @theSgTrekkieReads
Programme dates and times are subject to change.