Welcome Address from the President of APFG

On behalf of the Asia-Pacific Federation on Giftedness, a warm welcome to all of you attending the 18^th Asia-Pacific Conference on Giftedness in Japan in 2024.

This is a momentous occasion that brings together education scholars, researchers, and practitioners from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond to share latest developments and research in our field. It is also a precious opportunity for us to collectively strive for excellence in education. The theme of “Educational Environments for Transforming Gifted Minds, Lives, and Communities” for the 18^th Asia-Pacific Conference on Giftedness, and “Connecting the World Globally to Ensure a Sustainable and Equitable Future” for the Youth Summit reflects our shared mission in nurturing and developing gifted students with innovative thinking and outstanding capabilities.

The 18^th Asia-Pacific Conference on Giftedness will take place in Takamatsu City, Japan. This is the very first time that Japan is hosting the biennial event.  A pioneer of modernization in East Asia, Japan possesses a rich cultural heritage, and has an advanced educational system, making it an excellent host for the conference. Through this conference, we will have the opportunity to share best practices, advanced concepts, successful experiences, and foster innovation and development in gifted education from different countries and regions. Together, we can explore how to better meet the learning needs of gifted learners, twice-exceptional students and students from culturally diverse backgrounds, and promote the development of gifted education in the Asia-Pacific region.

My deepest appreciation to the conference organizers who have worked hard to provide us this opportunity to reunite and meet face-to-face this year.  Special thanks to all the organizations and individuals who have offered support. Finally, I extend a warm welcome once again to all the guests. I hope this conference serves as a platform for fruitful exchange of knowledge and collaboration, and catalyze enduring networks among educators, contributing to the prosperity and development of gifted education in the Asia-Pacific region. Thank you!

Wishing the conference, a great success!

Greetings from the Organizing Committee Chair of APCG2024/Youth Summit

We are delighted be the hosts in 2024 of the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference on Giftedness (APCG2024) in Japan for the first time. This is the biennial international conference of the Asia-Pacific Federation on Giftedness (APFG).

Under the theme “Educational Environments for Transforming Gifted Minds, Lives, and Communities,” APCG2024 aims to explore innovative educational approaches that nurture gifted individuals. Moreover, the conference will not only serve as a platform for experts but also engage junior high school students from Japan and abroad through a Youth Summit. This segment, themed “Connecting the World Glocally to Ensure a Sustainable and Equitable Future,” emphasizes the crucial role young minds play in shaping a better world.

In a significant stride toward inclusive education, the Central Council for Education of Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) established an advisory board in alignment with their 2021 report, ‘Towards Constructing Japanese-Style School Education in the New Era (Reiwa)’. This initiative focuses on supporting gifted children in specific areas. The advisory board’s 2022 summary unveiled five pivotal action points:

　1) promoting awareness and professional development for understanding gifted and talented children,

　2) diversifying learning opportunities,

　3) promoting understanding of the characteristics of gifted and talented children,

　4) aggregating and facilitating access to out-of-school institutions, and

　5) cataloging practical case examples through empirical research.

Japan’s interest in understanding and supporting gifted children has sparked a nationwide movement. Educators, parents, advocacy groups, and the education industry are now seeking profound insights into nurturing the potential of gifted and talented children. APCG2024, set against the scenic backdrop of the Setouchi area, promises a vibrant discourse. Participants can expect a rich tapestry of ideas, showcasing the latest research and practices from around the world.

Join us in this transformative journey. Let’s craft an educational landscape where individuality shines, fostering a society where diverse talents harmonize and thrive. APCG2024 is not merely a conference; it’s a celebration of possibility, potential, and the power of education to shape a brighter future for all.

Prof. Manabu Sumida
APCG2024 Organizing Committee Chair

Greetings from the Organizing Committee Vice-Chair of APCG2024/Youth Summit

I am Toshihiro Hayashi, Vice-Chairperson of the organization committee of APCG2024/Youth Summit. It is my great pleasure to announce that APCG2024 will be held at Kagawa University’s Saiwai-cho Campus. As a faculty member of our university, I look forward to welcoming many people from all over the world. As the host university, we will provide you with our full support. Kagawa University is a unique regional university with four campuses. The event will be held at the Saiwai-cho Campus, so please make sure you are in the right place. There are many Udon noodle restaurants around the university where you can enjoy Sanuki Udon (Sanuki is old name of Kagawa Prefecture), a typical local food of Kagawa Prefecture. If you have a chance, please try Sanuki Udon. Although the conference will be held in a very hot season, we hope you will consider presenting your research results and participating into this international conference. We are looking forward to seeing you at Kagawa University.

Prof. Toshihiro Hayashi
APCG2024 Organizing Committee Vice-Chair

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I am Kazuyoshi Chiba, and guide students of Youth Summit in conducting exploratory scientific experiments with stuffs of Institute for Science & Education, Ochanomizu University. We developed inquiry-based teaching materials for the Youth Summit and had conducted a rehearsal at pre-youth summit, in which 13 students from Japan had participated.
In the Youth Summit, we will provide two themes: carbon dioxide and sun light, both of which are related to global warming. Under the theme of carbon dioxide, we have prepared sensors to measure the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air. By using the device, students can measure the respiration rates of plants or animals. In the light theme, participants will design and create reflective-type concentrators to develop efficient heating devices. Students are free to choose either theme and explore as they like. We will also conduct activities to collect marine organisms using a beach seine and observe them. On the final day, there will be a presentation session. We are looking forward to having heated discussions about astonishing results and hypotheses.
The Institute for Science & Education’s staffs are preparing to enjoy inquiry activities with talented students from Asia-pacific countries. In addition, we are planning to make a meaningful meeting for the accompanying teachers as well.

Prof. Kazuyoshi Chiba
APCG2024 Organizing Committee Vice-Chair