In response to the call of my mentor, the late Professor Bernard Spodek, Founder of the Pacific Early Childhood Education Research Association (PECERA), to establish regional associations serving the interests of young children, the Hong Kong chapter of PECERA was established in 2006. My heart is filled with gratitude whenever I look back on the history of PECERA (Hong Kong), and the immense support and contributions from so many individuals and institutions, who have shared Professor Spodek’s pioneering vision and mission. Since the 2007 PECERA International Annual Conference hosted by PECERA (Hong Kong), we have grown from strength to strength, as a uniquely positioned platform for creative collaboration and knowledge transfer between researchers, policy makers, educators, social workers and other stakeholders in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) sector, including parents and caregivers. Apart from public seminar series and other forms of community engagement and education, PECERA (Hong Kong) introduced world-renowned international benchmarks of quality to Hong Kong and the Greater China region by translating and publishing the Traditional and Simplified Chinese versions of the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales (the ECERS-R, ECERS-E, and ITERS-R) firstly in 2014, and began promoting the use of these tools for self-evaluation and self-improvement in Kindergartens and Child Care Centres. Nothing is more rewarding than getting across the message about the critical importance of ECE, and the enduring impact of high quality ECE provision, whether for individuals, families, communities, or nations. It is also encouraging to see passion and confidence grow in ECE teachers and leaders, who are increasingly recognized for their professionalism and expertise, and further empowered by research-informed and evidence-based practices. As a veteran of the ECE field in Hong Kong, I am truly honoured to have served as the Founding President of PECERA (Hong Kong), and delighted to be succeeded most capably by Dr Maria Lee. Facing the world characterised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, we have an ever-greater responsibility to provide our young children with the best start in life, and advocating for quality ECE will always be an ongoing mission. This never-ending but incredibly significant work requires our collective wisdom, perseverance, and collaboration, and knowing the PECERA (Hong Kong) leadership and wider community, I have high hopes for our future.