Bangkok: The first day of the Dream City Brain Skills Development Festival, "EF Builds People," was lively as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) joined forces with partners to enhance executive functions (EF) skills in early childhood. The "Dream City: EF Development" event is taking place at Benjakitti Forest Park Museum from January 22-25, 2026, as part of efforts to promote Bangkok as a world-class kindergarten city.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chatchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, emphasized that Executive Functions (EF), or brain skills, located in the frontal lobe of the brain, are essential for thinking, analysis, emotional control, planning, and problem-solving. These skills are crucial for helping children reach their full potential, forming the foundation of essential life skills for the future. Bangkok and its partners have been supporting teachers and educational personnel in gaining knowledge about EF, based on the belief that a city's future must begin with building a strong foundation for children. Currently, all 429 BMA early childhood education institutions are participating in the EF development system, with 180 institutions receiving full training and collaborating with the Dow-EF partner project and independent BMA-run projects.
Bangkok has also established seven model EF kindergartens as testing bases for learning processes and developing integrated EF-Active Learning lesson plans. Open Classes have been implemented to allow teachers to exchange knowledge and expand initiatives to other educational institutions. Learning opportunities for parents have increased, with teachers guiding and promoting EF skills in daily life, resulting in positive changes in families.
Mr. Wichan Tangkiangsirisin, CEO of Dow Thailand Group, highlighted that the success of organizations and countries depends on people. Dow has consistently promoted EF skills development as a long-term investment in Thai society. Associate Professor Dr. Adisak Praditphonpipat from Mahidol University noted that developing EF in early childhood requires collaboration from all sectors to create learning spaces where knowledge exchange can occur, positively impacting children's development.
Ms. Supawadee Hanmethee, President of Rakluk Learning Group, stressed the importance of cultivating EF qualities from early childhood, as these skills are vital for thriving in a complex and volatile world. Dr. Kannika Chen, Deputy Director of the National Science Museum, stated that learning science involves critical thinking, planning, and problem-solving, with the exhibition 'STEM Careers: Building the Future' showcasing these skills through various activities.
The 'EF Symposium 2026: Dream City, EF Builds People' presented the results of these collaborations at the Benjakitti Forest Park Museum. The symposium featured exhibitions, model classrooms, creative play spaces, brain skill development activities, and expert seminars, highlighting the progress in the city's learning ecosystem and disseminating knowledge on EF skills to the public.