I am delighted to invite you to participate in the first Conference on Dyslexia and Specific Learning Differences to be held in South East Asia from 21 - 22 November 2009 at the SPRING Singapore Auditorium in Bukit Merah Central, Singapore.

The Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS) intends that this Conference will bring together concerned teachers, other professionals and parents of children with specific learning differences in Singapore and the Asia Pacific to share their experiences and discuss important issues.

The DAS is deeply honoured to welcome distinguished speakers - Prof Robert Burden, Dr Steve Chinn, Prof John Everatt, Prof Angela Fawcett and Ms Sandra Hargreaves to Singapore to share valuable insights from their vast academic work and experience in the field. The Conference speakers will present information on multiple aspects of the learning differences dyslexic children and adults encounter.

With an expected attendance of over 300 participants, the Conference will be an excellent opportunity for you to network by renewing old ties and establishing new helpful contacts. We intend through this Conference to create a platform where the awareness of dyslexia and specific learning differences is extensively and positively enhanced throughout the region.

Fewer than 10% of the estimated 23,000 preschool, primary and secondary school children in Singapore with dyslexia severe enough to warrant intervention are presently receiving support. This is probably also the case throughout the region. I look forward to welcoming you to the Conference and, by learning and working together, reaching out to the many more dyslexic people who have yet to be identified and helped.