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9 - 10 JULY 20262ND ASIA PACIFIC CONFERENCE ON2ND ASIA PACIFIC CONFERENCE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION & MENTAL HEALTHSPECIAL EDUCATION & MENTAL HEALTH (SEMH 2026)(SEMH 2026) 2ND ASIA PACIFIC CONFERENCE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION & MENTAL HEALTH (SEMH 2026) Building Sustainable PathwaysBuilding Sustainable Pathways in Special Educationin Special Education Building Sustainable Pathways in Special Education UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIAUNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIAUNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA
On behalf of the Organising Committee, it is my great pleasure and honour to welcome you to the 2nd Asia Pacific Conference on Special Education and Mental Health (SEMH 2026), held on 9–10 July 2026 at the School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, Malaysia. WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE CONFERENCE CHAIR This year’s conference carries the theme “Building Sustainable Pathways in Special Education,” reflecting our collective commitment to creating inclusive, equitable, and sustainable educational environments that support the diverse needs of learners across the lifespan. As educational systems continue to navigate evolving challenges related to special education, mental health, digital transformation, and inclusive practices, SEMH 2026 serves as an important platform for meaningful dialogue, collaborative learning, and knowledge exchange among scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and community stakeholders. The Asia Pacific region continues to experience growing demand for innovative, evidence-based approaches to support individuals with diverse learning needs, neurodevelopmental differences, and mental health challenges. In response, this conference brings together experts from various disciplines to share research findings, professional experiences, and practical solutions that help strengthen inclusive education and psychosocial well-being across educational and community settings. SEMH 2026 builds upon the success of the inaugural Asia Pacific Special Education and Mental Health Conference held in 2022, which connected participants from multiple countries and led to scholarly collaborations, regional networking, and the publication of selected papers in a Scopus- indexed special issue. Inspired by these achievements, the current conference seeks to further strengthen regional and international partnerships while fostering sustainable research collaborations that can create meaningful impact for future generations.
Over the next two days, participants will have the opportunity to engage in keynote addresses delivered by distinguished international and regional experts, parallel paper presentation sessions, innovation exhibitions, poster presentations, and collaborative discussions focusing on critical areas such as developmental and mental health across the lifespan, assessment and intervention in special education, life-stage support and transitions, digital inclusion, stakeholder empowerment, and leadership in inclusive education. These sessions have been carefully designed to promote interdisciplinary perspectives and encourage the translation of research into practice. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to our collaborating institutions, Universitas Negeri Malang (Indonesia), the University of Georgia (United States of America), and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University (Turkey), for their valuable partnership and support in making this conference a truly international endeavor. I also express my heartfelt gratitude to the organising committee members, scientific committee, keynote speakers, reviewers, sponsors, volunteers, and all contributors whose dedication and hard work have made SEMH 2026 possible. Most importantly, I thank all participants for your presence, enthusiasm, and commitment to advancing special education and mental health. Your contributions enrich this conference and strengthen our shared mission of building inclusive and supportive communities for all learners. I hope that SEMH 2026 will provide an inspiring and rewarding experience, offering opportunities to exchange ideas, establish meaningful collaborations, generate innovative solutions, and build lasting professional networks. Together, let us continue to advance sustainable pathways that promote inclusion, wellbeing, and educational excellence throughout the Asia Pacific region and beyond. I wish you a productive, engaging, and memorable conference. With warm regards, Ts. Dr. Rozniza Zaharudin Conference Chair 2nd Asia Pacific Conference on Special Education and Mental Health (SEMH 2026) School of Educational Studies Universiti Sains Malaysia
WELCOME MESSAGE FROM DEAN OF PPIP On behalf of the Organising Committee, it is my great pleasure and honour to welcome you to the 2nd Asia Pacific Conference on Special Education and Mental Health (SEMH 2026), held on 9–10 July 2026 at the School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, Malaysia.It gives me great pleasure to welcome all distinguished keynote speakers, researchers, academicians, educators, practitioners, policymakers, students, and honoured guests to the 2nd Asia Pacific Conference on Special Education and Mental Health (SEMH 2026), organised by the Special Education Cluster, School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia. The School of Educational Studies is honoured to host this international conference, which brings together experts and professionals from across the Asia Pacific region and beyond to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and strengthen collaborations in the fields of special education, inclusive education, and mental health. Your participation reflects a shared commitment to improving the lives of individuals with diverse educational needs through research, innovation, and professional practice. The theme of this year’s conference, “Building Sustainable Pathways in Special Education,” is both timely and significant. As educational systems continue to evolve in response to changing societal needs, technological advancements, and global challenges, it is essential that we work collectively to develop sustainable, inclusive, and evidence-based approaches that promote equitable educational opportunities and holistic well-being for all learners.
At Universiti Sains Malaysia, we remain committed to advancing academic excellence, impactful research, and meaningful community engagement. SEMH 2026 reflects this commitment by providing an international platform that encourages interdisciplinary dialogue, research collaboration, innovation, and the translation of knowledge into educational practices that benefit society. We are especially proud that this conference continues the momentum established by the inaugural conference in 2022, further strengthening regional partnerships and expanding opportunities for future collaborative research and scholarly publications. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our collaborating institutions, Universitas Negeri Malang (Indonesia), the University of Georgia (United States of America), and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakif University (Türkiye), for their valuable partnership and continued support. My heartfelt congratulations also go to the Conference Chair, Ts. Dr. Rozniza Zaharudin, together with the organising committee, scientific committee, keynote speakers, reviewers, volunteers, sponsors, and all individuals whose dedication and hard work have made SEMH 2026 a reality. I hope that throughout these two days, participants will benefit from stimulating keynote presentations, engaging scholarly discussions, innovative research sharing, and valuable networking opportunities that will inspire future collaborations and contribute to advancing inclusive education and mental health across the region. On behalf of the School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, I warmly welcome you once again to SEMH 2026. I wish you a productive, rewarding, and memorable conference experience. Thank you. Associate Professor Dr. Rahimi Che Aman Dean School of Educational Studies Universiti Sains Malaysia
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE PATRON Prof Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed ADVISOR Associate Prof. Dr. Rahimi Che Aman CHAIR Ts. Dr. Rozniza Zaharudin REGISTRATION, LOGISTICS AND FACILITATORS COMMITTEE Dr. Nur Amalina Samsudin Nurhaniza Mohd Noor Faiqah Mohammad Fauzi PROTOCOL & EVENT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Dr. Murugesu Supermanian Akhmal Omar Hanna Mohd Hussaini Muhammad Akmal Ngadiman Mohd Fazil Hj Yahaya Muhammad Syahmi Mohd Jamil Ahmad Fakharudin Mat Zin Asmahan Azmi MARKETING, MEDIA & DOCUMENTATION COMMITTEE Assoc. Prof. Dr. Low Hui Min Noorhayati Mamur Mohamad Kamarul Azfar Ainuddin Mohd Aslam Abdullah Noor Syahida Md Zuki PROGRAM & SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE Dr. Phoon Hooi San Noor Syahida Md Zuki Norfatin Faizah Hamdan Hazirah Zolkifli Nuruljannah Abu Seman Aziah Zakiah Zahari
Time Programme Location 8.30 AM – 9:00 AM Registration Idris Babjee Conference Room 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Opening Ceremony Idris Babjee Conference Room Webex 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM Keynote Address 1 Dr. Ashley Harrison Professor Department of Educational Psychology University of Georgia, USA Idris Babjee Conference Room Webex 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM Morning Tea Interaction Room 11:00 AM – 12:15 AM Parallel Session 1 Idris Babjee Conference Room Auditorium Aminah Ayob Webex 12:15 PM – 1:30 PM Parallel Session 2 Idris Babjee Conference Room Auditorium Aminah Ayob Webex 1.30 PM – 3:00 PM Lunch Innovation Exhibition Poster Presentations Interaction Room Global Citizenship Education Cooperation Center (GCC) 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Keynote Address 2 Dr. Ersin Ateş Assistant Professor Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf Üniversitesi, Turkey Idris Babjee Conference Room Webex 4:00 PM Afternoon Tea & End of Day 1 Interaction Room 9 JULY 2026 (THURSDAY) PROGRAM SCHEDULE
10 JULY 2026 (FRIDAY) PROGRAM SCHEDULE Time Programme Location 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM Keynote Address 3 Dr. Ediyanto Head of Education Center Research Institute and Community Engagement Universitas Negeri Malang Indonesia Idris Babjee Conference Room Webex 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM Morning Tea Interaction Room 11:00 AM – 12:15 AM Parallel Session 3 Idris Babjee Conference Room Auditorium Aminah Ayob Webex 12:15 PM – 2:45 PM Lunch Interaction Room 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM Keynote Address 4 Dr. Sathya Ramachandram Head of Service Developmental Pediatrics Ministry of Health Malaysia Idris Babjee Conference Room Webex 3:45 PM – 4:15 PM Closing Ceremony Idris Babjee Conference Room Webex 4:15 PM Afternoon Tea & End of Day 2 Interaction Room
PARALLEL SESSION (PHYSICAL)DAY 1 Parallel Session I-ATheme: Assessment and Intervention Venue: Idris Babjee Conference Room Date: 09 July 2026 (Thursday) Time: 11:00 am – 12.15 pm Session Chair: Dr. Lee Soon Tat Coordinator: Nuruljannah Abu Seman Time Topic Presenter Affiliation 11.00 am - 11.15 am The Impact of Alexithymia on Emotional Regulation Among Primary School-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Narrative Review Nurul Ain Binti Badrul Hisam Universiti Sains Malaysia 11.15 am - 11.30 am Quantitative Analysis of Therapy Ball Interventions for Maladaptive Behaviours Among Children with ASD in Malaysian School Settings Norfatin Faizah Binti Hamdan Universiti Sains Malaysia 11.30 am - 11.45 am Pop It Numeracy for Special Education Need Through Number Concept and Working Memory: A Sustainable Pathway for Inclusive Learning Faiqah Binti Mohammad Fauzi Universiti Sains Malaysia 11.45 am - 12.00 pm A Systematic Literature Review of Developmental Outcome Domains Addressed Across Shared Book Reading Interventions Among Preschool Children with Autism Tan Lee Wen Universiti Sains Malaysia 12.00 pm - 12.15 pm Early Identification in Multilingual Children: Development of A Digital Trilingual Checklist for Vocabulary Delays Lee Soon Tat University of Nottingham Malaysia
PARALLEL SESSION (PHYSICAL)DAY 1 Parallel Session I-BTheme: Support and Transitions Venue: Auditorium Aminah Ayob Date: 09 July 2026 (Thursday) Time: 11:00 am – 12.15 pm Session Chair: Dr. Mohd Syazwan Zainal Coordinator: Muhammad Syahmi Mohd Jamil Time Topic Presenter Affiliation 11.00 am - 11.15 am Teachers’ Growth and Fixed Mindsets and the Implementation of Career Transition Programs in Special Education an Ecological Perspective Siti Noorhafiznas Husna Binti Husni Universiti Sains Malaysia 11.15 am - 11.30 am Inclusive Employment in Malaysia: Employers’ Experiences and Challenges in Supporting Transition for Learning Disabilities Nur Maslina Binti Mastam Universiti Sains Malaysia 11.30 am - 11.45 am Exploring the Influence of Autistic Traits on Learning Engagement Among Science and Mathematics Boarding School Students in Malaysia Mariam Zahiah Binti Tazali Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 11.45 am - 12.00 pm From Uncertainty to Resilience: Psychological Safety and Emotional Well-Being Among Persons with Disabilities During the Career Transition Process Nurul Afrina Borhan; Mohd Syazwan Zainal Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
PARALLEL SESSION (PHYSICAL)DAY 1 Parallel Session II-ATheme: Support and Transitions; Digital Inclusion and Lifelong Learning Venue: Idris Babjee Conference Room Date: 09 July 2026 (Thursday) Time: 12.15 pm – 1.15 pm Session Chair: Eunice A/P Dharmaraj Coordinator: Nuruljannah Abu Seman Time Topic Presenter Affiliation 12.15 pm - 12.30 pm Technology Integration and Inclusive Education: A Systematic Review of School Leadership In K–12 Settings Rayner Bin Robert Kenneth Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 12.30 pm - 12.45 pm A Qualitative Study of Parents’ Perceptions of Parental Involvement and Teacher Support in the Inclusive Education of Their Children with Learning Disabilities Nur Syafiqa Binti Mohd Kamal Universiti Sains Malaysia 12.45 pm - 01:00 pm Strategies to Support Emotional Dependency in Inclusive Early Childhood Centre: A Qualitative Study Nur Amira binti Mazlan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 01:00 pm - 01:15 pm Parental Perspective on Autistic Adolescents’ Sexuality Eunice A/P Dharmaraj Quest International University
PARALLEL SESSION (PHYSICAL)DAY 1 Parallel Session II-BTheme: Digital Inclusion and Lifelong Learning Venue: Auditorium Aminah Ayob Date: 09 July 2026 (Thursday) Time: 12.15 pm – 1.15 pm Session Chair: Ts. Dr. Rozniza Zaharudin Coordinator: Hanna Mohd Hussaini Time Topic Presenter Affiliation 12.15 pm - 12.30 pm Needs Analysis for Developing A Neuro-STEM Mobile Learning Module: Advancing Digital Inclusion and Lifelong Learning Among Pre- University Biology Students Hanna Binti Mohd Hussaini Universiti Sains Malaysia 12.30 pm - 12.45 pm Digital Inclusion in Music Education: Practices and Challenges of Secondary School Music Teachers in Sabah Clarice M. Charles Spawa Universiti Malaysia Sabah 12.45 pm - 01:00 pm A Reflective Practice: The Pedagogical Shift In 3d Design Technology Classroom for Neurodivergent Youth Tee Siew Eng Universiti Malaya 01:00 pm - 01:15 pm The Impact of Digital Teaching Aids in Special Education for Students with Hearing Abilities Nur'hamizah Binti Abdul Rahman Sultan Idris Education University
PARALLEL SESSION (PHYSICAL)DAY 2 Parallel Session III-ATheme: Assessment and Intervention; Community and Stakeholder Empowerment; Digital Inclusion and Lifelong Learning Venue: Idris Babjee Conference Room Date: 10 July 2026 (Friday) Time: 11:00 am – 12.15 pm Session Chair: Dr. Nurul Imani Binti Abd Halim Coordinator: Asmahan Azmi Time Topic Presenter Affiliation 11.00 am - 11.15 am The Impact of Peers® For Adolescents In Malaysia: Examining Adolescent Social Outcomes And Parent Contributions to Change Tan Cheng Yi Universiti Sains Malaysia 11.15 am - 11.30 am Supporting Educators in Implementing Inclusive Performing Arts Education for Secondary Students with Learning Disabilities: Development, Validation, and Pilot Evaluation of Impressed Suhaila Mohamad Universiti Malaya 11.30 am - 11.45 am Fuzzy Delphi Validation of the Teacher-Mediated Q-Map Module in Inclusive Preschool Education Wan Roslina Binti Wan Yusoff Universiti Sains Malaysia 11.45 am - 12.00 pm Digital Inclusion in Biology Education: Exploring Secondary Students’ Needs for Narrative Visual Learning Asmahan Binti Azmi Universiti Sains Malaysia 12.00 pm - 12.15 pm Beyond Defiance: Teachers’ Understanding of Noncompliance Among Autistic Pupils in Task Engagement Contexts Nurul Imani Binti Abd Halim Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
PARALLEL SESSION (PHYSICAL)DAY 2 Parallel Session III-BTheme: Development Across the Lifespan; Community and Stakeholder Empowerment Venue: Auditorium Aminah Ayob Date: 10 July 2026 (Friday) Time: 11:00 am – 12.15 pm Session Chair: Dr. Alfred Lim Chee Keong Coordinator: Hanna Mohd Hussaini Time Topic Presenter Affiliation 11.00 am - 11.15 am Cognitive Flexibility Among Autistic Pupils: A Descriptive Study Noor Syahida Binti Md Zuki Universiti Sains Malaysia 11.15 am - 11.30 am Kosmologi Dalam Cerita Mitos Hakka Ho Poh Di Gua Niah: Analisis Perspektif Kepercayaan Lim Suk Fung Universiti Sabah Malaysia 11.30 am - 11.45 am Resilience, Subjective Well-Being and Organization Commitment Among the Special Need Teachers Salasiah Binti Othman SMK Kamunting 11.45 am - 12.00 pm Prevalence, Diagnostic Practices, and Treatment Outcomes of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Arab Countries: A Systematic Review of Cultural Influences Sahar Mohammed Taresh Universiti Putra Malaysia 12.00 pm - 12.15 pm Simulating Reading Development in Malay: A Connectionist Model of Orthographic Consistency Alfred Lim Chee Keong University of Nottingham Malaysia
PARALLEL SESSION (ONLINE) Time Topic Presenter Affiliation 11.00 am - 11.15 am Teaching Empathic Communication to Secondary School Students with Autism: Teacher Perspectives on Context and Challenges Mageswari A/P Suthagaran Universiti Sains Malaysia 11.15 am - 11.30 am Examining the Impact of Online Image-Based Art Therapy on Emotion Regulation Among Postgraduate Students in a Public University Gao Yalei Universiti Sains Malaysia 11.30 am - 11.45 am Coping Styles and Psychological Distress of Undergraduate Students: Identifying Protective and Risk Factors Puspalathaa A/P Armum SEGi University 11.45 am - 12.00 pm Development and Expert Validation of a CBT-Based Emotion Regulation Module to Regulate Emotion Among Depressed Young Adults: A Pilot Study Wong Ke Xin Universiti Sains Malaysia 12.00 pm - 12.15 pm Lack Of Access to Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccines Could Be a Greater Threat Than Vaccine Hesitancy in Low- Income and Conflict Nations: The Case of Yemen Inas Shakeb Al-Saqqaf Universiti Sains Malaysia Theme: Assessment and Intervention Venue: Webex Date: 09 July 2026 (Thursday) Time: 11:00 am – 12.15 pm Session Chair: Wong Ke Xin Coordinator: Ahmad Fakharudin Mat Zin DAY 1 Parallel Session I-A
PARALLEL SESSION (ONLINE) Time Topic Presenter Affiliation 11.00 am - 11.15 am Reconsidering the Effectiveness of Prevocational Student Transition to Work: Teacher Perceptions on Transition Planning, Assessment Practices, and Training Needs Zuliza Binti Rosle Ministry of Education of Brunei 11.15 am - 11.30 am Barriers and Enabling Factors Influencing Family Involvement in Career Transition Programmes for Students with Special Educational Needs: Insights from Families and Vocational Skills Teachers Khairunnisa Binti Mokhtar Universiti Sains Malaysia 11.30 am - 11.45 am A Survey on the Status of Role Conflicts amongst Resource Teachers in District-Level Special Education Schools in Henan Province, China Chen Xi Universiti Sains Malaysia 11.45 am - 12.00 pm Mapping Research Trends in Teachers’ Psychological Empowerment: A Bibliometric Analysis Norizan Binti Abdul Patah Universiti Sains Malaysia 12.00 pm - 12.15 pm Konsepsualisasi Literasi Kecerdasan Buatan (AI) Guru Pendidikan Khas Dalam Pendidikan Inklusif: Sorotan Sistematik Dan Agenda Penyelidikan Masa Hadapan Muhammad Akmal Bin Ngadiman Universiti Sains Malaysia Theme: Support and Transitions Venue: Webex Date: 09 July 2026 (Thursday) Time: 11:00 am – 12.15 pm Session Chair: Dr. Nur Amalina Samsudin Coordinator: Muhammad Akmal Ngadiman DAY 1 Parallel Session I-B
PARALLEL SESSION (ONLINE) Time Topic Presenter Affiliation 12.15 pm - 12.30 pm Development of a Sexuality Education Training Module for Primary School Teachers of Special Education for the Hearing Impaired: A Design Study Norlilisuriati Binti Ab Razak Universiti Sains Malaysia 12.30 pm - 12.45 pm Development of Multisensory-Based PKPBI Module for Student with Hearing Impairment in Indonesian Special Education Schools Retno Triswandari Sultan Idris Education University; Universitas Negeri Padang 12.45 pm - 01:00 pm Expert Consensus on the CERIA AR Teaching Module for Social Skills Instruction among Autistic Primary School Pupils: A Fuzzy Delphi Method Study Suresh Kumar Kuppusamy Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris 01:00 pm - 01:15 pm Words Matter: Content Analysis of Language Used When Documenting in the Medical Records of Patients in Mental Health Oraib Abdallah Hamad Medical Corporation; Universiti Sains Malaysia 01:15 pm - 01:30 pm A Systematic Literature Review of Instructional Components, Strategies and Learner Characteristics in Chinese Word Reading Interventions Tang Wan Chin Wawasan Open University Theme: Assessment and Intervention Venue: Webex Date: 09 July 2026 (Thursday) Time: 12.15 pm – 1.30 pm Session Chair: Tang Wan Chin Coordinator: Ahmad Fakharudin Mat Zin DAY 1 Parallel Session II-A
PARALLEL SESSION (ONLINE) Time Topic Presenter Affiliation 12.15 pm - 12.30 pm Reimagining Inclusive Mental Health Support for Students with Disabilities and Psychological Vulnerabilities in Higher Education: A Human-Centric AI Governance Framework Teoh Kok Ban Universiti Sains Malaysia 12.30 pm - 12.45 pm Implementing UDL in Higher Education at A Vietnamese Education University Hoang Thi Nga HoChiMinh City University of Education 12.45 pm - 01:00 pm Building Sustainable Inclusive Education Environments: Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Factors Affecting the Implementation of Inclusive Education Programs in UAE Ministry of Education Private Schools in Dubai Sundos Mustafa Saleh Kiswani Universiti Sains Malaysia 01:00 pm - 01:15 pm Factors Contributing to Work Stress and Wellbeing Among Secondary School Special Education Teachers Vestly Kong Liang Soon Sultan Idris Education University Theme: Policy and Leadership in Inclusive Education Venue: Webex Date: 09 July 2026 (Thursday) Time: 12.15 pm – 1.15 pm Session Chair: Dr. Teoh Kok Ban Coordinator: Muhammad Akmal Ngadiman DAY 1 Parallel Session II-B
PARALLEL SESSION (ONLINE) Time Topic Presenter Affiliation 12.15 pm - 12.30 pm Effective Use of Multimedia tools to Develop Learning Outcomes in Inclusive Special Needs Settings Thurgaasini A/P Moorthy Universiti Sains Malaysia 12.30 pm - 12.45 pm Reading, Writing, and Calculation Achievement of Second-Year Special Rehabilitation Students Under the Leadership of Special Rehabilitation Teachers in the State of Kelantan Mohd Abd Malik Bin Abdullah Universiti Sains Malaysia 12.45 pm - 01:00 pm Systematic Literature Review: Motivation Trajectory and Use of AI Technology in History Learning of Secondary School Students Aina Afifah Binti Yahaya Universiti Malaysia Terengganu 01:00 pm - 01:15 pm A Systematic Literature Review of Animation Mobile Based Interactive Storytelling Application to Improve Indonesian Grammar Skills of Deaf Individuals Lia Anatasya Universitas Negeri Malang 01:15 pm - 01:30 pm A Literature Review: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Support Inclusive Education in the Digital Era Nayla Amalia Salsabila Universitas Negeri Malang Theme: Digital Inclusion and Lifelong Learning Venue: Webex Date: 09 July 2026 (Thursday) Time: 12.15 pm – 1.30 pm Session Chair: Dr. Murugesu Supermanian Coordinator: Mohd Fazil Hj Yahaya DAY 1 Parallel Session II-C
PARALLEL SESSION (ONLINE) Time Topic Presenter Affiliation 11.00 am - 11.15 am A Critical Analysis of Dyslexia Intervention Trends in Malaysia and International Contexts: Towards a Structured Digital Literacy Intervention Framework for Dyslexic Learners Mohamad Hafiz Bin Daman Huri Universiti Sains Malaysia 11.15 am - 11.30 am School Readiness Screening for Students with Hearing Disabilities Saiful Azam Khoo Bin Abdullah IPG Kampus Ilmu Khas 11.30 am - 11.45 am Empowering the Educators: A Qualitative Inquiry into Teacher Perspectives on Implementing Sel Frameworks in Urban Malaysian Preschools Nazeila Zahidin SEGi University Kota Damansara 11.45 am - 12.00 pm Harmonising Guided Play and Structured Literacy: A Multiple-Case Study of Teacher Adaptations for Children with Dyslexia Priscilla Chia Qi Yun Universiti Malaya 12.00 pm - 12.15 pm Bridging Language and Mathematics: A Speech-Language Pathology Single- Case Study on Dyscalculia Ooi Chia Wen The Education University of Hong Kong Theme: Assessment and Intervention Venue: Webex Date: 10 July 2026 (Friday) Time: 11:00 am – 12.15 pm Session Chair: Dr. Ooi Chia Wen Coordinator: Muhammad Syahmi Mohd Jamil DAY 2 Parallel Session III-A
PARALLEL SESSION (ONLINE) Time Topic Presenter Affiliations 11.00 am - 11.15 am Modal Psikologi Sebagai Pemangkin Penglibatan Kerja dan Hasil Organisasi: Satu Sorotan Literatur Sistematik Norliza Binti Saidin Universiti Utara Malaysia 11.15 am - 11.30 am Developmental Characteristics and Group Differences in Locomotor Skills Among Children and Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities Wenjing Universiti Sains Malaysia 11.30 am - 11.45 am Educational Leadership and Teacher Well-Being in Southeast Asia: Mapping an Emerging and Underrepresented Field Siti Nur Adilah Binti Borhanudin Universiti Sains Malaysia 11.45 am - 12.00 pm Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Implementation: A Scoping Review of Global Trends, Practices, and Barriers Sun Yuege Universiti Sains Malaysia 12.00 pm - 12.15 pm From Knowing to Doing: Transforming Pre-Service Teachers' UDL Lesson Planning Through Structured Training Nurul Salwana M. M. Khair Universiti Sains Malaysia; Segi University Theme: Development Across the Lifespan, Community and Stakeholder Empowerment Venue: Webex Date: 10 July 2026 (Friday) Time: 11:00 am – 12.15 pm Session Chair: Nurul Salwana M. M. Khair Coordinator: Muhammad Akmal Ngadiman DAY 2 Parallel Session III-B
KEYNOTE SPEAKERSProfessor Dr. Ashley Harrison University of GeorgiaDr. Ashley Johnson Harrison is a Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Georgia, specializing in school psychology and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Binghamton University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Her research focuses on improving autism assessment, early intervention, mental health literacy, and teacher training,Breaking Barriers: Understanding Factors that Contribute to Global Inequities in Autism Services Global disparities in autism identification, assessment, and care continue to exist across diverse cultural and resource contexts. This keynote examines the complex and interconnected factors contributing to these inequities, drawing on international evidence to explore variations in autism knowledge, public stigma, and access to services. Current diagnostic and assessment practices are critically reviewed, with particular attention given to how culturally specific norms of social behaviour and examiner bias may contribute to the misdiagnosis or under-identification of autistic individuals in historically underserved populations. Key challenges in implementing inclusive educational practices across different cultural and resource settings are also discussed. Evidence-informed and culturally responsive strategies for reducing disparities are presented, including the adaptation of assessment approaches, stigma reduction through education, and the development of scalable training models for healthcare professionals and educators. A systematic research framework is introduced to demonstrate how inequities can be identified, underlying causes examined, and sustainable solutions developed to improve equitable access to autism services. International initiatives involving culturally responsive assessment, professional training, educational programmes, and the global dissemination of autism knowledge and stigma measurement tools are also highlighted as examples of collaborative efforts to promote more inclusive and equitable autism care and education worldwide.particularly in low-resource and underserved communities worldwide. She also investigates cultural influences on ASD presentation and barriers to accessing services, with the goal of reducing disparities and promoting evidence-based practices for children with developmental disabilities.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERSDr. Ersin Ateş Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf ÜniversitesiDr. Ersin Ateş held various administrative positions up to the level of General Director following his teaching career. He has authored a wide range of publications, including textbooks, supplementary educational materials, books for gifted individuals, and storybooks, addressing students from preschool to higher education. Through the writing academy he established, he has trained numerous writers and editors in Türkiye and has been involved in internationalprojects. He conducts research in the fields of speech and language disorders, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), gifted education programs, differentiated instruction, curriculum design, intelligence scales, and individual assessment tools. He continues to serve as a faculty member in the Department of Special Education at Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf Üniversitesi. Cultural Fairness in the Measurement of Intelligence: Adaptation of Intelligence Tests, the Problem of Currency and Future Approaches Intelligence tests play a central role in diagnosis, placement, and the development of individualized education programs in special education. However, as these tests are largely developed within specific cultural contexts, their adaptation to different societies presents significant challenges. Linguistic and cultural differences can influence how test items are interpreted, potentially affecting the validity and reliability of assessment outcomes. Adaptations based solely on direct translation may fail to capture cultural meaning, increasing the risk of measuring cultural familiarity rather than true cognitive ability. Another concern is that many intelligence tests assess cognitive ability through limited dimensions, focusing primarily on linguistic and logical skills while giving insufficient attention to creativity, social intelligence, emotional awareness, and executive functioning. This may underestimate the strengths of individuals with diverse learning profiles. In addition, rapid technological and societal changes have altered how people access information and solve problems, yet many intelligence tests have not evolved accordingly. As reflected by the Flynn Effect, population cognitive performance changes over time, but test norms are not always updated promptly, raising concerns about the accuracy of assessment results. In conclusion, intelligence assessments should be culturally responsive, multidimensional, and regularly updated to reflect technological and societal changes. Such improvements will support more equitable, comprehensive, and accurate measurement of intelligence across diverse populations.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Dr. Ediyanto is a lecturer and researcher at the Department of Special Education, Faculty of Education, Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia. He is also the Head of Education Center, Research Institute and Community Engagement, Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia. His academic and research interests focus on inclusive education, assistive technology, STEAM education, educational technology, and sustainable education development. Emerging Technology for Inclusive and Sustainable Development Emerging technology is commonly perceived as highly sophisticated, complex, and advanced digital innovation. However, this narrow perspective often overlooks low-tech solutions that are equally innovative, contextually relevant, affordable, and capable of creating significant social impact, particularly in inclusive education. This paper presents a literature review that reconceptualises emerging technology as technologies that are new, evolving, or not yet fully mature, encompassing both high-tech and low-tech innovations. The discussion highlights how emerging technologies should be evaluated based on their potential to address educational challenges rather than their level of technological sophistication. Drawing on examples from inclusive education, the paper demonstrates that simple, accessible, and cost-effective innovations can be as transformative as advanced digital technologies in improving participation, accessibility, and learning outcomes for diverse learners. This perspective broadens the understanding of emerging technology and underscores the importance of context- sensitive innovation in promoting equitable, inclusive, and sustainable education. The keynote concluded by emphasising that meaningful educational innovation lies not only in technological advancement but also in the ability of technology, whether high tech or low tech, to respond effectively to the diverse needs of learners and educational settings. Dr. Ediyanto Universitas Negeri Malang Indonesia He is also the founder and president of the World Forum for Inclusive Education, an international forum that promotes collaboration, research, and policy development in inclusive education across countries. He also develops several international platforms and research initiatives related to inclusion and sustainable development, including the Inclusion Index and global attitude measurement systems toward inclusive education using big data approaches.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERSDr. Sathya Ramachandram Ministry of Health Malaysia Dr. Sathya Ramachandram is a Developmental Paediatrician with extensive clinical experience in the assessment and management of children with developmental disabilities. She established the Northern Region Child Development Clinic, pioneering an integrated multidisciplinary service that collaborates with allied health professionals, primary healthcare providers, and the education sector. She is also actively involved in training healthcare professionals and empowering parents through educational programmes. From Clinic to Classroom: Translating Neurodevelopmental Conditions into Everyday Teaching Practice As the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders continues to rise, educators are increasingly required to support students with diverse learning and developmental needs. However, translating clinical knowledge into effective classroom practice remains a significant challenge. This session bridges the gap between clinical understanding and educational application by examining common neurodevelopmental conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), through the lens of inclusive teaching. Practical, evidence-informed strategies for creating supportive learning environments will be presented, including classroom structuring, instructional adaptations, the use of visual supports, executive function scaffolding, and positive behaviour support. Realistic classroom scenarios and case vignettes will demonstrate how small, sustainable adjustments can significantly enhance student participation, learning, and behavioural outcomes. By translating clinical insights into practical teaching approaches, this session aims to strengthen educators' confidence in understanding the underlying reasons for challenging behaviours and equip them with effective strategies to foster inclusive classrooms where every learner can actively participate and thrive. Dr. Sathya currently serves as the National Head of the Developmental Paediatrics Subspecialty Programme and is a member of the Developmental Paediatrics Evaluation Subcommittee of the Malaysian Medical Council. She is an examiner for the MRCPCH Clinical Examination, a member of the National Cochlear Implant Committee, and a trainer for clinical fellows, paediatricians, child psychiatrists, family medicine specialists, medical officers, and medical students. An invited speaker and facilitator at numerous national conferences and workshops, she has also contributed extensively to research and scholarly publications in developmental paediatrics.
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