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KMA x SOE SEN Symposium 2026

Description

Kiwanis Malaysia Academy (KMA) and School of Education (SOE) Sunway University Special Education Needs (SEN) Symposium 2026

(KMA x SOE SEN SYMPOSIUM 2026)

Pathways to Neurodivergent Independence

21–22 November 2026 | Sunway University

What happens when school ends?

For many families raising neurodivergent children, the years after school can feel like an unknown road.

Where will my child work?

Can they live more independently?

What skills do they need to navigate adulthood?

How do I plan for their future?

And perhaps the hardest question of all — what happens when I am no longer around to support them?

The KMA x SOE SEN Symposium 2026 brings together families, educators, professionals, researchers, employers, community organisations and policymakers to explore one of the most important conversations in special educational needs today:

How do we create meaningful pathways towards adulthood and greater independence for neurodivergent individuals?

2 Days. One Important Conversation About the Future.

Now in its sixth year, the KMA SEN Symposium has grown into a national platform bringing together stakeholders working across disability support and the care economy. In 2026, the Symposium is jointly organised by the Kiwanis Khir Johari Foundation (KKJF) and School of Education, Sunway University, strengthening the connection between research, education and community action.

This year's programme focuses on three interconnected areas:

Vocational Readiness — preparing neurodivergent individuals with the skills, opportunities and support needed for employment and meaningful participation.

Guardian Competency — helping families and caregivers develop the knowledge and confidence to navigate the transition into adulthood and plan for the future.

Social Dignity — looking beyond simply providing care towards creating lives with choice, participation, belonging and dignity.

The Symposium is expected to bring together approximately 200 participants, including caregivers, educators, healthcare professionals, researchers, employers, policymakers and community organisations from across Malaysia.

DAY 1 — THE CONVERSATION

Saturday, 21 November 2026

Day 1 brings together lived experience, professional expertise, research and community perspectives to examine what independence can look like for different neurodivergent individuals.

Keynote Address

When School Ends, Life Begins: The Adulthood Gap in Special Needs — A Journey to Independence

The keynote sets the stage for a day examining the transition from childhood services and education into adult life.

Three Important Conversations

Forum 1: Living Beyond 18: A Personal Journey to Independence

Hear perspectives on what adulthood and independence mean in real life — and why there is no single pathway that works for every individual or family.

Forum 2: Best Practices for Adulthood Programmes

What should effective programmes for neurodivergent adults actually look like? Explore approaches that can better support individuals beyond their school years.

Forum 3: Skills for Life: Supporting Employment and Independent Living

Employment is about more than finding a job. Independent living is about more than living alone. This conversation explores the skills, environments and support systems that can help neurodivergent individuals participate more meaningfully in adult life.

Day 1 will also feature the KKJF Honoring Change-Makers Recognition 2026, performances and a live podcast.

DAY 2 — FROM CONVERSATION TO ACTION

Sunday, 22 November 2026

Day 2 moves from discussion to practical workshops and focused learning.

Participants can explore four important areas:

Track 1 — Vocational Readiness

Practical perspectives on preparing neurodivergent individuals for employment and the world of work.

Track 2 — Guardian Competency

Building the knowledge and capabilities families and caregivers need as their children move into adulthood.

Track 3 — Social Dignity & Guiding Neurodivergent Children into Adulthood

Exploring how we support adulthood in ways that preserve dignity, autonomy, participation and quality of life.

Track 4 — Planning for the Future: Will, Trust & Insurance

One of the most difficult realities for families is planning for a future in which parents or primary caregivers may no longer be there. This session explores practical considerations around wills, trusts and insurance as part of longer-term planning.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This Symposium is designed for anyone who has a role to play in building better pathways into adulthood for neurodivergent individuals, including parents and caregivers, educators and school leaders, therapists and healthcare professionals, researchers and academics, employers and HR professionals, NGOs and community organisations, policymakers, social enterprises, and professionals involved in financial and future planning.

Whether you are raising a neurodivergent child, supporting students preparing to leave school, designing adulthood programmes, employing neurodivergent adults or shaping policy, this conversation concerns you.

WHY ATTEND?

Because preparing for adulthood should not begin at 18.

Come away with a broader understanding of the challenges neurodivergent individuals and their families face beyond school, practical perspectives on employment and independent living, greater awareness of future and financial planning, insights from lived experience and professional practice, and connections with others working towards a more inclusive future.

Most importantly, be part of a national conversation that asks not simply:

“How do we care for neurodivergent individuals?”

but:

“How do we support them to build lives of dignity, purpose, participation and greater independence?”

TICKETS

Join us for both days

2-Day Symposium Pass — RM400

Access to Day 1 Forums & Keynote + Day 2 Workshops & Practical Tracks

Day 1 only

Day 1 Symposium Pass — RM220

Access to the keynote, forums, performances and live podcast on 21 November 2026.

Please note: Day 2 is not available as a standalone ticket.

Participants wishing to attend the Day 2 workshops should purchase the 2-Day Symposium Pass.

The Future Doesn't Begin at 18.

The journey towards adulthood begins long before a young person leaves school.

The systems, opportunities and support we put in place today can shape what employment, independence, participation and dignity look like tomorrow.

Join parents, professionals, educators, employers, researchers and changemakers at the KMA x SOE SEN Symposium 2026.

21–22 November 2026

Sunway University

Pathways to Neurodivergent Independence

🔴 Be part of the movement — let’s shape inclusive futures! 👉 Secure your Seat

Contribution

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Refurbishing of The Kiwanis Down Syndrome Klang Centre

About The Kiwanis Down Syndrome Klang Centre For over 30 years, the KDSF Klang Centre has been a beacon of hope for children with Down Syndrome, providing them with life-changing Early Intervention Programmes (EIP) that include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and holistic support for their growth and development. Established in 1994, started with five children, the Centre now serves over 60 children and their families with the dedication of our five passionate teachers. <div style="position: relative; width: 50%; height: 0; padding-top: 50.0000%;padding-bottom: 0; box-shadow: 0 2px 8px 0 rgba(63,69,81,0.16); margin-top: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.9em; overflow: hidden;border-radius: 8px; will-change: transform;"><iframe loading="lazy" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0; border: none; padding: 0;margin: 0;"src="https://www.canva.com/design/DAGcUiOoaJc/XZ-2fRuf9o9d-PNUWFklgw/view?embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" allow="fullscreen"></iframe></div> Drop by and visit us → https://g.co/kgs/jrYUrG9 Our Blueprint for the Future "A Brand New Centre" Our current building, which has served us well for over a decade, is now in urgent need of renovation to meet the growing needs of our children and bring latest cutting age educational tools and a comfortable, inspiring space where each child can thrive and achieve their fullest potential. A modernized, safe, and functional learning environment is essential for us to continue delivering the high-quality care and education these children deserve. How You Can Help Your support can make a world of difference. By contributing to the renovation of our building, you will be directly improving the lives of children with Down Syndrome, ensuring they have access to a nurturing and empowering environment. Your donation will help us transform our center into a haven of hope and possibility. PLEASE DONATE TODAY AND MAKE A CHANGE!!! Thank You. *Our website services are dedicated to supporting donation drives. *Please note that we do not provide "tax exemption invoices" through our e-payment services, as this platform is designed to support donation drives reaching out to the mass public.

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1Malaysia District

Kiwanis Humanitarian Response: Nepal Flood Relief

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_3QTPzK-5U Message from Kiwanis Nepal District Good Morning & Namaste, The massive floods that struck various parts of Nepal yesterday have caused immense loss of life and property. Hundreds of people have lost their lives, while thousands remain missing. Many schools and students have also been affected. At this critical juncture, we must dedicate ourselves to rescue and relief operations. The situation calls for us to provide assistance by establishing a relief fund. I look forward to your financial support during this challenging time. Many Kiwanis leaders from the Asia‑Pacific region and Kiwanis International have expressed their concern regarding this incident involving Nepal and the Nepali people. I would like to extend my special thanks for this as well. Regards, Ramhari Subedi Governor Elect (2025‑26) Kiwanis Nepal District

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2Taman Tun Dr. Ismail

Anugerah Ibu Kiwanis 2026

Sentuhan Ibu, Sejuta Makna – A Mother’s Touch, A Lifetime of Love Join us for Anugerah Ibu Kiwanis (AIK) 2026, a special afternoon celebrating the love, strength and sacrifices of mothers, while supporting children and families in need. 📅 Date: 25 October 2026 🕒 Time: 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm 📍 Venue: Hyatt Regency Midtown Kuala Lumpur 🎟️ Table: RM3,000 per table 🎟️ Individual Seat: RM300 per person How to Support AIK Buy a Table or Seat Gather your friends, family or colleagues and join us for this meaningful celebration. Table of 10: RM3,000 Individual Seat: RM300 To purchase a table or seat, please contact: 📞 Rizman Ghazali - +6012-202 5199 📧 anugerhaibukiwanis@gmail.com Corporate Sponsorship We also welcome organisations and individuals who would like to support AIK through sponsorship: 🥇 Platinum Sponsor – RM30,000 🥈 Gold Sponsor – RM20,000 🥉 Silver Sponsor – RM5,000 For sponsorship enquiries and official sponsorship letters, please contact: Contact persons: Lyza Ghazali 📞 +6019-474 1630 📧 anugerahibukiwanis@gmail.com Your Support Makes a Difference ❤️ The proceeds from Anugerah Ibu Kiwanis 2026 will go towards supporting the Kiwanis Children Development Centre (KCDC), which provides support and subsidised services to children from B40 families. KCDC requires approximately RM15,000 each month to continue providing its services and support to the children and their families. By purchasing a table, sponsoring the event or simply helping us spread the word, you can make a meaningful difference. We warmly invite you to join us and be part of this meaningful celebration of motherhood and service. Every contribution counts. Every mother matters. Every child deserves a chance. 🙏 Thank you for supporting Anugerah Ibu Kiwanis 2026 and the children of KCDC.

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