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 — RM280
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

🔴 Program schedule
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1urRQJzxM0PYiFA938P3PIKhV_-1LY_cQ/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=110816095562971258046&rtpof=true&sd=true

Contribution

RM

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Anugerah Ibu Kiwanis 20262Taman Tun Dr. Ismail

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Refurbishing of The Kiwanis Down Syndrome Klang Centre3Klang

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Small acts of kindness delivered with care7Pantai KL

Small acts of kindness delivered with care

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