SEN Symposium 2025 ASEAN Edition brings together voices from across the region, celebrates extraordinary talents, and builds an inclusive ecosystem.
Kuala Lumpur – The SEN Symposium 2025 – ASEAN Edition is not just a conference.
It is a movement that unites voices, experiences, and hopes to build a more inclusive society in this region.
This fifth year of the event shows again that special education, employment opportunities, and community participation are not side issues — they are important priorities for ASEAN
A Strong Message From Senator Isaiah
The event was officiated by Senator Isaiah D. Jacob, Head of the Persons with Disabilities Bureau Malaysia and Chair of the Commonwealth People with Disabilities for 2025–2028.
In his speech, the Senator stressed that people with special needs should not be viewed only with pity. Instead, society must open pathways and opportunities for them to grow, contribute meaningfully, and live with dignity.
He described himself not as “Orang Kurang Upaya” (OKU = Disabled Person) but Orang Kuat Upaya (Strong-Ability Person) — highlighting the strength and dignity in every individual.
This message became the heart of the entire symposium, organised by Kiwanis Malaysia Academy (KMA) under the Kiwanis Khir Johari Foundation, with support from the Selangor Cheshire Home (PPOC).
Keynote Speech: A Future That Is Inclusive
The symposium also featured a keynote by Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin ibni Tuanku Muhriz titled:
“The Future is Inclusive: Advancing Equity in Education for Neurodiverse Learners Through Partnerships.”
He emphasised that the future of education must be based on inclusivity — ensuring fair opportunities for neurodiverse students.
He highlighted that cooperation between government, educational institutions, NGOs, and the community is essential so every student can access quality education and receive the support they need to reach their potential.
MySENSE: A New Ecosystem
One major achievement this year was the launch of MySENSE – Special Education Needs Support Exchange, a regional ecosystem that unites NGOs, educators, experts, and caregivers.
With the slogan “Building an Inclusive Future, Together,” MySENSE is driven by leading partners such as:
• Altuz Academy
• Kiwanis Malaysia
• MILAD
• NASOM Gombak
• NAKSENI
• Silent Teddies
• …and others
This initiative serves as a long-term platform to strengthen the impact on disability communities across ASEAN.
Spotlight Showcase: Talent Without Limits
Another highlight was the Spotlight Showcase, celebrating people with special needs who shine through their talents and perseverance.
This year’s honourees:
• Ahmad Aaqil Aariz bin Ahmad Ridzuan – Singing & Music
• Aidel Rahman bin Morshidi – Singing, Writer of Geopolitics & Public Speaking
• Alexander Philippe Wilhelm – Baking; Music (drums, piano, cajon & vocal)
• Barnabas Leong Wei En – Community Inspiration Ambassador; Wellness & Organic Lifestyle Advocate; Motivation & Hope Ambassador
• Dr. Billy Tang Chee Seng – Sustainability & Food Security
• Haris Nabil – Responsible, Independent, University Graduate
• Izzati Shahrin – Imaginary Visual Artist with a vibrant colour expression
• Krithin Paul Pereira – Automotive Enthusiast, Artist, Writer
• Rajvin Kaur Randhawa – Laughter Yoga Teacher & Leader; HRD Corp Certified Trainer; Talk Show Host; Winner of Ms Beautiful Smile, Ms Amazing Malaysia 2023/24
• Siti Safura binti Jaapar – National Chess Player with top championship titles
• Stephanie Tam Zhu Shin – Pianist, Drummer, Singer with a creative fusion of music and visual art
They showed that inclusivity is not about sympathy — it is about recognising human potential that has no limits.
SEN Symposium – Voices From the Community
The symposium also shared real-life stories from the community:
• Datin Hasnah Abdul Rahman
Founder & CEO of New Malaysia Herald, award-winning journalist, and strategic communication professional. She explained that SEN initiatives are not just for children with Down Syndrome but include all children with special needs.
The programme helps parents understand the challenges and how to meet the needs of their special-needs children.
• Ms Ophelia Low
Founder & CEO of Ophelia Mind Consultancy, certified in NLP, Hypnosis and Time Line Therapy.
She shared her experience managing her autistic child who experiences sensory overload in public places, stressing that creating a sense of safety is the key to calming the child.
• Datuk Fatimah Saad
Chairperson of Kiwanis Malaysia Academy. She reminded the audience that the symposium began online during the MCO and is now in its fifth year with strong support — showing that many parents are searching for information and guidance.
More Than Just a Conference
With powerful speeches, the launch of a new ecosystem, incredible talent showcases, and community stories, the SEN Symposium 2025 – ASEAN Edition emphasises that inclusivity is the foundation of a fair and resilient society.
It is not merely an annual event — it is a movement inviting everyone:
• educators
• NGOs
• corporations
• policymakers
• parents
• and the public
…to build an inclusive ASEAN where every person has the space to grow, contribute, and be valued. – NMH
Anita Pandian is a versatile media writer and PR professional, with expertise in media management. She excels at creating compelling content, managing media relations, and developing strategic public relations campaigns. Her ability to engage audiences and strengthen brand narratives allows the companies she represents to effectively communicate their messages and enhance their public profiles. A seasoned broadcaster and TV host, Anita combines her on-screen presence with her PR acumen to offer a unique perspective, blending storytelling with corporate communications to drive visibility and impact for her clients.
Facebook Comments
Facebook Comments