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School of Educational Studies  |  Main Campus

2nd Asia Pacific Conference on Special Education & Mental Health (SEMH 2026)

Building Sustainable Pathways in Special Education

📅 9–10 July 2026
📍 Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, Malaysia
🌐 Hybrid Conference (Physical & Online Participation Available)

  • About SEMH 2026

    About SEMH 2026 

    The 2nd Asia Pacific Conference on Special Education & Mental Health (SEMH 2026) is a premier regional platform dedicated to advancing inclusive education and mental health practices across diverse educational and community settings.

    As education systems continue to evolve in response to increasing learner diversity, SEMH 2026 brings together researchers, educators, clinicians, policymakers, and community stakeholders to address current challenges and co-develop sustainable solutions. The conference emphasises the importance of early identification, evidence-based intervention, inclusive teaching practices, and cross-sector collaboration in supporting individuals with diverse learning and developmental needs.

    Building on the success of SEMH 2022, this conference aims not only to share knowledge but also to bridge research and practice, ensuring that insights translate into meaningful impact in classrooms, clinics, and communities.

    The conference serves as a platform to:

    • Share cutting-edge research findings and evidence-based practices
    • Exchange ideas across disciplines, sectors, and countries
    • Promote collaboration and partnerships among stakeholders
    • Strengthen inclusive, equitable, and sustainable education pathways
    • Encourage innovation in addressing special education and mental health challenges

      Conference Subthemes

      Submissions are welcome under (but not limited to) the following areas:

      • Development Across the Lifespan
      • Assessment & Intervention
      • Life Stage Support & Transitions
      • Digital Inclusion & Lifelong Learning
      • Community & Stakeholder Empowerment
      • Policy & Leadership in Inclusive Education
    • Keynote Speakers

      Professor Ashley Harrison

      Educational Psychologist, University of Georgia, USA

      Keynote Topic: Breaking Barriers: Global Inequities in Autism Services

      In this keynote, Professor Ashley Harrison explores global disparities in autism services, highlighting how systemic challenges affect identification, diagnosis, and support. The session will provide practical, culturally responsive strategies to promote equity and improve outcomes across diverse contexts.

      Dr. Sathya Ramachandram

      Developmental Pediatrician, Ministry of Health Malaysia

      Keynote Topic: From Clinic to Classroom: Translating Neurodevelopmental Conditions into Everyday Teaching Practice

      Dr. Sathya shares practical approaches to bridge clinical understanding and classroom application. The session focuses on translating knowledge of neurodevelopmental conditions into effective strategies that support engagement, behaviour, and learning outcomes in everyday teaching.

      Dr. Ersin Ateş

      Special Education Lecturer, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University, Türkiye

      Keynote Topic: Cultural Fairness in Intelligence Testing

      This session examines biases in conventional intelligence assessments and highlights the importance of culturally fair approaches. Dr. Ersin Ateş will discuss the need for more holistic, inclusive, and updated assessment practices that better reflect diverse learner backgrounds.

      Dr. Ediyanto

      President, World Forum for Inclusive Education, Indonesia

      Keynote Topic: Emerging Technology for Inclusive and Sustainable Development

      Dr. Ediyanto presents both high-tech and low-tech innovations that support inclusive and sustainable education. The session will explore practical solutions to enhance accessibility and inclusion across different educational settings.

    • Call for Abstracts

      The 2nd Asia Pacific Conference on Special Education & Mental Health (SEMH 2026) invites abstract submissions from individuals and organisations committed to advancing inclusive education and mental health.

      This conference aims to showcase innovative research, evidence-based practices, and impactful initiatives that address the diverse needs of learners across the lifespan. We welcome contributions that bridge research, policy, and practice, particularly those offering practical solutions in real-world contexts.


      Who Should Submit

      • Researchers and academics
      • Teachers, school leaders, and educators
      • Speech-language therapists, psychologists, and healthcare professionals
      • Early intervention specialists and practitioners
      • NGOs, community organisations, and social enterprises
      • Policymakers and education leaders
      • Postgraduate students

      Types of Contributions

      • Original research studies (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods)
      • Case studies and best practices from schools, clinics, or communities
      • Innovative interventions or programmes
      • Technology-based solutions for inclusive education and mental health
      • Policy analysis and system-level initiatives
      • Community-based or cross-sector collaborations

      Submission Guidelines

      Kindly ensure that all submissions are clear, concise, and aligned with the conference themes. Abstracts that do not follow the required format may not be considered for review.


      Important Dates

      Date Activity
      29 May 2026 Abstract Submission Deadline
      1 June 2026 Notification of Acceptance
      20 June 2026 Registration Deadline
      9–10 July 2026 Conference Dates

      Review Process

      All submissions will undergo peer review by the conference scientific committee.

      • Relevance to conference themes
      • Clarity and coherence
      • Methodological soundness
      • Practical and theoretical contribution
      • Innovation and impact

      Why Submit to SEMH 2026?

      • Connect with regional and international experts
      • Present your work to a wider audience
      • Learn practical strategies for inclusive education
      • Be part of meaningful change in special education and mental health

      Enquiries

      For questions regarding abstract submission, please contact:
      hsphoon@usm.my


      Be Part of the Change

      Join us at SEMH 2026 as we work together to build inclusive, equitable, and sustainable pathways for all learners.

    • Registration

      • 🎉 Registration is now open!

        We warmly invite you to be part of SEMH 2026 – The 2nd Asia Pacific Conference on Special Education and Mental Health, a meaningful gathering of educators, researchers, practitioners, and advocates across the region.

        Whether you are presenting your work or joining as a participant, this conference offers a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute to more inclusive and sustainable practices in special education and mental health.

        📝 Register Now

        👉 Registration Form
        (All participants and presenters should complete this form to register for SEMH 2026.)



        Category Mode Fee
        🎤 Oral Presenter Physical (On-site) RM612
        🎤 Oral Presenter Online RM408
        🎓 Oral Presenter (Student) Physical (On-site) RM408
        🎓 Oral Presenter (Student) Online RM306
        👥 Participant (Non-Presenter) Physical / Online RM306

        Notes:

        • All fees are inclusive of online payment processing charges
        • Physical participation includes certificate, 2 tea breaks, and 1 lunch per day
        • Online participation includes e-certificate

        Add-On Option

        💡 Innovation Category (Poster / Competition)

        • Fee: RM153
        • Mode: Physical participation only
        • Eligibility: Available for registered oral presenters

        Have an idea or innovation to share? This category provides a platform to showcase creative solutions and impactful practices, with selected entries featured in a special innovation segment.

        Publication Opportunity

        Selected papers from SEMH 2026 will be invited for further review for possible publication in:

        • Asia Pacific Journal of Educators and Education (Scopus-indexed, Q3)

        Note: Publication is subject to the journal’s peer-review process and applicable Article Processing Charges (APC), where relevant.

        Important Notes

        • Presenters are required to register upon acceptance of their abstracts
        • Physical participation is limited and allocated on a first-come basis
        • Early registration is strongly encouraged to secure your preferred mode

        Join Us

        Be part of a supportive and inspiring community.

        Together, let’s share ideas, build meaningful connections, and create real impact in special education and mental health across the Asia Pacific region.