Dr Mohd Syazwan Zainal

Lecturer Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Dr Mohd Syazwan Zainal is a respected academic in the field of Special Education and currently serves as the Coordinator of the Autism Research Centre at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). He earned his PhD from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in 2024, marking a significant milestone in his academic and professional journey. His dedication to autism research was further enhanced in 2022 when he participated in a prestigious academic attachment at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC), La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia. The program was organized by the Australian High Commission and the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. This experience broadened his global perspective and deepened his expertise in autism studies, particularly in understanding the complexities of neurodiversity across cultural contexts.

Prior to his academic career, Dr Syazwan spent nearly seven years as a Special Education Teacher in Melaka, Malaysia. This early professional experience grounded his understanding of the real-world challenges faced by students with disabilities, especially those on the autism spectrum. It also shaped his research interests in inclusive education and the transition of individuals with disabilities from school to adulthood.

Currently, he is leading several impactful research initiatives that focus on autism, mental health, and transitions for individuals with disabilities. His projects explore issues such as employment readiness, career self-efficacy, and the role of supportive environments in promoting inclusion and empowerment. Through these studies, Dr. Syazwan aims to bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that his findings translate into meaningful changes in policy and educational practice, especially within higher education institutions.

Furthermore, Dr Syazwan was awarded the Best Research Idea Award at the 2023 Malaysia Young Scientist Network Award Program, an initiative organized by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia. As part of the program, he and 14 other finalists received training and mentoring to become leading researchers, with an emphasis on ensuring that their research ideas contribute to the economy, society, and national development.

In addition to his research and teaching responsibilities, Dr Syazwan plays a pivotal role in strengthening academic networks and regional collaborations. He has been instrumental in building research partnerships between UKM and several universities in Southeast Asia, including institutions in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam. These cross-border initiatives aim to promote knowledge exchange and collaborative research on inclusive education and disability studies.

To add to this, Dr Syazwan has established strong international research ties with co-partners from Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom. These collaborations have enriched the scope and depth of his research, allowing for comparative studies and culturally responsive practices in special education and autism-related interventions.

Through his academic leadership, international collaborations, and unwavering commitment to inclusive education, Dr Syazwan continues to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of research, not only in Malaysia but across the global academic community.


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