2025 CONFERENCE KEYNOTES
Monday, June 23rd 2025 – at Macau Anglican College
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Developing Macao Dementia Friendly Community: Challenges and Prospects
by Dr. Bill Wen Zeng (Macau)
Dementia is a significant chronic condition with loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life of people living with dementia…Macao Social Welfare Bureau provides a wide variety of services and support for people living with dementia and their caregivers, such as home care, day care, respite care, and institutional care.
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Dr. Bill Zeng Wen is the Vice-President of Dr Sun Yat-sen Medical Association and Vice-President of Macau Alumni Association of Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences. He is the QS World University Respondent, member of the American Geriatric Society, reviewer of the American Journal of Mixed Methods Research and the British SAGE Open Journal. Dr Zeng Wen received his bachelor’s degree from the Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences in Guangzhou, his master’s degree from Chiang Mai University in Thailand, his doctoral degree from the University of Auckland in New Zealand, and he also pursued further studies at the University of Cambridge in England. In addition, he also obtained the Hong Kong Alzheimer’s Disease Association Certificate in Cognitive Function Assessment Tutor and Certificate in Dementia Care Planner. Dr Zeng Wen has served as a Member of the Elderly Commission of Macau Government, a Member on the Commission for Chronic Disease Prevention & Control of Macau Government, the Chairman of the founding committee of the Macau Dementia Association, and Associate Professor at Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau.
For Better Support: Suggestions from Clinical Psychologists for Parents of Children with Autism
by Dr. Weihong Kuang (People’s Republic of China)
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by significant deficits in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted, repetitive behaviors and interests, which lead to difficulties in social adaptation for children…Although medically classified as a “mental disorder,” we should shift from pathologising ASD to providing lifelong support, moving from “correction” to “support.”
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Dr. W. Kuang has been working in clinical service and research nearly 30 years, specialized in sleep disorder, anxiety and depression disorder, cognition and NPD. Dr. Kuang has led and participated in over 20 clinical research projects, and published more than 100 academic papers, won one first prize for scientific and technological progress of the Sichuan Provincial Government (Natural Science category) and one first prize of the China Medical Science and Technology Award., edited and/or participated in the publication of 12 academic writings.
Rehabilitation mechanism under the guidance of the Fascia Theory of Autism
by Dr. Larry Luo (People’s Republic of China)
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Fascia Therapy is a non-drug rehabilitation approach based on the Fascia Theory of Autism. It focuses on stimulating the fascia—connective tissue that surrounds muscles, nerves, and organs—to enhance physiological functions. By applying targeted mechanical stimulation, this therapy aims to improve neural communication, promote tissue repair, and regulate the body’s stress and immune responses. It is believed to support autism rehabilitation by fostering self-healing mechanisms and optimizing bodily functions.
Professor Dr. Larry Luo is a respected researcher at the American Autism Association, recognised for his contributions to rehabilitation and autism-related research. He is an Academician of the European Academy of Natural Sciences and serves as Senior Consultant at the Hong Kong Asia-Pacific Hydrotherapy Rehabilitation Research Center. He supervises academic programs at Wenzhou Medical University and is the Founder and Chief Scientist of Harobo Rehabilitation Robotics Co. Ltd. Representing Harvard’s Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in China under Shenzhen’s “Three Famous Projects,” he also chairs the Academic Committee of the Greater Bay Area International Rehabilitation Forum. He leads fascia research at Shenzhen University, holds several professorial appointments, and is a Lifetime Member of the Sino-American Pharmaceutical Association. He is also affiliated with the IEEE and serves as President of the Shenzhen Jiali Rehabilitation Medicine Research Institute.
Sexual Attitude Reassessment for Health and Education Professionals in Macau
by Dr. Angus Yuk Kit Lam (Hong Kong)
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Sexuality is a valuable part of people’s lives, including people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Parents and social services personnel are significant parties for promoting the autonomy of people with ID regarding sexuality, although evidence reveals their actions tend to be in the opposite direction. Sexual attitudes do not emerge solely as personal or individual but evolve from interactions with others in a particular sociocultural environment.
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Dr. Angus Lam is an Occupational Therapist and Social Worker with extensive expertise in the mental health sector. He is also a certified sex therapist, having completed his training in Hong Kong. Angus earned his PhD, focusing on sexuality and individuals with intellectual disabilities. He currently teaches at Western Sydney University in Australia.
Empowering Parents with Information on the Autism Journey
by Carmen Li (Hong Kong)
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In the complex and isolating landscape of autism support in Asia, empowering parents with information is crucial. Addressing stigma, lack of information and isolation, we hope to explore innovative solutions to help parents navigate the ASD journey with their children, fostering confidence and hope. An Introduction of OPTISM.
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Carmen Li is the Founder of Optism, Founder of 21 Concepts Ltd and holds BA in Law, Letters & Society (The University of Chicago) as well as a MA in Journalism & Promotion (Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design).
Tuesday, June 24th 2025 – at MGM Cotai
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Empowering Individuals with ASD and Intellectual Disabilities:
Enhancing Life Skills Through Executive Function, Self-Regulation and Self-Inhibition
by Meng Kiat Derrick Tan (Singapore)
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Life skills are essential for independence and social participation, yet individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities often face challenges due to executive function deficits. This session explores how strengthening executive functions—such as planning, attention control, and self-monitoring—alongside self-regulation and self-inhibition, can improve daily functioning and overall well-being.
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Derrick Tan Meng Kiat is a seasoned professional with expertise in neuroscience, education, and finance. He holds dual master’s degrees in Applied Neuroscience (King’s College London) and International Education (University of Sydney). A Fellow Chartered Accountant (ICAEW, ISCA) and Business & Finance Professional, Derrick is currently the CEO of Merlion Paediatric Healthcare Group, leading innovative healthcare solutions for children and adolescents. His career spans key financial roles, including CFO at LHi Technology (China) and advisor to an SGX ST-listed company, with prior experience at Arthur Andersen and Ernst & Young. Derrick is also active in professional organizations, serving on councils for the Confucian Scholars and Merchants Society and the Association of Memory and Brain Development (Singapore). A dedicated researcher, he has published works on neuroscience in educational therapy, bridging science and education to enhance therapeutic approaches.
A Comprehensive Profile of an Individual with Autism: A Multi-Level Perspective
by Dr. Chia Kok Hwee (Singapore)
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This profile offers an in-depth examination of an individual with autism (based on selected real cases) across five levels of abilities, providing a holistic understanding of their strengths and challenges…
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Dr. K. H. Chia is a distinguished professional with nearly 30 years of experience in educational therapy and special education. A former tenured professor of Special Education, he currently works at Merlion Paediatric Therapy Clinic in Singapore. Dr. Chia holds a Doctorate of Education from the University of Western Australia, specializing in dyslexia, and has earned degrees from Edith Cowan University, the University of Southern Queensland, and the University of Western Australia. Certified as both an educational therapist and special education professional, Dr. Chia also holds an advanced credential in reading therapy. His accolades include awards from the Omega Gamma Chi Honor Society, the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellow Award, and recognition from Singapore’s Minister of Social and Family Development for his contributions to child welfare.
The Sensory Smart School: Sensible Design for all Learners
by Dr. Jennifer Erin Camulli (Canada)
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​“The Sensory Smart School: Sensible Design for All Learners” focuses on creating inclusive educational environments that support diverse sensory needs. The presentation highlights strategies for designing classrooms and school spaces that accommodate sensory sensitivities, ensuring all students, including those with autism, ADHD, and other sensory processing challenges, can thrive.
Dr. Jennifer Erin Camulli has over 30 years of experience in inclusive and special education, accessibility, and inclusion. Holding a PhD in Special Education, she is a registered educational therapist with the International Association of Counsellors and Therapists (IACT) and uses the cross-battery assessment approach based on the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) hierarchy of human skills. Her work focuses on universal design across environments, including sensory and social domains, education, and employment. Jennifer is particularly interested in sensory design, exploring how learning spaces impact students with sensory differences. She has worked in the Middle East to enhance accessibility for students with disabilities, publishing in academic journals on topics like autistic savantism and sensory design. In 2021, she published her first children’s book ‘Santa Doesn’t Break House Rules’ which includes accessible QR codes for audio and sign language narration. She is co-authoring a book on sensory design, set for release in 2025, and working on a project about accessibility.
Sexual Attitude Reassessment for Health and Education Professionals in Macau
by Dr. Angus Yuk Kit Lam (Hong Kong)
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Sexuality is a valuable part of people’s lives, including people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Parents and social services personnel are significant parties for promoting the autonomy of people with ID regarding sexuality, although evidence reveals their actions tend to be in the opposite direction. Sexual attitudes do not emerge solely as personal or individual but evolve from interactions with others in a particular sociocultural environment.
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Dr. Angus Lam is an Occupational Therapist and Social Worker with extensive expertise in the mental health sector. He is also a certified sex therapist, having completed his training in Hong Kong. Angus earned his PhD, focusing on sexuality and individuals with intellectual disabilities. He currently teaches at Western Sydney University in Australia.
