NEWS

Dr. Divya Rose Peter

Associate Professor | Inclusive Education Specialist | Researcher | International Award-Winning Academic

Dr. Divya Rose Peter is an internationally recognized educator, researcher, and academic leader in the field of Special Education. She currently serves as an Associate Professor in the School of Education and Social Sciences at Management and Science University (MSU), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She also holds a position as a Visiting Faculty Member at the School of Behavioral Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, India.

With over 20 years of professional experience spanning academia, clinical consultancy, and educational leadership, Dr. Peter has carved a unique niche in Special Education, Child Psychology, Disability Studies, Early Childhood Development, and Inclusive Pedagogy. Her deep-rooted commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments has earned her international recognition—including the prestigious "Asia's Excellence Associate Professor Award in the Field of Special Education" (2025).

Dr. Peter holds a Ph.D. in Child Psychology (focusing on the cognitive development of preschoolers and its link with nutrition), an M.Phil. in Special Education, an M.Sc. in Disability Studies/Health &Behavioral Sciences, and a B.Sc. in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics—all from Mahatma Gandhi University, India.

Throughout her career, she has held several senior academic and administrative roles, including Head of School and Programme Director for many years. In these roles, she led the development of undergraduate and postgraduate curricula in Special Needs Education and Early Childhood Education. Her work has significantly shaped inclusive academic programs through curriculum innovation, micro-credential development, and teacher training modules, often tailored to support neurodiverse learners.

Dr. Peter is a prolific researcher, having authored and presented numerous international publications and conference papers. Her work spans topics such as inclusive classroom practices, autism interventions, digital pedagogy, parental engagement, and child nutrition. She has shared her insights at globally renowned platforms, including the European Public Health Conference, the World Disability and Rehabilitation Conference, and the International Conference on Food, Nutrition, Health and Lifestyle.

In addition to her academic contributions, she is a passionate community advocate. She has led numerous national and international consultancy and community projects, particularly in the areas of early childhood intervention and disability advocacy. Her leadership roles include serving as the Country Coordinator (Malaysia) for global rehabilitation conferences, Plenary Speaker, Scientific Committee Member, and Editorial Board Member for leading journals in education and social sciences.

Dr. Peter’s unwavering pursuit of academic excellence and social impact has earned her several accolades, including the Global Faculty Award (2020) and her recent feature in Leading Professors & Academicians 2024. Her innovative work on using augmented reality for protecting children with disabilities from abuse was recognized at the Pedagogy Innovators Showcase Competition 2024.

A true champion for diversity, inclusion, and educational transformation, Dr. Divya Rose Peter continues to inspire future educators, researchers, and policymakers through her inclusive vision, scholarly rigor, and compassionate leadership.