Holistic Support Ecosystem: Key to the Success of Special Education in Chinese National-Type Schools in Malaysia

Our study explores how a holistic support ecosystem is a key factor in the successful implementation of the Integrated Special Education Program (ISEP) in Chinese National Type Schools (CNTS) in Malaysia. This research use a qualitative case study approach, collecting data through in-depth interviews, four months of field observations (although not longitudinal), and extensive document analysis from eight schools across five geographical zones of the country.The study involved school administrators, education officials, and special education teachers as informants. The findings reveal three key dimensions of the holistic support ecosystem: strong administrative commitment, active parental involvement, and community collaboration. These components collectively form a dynamic support network that enables effective navigation of bilingual and socio-cultural challenges. The study also highlights innovative collaborative practices that have emerged to address resource limitations, particularly in rural areas. The research contributes to understanding how culturally responsive inclusive education can be effectively implemented in linguistically diverse contexts, with implications for policy development and professional practice in similar educational settings globally.