Dr Karuppiah Nirmala (a.k.a. Nirmala Segaran) is the Head of the Early Childhood and Special Education Academic Group, National Institute of Education. She has served several years in the field of early childhood education, holding various positions including lecturer, practicum supervisor, curriculum consultant and research advisor. She also serves in various governmental and non-governmental Advisory Committees related to early childhood matters. Her areas of research interests include teacher-child interactions, children’s use of screen devices’, and diversity and social justice. She has conducted talks for parents and workshops for teachers as well as published books and CD-ROMs for teachers, parents and children. She has also presented at several local and international conferences, and published articles in local media and international journals. Her work experience spans several countries including Australia, Cambodia, India, Indonesia and Malaysia.