Winners prove being blind is no impediment
That's what the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) proved through its inaugural Black Screen Typist Competition, a typing contest designed for the visually impaired.
More than 23 participants took part, relying on audio cues to test their hearing and typing skills. They were scored on accuracy and speed.
Rishan Ponraj Sivaaj won the Bahasa Melayu category with a score of 92.5 out of 100.
He was surprised by his win, saying it was his first time competing in such a contest.
Blind since birth, Rishan said one of his biggest challenges was accepting his condition.
"As a child, it was hard to understand why I was different. I didn't have many friends to play with, which made things more isolating."
With his family's support, he gradually adapted.
Now 25, he is pursuing a graduate programme at a bank and hopes that the competition will raise awareness of what visually impaired people can do.
"I hope that this competition opens society's eyes to the fact that we are just as capable of using computers as sighted people."
Tang Kah Hung, who won the English category with a score of 80.5, credited his speed to helping with his family's photocopying business.
He lost his vision at 16 due to a brain tumour.
He said while the experience was devastating, time and support helped him adjust.
"At first, I felt despair. But with time, I learnt to accept my blindness and appreciate my remaining senses — hearing, touch, taste and smell," he said.
He added that such contests promoted typing skills and encouraged others not to hesitate to seek help.
"Don't be shy about asking for help — whether from a senior or a blind association offering computer courses."
MAB ICT senior executive Hafiyyan Lali said the event highlighted the technological capabilities of the visually impaired.
"The goal is to show that with digital accessibility, blind people can perform on par with everyone else."
Due to the positive response, MAB plans to make the contest an annual event and is considering including sighted participants to promote inclusivity.
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