Latest news with #BlackScreenTypistCompetition
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Winners prove being blind is no impediment
KUALA LUMPUR: Being blind shouldn't stop anyone from taking part in competitions, even typing contests. 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.
The Star
02-07-2025
- The Star
Blind Malaysians invited to join typing contest with over RM3,000 in prizes
'We also want to show the public that the blind are just as capable and deserving of equal opportunities,' says Haffiyan. Photo: Haffiyan Lali The Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) is aiming to make history with its first-ever typing contest for the blind - Black Screen Typist Competition - in a bid to enter the Malaysia Book of Records. The event will take place on Saturday (July 5) at 8.30am at MAB in Brickfields, Kuala far, 23 visually impaired participants have signed up, and MAB is calling for more to join. Up to RM3,600 in cash prizes are up for grabs. MAB's information and communications technology (ICT) senior executive Haffiyan Lali, 35, who is blind himself, says the competition seeks to challenge misconceptions about the blind in today's digital age. "Many people are still unaware that visually impaired individuals can be just as productive as everyone else, provided they are given the right equipment and environment. "We hope the competition highlights the importance of digital accessibility. We also want to show the public that the blind are just as capable and deserving of equal opportunities. The visually impaired can be just as productive as anyone else," says Haffiyan in an email interview from Kuala Lumpur. The Black Screen Typist competition aims to showcase how the blind can thrive in the digital world with the right support and technology. Photos: 123rf The contest will be held in two categories: Bahasa Malaysia and English. It is open to any visually impaired Malaysian with an OKU (Orang Kurang Upaya) card. Participants must be familiar with using a computer that runs on the Windows operating system, including navigating file explorer and working with Microsoft Word. They should also be proficient in using screen reader softwares for the blind, such as Non-Visual Desktop Access (NVDA) or Job Access With Speech (JAWS). Candidates must possess at least intermediate-level keyboarding skills. During the competition, blindfolded participants must use the NVDA and are required to type along to a pre-recorded audio. They will be scored based on speed and accuracy. Winners in both language categories will receive RM1,000 (first prize), RM500 (second) and RM300 (third). When the blind are empowered to succeed, it promotes inclusion and breaks down stereotypes. Beyond the prizes, Haffiyan hopes participants will walk away with a sense of empowerment and confidence. "For many, this may be their first time showcasing their digital skills in a public setting, and we want them to feel proud of their abilities. We also hope they gain a deeper sense of community, knowing they are not alone, and that there are others like them pushing boundaries and breaking stereotypes. "This competition is also a chance for participants to build self-belief, develop soft skills like focus and resilience, and inspire them to keep pursuing opportunities in education, employment and beyond. We want them to know that their skills matter, their voices are heard, and their contributions are valuable." Through the competition, Haffiyan also hopes the public will realise that life without sight doesn't mean life without capability. "Blind and visually impaired individuals are just as intelligent, skilled and productive as anyone else, especially when accessibility is prioritised. We want to challenge the common misconceptions about blindness and show that with the right tools and inclusive environments, the blind community can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and even outperform expectations in areas many assume are beyond their reach. "Ultimately, this is about shifting perspectives, from seeing disability as a limitation to understanding it as a part of human diversity that deserves equal opportunity and support." To register, click on or call 03-2272 2677 (ext 143).
