09-05-2025
Inaugural Malaysia Deaf Summit 2025 to take place in Sibu this September
Mohamad Razi (seated, third right) and others pose for a photo call, taken during the press conference.
SIBU (May 9): Malaysia is set to host its first-ever Malaysia Deaf Summit 2025 at Kingwood Hotel here from Sept 26 to 28, under the theme 'Inclusive Futures: Advancing Access and Equity for Deaf Communities'.
The event is organised by the Deaf Advocacy and Wellbeing National Organisation (DAWN) and hosted by the Sarawak Deaf Community Services Association, with support from Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak).
Deputy Minister for Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam said the summit marks a significant milestone for Malaysia's deaf community.
'Since the founding of the Federation School for the Deaf in 1954, the deaf community in Malaysia has proven time and time again that they can achieve incredible things despite facing numerous obstacles,' he told a press conference here yesterday.
However, he acknowledged that the deaf community continues to face exclusion, largely due to societal misconceptions rather than lack of ability.
'While the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 is a crucial step towards inclusion, it is clear that more needs to be done.
'Many challenges persist, particularly the lack of consistent access to interpreting services across healthcare, legal, and education sectors, as well as difficulties with literacy in both Malay and English,' he stressed.
He added that the inaccessibility of legal information further prevents the individuals from fully understanding and exercising their rights under Malaysian law.
To promote inclusivity, Mohamad Razi said the ministry had introduced Malaysian Sign Language learning to children under the SeDidik initiative.
'As part of building an inclusive society, our ministry through the Sarawak Social Welfare Department has assisted 14,675 persons with disabilities through monthly assistance, with 3,445 of them able to work in different sectors.'
The upcoming summit is expected to gather between 300 and 400 participants, with research papers to be presented over two days.
Topics include 'Employment Creation Solutions for Deaf People'; 'Promoting Sign Language Rights and Strengthening Deaf Community in Indonesia'; 'Basis of Linguistics and Legal Transformation of Filipino Sign Language'; and 'Sign Language Interpreting Services in Thailand: Roles, Challenges, and Development Pathways for Deaf and Hearing Interpreters'.
Additionally, Mohamad Razi also expressed his appreciation to BESarawak for their strong support in making the summit a reality.
'Their contributions have played a pivotal role in providing essential resources, expertise, and a collaborative spirit that have greatly enriched our efforts.'
He added that the government is committed to ensuring that every Malaysian, regardless of their abilities, can live with dignity and have equal access to opportunities.
'The deaf community has already demonstrated their resilience, and it is now time for the rest of society to meet them halfway. We must work together to remove barriers and create a future where they can fully participate and thrive,' he said. inaugural Malaysia Deaf Summit 2025 Sibu
