Latest news with #TanLeeBee
The Star
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
RTM's Hawana booth builds connection with deaf community
Hands on: Lee demonstrating her sign language skills at RTM's booth at the Hawana 2025 Carnival, Sunway Putra Mall. — Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: The RTM booth at the Hawana 2025 Carnival offers an interactive sign language learning session, providing visitors with an opportunity to better understand and connect with Malaysia's deaf community. RTM sign language interpreter Tan Lee Bee said the initiative not only provides visitors with an opportunity to learn sign language, but also exposes them to the unique culture of the deaf community. 'The public can come and learn sign language. For anyone or broadcasting station with interest, they can start by taking a basic course, followed by training and interacting with the deaf community to better understand their communication culture. 'Over time, they will become more skilled and have the potential to become sign language interpreters like me,' she said when met at Sunway Putra Mall here yesterday, Bernama reported. Lee said mastering sign language is not just about memorising hand gestures, but rather requires a deep understanding of the facial expressions, body language and communication culture of the deaf, which differs from the general public. 'To be a good interpreter, one has to be close and familiar with the deaf community. From there, we can understand how they communicate more accurately and convey the true meaning through signs. 'Maybe one day, we can broadcast news delivered by deaf individuals themselves using sign language. Who knows, the time will come for TV stations to feature news presenters from this community,' she said. The Hawana 2025 Carnival, taking place for three days since Friday, is part of this year's National Journalists Day (Hawana) celebration, which was held at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre. The Hawana 2025 celebration, organised by the Communications Ministry with Bernama as the implementing agency, aims to recognise the role and contribution of media practitioners in the country's development.
The Sun
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
2025 HAWANA Carnival: Sign language learning session special attraction at RTM booth
KUALA LUMPUR: The Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) booth at the 2025 HAWANA Carnival stands out by offering an interactive sign language learning session, providing visitors with an opportunity to better understand and connect with the culture of the Deaf and disabled community. RTM sign language interpreter Tan Lee Bee said the initiative not only provides visitors with an opportunity to learn sign language, but also exposes them to the unique culture of the deaf community. 'The public can come and learn sign language. For anyone or broadcasting station with interest, they can start by taking a basic course, followed by training and interacting with the deaf community to better understand their communication culture. 'Over time, they will become more skilled and have the potential to become sign language interpreters like me,' she said when met at the lobby of Sunway Putra Mall here. Lee said mastering sign language is not just about memorising hand gestures, but rather requires a deep understanding of the facial expressions, body language and communication culture of the deaf, which is different from the general public. 'To be a good interpreter, one has to be close and familiar with the deaf community. From there, we can understand how they communicate more accurately and convey the true meaning through signs. 'Maybe one day, we can broadcast news delivered by deaf individuals themselves using sign language. Who knows, the time will come for TV stations to feature news presenters from this community,' she said. A visitor at the carnival, K. Ariaratnam, 77, who is a government retiree, described the HAWANA 2025 Carnival stall as having beneficial content, especially in helping to obtain information on cybersecurity. 'I read in the newspaper yesterday that there was a HAWANA carnival here, so I came to see the stall regarding the media. I was amazed because I saw many initiatives that I could share with my children and grandchildren. ' I was at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) booth just now and only found out about the existence of to get the authenticity of the news, as well as about the 997 hotline to report scam crimes,' he said. The HAWANA 2025 Carnival, being held for three days since last Friday, is part of this year's National Journalist Day (HAWANA) celebration, with the culminating ceremony held yesterday and officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre (WTCKL). The HAWANA 2025 celebration, organised by the Ministry of Communications with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, aims to recognise the role and contribution of media practitioners in the country's development.
The Sun
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Sign language learning session special attraction at RTM booth
KUALA LUMPUR: The Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) booth at the 2025 HAWANA Carnival stands out by offering an interactive sign language learning session, providing visitors with an opportunity to better understand and connect with the culture of the Deaf and disabled community. RTM sign language interpreter Tan Lee Bee said the initiative not only provides visitors with an opportunity to learn sign language, but also exposes them to the unique culture of the deaf community. 'The public can come and learn sign language. For anyone or broadcasting station with interest, they can start by taking a basic course, followed by training and interacting with the deaf community to better understand their communication culture. 'Over time, they will become more skilled and have the potential to become sign language interpreters like me,' she said when met at the lobby of Sunway Putra Mall here. Lee said mastering sign language is not just about memorising hand gestures, but rather requires a deep understanding of the facial expressions, body language and communication culture of the deaf, which is different from the general public. 'To be a good interpreter, one has to be close and familiar with the deaf community. From there, we can understand how they communicate more accurately and convey the true meaning through signs. 'Maybe one day, we can broadcast news delivered by deaf individuals themselves using sign language. Who knows, the time will come for TV stations to feature news presenters from this community,' she said. A visitor at the carnival, K. Ariaratnam, 77, who is a government retiree, described the HAWANA 2025 Carnival stall as having beneficial content, especially in helping to obtain information on cybersecurity. 'I read in the newspaper yesterday that there was a HAWANA carnival here, so I came to see the stall regarding the media. I was amazed because I saw many initiatives that I could share with my children and grandchildren. ' I was at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) booth just now and only found out about the existence of to get the authenticity of the news, as well as about the 997 hotline to report scam crimes,' he said. The HAWANA 2025 Carnival, being held for three days since last Friday, is part of this year's National Journalist Day (HAWANA) celebration, with the culminating ceremony held yesterday and officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre (WTCKL). The HAWANA 2025 celebration, organised by the Ministry of Communications with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, aims to recognise the role and contribution of media practitioners in the country's development.
Rakyat Post
03-06-2025
- General
- Rakyat Post
The Visual Storyteller: Veteran Interpreter's Silent Dedication Honoured By The King
Subscribe to our FREE In a moment as graceful as her gestures on screen, veteran Malaysian sign language interpreter Tan Lee Bee was recently honoured with the Bintang Ahli Mangku Negara (AMN) by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim. Local media outlets Image: Facebook | Persatuan Jurubahasa Isyarat Malaysia If you've ever watched a news broadcast in Malaysia and noticed a spirited interpreter in the corner of the screen, translating every word with animated expressions and heartfelt clarity, chances are you've seen Tan Lee Bee in action. Her presence has long been a comforting and essential bridge for many in the Deaf community – a steady hand bringing the world's events to those who experience them through signs. 'I feel happy, moved, I feel like crying too. I feel very grateful,' the 64-year-old said, emotions welling up after receiving the AMN award. But in true humility, she didn't accept the honour just for herself. 'This recognition is not just for me, but a symbolic tribute to every interpreter who works silently for a fairer inclusivity in Malaysia.' Tan was one of 16 individuals who received the award that day, but her story speaks volumes. Her journey began not from career ambition, but from the deep love and empathy she held for her younger sister, who is deaf. 'I have a deaf sister. I learned sign language because of her,' she shared. What began as a way to connect with someone she loved soon became her life's calling. She went on to become a teacher for the deaf for 17 years, while also breaking new ground as Malaysia's first court sign language interpreter in 1994. Her contribution to national broadcasting began even earlier, in 1985, with her debut on Selamat Pagi Malaysia . From there, her face and expressive hands became a familiar and cherished part of the daily lives of many viewers, especially those relying on her to access vital information. Through Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and beyond – including corporate settings where she ensured that employees with disabilities were never left out of the conversation – Tan's role has always been about more than translation. It's about inclusion, dignity, and making sure no one is left behind. Her story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the most powerful voices are the ones spoken in silence – with hands, expressions, and a heart full of compassion. Tan Lee Bee's decades of service may have taken place quietly in the corner of the screen, but this week, the spotlight rightfully turned to her. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Free Malaysia Today
03-06-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Sign-language interpreter Tan Lee Bee receives royal award
Veteran media personality and sign-language interpreter Tan Lee Bee with her Bintang Ahli Mangku Negara award. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR : For her dedication as a sign-language interpreter spanning more than four decades, Tan Lee Bee received the Bintang Ahli Mangku Negara (AMN) from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim yesterday. Tan, who often graces the corner of the television screen during news broadcasts, described the award as a 'great recognition' in her 'silent struggle to convey the voices of the voiceless'. 'I feel happy, moved, I feel like crying, too… I feel very grateful,' the veteran media personality told Bernama after the investiture ceremony in conjunction with the king's official birthday celebration at Istana Negara. 'This recognition is not just for me, it's a symbolic tribute to every interpreter who works silently for a fairer inclusivity in Malaysia,' the 64-year-old added. Tan was among 16 individuals who received the AMN at the ceremony, during which Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar and armed forces chief Gen Nizam Jaffar were bestowed with the Darjah Panglima Mangku Negara, which carries the title Tan Sri. Tan's journey as an interpreter began out of love for the person closest to her heart: her younger sister, who is deaf. 'I learnt sign language because of her … people always ask me how I learnt sign language, and they're always surprised to know I never took formal training before I began my career,' she told FMT in 2021. She then served as a teacher for the deaf for 17 years, which she initially found challenging. 'I found it very hard to teach the deaf and I would sometimes cry. At times I just could not make my students understand.' Tan is best known for gracing the corner of TV screens during news broadcasts with her dynamic signing and compelling facial expressions. (Tan Lee Bee pic) During those years, she also served as an interpreter with the federal court. Tan went on to become Malaysia's first court sign-language interpreter in 1994. Still, one might be surprised to learn that her contribution to the world of broadcasting began much earlier, when she appeared on television circa 1985 on the show 'Selamat Pagi Malaysia'. Her facial expressions and signing actions became important visuals in news broadcasts as well as in official communication videos, advertisements, and various broadcasting mediums. Apart from RTM, Tan provides her services to companies with employees who have disabilities. She told FMT five years ago that she derived great satisfaction from serving the deaf community. 'Whatever we interpret, it has to be understood,' she said. 'I have to make sure my interpretation is clear and that I do not make any mistakes. 'As an interpreter, when the deaf understand you well enough and are happy about it, they will come to tell you. As long as my hand is able and my mind is still okay, I will go on interpreting … it is my passion.'
