You’re Invited!
🗓 Date: 25 July 2025, Friday
🕣 Time: 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM (Malaysia Time)
📍 Platform: Zoom (link will be sent upon registration)
💰 Free Entry
Join us for an engaging webinar with Ms Jessica Mak, a Deaf advocate and trainer, as she shares insights into the rich values of Deaf culture and the unique ways culture shapes the Deaf community’s worldview.
This session is open to all hearing individuals interested in learning and supporting the Deaf community.
🗣 Languages Used:
The webinar will be conducted in Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) and English.
Audience members are also welcome to communicate or ask questions in Bahasa Malaysia.
👉 Register now to receive the Zoom link.
About the Speaker
Jessica Mak is a Deaf advocate and trainer based in both Malaysia and Singapore. She has been involved in various community initiatives to raise awareness about Deaf culture and promote understanding of Malaysian Sign Language (BIM). Jessica is committed to improving communication and inclusion between Deaf and hearing communities through education and dialogue.
Registration is required to attend the webinar.
You’re also encouraged to join our WhatsApp group, KomPekak Deaf Allies — a space for those who consider themselves supporters and wish to stay updated and contribute to the development and empowerment of the Deaf community across Malaysia.
Attendance Certificate for Government Officers.
Government officers who would like to receive an attendance certificate will be given a separate form to fill out after the webinar.
Missed the live session?
You can now watch the Public Webinar: Inside Deaf Culture – More Than Just Hands (25 July 2025) on our official YouTube channel. Click below to watch and share it with others to help promote greater understanding of Deaf culture.
Webinar Recap: Inside Deaf Culture – More Than Just Hands
Presented by Ms Jessica Mak | 25 July 2025
On 25 July 2025, Ms Jessica Mak delivered an engaging and informative webinar titled “Inside Deaf Culture: More Than Just Hands”, offering valuable insights into the cultural and linguistic identity of the Deaf community. With over 30 years of experience and fluency in BIM, SgSL, and JSL, Jessica shared her personal and professional perspectives on what defines Deaf culture.
The difference between “Deaf” as a cultural identity and “deaf” as a medical condition was explained, highlighting that Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) is not just a communication tool but a vital part of Deaf identity and community life. Everyday cultural practices such as name signs, Deaf clubs, and storytelling were discussed, along with common misconceptions — including the idea that all Deaf people lip-read or that sign language is universal.
In conclusion, participants were encouraged to gain real understanding through direct experiences with the Deaf community. An invitation was extended to join the upcoming 1st Malaysia Deaf Summit in September as an opportunity to engage, learn, and celebrate BIM together.
The webinar served as an important reminder of the depth and diversity of Deaf culture, and the role we all play in supporting it.