You’re Invited!
🗓 Date: 23 May 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 informative webinar with Dr. Anthony Chong, a Deaf scholar and activist, as he shares insights about the Deaf community in Malaysia and the importance of Malaysian Sign Language (BIM).
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.
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. More details are available in the registration form.
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.
Who are Deaf Allies?
Deaf allies are hearing individuals who support Deaf people and Deaf culture. They are committed to:
- Promoting accessibility and inclusion
- Learning and respecting BIM and other sign languages
- Advocating for equal rights and opportunities
- Working with (not for) the Deaf community, guided by their needs and leadership
Watch the Webinar on YouTube
Missed the live session? You can now watch the Public Webinar: Understanding the Deaf Community and BIM (23 May 2025) on our official YouTube channel. Click below to watch and share it with others to help raise awareness about BIM and the Deaf community in Malaysia.
Webinar Recap: Understanding the Deaf Community and Malaysian Sign Language
Led by Dr Anthony Chong, this powerful and eye-opening webinar brought together 180 participants, including many hearing individuals accompanied by their Deaf peers and instructors. The session explored core themes such as Deaf identity, the shift from charity-based views to a cultural-linguistic perspective, and the long-term impact of language deprivation among Deaf children.
Participants were introduced to Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) as a complete, structured, and culturally rich language—distinct from spoken Malay, English, or Chinese. The webinar emphasised the importance of early language access, addressed common misconceptions about Deaf literacy, and highlighted the evolving role of BIM interpreters as recognised professionals.
Attendees were encouraged to support Deaf autonomy and advocate for inclusive policies in education, healthcare, and employment. The webinar served as a meaningful step towards greater awareness, allyship, and inclusion for the Deaf community in Malaysia.
Stay tuned for future webinars exploring topics such as Deaf education, mental health, language rights, employment, and Deaf leadership.