听障者心声 你听见了吗 ? (Nanyang Siang Pau) July 15, 2013 [English translation is available]

天生失聪的张伟义（中）从不放弃学习。目前他正报读马来亚大学的博士学位。

听障者拥有发言权。在2008年，马来西亚颁布了“残疾人士法令”，马来西亚手语（BIM）受承认为国家的规范手语，意味着手语已被确认为一种语言，听障者也有发言的权利。

天生失聪的张伟义，不久前发给本报一封英文电邮，字里行间一一陈述听障者生活上所面临的情况，并希望自己能够成为这个弱势群体的发言人，透过与媒体合作的管道，让人们听见听障者的心声。

他写道：“I would like to take stand for them...”，为听障者争取及维持公平与合理的社会待遇，促进听障者与健听人士之间互相尊重及了解，双方一同建设伤健共融的和谐社会。再者，“Time is not waiting for us.”

Communication gap amongst Deaf people within the Community

Only today I realized that there is a huge gap in the communication amongst Deaf people using sign language.

I realized that I have some difficulties in determining whether the persons I signed were able to grasp what I said to them. They may say they understand what I said. I would take it that they understood the signs I made to them, but my question is whether do they really understand the meaning I tried to convey. 

Malaysian Sign News made available in Facebook

Recently I was informed about this Malaysian Sign News, which can be shortened as MSN which you may go to this website (http://www.facebook.com/mysignews), however, you would have to register for a new account at Facebook. It is a little hassle for those who don't have Facebook account, especially for those who don't have access Internet at home or workplace. It does not have the same privilege with the daily news media, which can be printed on the papers and made available online, such as The Star, Berita Harian and Nanyang Siang Pau and Makkal Ossai, which are in different spoken/written languages.

It is unfortunate to say that our valued Malaysian Sign Language, which I would abbreviate as BIM as it is agreed in the Community, could not be lettered on the papers. However, it makes BIM as a unique language, and BIM has its own linguistics and equal status and have with other spoken languages around the world. You would not be able to use BIM and Malay or English simultaneously in effective way because BIM would become meaningful if it is "assisted" by Malay or English.

Bright side: Social Entrepreneurship

I just learned about the concept of social entrepreneurship. I think it is a fantastic idea to promote our language, culture and leadership within the community at the same time, we also bring our fellow deaf people some improvement in their life. Why not ? I am still thinking hard on it - please let me know if you know how and let's discuss further!

Hear our hand, instead of voice!

Show your pride towards sign language

In Malaysia, Malaysian Sign Language, which is shortened as BIM is recognized as language of the Deaf people. It is a linguistics, not a coded language. In our everyday life, we often feel bad for the hearing people who serve us have to "go through the deaf way". We can forget this feeling. There is nothing wrong with the use of sign language. We are born in this way, we are born to inspire people who forget about people with disabilities. We are born to change their attitude towards us, as people with disabilities, if you don't recognize yourself as people with disabilities, it is okay to use "deaf people".

WORLD DEAF LEADERSHIP SCHOLARS SINCE 2003

Vee Yee Chong - (2011)

Country: Malaysia. Field of Study: Deaf Studies with Concentration in Cultural Studies

My name is Vee Yee Chong, and I am from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I received the WDL scholarship award in 2010 to study at Gallaudet University. I began pursuing my graduate degree in Deaf Studies with a concentration in Cultural Studies a year later and completed my degree requirements in the summer of 2014.

Mountain Kinabalu Conquest - Experience Sharing

The photo was taken in June 2010. We attempted to conquer the Mount Kinabalu but due to raining season, we were not allowed to climb up! However, we did not give up. We planned to do it again. 

Now, it is my second trip to Mountain Kinabalu after the first in June. 

We failed to reach the peak of the Mountain Kinabalu in June. The failure triggered and pushed me and Ching Cher to do another attempt. 

Decision made and the second trip is in September 2010, which was just 3 months from the first experience. 

In these months, we did not really do any exercise to improve our strength and stamina. We were simply busy with our own business until the moment Ching Cher and I departed to Kota Kinabalu. 

We thought we were excited for the second attempt on Mountain Kinabalu, however, it was not! No spirit for the conquest! Aiks. We were in the plane already, reaching Kinabalu Airport soon! We can't cancel anything.