PRESS RELEASE — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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SIBU, SARAWAK — 8 MAY 2025: The Deaf Advocacy and Wellbeing National Organisation (DAWN) is pleased to announce the inaugural Malaysia Deaf Summit, taking place from 26–28 September 2025 at Kingwood Hotel, Sibu, Sarawak.
Hosted by the Sarawak Deaf Community Services Association (SDCSA), this summit represents a landmark event in the history of the Deaf community in Malaysia.
Since the establishment of the Federation School for the Deaf (FSD) in 1954 – the country’s first residential school for Deaf students – many Deaf individuals have overcome barriers once believed to be impossible to overcome. Access to education has opened countless new doors for the community, empowering Deaf people to forge their own paths to success, despite the ongoing challenges they face.
While Deaf Malaysians have consistently demonstrated that deafness is no barrier to achievement, their progress has far too often been hindered – not by their abilities, but by deeply entrenched societal assumptions, stereotypes, and rigid norms.
Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam, Deputy Minister of Community Well-being Development of Sarawak, believes establishing a dedicated platform for the Deaf community will create sustained opportunities for integration and empowerment.
“The Deaf community has long faced systemic barriers to full participation in society. Policy must be directed towards strengthening accessibility measures, expanding funding for community-led initiatives, and ensuring representation in decision-making processes.
“A lasting legacy impact is built on concrete action. Legislative frameworks must incorporate permanent support mechanisms such as structured employment pathways, accessible education systems, and standardised sign language interpretation services across public and private sectors.
“Meaningful change is achieved when the Deaf community is not just included in conversations but actively shaping policy outcomes that affect their future. Our commitment must be reflected in long-term structural reforms that dismantle barriers and establish equitable access for all.”
Amelia Roziman, Chief Executive Officer of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), believes that business events should leave a lasting imprint, not just on the industries they serve, but on the communities they impact.
“This is why over the past few years, BESarawak has collaborated closely with the Sarawak Deaf Community Services Association to develop this first ever Malaysia Deaf Summit, which will amplify voices that deserve to be heard and provide a platform for collaboration between stakeholders, ensuring that the Deaf community is not just included but embraced in Malaysia’s development journey.”
Sarawak Deaf Community Services Association president, Albert Wong Tuong Chui, hopes that the legacy impact from this Summit will translate into tangible action – from strengthening accessibility policies to creating economic opportunities.
“The summit aims to bring together key stakeholders – including government representatives, service providers, civil society, researchers, and members of the Deaf community – to confront these challenges and explore opportunities for systemic reform.
“Through education, networking, and direct engagement with policymakers, we aim to break long-standing barriers and open new pathways for the Deaf community to thrive, not just here in Sarawak but also on a national and international scale. We extend our sincerest gratitude to BESarawak for their invaluable support in organising the inaugural Malaysia Deaf Summit.”
The Summit is supported by Ministry of Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK), Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat Negeri Sarawak, Jabatan Wanita dan Keluarga Sarawak (JWKS) and the Sarawak Social Development Council, which operates under the (KPWK).
Under the theme “Inclusive Futures: Advancing Access and Equity for Deaf Communities”, the summit will explore vital topics such as:
- Inclusive and accessible education
- Healthcare equity
- Access to information
- Interpreting services in public spaces
- Legal empowerment and policy advocacy
- Cultural and linguistic preservation
This event provides a much-needed platform for dialogue, collaboration, and empowerment, encouraging collective action to build a more inclusive Malaysia. It will unite researchers, advocates, educators, Deaf individuals, and university students to drive meaningful and lasting change.
For more information, please visit https://www.mydawn.org/summit2025/
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Media Contact Information:
Conference Co-Chairs
Dr Anthony Chong / Mr Albert Wong
E: dawnpekakcomm@gmail.com
Secretariat Team
Sharon Yeo
Sarawak Deaf Community Services Association
M: 016-8656999
E: sharonttyeo@gmail.com
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