1st Malaysia Deaf Summit 2025: A Landmark in Deaf Advocacy, Unity, and the Call for Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) Recognition

Sibu, Sarawak | 26–28 September 2025 — The 1st Malaysia Deaf Summit 2025 marked a powerful and historic moment for the Deaf community in Malaysia and the region. Held at the Kingwood Hotel in Sibu, Sarawak, the three-day national gathering united over 350 Deaf and hearing participants from across Malaysia and six other countries — Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Australia, and Indonesia.

Jointly organised by the Sarawak Deaf Community Services Association (SDCSA) and the Deaf Advocacy and Wellbeing National Organisation (DAWN), the Summit carried the theme “Reclaiming Deaf Spaces: Language, Identity, and Cultural Power.” It represented decades of advocacy, resilience, and collective determination to push for equality, recognition, and representation for the Deaf community.

Opening: Sarawak Leading the Way in Inclusion

The Summit was officially opened by YB Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam, Deputy Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Development II. In his speech, he emphasised Sarawak’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility as part of the state’s development framework, recognising the potential for Sarawak to become a national leader in disability inclusion.

“Sarawak is ready to lead by example. We believe in an inclusive society where everyone — including the Deaf community — has the opportunity to contribute to the state’s and nation’s progress,” he said.

The Call for a Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) Act

In his keynote address, Summit Co-Chair Mr. Albert Wong Tuong Chui delivered one of the event’s defining messages: Malaysia must move beyond symbolic gestures of inclusion and take legislative action to recognise Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) as the official language of the Deaf community.

“BIM is not a gesture-code. It is a complete, living language — the soul of our identity and culture,” said Wong. “A BIM Act would guarantee interpreter access in hospitals, courts, and government services, protecting linguistic rights for more than 47,000 Deaf Malaysians and ensuring equal participation in society.”

He further urged the government to enact the BIM Act alongside long-awaited reforms to the Persons with Disabilities Act (PWDA) 2008, bringing Malaysia’s legal framework in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which Malaysia ratified in 2010.

A Celebration of Culture and Identity: International Deaf Day Gala Dinner

A key highlight of the Summit was the International Deaf Day Gala Dinner held on 27 September 2025, which brought together more than 400 guests at the Kingwood Hall. The evening celebrated Deaf culture, language, and inclusion under the vibrant theme “Batik of Unity, Colours of Inclusion.”

Guests, dressed in colourful batik, reflected Malaysia’s multicultural spirit and the unity that underpins the Deaf community’s movement for equality. The event was graced by YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, represented by Cr Paul Teo, who delivered the minister’s speech.

“Sign language is a human right. Without it, the promise of human rights remains incomplete,” the minister said. “Just as every motif and colour completes a batik, every community — including the Deaf community — completes the fabric of our nation.”

He also pledged support for inclusive arts, tourism, and cultural initiatives that highlight Deaf artists and promote sign language as part of Malaysia’s intangible cultural heritage.

In her remarks, DAWN President Sariah Ibrahim echoed the minister’s sentiments, reiterating the urgent need for the government to enact the Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) Act and to strengthen disability rights protections through amendments to the PWDA 2008.

“Recognising BIM is not only about language. It is about dignity, identity, and justice,” said Sariah. “It affirms that Deaf Malaysians are not invisible — we are an active part of this nation’s story.”

The dinner concluded with Deaf-led performances and a reaffirmation of unity across the Deaf and hearing communities.

Deaf Futures: Innovation, Solidarity, and Sustainable Change

The Summit closed on 28 September 2025 with a powerful address by Sariah Ibrahim, themed “Deaf Futures: Innovation, Solidarity, and Sustainable Change.” Speaking before a full audience, Sariah urged Malaysians to build a future where Deaf people are visible, respected, and included as equal members of society.

She outlined three key pillars:

Innovation — Beyond technology, it means creative thinking and courage to find new ways for Deaf people to thrive.
Solidarity — True partnership between Deaf and hearing communities that embeds accessibility as a right, not charity.
Sustainable Change — Ensuring that equality and inclusion are woven into every aspect of national development.

“Innovation gives us tools. Solidarity gives us strength. Sustainable change gives us a future that lasts. If we practice all three, Deaf futures will not just be words at a conference — it will become reality,” she declared.

Sariah also called for Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) to be embedded in the national education system, professional training, and public institutions, ensuring that future generations grow up in an inclusive society.

“This is not charity. This is justice. This is nation-building,” she said, connecting DAWN’s advocacy to Malaysia’s commitments under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Communities).

A Collective Call to Action

As the Summit drew to a close, participants issued a united call to action directed at all sectors of Malaysian society:

Government — Enact the BIM Act and reform disability laws to ensure Deaf participation in decision-making.
Education Sector — Adopt BIM as a medium of instruction and empower Deaf educators.
Private Sector — Create accessible workplaces and recognise Deaf talent.
Deaf Community — Continue leading with unity, courage, and vision.

“Let this Summit be remembered as the moment Malaysia decided to move from inclusion in theory to inclusion in practice,” said Albert Wong in his closing statement.

Gratitude and Acknowledgement

The Deaf Advocacy and Wellbeing National Organisation (DAWN) extends its heartfelt appreciation to all partners and sponsors who made the 1st Malaysia Deaf Summit 2025 a success.

Main Sponsor: Business Events Sarawak
Corporate Partners: Kingwood Sibu, Love Story, and Greatown Travel
Corporate Sponsors: Grab, Berjaya Group, and KTS Group
In-kind Sponsors: Starbucks and Vicskill Printing

DAWN also expresses sincere gratitude to the Organising Committee, interpreters, and volunteers whose dedication, teamwork, and commitment ensured the smooth running of this historic event.

Their collective effort made the Summit not only a celebration of Deaf empowerment but also a meaningful step toward equality, accessibility, and shared progress for all.

The 1st Malaysia Deaf Summit 2025 stands as a milestone in Malaysia’s Deaf history — a powerful affirmation that Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) is at the heart of Deaf identity, culture, and equal citizenship.

As Malaysia looks toward a more inclusive future, this Summit reminds us that progress is possible when Deaf and hearing communities work hand in hand — building a society where everyone belongs, and every voice, signed or spoken, is heard.

More detail about the 1st Malaysia Deaf Summit, please click this link.