UTM, MSDEAF DEVELOP VSD TO AID DEAF SPORTS COMPETITIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- The use of the Visual Signal Device (VSD) developed by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in collaboration with the Malaysian Deaf Sports Association (MSDeaf) is a pivotal element in enhancing the quality of competition for the National Deaf Sports Championship 2024.

UTM Sports Innovation and Technology Centre (SITC) deputy director, Dr Jaysuman Pusspanathan said that the device serves as a signal light for participants in sports races to get to the starting line and go.

"We use visuals to replace all sound systems and synchronise them with the entire stadium's timer and photo finish system.

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"This tool is typically used at the international level and requires a significant budget for rental, so we developed it ourselves in Malaysia," he told reporters at the Deaf Sports Championship held at the Mini Stadium of the National Sports Council (MSN) here today.

Jaysuman explained that the VSD device can also replace the flag system previously used because the flag system cannot be synchronised with the timing system.

Meanwhile, MSDeaf president Ong Shin Ruenn said that the use of VSD is beneficial in improving the quality of competition and also aids deaf athletes in receiving visual signals during matches.

"Collaboration with UTM in developing VSD technology is crucial to assist visually impaired athletes because, previously, we used a pistol which is exclusive for normal athletes. Deaf athletes can't hear the pistol's sound," he said.

The National Deaf Sports Championship involves over 111 deaf athletes from across the country preparing for international competitions such as the Southeast Asian Deaf Games 2024 in Jakarta; the Asia Pacific Deaf Games 2024 in Tehran and the 2025 Tokyo Deaflympics.

Meanwhile, Ong has set a goal to increase the number of competing athletes for future international deaf sports championships.

"We want to recruit more athletes to compete in Jakarta, Tehran and Tokyo. We also aim to add more gold medals in the upcoming Deaflympics," he said.

Ong added that MSDeaf is awaiting feedback from the Prime Minister's office and private companies to assist in raising funds to recruit more deaf athletes nationwide.

Previously, the Malaysian contingent secured two gold medals at the 2021 Deaflympics in Brazil.

-- BERNAMA