Hearing Impaired Kids To Grace The 58th AMM Launch This Wednesday

By Nazira Hasanah Nasaruddin

KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 (Bernama) -- A performance by 20 hearing-impaired children from the Malaysian Federation of the Deaf (MFD) will be one of the highlights at the opening ceremony of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) this Wednesday.

Choir instructor Low Li Lan said the children will perform the official ASEAN anthem in sign language, showcasing the extraordinary abilities and spirit of the hearing-impaired children aged between eight and 18 years old.

“They may not be able to hear, but they rely entirely on sign language and visual cues from the instructor in front. Some have already memorised the song and can sign spontaneously,” she told Bernama, with her sign language interpreted by MFD’s Head of Sign Language Interpreter Services Unit, Wan Zuraidah Abu.

The children have been training since last Sunday. Despite facing challenges such as having to gather as early as 6 am and waiting long hours before the performance, they remain excited to take part.

“This is the first time we’ve been invited to perform at such a major event, with the Prime Minister and foreign ministers present. It’s a truly meaningful opportunity,” she said.

The children involved have been students of MFD since preschool level, with many having been part of the association for nearly 10 years.

Low, who is also the supervisor at Taska Istika Jaya in Puchong, expressed hope that opportunities like these will pave the way for greater recognition and inclusion of the hearing-impaired community in society.

“We hope there will be more invitations in the future so these children can continue to showcase their talents and prove that hearing loss is not a barrier to success,” she added.

The opening ceremony of the 58th AMM will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with the presence of Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and his counterparts from ASEAN member states and dialogue partners.

The meeting, which runs until July 11, will discuss various regional issues, including security, the economy, and strengthening regional cooperation.

-- BERNAMA