1st Malaysia Deaf Summit
27th – 28th Sept 2025
Sibu, Sarawak
Inclusive Futures: Advancing Access and Equity for Deaf Communities
The 1st Malaysia Deaf Summit, which will take place 27–28 September 2025, in Sibu, Sarawak, is a pioneering event aimed at advancing equity and access for Malaysia’s Deaf community. Organised by the Deaf Advocacy and Wellbeing National Organization Malaysia (DAWN) and hosted by the Sarawak Deaf Community Services Association, this summit will bring together key stakeholders to address pressing issues and opportunities for systemic change.
The theme “Inclusive Futures: Advancing Access and Equity for Deaf Communities” sets the stage for the summit, which will explore crucial topics, including inclusive education, healthcare access, legal advocacy, and cultural preservation. This event offers a platform for dialogue and collaboration among researchers, advocates, educators, Deaf individuals, and university students, empowering participants to drive impactful change.
Summit attendees will be eligible to join the Opening & International Day of the Deaf (IDD) Celebration Dinner on 27 September 2025. The summit fee includes the dinner. This dinner is an opportunity to celebrate the Deaf community’s achievements and network with fellow attendees. It is exclusively open to the Deaf who are not attending the summit.
The official summit languages are Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) and English. If the presentation is in Malay, there will be no translation services to English.
Check the programme schedule for more details
Who Should Attend The Summit?
This summit is designed for individuals and organisations dedicated to advancing the well-being of the Deaf community, including:
- Deaf individuals and advocates
- Researchers and academics
- Government and regulatory bodies
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- Educators and school teachers
- Medical and healthcare professionals
- Legal professionals
Join us to collaborate, learn, and champion inclusivity for the Deaf community. Together, we can shape a future where access and equity are priorities for all.
Opening & IDD Celebration Dinner – Exclusive for Deaf Community
If you do not wish to attend the summit but still want to participate, you may register for the Opening & International Day of the Deaf (IDD) Celebration Dinner. This exclusive event is open to Deaf individuals across Malaysia. It offers a unique networking opportunity, celebration, and exploring Sibu through guided tour packages (additional cost applies). While this event is primarily for Deaf attendees, hearing individuals may be considered; however, participation is not guaranteed.
For more details and to register, please visit the Dinner Registration Section
Call for Abstracts
Share Your Insights at the 1st Malaysia Deaf Summit
We are excited to invite researchers, advocates, educators, and professionals to submit abstracts for paper presentations at the 1st Malaysia Deaf Summit, scheduled for 27–28 September 2025 in Sibu, Sarawak. This summit provides a unique platform to share your insights, research findings, and innovative ideas with a diverse audience dedicated to advancing equity and well-being for the Deaf community in Malaysia.
Abstracts should align with the summit’s theme, “Inclusive Futures: Advancing Access and Equity for Deaf Communities,” and its subthemes, which cover topics such as inclusive education, accessible healthcare, legal advocacy, interpreting services, and the recognition of Deaf linguistic and cultural identity. Selected presenters will be able to inspire change, contribute to impactful discussions, and influence policies promoting inclusion and accessibility for Deaf individuals.
Building Inclusive Education for Deaf Empowerment
Focuses on curriculum development, bilingual education, and culturally relevant teaching methods that support equitable learning for Deaf students.
Health Equity for Deaf Communities: Accessible and Inclusive Care
Addresses accessible healthcare for Deaf individuals, including mental health services, interpreter availability, and Deaf-sensitive medical care.
Ensuring Access to Information and Interpreting Services in Public Spaces
Promoting equitable access to information and interpreting services in public domains, including government institutions, healthcare, education, and media.
Justice and Policy Advocacy: Ensuring Accessible Legal Systems and Enforcing Deaf Rights
Focuses on removing barriers within the justice system through accessible court interpreters, legal rights education, and fair treatment under the law, while also advocating for policy reforms and robust enforcement to uphold and protect the rights of Deaf communities.
Recognising and Celebrating Deaf Linguistic and Cultural Identity
Focuses on the importance of recognising Deaf people as a linguistic and cultural minority, promoting sign language recognition, and fostering cultural preservation through arts, literature, and heritage.
The deadline for abstract submissions is 16 May 2025, with notifications of acceptance sent by 16 June 2025. If your abstract is accepted, you must submit a full manuscript in English by 1 November 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to share your work and collaborate with like-minded individuals at this transformative event! Presenters will need to register for the summit. There are no waivers for summit fees.
Important note: If accepted for the presentation, presenters must submit their presentation slides or full manuscript (if available) at least one week before the summit to allow time for the BIM interpreters’ preparation.
Should you have any inquiries about the presentation, please contact Dr. Anthony Chong at anthonychong123@gmail.com or dawnpekakcomm@gmail.com or via WhatsApp at +60169803669.
Important Dates
Abstract Submission Deadline:
16 May 2025
Abstract Acceptance Notification:
16 June 2025
Manuscript Submission Deadline:
1 November 2025
Attending the 1st Malaysia Deaf Summit
A Unique Opportunity for Change
The 1st Malaysia Deaf Summit offers an invaluable opportunity for those committed to advancing access and equity for the Deaf community. Attendees can engage in insightful sessions and workshops focusing on critical issues, including inclusive education, healthcare access, legal advocacy, and cultural preservation. This summit provides a unique platform for researchers, advocates, educators, Deaf individuals, and students to collaborate and contribute to creating a more inclusive future.
What is included in your registration fee?
Your registration fee includes access to all summit sessions, all workshops, two lunch meals, and the Opening and International Day of the Deaf (IDD) Celebration Dinner. This dinner will be a key event for networking, celebrating the achievements of the Deaf community, and connecting with industry leaders and peers.
Just so you know, the registration fee does not cover accommodation, ground transport, or flight. Please plan your travel and lodging accordingly.
Registration Deadlines & Fees
To secure your spot at the summit, register before the deadlines. Early registration offers significant savings, as outlined below:
Early Bird Fee (valid until 30 June 2025)
| Deaf / OKU individual (with a valid OKU card) | RM 300 per pax |
| Student (with a valid student card) | RM 400 per pax |
| Presenter | RM 400 per pax |
| Non-Student / Non-OKU | RM 500 per pax |
Standard Fee (valid until 31 July 2025)
| Deaf / OKU individual (with a valid OKU card) | RM 400 per pax |
| Student (with a valid student card) | RM 500 per pax |
| Presenter | RM 500 per pax |
| Non-Student / Non-OKU | RM 600 per pax |
Bundle Fee (valid until 31 July 2025)
| Deaf / OKU individual (with a valid OKU card) | RM 1,250 (for up to 5 registrants) |
| Student (with a valid student card) | RM 1,750 (for up to 5 registrants) |
| Presenter | Not available |
| Non-Student / Non-OKU | RM 2,000 (for up to 5 registrants) |
International Fee (valid until 31 August 2025)
| Deaf / OKU individual (with a valid OKU card) | USD 90 per pax |
| Student (with a valid student card) | USD 130 per pax |
| Presenter | USD 140 per pax |
| Non-Student / Non-OKU | USD 150 per pax |
Don’t miss out on this incredible event—register early to take advantage of the best rates and help shape a more inclusive future for the Deaf community!
Refund Policy
Cancellation on or before 15 July 2025 – 100% refund
Cancellation on or before 1 August 2025 – 50% refund
Cancellation on or after 15 August 2025 – No refund
Important Dates
Early Bird Registration & Payment Deadline:
30 June 2025
Standard Registration & Payment Deadline:
31 July 2025
Bundle Registration & Payment Deadline:
31 July 2025
International Registration & Payment Deadline:
31 August 2025
Opening & IDD Celebration Dinner
The Opening & International Day of the Deaf (IDD) Celebration Dinner is open to Deaf individuals across Malaysia who wish to attend without being obligated to join the entire 1st Malaysia Deaf Summit. This event provides a fantastic opportunity to network with Deaf people from various backgrounds and regions, creating valuable connections outside the summit and workshops. Whether you’re a long-time advocate, a student, or a community member, this dinner is a great place to come together and celebrate the achievements of the Deaf community.
By registering for the dinner, you also have the chance to explore Sibu, as we offer two exciting tour packages (Package 1 and Package 2). These packages provide a fantastic opportunity to explore the local culture and heritage of Sibu. However, please note that the tour package cost is not included in the registration fee and must be paid separately. BIM interpreting services will be provided for free during the tour for all registered Deaf participants. Further details about the Sibu tour packages will be provided closer to the event, which will take place on 27 or 28 September 2024 (or both).
Attending the IDD Celebration Dinner is not only about enjoying a meal. It is also a chance to actively participate in recognising the Deaf community’s contributions and to connect with people who share a passion for Deaf rights and well-being. Don’t miss this important event—it’s a unique occasion to strengthen bonds, celebrate progress, and support the ongoing efforts to make the world a more inclusive for the Deaf.
Fee Schedule
Please refer to the fee schedule below to understand the registration costs for the dinner.
Early Bird Fee (valid until 30 June 2025)
| Deaf/OKU Individuals | RM 150 per pax |
| Table for 10 seats | RM 1,000 |
Standard Fee (valid until 31 July 2025)
| Deaf/OKU Individuals | RM 250 per pax |
| Table for 10 seats | RM 1,500 |
International Fee (valid until 31 August 2025)
| Deaf/OKU Individuals | USD 50 per pax |
| Table for 10 seats | Not available |
Refund Policy
Just so you know, ticket purchases are nonrefundable. However, if you're not able to attend, you can arrange for a replacement. You must inform us in advance if you wish to make such arrangements.
Important Dates
Early Bird Ticket & Payment Deadline:
30 June 2025
Standard Ticket & Payment Deadline:
31 July 2025
International Ticket & Payment Deadline (in USD):
31 August 2025
Payment Details
Bank Name: CIMB Bank Berhad
Name: Pertubuhan Advokasi dan Kesejahteraan Pekak Malaysia
Account No.: 8011 028 421
If you could not upload the payment slip in any of the registration forms above, please email us at dawnpekakcomm@gmail.com or WhatsApp at +60169803669 for verification purposes.
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