Hands on: Lee demonstrating her sign language skills at RTM’s booth at the Hawana 2025 Carnival, Sunway Putra Mall. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: The RTM booth at the Hawana 2025 Carnival offers an interactive sign language learning session, providing visitors with an opportunity to better understand and connect with Malaysia’s deaf community.
RTM sign language interpreter Tan Lee Bee said the initiative not only provides visitors with an opportunity to learn sign language, but also exposes them to the unique culture of the deaf community.
“The public can come and learn sign language. For anyone or broadcasting station with interest, they can start by taking a basic course, followed by training and interacting with the deaf community to better understand their communication culture.
“Over time, they will become more skilled and have the potential to become sign language interpreters like me,” she said when met at Sunway Putra Mall here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Lee said mastering sign language is not just about memorising hand gestures, but rather requires a deep understanding of the facial expressions, body language and communication culture of the deaf, which differs from the general public.
“To be a good interpreter, one has to be close and familiar with the deaf community. From there, we can understand how they communicate more accurately and convey the true meaning through signs.
“Maybe one day, we can broadcast news delivered by deaf individuals themselves using sign language. Who knows, the time will come for TV stations to feature news presenters from this community,” she said.
The Hawana 2025 Carnival, taking place for three days since Friday, is part of this year’s National Journalists Day (Hawana) celebration, which was held at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre.
The Hawana 2025 celebration, organised by the Communications Ministry with Bernama as the implementing agency, aims to recognise the role and contribution of media practitioners in the country’s development.
