Deaf Festival II was successfully held for two days on 13 and 14 September 2003 from 10 am to 5 pm daily at International Medical University, Bukit Jalil. It was a celebration promoting Deaf Awareness, Deaf Culture & networking of institutions / organisations, and providing services to the Deaf Community! The theme this year was “Bridging the Gap”. This event was endorsed by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia and was supported by International Medical University & Sountex Malaysia.

The Opening was officiated by Deputy General Secretary Yang Berbahagia Tuan Haji Arif bin Abu Bakar, on behalf of Yang Berhormat Dato’ Hjh Siti Zaharah bt Sulaiman. Among the VIP’s who were present - Ms. Mei Ling Young, Provost of the International Medical University (IMU), Rev. Ng Ee Lin, President, YMCA Kuala Lumpur, Mr. Albert Chong Executive Director of YMCA K.L., Mr. Yip Kok Choong, General Secretary, Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs, Mr. Kieran McCarry, Manager Sountex and Mr. Chua Hock Meng, Chairperson, YMCA Deaf Club.

Various performances such as dances, a Batik fashion show, Skit & mime, games and workshops were held. Exhibition booths were set up by various government agencies, NGO’s serving the Deaf, private companies, deaf entrepreneurs & individuals. There were 37 Exhibitors in all, most of whom who were promoting their companies’ / organisations’ work while others carried out the sale of food / drinks and souvenir items. The Malaysian Aids Council and National Transplant Resource Centre also participated.

Those who attended had the opportunity to learn about deafness as well as get tips on prevention and protection against hearing loss. They had firsthand experience in learning Sign Language, plus were invited to interact with the Deaf Community and to learn about Deaf Culture. In addition, they participated in a special simulated environment entitled “Journey Into The Deaf World” which allowed them to experience what it feels like to be deaf.

A series of workshops covering topics such as parenting skills, courses for the Deaf, Deaf Entrepreneurship, Challenges of Sign Language Interpreters, Hearing Aid Care, Welfare Services and Education opportunities for the Deaf were held during the festival. Staff from the Welfare Department and Department of Labour were on hand to assist those with disabilities to register.

Deaf members also benefited from Nokia sales of handphones at discounted price and both children and adults were seen queuing up to take photos with loved ones at their MMG booth and Nokia games. Telekom’s Malaysia demonstrated their latest model - SMS housephone. from Nokia sales of handphones at discounted price and both children and adults were seen queuing up to take photos with loved ones at their MMG booth and Nokia games. Telekom’s Malaysia demonstrated their latest model - SMS housephone.

Children were not forgotten as there were a number of programmes to keep them occupied - funsticks, colouring contest and handicraft. Prizes were courtesy from Walls and Petrosains. Treasure Hunt was a hit among those who participated and prizes was sponsored by Sunway Medical Centre.

Our sincere thanks to ALL exhibitors, companies, government agencies, organisations serving the Deaf, donors / sponsors and most of all to the 100 volunteers of IMU FOD, YMCA FOD, Deaf Club and Deaf Teens Club members for making this event a success. Thank you for playing a role in creating awareness about Deafness and the Deaf community.