VOLUME 3 DECEMBER 2019 ABILYMPICS

The Abilympics Malaysia Quarterly Newsletter

ABILYMPICS MALAYSIA COMMITTEE

CHAIRMAN: Datin Paduka Khatijah Sulaiman

DEPUTY CHAIRMAN: Ms. Rose Ng

CO-ORDINATOR: Ms. Fishah Hassan

We welcome donations to support the cause of our Abilympians, which will help to prepare them for the International Abilympics competition and build their dreams.

Donations can be channelled to: A BETTER YEAR AHEAD

Account Name: Majlis Pemulihan Malaysia Dear Friends.

Bank Account Number: 514598124905 Welcome to our third edition of the Abilympics Malaysia newsletter. Bank Name: Maybank We have now come towards the end of 2019. What a great Payment Details: year it has been for Abilympics Malaysia. We began training Abilympics Malaysia sessions for our Abilympians, held many activities

throughout the year, and we now have our own website and We thank you for your kind generosity. Facebook page. There is so much that we have accomplished, and looking back at all these, we wouldn’t Website: www.mcrmalaysia.org/ have made it through without the immense support given to AbilympicsMalaysia us by our partners, government bodies, volunteers, friends Find us and Like us Facebook! and our well wishers. As such, we have dedicated a special www.facebook.com/ flashback section in this edition of our newsletter where our AbilympicsMalaysia significant events and activities throughout the year are highlighted.

The Abilympics Malaysia Newsletter is the copyright of the Malaysian Council for Rehabilitation MAIN MESSAGE / HIGHLIGHTS | PAGE 2 VOLUME 3 | DECEMBER 2019

As we look towards 2020, we have many We thank all those who have participated more trainings, events and activities lined up and invite more participation in the contest. to prepare our Abilympians for the 10th International Abilympics Competition. Early As we say goodbye to 2019 and welcome this month, the International Abilympics 2020, once again, on behalf of Abilympics Federation (IAF) has officially selected Russia Malaysia, I thank all of you for your as the host for the 10th International continuous support. Let us look towards a Abilympics Competition, scheduled in May better year and a brighter future next year. 2021. As such, we have more than a year to further sharpen the skills of our Abilympians Till we meet again in our next edition in to be fully prepared when competing at the March 2020, we hope you enjoy reading our international level. newsletter and wish you a very happy and fruitful year ahead. In line with this, as we streamline all our events and activities, we have also made the Yours Sincerely, decision to publish our newsletter on a quarterly basis from next year onwards. In Datin Paduka Khatijah Sulaiman this way, we will be able to bring you more President, Malaysian Council for dynamic updates of Abilympics in Malaysia. Rehabilitation (MCR), With this, we have extended the 'Name Our Chairman of Abilympics Malaysia Newsletter' contest until February 2020.

An opportunity to promote Abilympics in 2020

On 17 December 2019, the Abilympics Malaysia Committee members attended a meeting held by Majlis Pertandingan Kemahiran Malaysia at the Parliament, together with representatives from the government and agencies involved in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Datin Paduka Khatijah Sulaiman at the meeting

This meeting was chaired by YB Datuk , Deputy Human Resources Minister, who informed that the Ministry will organise the Karnival & Ekspo Kebangsaan 2020 in the month of October next year. Abilympics Malaysia is invited to this carnival, whereby the Malaysian Abilympians are able to demonstrate their skills and promote Abilympics. HIGHLIGHTS | PAGE 3 VOLUME 3 | DECEMBER 2019

Events in conjunction with the IDPWD 2019

On 4 and 5 December 2019, Abilympics Malaysia’s co-ordinating body; the Malaysian Council for Rehabilitation (MCR), organised two events to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) 2019 in Malaysia.

These events were held at Berjaya Times Square Hotel, and saw representatives from organisations of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), government officers and other stakeholders attending.

The event on 4 December 2019 themed, ‘Achievements and Challenges: 10 Years Post- Ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities’ kicked off with a speech by Dr. Naziaty Yaacob, YB at the launching of the event on 4 December 2019 Chairperson of Harapan OKU Law Reform Group, who spoke on the aspirations and The next day, a High-level Government and Civil concerns of PWDs in Malaysia. This was Society Roundtable discussion was held, with followed by three knowledge sharing sessions the theme, ‘Moving Together, Leaving No by representatives from the PWD Community, with Disabilities Behind!’ The event legal fraternity and government bodies of India, began with key highlights of the day before Hong Kong and Malaysia respectively. being revisited, and the programme for the day briefed. Later in the evening, YB Hannah Yeoh, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Women, Family and Two parallel groups were then formed with Community Development was welcomed, presentations concerning the Persons with where she delivered a speech on the Disabilities Act, 2008 and the UNCRPD by senior government’s efforts for the PWD community. representatives from the Ministries of Youth & The third knowledge sharing session continued Sports, Human Resources, Education and thereafter and concluded with remarks from Dr. Health, followed by a government-civil society Ruziah Bte Ghazali, Member of the National dialogue to explore strategic options for Council for Persons with Disabilities. Making the Right Real in Malaysia. There was a Plenary sharing by Harapan OKU Law Reform Group discussion Group on the substantive and procedural held on 5 challenges with law reforms. It continued with December the presentation of the group work outcome on 2019 commitments for the next 12 months for sharing in the next Plenary.

The event concluded successfully with observations and concluding remarks by the visiting experts from India and Hong Kong. HIGHLIGHTS | PAGE 4 VOLUME 3 | DECEMBER 2019 10th IAF EXCO Meeting

On 1 November 2019, the Deputy Chairman of Abilympics Malaysia, Rose Ng and Co-ordinator, Fishah Hassan attended the International Abilympics Federation Executive Committee Meeting held in Russia. The meeting was organised by the International Abilympics Federation (IAF) with the support of Rehabilitation International, and hosted by the All-Russian Society of Disabled People (ARSPD).

At this meeting, the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation presented their official plan to hold the International Abilympics Competition in 2021.

Delegates in discussion

In addition to the IAF EXCO meeting, the Committee Members of Abilympics Malaysia also attended the Rehabilitation International Award for Outstanding Achievement, Rehabilitation International Executive Committee Meeting and Rehabilitation Mr. Mikhail Terentiev, the International Governing Assembly between 30 Zhang Haidi, the Chairman of ARSPD and October and 2 November 2019. President of Deputy of the State of Rehabilitation Duma of the Federal International Assembly of the Russian Fishah and addressing the Federation, delivering his Rose at the audience welcoming speech meeting

The plan included the competition programme, business programmes for participants, as well as cultural and social programmes for guests and participants within the framework of the

International Abilympics among others. Fishah with Mr. Joseph Russia, the host country, planned to hold Kwan, Deputy Vice President competitions in 55 competencies for both of professional and hobby skills, besides Rehabiltation International, proposing competitions in 13 presentation Asia Pacific competencies such as Reverse Engineering, Fitness Specialist, Manicure, City Farming and Laser Technology, with the final list of On 9 December 2019, IAF officially selected competencies to be determined and agreed Russia as the 10th International Abilympics host upon by the IAF. in May 2021, after a ballot by the IAF Assembly. HIGHLIGHTS | PAGE 5 VOLUME 3 | DECEMBER 2019

2019 - A Year in Review

As we say goodbye to 2019, let us flash back on what we have achieved at Abilympics Malaysia throughout the year.

JANUARY

Facebook Page Launched

On 28 January 2018, Abilympics Malaysia officially launched its Facebook page.

FEBRUARY

The Making of the Abilympics Malaysia Video On 11 February 2019, Abilympics Malaysia and Bertcomm Media & Productions Sdn Bhd (Bertcomm) began discussion in developing a video on Abilympics. Bertcomm has been supporting Abilympics Malaysia in developing the video, with the final product aired on 23 June 2019 at the International Abilympics High-Tea event. HIGHLIGHTS | PAGE 6 VOLUME 3 | DECEMBER 2019

A Golden Handshake The Abilympics Malaysia Committee was invited to attend the Mesyuarat Majlis Pertandingan Kemahiran Malaysia on 20 February 2019, chaired by the Deputy Minister of Human Resources, YB Dato' Mahfuz Bin Omar. The Committee presented to the Ministry on Abilympics, whereby the Ministry has assured to look into offering the Anugerah Tangan Emas Perdana Menteri Kategori Abilympics for the Malaysian International Abilympics Competition winners.

MARCH

Invitation to TVET Event On 6 March 2019, the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education, Ministry of Education invited the Abilympics Malaysia Committee to participate in the DreamBig@TVET event, in conjunction with its Golden Jubilee Celebration. This invitation is significant as the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is a great platform in creating awareness on Abilympics to polytechnic students from all over Malaysia.

MAY

First Training for the Year The first training for the year began in May with Amran Bin Hamid being trained for the skill category of Silk Hand Painting. He was trained by Dr. Sabzali Musa Kahn. HIGHLIGHTS | PAGE 7 VOLUME 3 | DECEMBER 2019

First TV Interview for the Year Abilympics Malaysia’s first TV interview for the year was held on 16 May 2019 at Angkasapuri for RTM-TV1’s show, 'Selamat Pagi Malaysia'. Abilympics Malaysia Chairman, Datin Paduka Khatijah Sulaiman shared on Abilympics and its activities for the year. Abilympian Haymasuthan Periasamy, was also invited to share his thoughts and experience. Thereafter, the Abilympics team was interviewed in various media channels throughout the year.

JUNE

International Abilympics Hi-Tea The Malaysian Council for Rehabilitation (MCR) organised a High Tea event themed, ‘International Abilympics Hi-Tea’ on 23 June 2019 to raise funds for the Malaysian Abilympians who will represent the country at the 10th International Abilympics Competition. The event was held at Seri Pacific Hotel, Kuala Lumpur and gained huge media support, providing coverage for the event.

Flower Arrangement Training Mohd Yunus Bin Mohd Ismail participated in his first training session for the skill category of flower arrangement. The training was conducted by Lee Flower Design Academy. HIGHLIGHTS | PAGE 8 VOLUME 3 | DECEMBER 2019

JULY

Trainings Three Abilympians attended training in their respective skill categories. Wan Muhammad Hafizunif, Muhammad Afiq and Muhammad Hanif Naufal joined the trainings in the skill categories of Cake Decoration, Cooking and Restaurant Services respectively.

AUGUST

The Good Shop’s Abilympics Corner The Good Shop Malaysia (TGS) officially launched its online shop and pop-up outlet in Sunway Pyramid, on 25 August 2019, and had set up an Abilympics corner where information on Abilympics was made available. Besides this, proceeds from the sales of TGS Wet Wipes were contributed for the cause of our Abilympians. TGS also engaged Abilympian, Haymasuthan Periasamy as the photographer of the day.

Outdoor & Studio Photography Training

Muhammad Darwisy Haziq began his training session in the skill category of Photography - Outdoor, while Hyamasuthan Periasamy and Daviddas Ramadath were trained in the skill category of Photography - Studio. HIGHLIGHTS | PAGE 9 VOLUME 3 | DECEMBER 2019

SEPTEMBER

Culinaire Malaysia 2019 Abilympian, Muhammad Afiq Bin Salleh participated in this significant culinary competition as part of his training on 26 September 2019 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Culinaire Malaysia is a prestigious culinary competition that brings together more than 1,000 culinary professionals and entries from ASEAN, Europe and the Middle East.

Dressmaking & Embroidery Training

Three Abilympians started their training sessions in the skill categories of Dressmaking & Embroidery at Selangor Cheshire Home from 17 to 19 September 2019. Shahrul Nizam Bin Mohd Hanafiah and Chew Lay Peng were trained in the skill categories of Dressmaking - Basic and Dressmaking - Advanced respectively, while Anis Humairah Riduwan was trained in the skill category of Embroidery. They were trained by trainers from the Faculty of Art and Design of UiTM. The Abilympians, trainers and the Chairman of the Abilympics Malaysia committee were also interviewed by local newspapers; and Sin Chew Daily during this training session.

Word Processing Training Abilympian Khairunnissa Binti Johari was trained in the skill category of Word Processing on 24 & 25 September 2019. She was trained by Baharil Ihzan Bin Onn from CIAST at the Kuala Muda District Social Welfare Office in Sungai Petani, . HIGHLIGHTS | PAGE 10 VOLUME 3 | DECEMBER 2019

OCTOBER

MalPGL '19 The Malaysia Polytechnic Gifted Leaders 2019 (MalPGL '19) held at Pauh Inn, Politeknik Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin, Arau, saw Abilympian Wan Muhammad Hafizunif Wan Roslan showcasing his skills in cake decoration with beautiful cakes to display. The programme was held between 4 and 7 October 2019, and was officiated by DYTM Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil.

Karnival TVET Malaysia Zon Tengah 2019 Organised by Abilympics Malaysia’s Strategic Partner; Department of Skills Malaysia, Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skill Training (CIAST), Abilympics Malaysia was given a booth at this carnival held between 19 and 21 October 2019. Abilympians, Amran Bin Hamid demonstrated his works of art in Silk Hand Painting while Mohd Yunus Bin Mohd Ismail presented his flower arrangement skills to guests who attended the event.

Abilympics Malaysia Website Launched Abilympics Malaysia launched a new website; a milestone achieved as a website is dedicated for Abilympics in Malaysia. Having a website will enable all the initiatives of Abilympics Malaysia to be more visible and accessible to those who seek to find out more. The website can be accessed at www.mcrmalaysia.org/abilympicsmalaysia HIGHLIGHTS | PAGE 11 VOLUME 3 | DECEMBER 2019

NOVEMBER

10th IAF EXCO Meeting The Deputy Chairman and Co-ordinator of Abilympics Malaysia attended the International Abilympics Federation Executive Committee Meeting in Russia on 1 November 2019. The meeting was organised by the International Abilympics Federation with the support of Rehabilitation International.

Art Display Abilympics gold medallist, Lim Anuar’s art is displayed at Starbucks Malaysia’s first Signing Store in and fourth of its kind in the world. The store was officially opened on 19 November 2019 and are run by Deaf employees.

National Abilympics Competition for Data Processing – Basic

The National Abilympics Competition for the skill category of Data Processing – Basic was held on 12 November 2019 at the Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skill Training (CIAST), Shah Alam. The competition was open to Persons with Disabilities who are able perform tasks using Microsoft Access version 2016 and/or the latest version. 19-year-old Najwa Mahmud from Selangor took the first spot and will now represent the country at the 10th International Abilympics Competition.

Computer Based Skill Categories Training

Abilympians Loh Seng Fong and Yow Shann Koon began their training session in the skill categories of Creating Web Pages and Computer Assembly respectively, while Khairunnisa Binti Johari completed her training session for the year in the skill category of Word Processing. The training sessions were held in CIAST, Shah Alam on 12 November 2019. FLASHBACK / BRAINWAVE | PAGE 12 VOLUME 3 | DECEMBER 2019

DECEMBER

An Invitation to Promote Abilympics The Abilympics Malaysia Committee members attended a meeting hosted by Majlis Pertandingan Kemahiran Malaysia on 17 December 2019. At this meeting, Abilympics Malaysia was invited to promote Abilympics at the carnival, which will be hosted by the Ministry of Human Resources in October 2020.

Events Organised in conjunction with IDPWD 2019 Abilympics Malaysia’s co-ordinating body; the Malaysian Council for Rehabilitation (MCR) organised two events to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) 2019 in Malaysia. These events were held on 4 and 5 December 2019 at Berjaya Times Square Hotel with representatives from PWD organisations, government officers and other stakeholders attending.

NAME our Newsletter Contest

Contest is still open!

We would like to thank all of you who have taken part in the 'Name our Newsletter' Contest.

In line with streamlining our activities for next year, it has been decided that our newsletter will now be published on a quarterly basis.

As such, we are still open for the contest and invite more WIN! participation until 10 February 2020 to name our newsletter and stand a chance to win an Abilympics pouch. Just remember to include your Name, Email Address, Occupation and Mobile Number when you submit your contest entry to [email protected].

BRAINWAVE | PAGE 13 VOLUME 3 | DECEMBER 2019 Picking the Pebbles

In a small town, hundreds of years ago, a small business owner owed a large sum of money to a loan-shark.

The loan-shark was a very old, unattractive person that just so happened to fancy a businessman’s daughter. He decided to offer the businessman a deal that would completely wipe out the debt he owed him.

However, the catch was that he would only wipe out the debt if he could marry the businessman’s daughter. Needless to say, this proposal was met with a look of disgust.

The loan-shark said that he would place two pebbles into a bag, one white and one black. The daughter naturally had three choices as to The daughter would then have to reach into what she could have done; whether to refuse the bag and pick out a pebble. If it was black, to pick a pebble from the bag, take both the debt would be wiped, but the loan-shark pebbles out of the bag and expose the loan- would then marry her. If it was white, the debt shark for cheating, or pick a pebble from the would also be wiped, but the daughter bag fully well knowing it was black and wouldn’t have to marry the loan-shark. sacrifice herself for her father’s freedom.

Standing on a pebble-strewn path in the She drew out a pebble from the bag, and businessman’s garden, the loan-shark bent over before looking at it ‘accidentally’ dropped it and picked up two pebbles. Whilst he was into the midst of the other pebbles. She said to picking them up, the daughter noticed that the loan-shark; “Oh, how clumsy of me. Never he’d picked up two black pebbles and placed mind, if you look into the bag for the one that them both into the bag. He then asked the is left, you will be able to tell which pebble I daughter to reach into the bag and pick one. picked.”

The pebble left in the bag is obviously black, and seeing as the loan-shark didn’t want to be exposed, he had to play along as if the pebble the daughter dropped was white, and clear her father’s debt.

This story was shared by Dan Western on Wealthy Gorilla. The story teaches us that when we face tough situations, there are always possible ways to overcome the situation and turn it around by thinking creatively and out of the box. THE ABILYMPIAN | PAGE 14 VOLUME 3 | DECEMBER 2019 Meet Chew Lay Peng, the Skillful Seamstress

Chew Lay Peng (Chew) is a 55 year-old seamstress who will be representing Malaysia in the skill category of Dressmaking-Advanced at the 10th International Abilympics Competition. Chew lives in Penang with her family and is the oldest Malaysian Abilympian who would be competing at the competition. She proves that age is not a matter in achieving one’s goals and dreams. Find out more about Chew in this exclusive interview.

Q: How significant was it for you in winning the National Abilympics Competition? A: The competition allowed me to make use of my strengths, and I am even more successful after winning the competition. When I won the first place in the National Abilympics Competition, my whole family was very happy and proud of me. I successfully proved that Deaf people can also be highly intelligent.

Q: How do you feel about representing Chew in training at the Selangor Cheshire Home Malaysia at the 10th International Abilympics Competition? Q: How did you develop your sewing skills? A: The competition specifies that we must A: When I was young, I received help from the follow the guidelines required; from Kedah Welfare Department and took six measurement, cutting, ironing to tailoring; it months of tailoring lessons. Later, I was an must be completed within six hours. The time apprentice at a relative's tailoring shop, available is very short, which makes me a little practicing and also learning through books. concerned, but I will not let it deter me and I After a few years I joined a hospital. I’ve been a will go all out and give my best. seamstress ever since.

Q: What is your message to other PWDs? Q: How did you find out about Abilympics? A: As long as you have the will, you can do it. A: I have been a member of the Penang Deaf Association for 25 years. I would usually go to the Association to impart my knowledge on tailoring to other Deaf people. It is through the Association that I found out about the Abilympics Competition.

Chew with Datin Paduka Khatijah Sulaiman and other contestants after winning the National Abilympics Chew practices on her ironing skills and shows the Competition final product of the blouse she worked on