KUCHING: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian is holding out hope that artificial intelligence (AI) would eventually facilitate communication between the deaf community and those with normal hearing.
He said with advancements in AI, there is a possibility that it can convert sign language gestures into speech or text.
“The interesting thing is with the advance of AI, one of the features is that it can mimic your voice.
“I wonder with this AI, the deaf community only need to move their hands and it (gestures) can be translated into speech via phones and other devices. These are possibilities,” he said.
He said this to reporters after officiating at the opening of the Sarawak Society for the Deaf’s (SSD) Charity Food Fair 2024 at the Association of Churches in Sarawak here yesterday (Apr 7).
Dr Sim said there are approximately 3,000 deaf individuals in Sarawak, with around 10 per cent of them being members of SSD.
“It is also important for us to continue to support them (SSD) because they need to do outreach programmes and others.
“With proper support and through the SSD, they (deaf community) can actually be part of normal living as well as contribute to Sarawak in many ways including nation-building,” he said.
Earlier, SSD chairman Albert Wong said that SSD has 40 years of experience in serving the deaf community in Sarawak.
“We are a non-governmental organisation (NGO) and that is why the proceeds from today’s food fair will go entirely towards SSD in managing five main areas.
“The proceeds will be used for upgrading our current facilities to conduct more community activities; developing and running more Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) classes; continuing to operate our Brew n Bites cafe; organise community programme for early intervention for parents with deaf infants; and initiating a Deaf Broadcasting project,” he said.
About 80 stalls selling various foods, beverages, arts and crafts, used items, flowers and others participated in the food fair.
Through the food fair which was held from 8am to 12.30pm (Apr 7), SSD seeks to raise RM300,000.
Among those present were Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How and the food fair organising chairman Ernest Ting.
