We are thrilled to share a proud moment in our journey towards inclusivity—the IMU Deaf Aware and Ready (DeAR) Initiative has been honoured with two prestigious Community Service Awards at IMU University Day 2025!
Leadership in Community Service Award
Presented to Prof Suneet Sood and his dedicated team—A/Prof Dr Ismail Abdul Sattar Burud, Dr Nabeel Jaafar, and Dr Zubaidah Hamid—for their impactful project, Empowering Through Medical Signing (Depicted in the photo on the right).
Partnership Excellence in Community Service Award
Awarded to Prof Khoo Suan Phaik and her team—Prof Suneet Sood, A/Prof Dr Velayudhan Menon, the late Dr Anis Ahmed Khan, Dr Lee Jin Yun (IMU Alumni), and Dr Tan Zhi Xian (IMU Alumni)—for their inspiring work in making IMU a Deaf-Aware University.
These recognitions reflect the unwavering commitment of our community to uplift and empower the Deaf community through education, outreach, and healthcare initiatives. Here’s a look back at the heartening progress of the DeAR Initiative so far:
The Beginning of the DeAR Initiative
Launched in 2020, the DeAR Initiative emerged from a pressing need: the lack of accessible healthcare for the Deaf community, especially during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. IMU responded by embarking on a mission to become a Deaf-Aware University, equipping future healthcare professionals with the empathy and skills to serve the Deaf community effectively.
Initiatives under DeAR Initiative
Empowering Through Medical Signing
A collaborative project between faculty, students, and Deaf representatives, resulting in a Medical Signing Book to train sign language interpreters in medical and dental terminology—bridging critical communication gaps in clinical settings.
Basic Sign Language Courses
Conducted once or twice a year by the IMU Community Engagement team, these courses introduce IMU staff and students to Malaysian Sign Language (BIM), fostering empathy and long-term inclusive practices in healthcare.
Tailored Healthcare Services
Health outreach activities in Klang Valley and Kluang—supported by interpreters—have brought vital screenings and wellness services directly to the Deaf community. A notable example is the health screening at CUED School in 2022, which welcomed Deaf student participation.
Digital Skills for Deaf Students
To empower Deaf youth with vocational skills, IMU students at the Kluang campus trained students from Sekolah Menengah Tun Hussein Onn in Microsoft Office and internet navigation.
Deaf Awareness Week
An annual event celebrating Deaf culture and raising awareness. Featuring forums, workshops, and interactive sessions, it sparks vital conversations on inclusion and accessibility within and beyond the IMU community.
Buddy-Pairs Programme
IMU medical students in Batu Pahat are paired with Deaf individuals from the Sabah Society for the Deaf, promoting mutual learning, empathy, and communication via interpreters and sign language tool.
Deaf Aware and Ready Health Carnival
A landmark event at the Bukit Jalil campus, this carnival offered inclusive health screenings and wellness services with interpreters on-site—showcasing IMU’s commitment to barrier-free healthcare for the Deaf.
Celebrating Inclusivity in Healthcare
The DeAR Initiative continues to be a shining example of IMU’s vision for inclusive education and healthcare for all. Through sustained collaboration and community engagement, we are building a future where no voice is unheard, and no need is unmet.
We thank every student, faculty member, partner, and advocate who has contributed to this mission. Your efforts are not only transforming lives—they are transforming systems.
Here’s to continuing our journey toward a Deaf-Aware and Ready university!
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