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Participating in the sign language class initiated by the Canadian High Commission in Brunei Darussalam to mark the International Day of Sign Language, was an enriching experience for Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Chong Chin Yee. “Learning the alphabet and numbers using sign language is something that I really wanted. I think it is a language that speaks volume in silence,” she said. “I am really happy now that I am able to spell out my name and communicate. “I was with UnikLearn before and we had people with disabilities so I’m really happy to be able to communicate with more people.” She added, “I encourage everyone to learn. I can’t wait to get a bunch of youth and learn from (Chief Executive Facilitator and Interpreter of Jari-Jari Ku Association) Cikgu Nor. She is an amazing teacher and I really respect her.” She also said that everyone should learn sign language as it could be learnt in a short time and can be useful for a whole lifetime. ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/rHUlQjXN3e5jRZaU_jUXy-FIh3zwLWzeKh7XgL0ocFh.jpeg) Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Chong Chin Yee. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/7XS85cP6SKaOI48tUt7Nk-REwnG_Jl8fMGUqMlBTU0D.jpeg) Canadian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Ambra Dickie. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/nFEOAZMl-F5U0Vdr4U8C--P0KadqH5c_yysPB75s2R7.jpeg) Radisson Brunei’s General Manager Miriam Wolber. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/zC_34hAqRlI_g00l_uzP1-ehHNJsURej8xXk7AMPOjr.jpeg) Chief Executive Facilitator and Interpreter of Jari-Jari Ku Association Cikgu Nor. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD Canadian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Ambra Dickie said that for the high commission, communication with people from all walks of life including people with disabilities or hearing impairments is really important. “We thought it would be an interesting idea to organise a sign language training on the occasion of the International Day of Sign Language for my staff to be able to communicate with any Canadian or any person who comes to our office with sign language.” They partnered with Radisson Hotel who have staff members with hearing impairments so they can all be better communicators and be more inclusive. She said, “For me it means a lot to communicate better with the people around me and we learnt from the facilitator and trainers. It was really good and a lot of fun.” She hopes they can do more advanced classes in the future and encouraged staff to practice a couple of words in meetings and learn new words every week on subjects they find interesting to share with others. “That will enable us to better communicate among ourselves and with others. I think it’s really quite heartwarming to see the effort and enthusiasm for it.” Radisson Brunei’s General Manager Miriam Wolber sees the training very important as they have three employees with hearing impairment at the hotel. “It can be a struggle to communicate with them because I don’t know any sign language. “So when it was brought up, I was the first one to sign up.” She added that the hotel will encourage the staff who participated in the class to practise and she will do the same by trying short conversations with the hearing-impaired employees. “I think what is important for me as well is to memorise their responses to learn more.” She added that they were looking to hire more people with disabilities because she believes it is important to support them. “Currently we have two employees who have been with the hotel for 14 years before I took up my post. A third employee was hired more than a year ago, however he can hear and speak a little so it made it easier to communicate.” But the language barrier comes in with Miriam not speaking Malay, “so learning sign language will also make it easier over time”. – Lyna Mohamad

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