ASEAN Braille Conference & Technology Exhibition 2024

The ASEAN Braille Conference & Technology Exhibition (ABC-Tech) 2024, held on 13th and 14th December 2024 at Olympic Malaysia Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ABC-Tech 2024 was an inspiring and impactful event. With the theme “Better Career Opportunities for Visually Impaired People with Braille Proficiency, Technology Application, and Family Support,” the conference brought together participants from across ASEAN countries such as Cambodia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam and of course, from our own local participants from Malaysia. This diverse group of participants created an incredible platform for networking, learning, and collaboration. Besides, ABC-Tech 2024 provided a unique space for participants to engage in discussions about Braille literacy, technology, and the vital role of family support in enhancing career opportunities for visually impaired individuals.

Event Highlights:

· Day 1: (13 December 2024)

The conference kicked off with an inspiring plenary session, led by an esteemed blind lecturer, Dr. Ahmad Shamsuri bin Muhamad, who is the head of his department, Educational Psychology and Counselling at Universiti Malaya. His powerful talk about his academic journey and the importance of Braille in his career set the tone for the event.

Following this, a public lecture by a PhD holder mother, Ts. Azreen Junaida binti Abd Aziz who raised her blind daughter, captivated the audience. Ts. Azreen Junaida shared her story of how her daughter not only excelled academically but also thrived in sports, serving as a source of motivation for everyone in the room.

Next, attendees had the opportunity to explore the latest in Braille technology at ABC-Tech 2024, which featured two groundbreaking products from local inventors. The exhibition demonstrated how technology continues to advance in support of the visually impaired community.

Product: I-TACT (Interactive Tactile Graphics Reading) 

(Picture of I-Tact)

What is it?: A device designed to enhance the experience of reading tactile graphics for blind and visually impaired (BVI) individuals. It transforms static tactile graphics into dynamic, audio-enhanced learning materials, empowering users to explore and comprehend these materials independently. 

Organisation: Kulliyyah of Engineering International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Representative: Dr. Hazlina binti Md Yusof

Product: BraillePad

 
(Picture of BraillePad)

What is it?: An innovative assistive technology device, seeks to address the persistent challenges faced by the visually impaired community in accessing Braille educational materials. 

Organisation: EduDot 

Representative: Dr. Alantino Raven Daniel

The day concluded with the Braille Books and Braille Products End-of-Year Sale, where participants and the public had the chance to purchase a range of products promoting Braille literacy and accessibility from us, KL Braille Resources.

· Day 2 (14 December 2024)

The second day was focused on hands-on learning and collaborative problem-solving. The Braille Literacy Class provided an opportunity for participants to learn Braille alphabets. The aim of this programme is to promote further development and learning.

Later, the Idea Incubator: Issues and Resolutions took place, where participants from various ASEAN countries shared and discussed the challenges they face in the visually impaired community. This session provided a space to brainstorm practical solutions and explore ideas to improve opportunities for the community in both education and employment.

The event wrapped up with a closing ceremony, where everyone reflected on the shared experiences and knowledge gained over the two days. It was a celebration of the progress made and a reaffirmation of the importance of supporting visually impaired individuals in their pursuit of better career opportunities. Each of participants received Certificate of Participation as an appreciation for their effort and time during the entire event. 

In conclusion, ABC-Tech 2024 was a huge success, full of inspiration, innovation, and collaboration. Attendees left feeling motivated, empowered, and better equipped to contribute to the future of visually impaired people. This event proved that when we come together, we can create a more inclusive world where opportunities are accessible to all.

We are grateful to all those who attended and contributed to making this event a success, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to empower and support the visually impaired community. 

 

(Picture of the organizing team of ABC-Tech 2024, KL Braille Resources)

Save your date for ABC-Tech 2025!! 

Date: 12 - 13 December 2025
Theme: Accessibility and Safety Public Buildings and Public Transportation 
Venue: Days Hotel & Suites by Wyndham, Pudu, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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For more information about ABC-Tech, please visit our website here.