40 Years of Service: Sign Language Interpreter Receives National Award

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Tan Lee Bee, a 64-year-old sign language interpreter, was honored with the Ahli Mangku Negara (AMN) award on Monday for her four decades of dedicated service. The ceremony, held at Istana Negara, recognized her tireless efforts in bridging communication gaps for the hearing-impaired community. "I am deeply grateful and humbled to receive this honor," said Tan Lee Bee. "It's not just for me, but for all sign language interpreters who work hard to ensure social inclusion." Tan Lee Bee's journey began with a personal connection – her love for her hearing-impaired sibling. This inspired her to learn sign language and later become a teacher for the deaf for 17 years before joining the Malaysian High Court in 1994. Her contributions have been instrumental in improving access to justice and information for the hearing-impaired. The award serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment and the importance of inclusivity.