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Beloved RTM sign language interpreter, Tan Lee Bee, has been recognised by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, for her decades of service to the deaf community
Often seen in the corner of our TV screens bringing the news to life with her expressive sign language, Tan was presented the Bintang Ahli Mangku Negara (AMN) award by the King during his birthday celebration at the Istana Negara on Monday, 2 June.
Tan called the award a deeply meaningful honour for her lifelong efforts.
"I feel happy, moved, I feel like crying too… I feel very grateful," the veteran sign language interpreter told Bernama after the ceremony.
"This recognition is not just for me but a symbolic tribute to every interpreter who works silently for a fairer inclusivity in Malaysia," she said.
Tan, an RTM employee of almost 40 years, was among 16 individuals who received the AMN award at the ceremony.
Image via Bernama/Berita Harian
Growing up in Segamat, Johor, Tan's journey into sign language began out of love and care for her younger sister, who is deaf
She began her professional path as a teacher at the Selangor School For The Deaf, where she taught for 17 years before beginning her career in interpreting and broadcasting.
Tan moved to RTM in 1986, where she appeared as a sign language interpreter for news programme Selamat Pagi Malaysia. In 1994, she became Malaysia's first sign language interpreter for the Federal Court.
Beyond the broadcast studio and courtrooms, Tan now also lends her expertise to corporate companies to explain meetings and briefings to people who are hard of hearing.
