Deaf in Brunei

Introduction / History

Brunei is a small country with much petroleum. It has no taxes, because the Sultan rules

everything. He pays for all government services including those for the hearing impaired.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Having a hearing impairment is difficult. “When someone has hearing impairment or any other disability, they usually have low self-confidence. Those totally deaf feel shut out from the world. Without a language it is difficult to think and reason. Unfortunately not all parents learn to sign, so the parent child bond is not strong.

Brunei Darussalam works hard to train pupils to Sign Exact English (SEE), which is derived from ASL [American Sign Language]. The hope is that these students will be able to integrate into mainstream classes with appropriate support.

However, finding employment after finishing school is not easy. Unemployment is a problem. Some find work doing data entry in government offices. Some weave special fabrics containing metal threads on traditional looms. Others find work in the private sector carrying parcels, driving water taxis, and so on.

There is a deaf association in Brunei, and the nearby Malaysian state of Sarawak has a dead sports association that the Bruneians join. Badminton, soccer and distance running are popular with the deaf in Brunei.

What Are Their Beliefs?

All Brunei Malays (about 66%) are Muslims by law. Bruneians of Chinese descent (about 12%) may

follow Chinese tradition religion, Buddhism or Christianity. Asian Indians and native peoples

(about 20%) are Hindu, Christians or Animist. A non-Malay can change and become a Muslim, but

no Muslim can apostatize and become a follower of another faith.

What Are Their Needs?

The government is doing a good job educating deaf Bruneians. It also employs many deaf Malays.

However, it is always wise to have advocates. For instance, many Deaf are unable to report

domestic violence or job discrimination. What happens if a family simply locks away a deaf child

because of embarrassment? There needs to an advocate.

Prayer Points

Pray that the government will continue educating the deaf. Pray that vocational training be
included.
Pray that the deaf will always be protected from discrimination, violence and abandonment.
Pray that the Lord will send ALS missionaries to work in Brunei. Pray that they will have
opportunities to spread the good news.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will create spiritual hunger in the deaf, and pray that He will draw them to
Jesus.
Pray that the deaf will discover Christian websites. Pray that they will read the Bible in ALS.

Text Source:   Joshua Project