MAB marks 75 years with concert celebrating talent beyond disability

The Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) celebrated its 75th anniversary with Konsert Suaramu Syairku, an event that showcased the artistic talents of blind and visually impaired performers while promoting greater inclusion and awareness of their contributions to society.

Held at Auditorium Seri Angkasa, Angkasapuri, the concert was organised in collaboration with Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) under the theme “A Symphony of Inspiration, A Million Hopes”.

The event brought together blind and visually impaired performers alongside established Malaysian artistes in a celebration of music, resilience and creativity. It also highlighted MAB’s seven decades of efforts to empower blind and visually impaired Malaysians through education, rehabilitation, employment opportunities and community development.

The celebration was attended by Yang Amat Mulia Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Tengku Azlan Ibni Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar, President of MAB, as well as representatives from government agencies, corporate organisations, strategic partners, donors, civil society groups and members of the blind and visually impaired community.

In his welcoming address, Tengku Azlan thanked stakeholders who have supported MAB since its establishment in 1951.

“For 75 years, MAB has remained committed to creating opportunities for blind and visually impaired individuals to achieve independence, access education, secure meaningful employment, and participate fully in society. This concert stands as a powerful reminder that talent, determination, and human potential transcend disability,” he said.

Audiences were treated to performances by Ernie Zakri, Haqiem Rusli, Caliph Buskers, Natalia Lee, Shidi Rashidi, Godfrey Ooi, Manoghayathiri, Dinie, Khai and Zaki, alongside the MAB Choir and the SMK Pendidikan Khas Setapak Ukulele Ensemble.

The performances received enthusiastic applause, with many highlighting the abilities of visually impaired musicians and performers while challenging common misconceptions surrounding disability.

Platform for advocacy and greater collaboration

MAB Chief Executive Officer Dato’ George Thomas described the concert as one of the flagship programmes of the association’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, saying it reflected the organisation’s continued commitment to fostering a more inclusive Malaysia.

“Konsert Suaramu Syairku is more than a musical performance. It is an advocacy platform that demonstrates what is possible when blind and visually impaired individuals are provided with equal opportunities, access, and support.”

He added that MAB hoped the event would encourage stronger collaboration among government agencies, corporations, educational institutions and the wider community to expand opportunities for persons with visual impairments.

“We hope that the message shared through this concert will inspire greater collaboration among government agencies, corporations, educational institutions, and the wider community to create a society where everyone has the opportunity to realise their full potential,” he said.

MAB also acknowledged RTM for its partnership in producing and recording the concert for nationwide broadcast, while expressing appreciation to sponsors, donors, volunteers, performers, media representatives and supporters who contributed to the event’s success.

Established in 1951, MAB continues to provide rehabilitation services, vocational training, assistive technology, accessibility advocacy and community programmes aimed at enabling blind and visually impaired Malaysians to live independently and participate fully in society.