Dyslexia / Reading & Phonological Processing
MyBacaUji (MBU©)
The first dyslexia diagnosis test for the Malay language developed at Universiti Sains Malaysia.
MBU© consists of 10 carefully designed sub-tests to evaluate word recognition and phonological processing skills, meeting the strict standards of the International Dyslexia Association for accuracy and reliability.
Understanding Dyslexia: A Global and Malaysian Perspective
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that has its roots in neurobiology. It is distinguished by difficulties in accurate and/or fluent word recognition, poor spelling, and decoding abilities. These challenges stem from a deficit in the phonological component of language, which is often unexpected given other cognitive abilities and effective classroom instruction. Consequently, secondary issues such as problems with reading comprehension and limited reading experiences can arise, hindering vocabulary development and overall knowledge acquisition.
Global Prevalence of Dyslexia
According to the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), between 10% and 15% of the global population is affected by dyslexia. This means that millions of individuals worldwide face the unique challenges posed by this learning disability, making it a significant concern that warrants greater awareness and understanding.
Dyslexia in Malaysia
In Malaysia, the situation is no different. It is estimated that around 10% of the population, which translates to approximately 45,000 new students with dyslexia each year, face the challenges associated with this condition. In primary schools alone, this number rises to around 270,000 students. Despite the high prevalence, several challenges impede effective management and support for dyslexic individuals in Malaysia.
Challenge 1
Low Public Awareness
One of the primary challenges in Malaysia is the low level of public awareness about dyslexia. Many people, including educators and parents, are not fully informed about the nature of dyslexia, its symptoms, and the appropriate interventions. This lack of awareness can lead to misconceptions and a delay in seeking the necessary support for affected individuals.
Challenge 2
Lack of Comprehensive Assessment Tools
Another significant issue is the lack of comprehensive assessment tools available in Malaysia to evaluate and diagnose dyslexia. Without accurate and early diagnosis, students may not receive the timely interventions they need to succeed academically. The process of culturally adapting existing tests or developing criterion-based assessments is lengthy and complex, further delaying the support for students.
Challenge 3
Lengthy Steps in Culturally Adaptive Testing
Culturally adaptive testing involves tailoring assessment tools to fit the linguistic and cultural context of Malaysian students. However, this process is often time-consuming and resource-intensive, leading to delays in the identification and support of dyslexic students.
Challenge 4
Discontinuity of Intervention at Primary School Level
Once diagnosed, students with dyslexia require continuous and consistent intervention. However, there is often a discontinuity of support at the primary school level in Malaysia. This gap can result in students not receiving the sustained help they need to overcome their learning challenges, affecting their academic progress and self-esteem.
Moving Forward with Standardized Tests
Introducing a standardized test for dyslexia in Malaysia can solve many challenges:
Consistent and Early Diagnosis
- Identifies dyslexia early and consistently.
- Allows for timely interventions, preventing further learning difficulties and reducing student stress.
Increased Public Awareness
- Raises awareness about dyslexia among parents, teachers, and the public.
- Helps people understand dyslexia as a common learning disability.
Efficient Use of Resources
- Utilizes a proven tool for diagnosis, saving time and effort on developing new assessments.
- Allows for better allocation of resources.
Continuous Support and Intervention
- Tracks the progress of dyslexic students to ensure they receive ongoing support.
- Enables schools to tailor interventions and monitor their effectiveness, providing continuous help throughout a student’s education.
Education Information 2024 (Ministry of Education Malaysia)
In Malaysia, with a student enrollment of about 450,000, if 10% have dyslexia, that is around 45,000 students with dyslexia entering first grade each year. Over six primary school grades, this totals about 270,000 students with dyslexia.
Number of MBPK (Students with Special Educational Needs) by Learning Difficulty Categories According to Types
However, only 9,199 students with dyslexia were identified in 2023, meaning just 1 out of every 29 students with dyslexia is diagnosed (9,199 out of 45,000). Of those diagnosed, 7,002 are in special education programs, while only 1,997 are in mainstream education. Early identification is crucial, as it enables timely reading remediation, increasing the chances for students to remain in mainstream education and significantly improving their academic outcomes and future prospects.
Dyslexia / Reading & Phonological Processing
MyBacaUji (MBU©)
A diagnostic tool that offers clear guidelines for identifying dyslexia, informed by theoretical principles and empirical evidence.
Overview
Age Range: 7.0 to 10.0 years
Publication Date: 2024
Eligibility Criteria:
- 2 years formal instruction on Bahasa Malaysia
- Without visual or auditory impairment
Administration: Individually administered with paper-and-pencil
Scores: Standard Score (T-score)
Norms: 255 children in Malaysia (120 boys, 135 girls)
Product Details
Price: RM 1888 (include One Kit + One Training Slot)
(Additional charge of RM100 for East Malaysia)
MBU© Kit include:
- One (1) MBU© Bilingual Manual (BI, BM)
- One (1) MBU© Stimulus Tool (BM)
- Ten (10) MBU© Recording Form (BM)
- Ten (10) MBU© Reinforcement Card (BM)
Qualifications: Level 2 required
Learn Qualifications Level
Key Features
Comprehensive Assessment
MyBacaUji© provides training and tools to identify dyslexia early, facilitating diagnosis, intervention, and support.
Research-Backed
Developed from a decade of research with data from Malaysian primary school children, ensuring cultural and linguistic relevance.
Standardised Scores
Offers reliable analysis for clinicians and educators to interpret results and tailor interventions.
Sub-Tests
Includes 10 sub-tests covering reading, spelling, blending, and segmenting skills to evaluate reading abilities comprehensively.
Benefits
Understand the Breakdown
Get detailed insights into word identification and phonological processing with 10 carefully designed sub-tests.
Culturally Sensitive Diagnosis
Tailored for local contexts, our tool ensures culturally sensitive assessments, providing accurate insights into dyslexia while respecting diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Reliable Early Detection
Ensures early identification of dyslexia with standardized scores and 10 detailed sub-tests. Developed from a decade of research with Malaysian primary school children, it offers reliable analysis for tailored interventions.
Testimonials
Testimonials from specialists, educators and parents.
“First Dyslexia Assessment for Malay Language and have proper test for phonological processed.”
“Will be very useful for many children.”
“Surely will help lots of children.”
“What a wonderful tool! This will enable earlier diagnosis of dyslexia for Malaysian children.”
Meet the
MyBacaUji (MBU©) Authors
Lee Lay Wah, PhD
MyBacaUji© Researcher and Lead Author
Dr. Lee Lay Wah, former Chairperson of the Special Education Programme at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), is a leading expert in dyslexia, special education, and educational technology in Malaysia. She developed ePKhas, Malaysia’s premier special education web repository, earning accolades like the Gold Medal in the 2009 Nusantara Educational Research Competition. With over 50 published papers in esteemed journals such as Annals of Dyslexia and Reading Psychology, Professor Lee has made significant contributions to multimedia education and assistive technology. Now retired, she enjoys life in Penang with her family.
Low Hui Min, PhD
MyBacaUji© Researcher and Co-Author
Dr. Low Hui Min is a senior lecturer, researcher, and speech pathologist at Universiti Sains Malaysia with two decades of experience in early intervention and special education. She founded Brainbow (USM) Sdn. Bhd. and is renowned for her expertise in inclusive education and autism. Dr. Low has received numerous awards for her innovative teaching methods, including the Anugerah Sanggar Sanjung and the Best Award in SEAMEO SEN Specialised Education Innovation. Her research is widely published in top journals such as Autism and the International Journal of Inclusive Education.
Ann Lee Sien Sut. PhD
MyBacaUji© Researcher and Co-Author
Dr. Ann Lee Sien Sut, an expert in learning disabilities, has 17 years of experience in diagnosing and teaching children with dyslexia. After completing her postgraduate studies in special education at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), she joined Brainbow (USM) Sdn. Bhd. as a research and development manager and researcher. Dr. Ann’s work in dyslexia diagnostics and interventions is highly regarded, and she has also contributed to significant projects like the Khamdy® project in Laos.
Training Schedule
25 August 2024 Sunday | 📍Kuala Lumpur
Location: USM Kuala Lumpur
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm (6 hours)
Trainer: Dr Low Hui Min
Rescheduling to November (To be confirmed) | 📍Sabah
Location: Kota Kinabalu (Venue TBC)
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm (6 hours)
Trainer: Steven Law, Dr Low Hui Min
Empower Your Practice with Our Certification
Interested in joining our training?
Begin by purchasing the MBU© Kit to join our training.
Qualifications Required
Professionals who have trained and/or practice in the healthcare, allied healthcare field or educators who have at least 5 years of experience in working with children with dyslexia.
Valid licensure or certification from a recognized Malaysian regulatory body or professional organization (e.g., MASH, MMA, MMC, MPA, MOTA, MSCP, SPEAK) demonstrating expertise in assessment or allied healthcare field.
Registered and practicing healthcare professionals such as paediatricians, speech-language therapists, clinical/educational psychologists, occupational therapists, family-medicine specialists, psychiatrists, etc. in Malaysia.
Remedial or special needs educators with a minimum of 5 years of experience teaching students with dyslexia and/or formal training in child development and assessment techniques, including ethical administration and interpretation of clinical assessments.
FAQ
Fill up the order form here.
Submit the order form and provide proof of valid credentials (e.g., license/ membership number/ certification in a related field)
Credential Verification
Upon submission of order form. Please expect 3 working days for credential verification. In the event of unsuccessful verification, you will be notified via phone call. We will provide assistance to rectify any issues encountered.
Quotation as Order Confirmation
Upon successful verification, you will be informed of your order status and receive a quotation sent to your email.
Make Payment
After payment, please email Brainbow with proof of payment to confirm your purchase. Once confirmed, you will receive a paid invoice as your receipt. The MBU© Kit will be delivered during the training session.
No, training is mandatory. We do not sell only the MBU© kit.
You are eligible to buy just the MBU© kit only if you have attended MBU© training with a certification of participation.
Every kit purchased comes with one additional slot (2nd attendee) at RM 600 (50% off). Extra training slots (3rd attendee and above) will be charged at RM 1200 each.
We do not have virtual training sessions planned at the moment. However, we may conduct in-person training upon your preferred date request when a minimum of 5 kits or a minimum of 10 training slots have been achieved.
To buy the MBU© kit, you must first meet the qualifications. Then, you need to complete our MBU training and pass the test to get certified as an accessor. This ensures you know how to use the kit properly and understand its full implications.