EDIT: A reader has kindly pointed out to me that the preferred term of the deaf community is 'deaf' and 'hard of hearing', and the World Federation of the Deaf actually discourages the use of the term 'hearing impaired'! Have always thought 'hearing impaired' was the PC term to use. I learned something new today. Thanks, Sheng-Xi!
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Every once in a while, we come across someone who reminds us of what the words determination and perseverance mean. Being passionate and steadfast in our beliefs, and wanting to make a difference in the society we live in, has always been easier said than done. It can sometimes be exhausting and we start questioning if it’s worth it, if this will bring about change and, if it does, is the change meaningful enough to be sustained.
Perhaps, all we need, from time to time, is a little inspirational story to fuel our spirits.
Meet Anthony Chong.
A Deaf KDU Alumni who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computing Studies, and is set on bringing about change to the quality of life for and community of the deaf.
Our KDU on-the-go reporter, Ann, interviewed Anthony last year on work and life in general.
Anthony truly embodies the phrase ‘Time is what you make of it’. Besides holding a full time job as a Production Editor for a publishing company, Anthony also devotes his time to YMCA as a part-time Sign Language Instructor, is finishing his dissertation for his Masters in Linguistics at Universiti Malaya and to top it off, he also does voluntary work with the deaf community through Malaysian Aids Council to increase HIV and AIDS awareness, as well as with PS The Children to build Child Sexual Abuse awareness programmes in different states in Malaysia.
Not only that, we recently heard it through the grapevine that Anthony has been offered a scholarship to pursue his second Master’s degree in Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University.
He explained, “It has always been my dream to study Deaf Studies since 2003 and I never had the chance until I obtained the scholarship, which is by The Nippon Foundation under the World Deaf Leadership project, designed for Gallaudet University Students.”
