Passion Needs Action

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.”

When asked why specifically Deaf Studies, he had this to say, “I think there is a need to bring change and improve the lives of the Deaf in Malaysia. They need to be empowered to ‘voice out’, to protect themselves, and know their rights as a Malaysian and as a person. A proper education system must be in place."

In order to get the scholarship, Anthony was tasked to write a proposal indicating what he would want to do in the future.

“I proposed a programme where I can empower understanding of the lives, culture and roles of the Deaf through Sign Language Instructor programmes and buddy programmes. This can be done in schools; this way the Deaf students will be able to look up to a Deaf adult and be more positive towards their own disability."

Anthony laments at the lack of proper education system for the Deaf in Malaysia.

“Deaf Malaysian people need a change in the education system; more can be done for them with the impact of technology. We can read; we just can’t hear, but we are not impaired in any other way otherwise. This should not hamper our opportunity for an education, and to pursue a career of our choice."

“Some organizations such as the AFS Intercultural Programs have taken in deaf students on exchange programs. This is good because this gives an educational opportunity for the deaf to learn the American Sign Language and they also realize they have to improve their English Language in order to communicate with their hearing foster parents.”

He continued, “With 1Malaysia, diversity means not merely integrating the different races but it also means integrating the deaf, the blind and the handicapped. It means giving an equal opportunity to all, for scholarships and for positions in the government service.” 

As said, everyone needs a little inspiration from time to time. Anthony shared with us the people, both the hearing and Deaf, who have inspired him in their own way.

He spoke about his Deaf friends, Koon Wei and Leon Lim, who are actively involved in projects for the deaf community and have encouraged him to experience studying overseas as it will be good for him to be greatly exposed to the Deaf community in the US.

“I remembered when I went to Washington D.C. for first time to attend the Deaf Way 2 Conference; it had such a great impact on my life. I no longer felt alone in the world, and I met so many hearing people whom I mistook as Deaf because they were so good at sign language! I also met Deaf people with excellent leadership skills. It really opened my eyes and I was so glad to see these finally, because it’s not something I’ll be able to experience in Malaysia.”

A hearing friend he met recently, encouraged him further with an empowering phrase ‘Passion needs action’. 

“I always believe that my passion is to serve the deaf community. There is a need to advocate for equal standards, so that the deaf community will be no longer considered second-class citizen.”

While Anthony acknowledged that it is really not easy to do so, he also said “For now, I must bear ‘Passion needs action’ in my mind.”

Congratulations on the scholarship, Anthony! All of us here at KDU believe you’ll be able to do great things!

Reported by KDU College @ http://campuslife.kdu.edu.my/2010/07/passion-needs-action.html