Adam Wayne Massang, R. Daviddass and Zainab Akhmad Hayatullah may seem like any other ordinary graduates but their rapid-fire hand movements betray the fact that they are hearing-impaired.

In Limkokwing University, deafness is neither a stigma nor a handicap. In fact, the trio could go through barriers and push boundaries to achieve their dreams.

Adam, 26, who was chairman of the Limkokwing Club for the Deaf, graduated with a Bachelor of Art (Design), while Daviddass, 24, and Zainab, 25, proudly received their diplomas in graphic design technology at the university’s graduation ceremony.

The three close friends were among 18 hearing-impaired students at the Cyberjaya campus, but for now only the three of them were graduating. For many years, Limkokwing has provided them an opportunity and the encouragement to pursue higher studies.

Working harder to succeed

With the degree, Adam from Kuala Lumpur is now aspiring to follow in his dad’s footsteps to be an art director. “After studying at an international school, my parents wanted to find a better university to enrol me for a design course, knowing that I had a penchant for art and creative work,” he said

“They got to know of Limkokwing because several deaf students were studying here. There is also a deaf tutor to help us,” he said.
Adam, who is the only child in his family, said at times it was difficult to follow lectures but he got a lot of help and encouragement from his lecturers and friends who understood his predicament. “I am glad I have not failed them,” he said.

For Daviddass, it was slightly difficult initially, but he managed to come to grips with the situation. He worked hard and tried harder to succeed.

“I am happy to graduate,” he said. “Now I have fulfilled my dream. I have to thank my lecturers and friends, some of whom are foreigners. They showed patience and understanding to explain things to me when I did not understand them. They have also built up my confidence.”

Daviddass, who is the third child in a family of four siblings, was also grateful to the university’s president, Tan Sri Dr Lim Kok Wing, for having subsidised his tuition fees.

Zainab, the second eldest in a family of four siblings, said deaf student had shown that they were as capable as normal ones. Employers should therefore treat them as equals.

Ready to apply for jobs

“I think by graduating at this university we have shown that we can be at par with other students as we have competed in a global environment despite our disabilities,” she said.

“I had switched a certificate course at a local polytechnic to a diploma course at Limkokwing because I wanted to enjoy brighter career prospects,” she recalled. “Three of us will be heading for a special career fair for the disabled at the end of the month to apply for jobs.”
Asked what advice he would give to other students with physical disabilities, Adam said they have to be confident about their abilities and work twice as hard than ordinary students.“Be creative and aspired to seek more ideas if you are doing design,” he said. “This was what we had learnt at Limkokwing and it worked.”