PETALING JAYA: The first time you meet Yap Xiang Ling, it will never cross your mind that the cheerful and articulate teenager is hearing-impaired. 

“I was born premature and the chances of survival were 50-50. The hospital gave me a kind of medicine and that damaged my hearing permanently.  

“But if I had not received the medicine, it is likely that I wouldn't be here today,” she told mStar Online, The Star 's Bahasa Malaysia news portal, in an interview. 

LIFE-CHANGING INCIDENT: World famous Harvard University has offered Xiang Ling a place to study there.

Currently, she is studying at Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific (United World College), in British Columbia, Canada, but things are set to change. 

On Dec 14, she received an e-mail from Harvard University in Massachusetts, informing her that she has been offered a place.  

“It is hard to describe my feelings when I received the e-mail. I was very happy,” she said.  

According to Xiang Ling, her time in Canada has given her greater confidence in her own abilities.  

“Before this, I didn't have self-confidence even though I had been doing well academically, but since studying in Canada, I have learnt that change can strengthen one's spirit.  

“I've been well accepted although I have a physical impairment,” she said. 

Xiang Ling spent her childhood in Singapore and Hong Kong, where her father was working. 

“But Kuala Lumpur is still home.”  

She is, however, sad that there is a stigma associated with being disabled here. 

“People often ask me whether I can carry out a certain job. It is a question that I don't feel comfortable with. But I will act nonchalantly and tell them: 'If I don't try, how will I know?' 

“In Canada, people are more open. Some of them have even asked me how I became hearing-impaired but they have never doubted my abilities. Everyone is treated the same,” she said.  

On her future plans, Xiang Ling said she would like to take up electronic engineering in Harvard.  

“My hearing aid has much to do with electronic technology. If I can maximise my knowledge in this field, I'll be able to upgrade the technology to enable people like me to hear clearly when using devices like the telephone.  

“A deaf engineer in Nokia has developed a few communication tools for those with hearing difficulties. He is my idol and has inspired me to work in this industry,” she said.  
Her advice to those facing similar uphill battles in life? 

“Never ever give up or stop hoping. We should be brave and believe in ourselves. Don't let a limitation stop you from succeeding.”