Education

LlMKOKWING University College of Creative Technology (LUCT) was the only college in Kuala Lumpur that was willing to take in deaf students when Marie Tan Heng Bee, from Penang, decided to join the college in 1998.

Three years later, she completed her diploma and is currently pursuing her degree in Digital Arts in Thames Valley University, UK.

The 23-year-old recalls her time studying at Limkokwing. It took a bit of adapting having to study among hearing students.

It was not easy, as she had earlier studied at a school for the deaf.

But to Marie, it was a good challenge and she said she is grateful for the opportunity that limkokwing provided as she is now able to "pursue my dream and go so much further in life".

Marie said that many of her friends were surprised when they first learned about her leaving for the UK.

"They couldn't believe how far I've come but I don't think there is any difference between me and other people. I am not special. It all depends on the person's performance and his willingness: to succeed in life. All of us face challenges and difficulties in life and we all have to strive to become what we really want to be."

Currently back from the UK on a short holiday, Marie recently visited the limkokwing campus - obviously with fond memories of the place.

"My LUCT lecturers were great," she said.

"They were willing to help whenever I had doubts or problems with my projects. I am very grateful to all the lecturers who helped me in a way or another."

Before she left for the UK, Marie in fact had a taste of working life doing free-lance work.

"Through my working experience, I have found that it takes much more effort and time to achieve' what is expected by one's client or boss.

"This is partly because of the communication barrier, leading to misinterpretation in job assignments sometimes. Salary wise, employers are often not prepared to pay a deaf worker as much as hearing people unless the deaf one proves her- self to be exceptionally good," she said.

Marie feels that her time at Limkokwing provided her a solid foundation in the field.

"It was not a problem at all getting into the scene at Thames Valley.

"The university recognises my qualifications and I was only required to take an English test in which I passed.

"Having studied at LUCT, I was a lot more confident stepping into a whole new world. Studying overseas in a country like England can be daunting for a hearing student-imagine what it's like for a deaf one. But I found myself more confident and capable of handling the situation, having been exposed to hearing students from different parts of the world at LUCT," she said.

Marie plans to continue working in England and even has plans to start her own web design company.

To her, the sky's the limit, it would seem.

"I also want to complete my masters when I can afford it," she said.

She smiled when asked about her family, saying that her mother is proud of her.

Marie feels much more can be done for deaf students in Malaysia.

Local deaf schools, she said, should be upgraded to prepare students for higher education and life in the real world.

"Out there, it's not easy and you have to be prepared from a very young age to deal with the situations that you will face. If you don't have a good base in primary or secondary school, you will be lost when you come out to the real world," she said.

Her advice to other deaf students?

"Always ask questions when you are in doubt and never give up. Always remember there is no difference between the deaf and the hearing as far as learning is concerned."

Like Marie, Leslie Kee Hup Thong is happy that Limkokwing willingly welcomes deaf students into its fold.

A newspaper ad in 1998 prompted him to check out the programmes available at Limkokwing.

Before that he was not sure if colleges would admit deaf students.

"I was surprised when they told me they do accept deaf students and immediately I wanted to start studying at the college. It wasn't going to be easy, I knew, but I was really interested in graphic design," he recalled.

Currently working in the advertising department of an IT company, Leslie said that one of the best things offered at Limkokwing was the industrial links that allow students to be exposed to professionals.

"It prepares you. It's so much less frightening when you eventually go out and try to do it on your own."

In fact, he believes he is in his current job because of the internship in the company provided by Limkokwing.

"They were pleased with my work and hired me after I graduated."

Leslie stressed again the importance of practical training, saying he felt that Limkokwing provided sufficiently in this area.

"There's a huge difference when you start working. Studying only prepares you for so much and then you have to go and get the experience out there. It's very different and it takes the right type of training for you to understand how it is like to work within a deadline and perform under pressure. You have to become more responsible and mature and learn to manage your time and money wisely," he said.