KOTA SAMARAHAN: Twenty-three-year-old business and economics graduate Lim Yu Han has mastered sign language from an early age to communicate with his hearing- and speech-impaired parents, Lim Joo Dong and Wong Siok Ting.
As the couple’s only child, Yu Han explained that he learned body language and lip-reading alongside sign language to interact effectively with them.
“My mom and dad have hearing impairments and cannot speak, so I started learning sign language early with their guidance,” he shared.
“They began by teaching me the alphabet and gradually introduced words, phrases, and sentences for communication.”
Yu Han spoke to reporters during the 28th Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Convocation Ceremony at Detar Putra Unimas on Thursday (Nov 7).
Originally from Penang, Yu Han noted that his parents work as draughtsmen for separate private companies in Peninsular Malaysia.
Reflecting on his academic journey, he mentioned that his most challenging period was during his first year of studies due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We had to study online during that time, which was difficult because the internet connection in my residential area was weak, making it hard to grasp some topics,” he explained.
“However, things improved significantly when we resumed face-to-face learning in the second year.”
He shared his decision to pursue his degree at Unimas, citing its reputation as one of Malaysia’s top universities and his appreciation for Sarawak’s nature-rich environment.
“I want to repay my parents, who have worked tirelessly to raise me, and I am deeply grateful to have achieved this milestone today.
“The key to success is passion and perseverance—there is no easy road to achievement.”
Looking ahead, Yu Han expressed aspirations to pursue further studies and secure a role aligned with his academic field.
