Story and pix by Chan Lilian
BECOMING a music teacher is the dreams of Lim Jia Wen and Samantha Hooi. However, unlike others, pianist Jia Wen and flutist Samantha Hooi have to overcome many obstacles. They are blind. Though blessed with musical talents, these residents of St. Nicholas Home for the Visually Impaired require braille music scores and tactile display boards which have to be imported from the United States and are costly.
Zairil (left) encouraging Xin Yin, Jia Wen and Jimmy to pursue their dreams in music.
However, St. Nicholas Executive Director, Daniel Soon said, “To find the diamond in the rough, St. Nicholas is committed to source for the necessary equipments to help Jia Wen and Samantha to become music teachers.”
Jia Wen and two others, Boo Xin Ying, 20 and Jimmy Teoh Hoong Yang, 21 were recently encouraged when Member of Parliament for Bukit Bendera, Zairil Khir Johair paid a visit to St. Nicholas. Zairil was there to wish them success in the Pesta Pulau Pinang Youth Mandarin Song Karaoke Competition which will be held for the first time.
In his speech, Zairl told the contestants, “You are all an inspiration to me. Instead of encouraging you, I think I am more inspired by your efforts. Never give up in pursuing of your dreams. Who knows one of you may become world famous singer like Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles or Alfred Ho?”