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Hear him out

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For people living in a world without sound, obstacles are all around. But 22-year-old Jack Sim, who was born deaf, takes them all in his stride. He had a cochlear implant (a surgically implanted electronic device that restores partial hearing) when he was in Kindergarten 1, and had learnt how to lip-read and speak since young, thanks to his parents and Primary 1 teacher Mr Quah. They actively pushed for him to pick up these abilities so he can better integrate into society.
 
Now a graduate student at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Jack was part of his school’s HI! Club, a CCA group that aims to bridge the gap between the hearing and the hearing-impaired through activities like sign-language classes, song-signing performances and awareness campaigns. Being part of the deaf community has helped Jack in many ways and improved his outlook in life. Read on to find out more about him.
 
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy playing badminton, swimming and cycling.
 
What were some of the challenges you faced growing up?
Because I was born deaf, there were many obstacles in my life. In primary school, I didn’t understand what my teachers were saying sometimes, so I had to approach them during or after my lessons to find out what I couldn’t pick up before. The biggest challenge for me, though, is two-way communication. This is especially pertinent when I talk to people for the first time; they may not understand what I’m trying to say, and vice versa.
 
How has HI! Club helped you?
I feel a great sense of satisfaction after wrapping up an event, knowing I’ve helped raise awareness of the hearing-impaired. Personally, I’ve made a lot of good friends through HI! Club and, more importantly, it has helped me identify who I am.
 
Why do you think a club like HI! Club is important?
For the hearing and hearing-impaired students, participating in such clubs will definitely improve their social skills and build their confidence to communicate better using sign language. This is especially useful for them after they graduate, when they enter the working world.
 
What advice would you give to others?
Each time you face an obstacle, take it in your stride and persevere all the way. Every individual is different; we should all aim to continually improve our lives.