Raised by deaf parents, Chung is Oxford bound

From: The Malaysia Star, Malaysia - Aug 3, 2004

BY PRISCILLA DIELENBERG

PENANG: Being raised by hearing impaired parents has not been an obstacle for Chung Chee Hoong to excel in his studies.

The former Penang Free School boy will be furthering his studies at Englands Oxford University as a Rhodes scholar.

Chung, who will be graduating with a Masters in Economic Management from the Universiti Sains Malaysia on Thursday, is the only Malaysian to receive the prestigious scholarship this year.

He was awarded the scholarship to pursue a second BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford for two years. His first degree was in accounting.

Chung, who will start his orientation at Oxford on his 25th birthday on Oct 3, is grateful to his parents who, despite their limitations, did everything possible to give a normal environment for him and his sister Sook Meng, 20.

His one regret is that his mother Ong Lean Hiang is not able to share in his success. She died of breast cancer 10 years ago at the age of 45.

My mother was a homemaker and used to buy us books in cassette form so that we would be accustomed to speech, said Chung.

Our parents took great interest in our studies. After mum died, dad continued to encourage us and constantly reminded us that our mother wanted us to do well.

Chung, who will be leaving for England on Sept 30, said he also appreciated the support from his sales co-ordinator wife Loh Win Nie and his colleagues at Institut Perkim-Goon where he had taught for the past three years.

His father Chung Kim Cheong, 65, who is chairman of the Ex-Students Association of the Federation School for Special Education here, said he was proud and happy to have two children who had done well in their studies

Sook Meng, who has just finished her 'A' Levels and would be pursuing her pharmaceutical studies said: My brother is my inspiration.

Chung's maternal grandfather Ong Ewe Teong, 87, said he was happy that his seven grandchildren were all doing well and he was proud of Chung.

1995-2004 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)