Bukit Mertajam, Apr 16 (Sin Chew Daily) — Teoh Hoong Yang, a visually impaired student known as Jimmy at the IPK college here, returns home after completing his degree in finance and accounting in the United Kingdom. 

In 2019, Teoh, 28, received sponsorship from 20 people to pool RM100,000 for him to study in the UK for one year.

In a press conference, Teoh shared his journey of fighting all the odds to fulfill his dream of studying overseas.

Visually impaired from the age of 17, Teoh was forced to halt his studies.

His vision deteriorated due to an inherited genetic condition known as Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON).

He shut himself up for some time before resuming his studies at St Nicholas' Home for the blind.

He eventually completed his SPM with 4A's and 2B's.

Having been rejected by several other colleges, Teoh took up an accounting course at IPK College and completed the program with an average score of 3.96.

He later told IPK college principal cum chief executive officer Zhu Quan Yun that he wished to study in the UK for a year. The cost was RM100,000 but his family could not afford to support him financially.

Zhu subsequently helped Teoh find 20 sponsors.

Teoh said he scanned the textbooks and then listened to the text with earphones.

The process of learning was important to him where he learned to know himself more and discover what he wanted.

Teoh was living independently while in the UK. He made arrangements for his own meals and lodging and sorted out his own living expenses.

It was common for him to walk into the wrong classroom. He relied on apps to 'read' the diagrams in the textbook.

Teoh completed his studies in nine months and returned to Malaysia last July.

He is currently a lecturer at IPK College.

Zhu said the sponsors funding Teoh's studies in the UK had set two conditions for him.

Teoh was required to return to Malaysia after his studies and make positive contributions towards the society.

Zhu encourages young people to pursue their dreams like Teoh.

"If Teoh can, why can't you," he asked. 

Zhu also said the college welcomes schools and social organizations to invite Teoh to share his story.

For those who are interested, please contact 012-381-3212.

IPK College offers scholarships for students from single families or those with special needs.